Kindling

Once upon a time, children were forced to fight from the moment they opened their eyes. Trained from birth to be superior warriors, teens known as Kindlings were the key to winning the war. But now that the war is over, the warriors are forsaken by the country they fought to protect. Seven of these once-mighty warriors are now tentative allies, searching for purpose in a land that no longer recognizes their service. When they stumble across a small village under siege, it’s a chance for all seven to reclaim their identities. But to do so, they will have to reconcile with their pasts, their futures, and what it means to be a warrior.

Beautifully narrated and rooted in Asian mythology, this book is a passionate exploration of trauma and identity. All seven characters were fleshed-out and realistic, and they are written with relatable struggles that make you root for them until the end. The multiple POVs were not as crowded as I expected, and I loved getting to know each one. Fans of historical drama and fantasy will enjoy this!