I’ve been on the lookout for epic fantasy debuts, especially since I wasn’t terribly impressed with the early few I read during 2024. The Sapling Cage captured my attention with it’s cover, and earned a purchase with the promise of witchy epic fantasy. I found it a refreshing reset, blending the best parts of classic fantasy with modern sensibilities.
The Premise:
Lorel wants desperately to be a witch, and trades places with her best friend to do so. The only problem: Lorel was born in the body of a boy, and witches only let women in. It doesn’t matter that Lorel thinks of herself as a woman, so she must hide that part of herself. She joins the witches at a turbulent time. Duchess Helte is on the move to grab power, demonizing the witches as a scapegoat. The Knights are more violent than normal, and someone has developed a magic that Blights the land. Nobody knows the culprit, but the witches are suspect number one. Lorel just wants to learn magic, but its a long and winding road to get there.
Read if Looking For: grounded stories, Tamora Pierce for adults, books that wind instead of twist, travel scese
Avoid if Looking For: characters powering up, fast pacing, punchy fight scenes
Marked for Plot 