In the nation of Caimor, the wealthy can buy and trade bodies as if they were designer clothes. The poor, however, must survive with what they can get, such as Ana’s body, a damaged male form that is rapidly decaying. Furthermore, she has been rejected from Paragon Academy, Caimor’s prestigious school of magic where she would have the opportunity to learn magic and attain a new body. The third time she is rejected, Ana decides to steal a new body instead. When she is caught by the headmaster of Paragon, she is offered the opportunity to work as an assassin in exchange for a new body and a place at Paragon. But a rebellion is brewing, and as Ana commits more crimes for Paragon, she begins to question who exactly the heroes and the villains are, and what role she has to play in it all.

Petra Lord’s worldbuilding and magic system are unique. This novel offers a fascinating and original exploration of gender identity and trans representation through the idea of body swapping and the feeling of being trapped in the wrong body, regardless of whether you’re rich or poor. With the fun tropes of a magical school, assassins, and rebellions woven through the story, the author conveys many societal issues and LGBTQIA+ experiences in a seamless and entertaining way.

Queen of Faces is an innovative and captivating fantasy debut that explores class, capitalism, gender identity and dysphoria. It’s perfect for ages 14+.