The Sapling Cage Audiobook By Margaret Killjoy cover art

The Sapling Cage

Daughters of the Empty Throne, Book 1

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The Sapling Cage

By: Margaret Killjoy
Narrated by: Jackie Meloche
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In the gripping first novel in the Daughters of the Empty Throne trilogy, author Margaret Killjoy spins a tale of earth magic, power struggle, and self-invention in an own-voices story of trans witchcraft.

Lorel has always dreamed of becoming a witch—learning magic, fighting monsters, and exploring the world beyond the small town where she and her mother run the stables. Even though a strange plague is killing the trees in the Kingdom of Cekon and witches are being blamed for it, Lorel wants nothing more than to join them. There’s only one problem: all witches are women, and she was born a boy.

When the coven comes to claim her best friend, Lorel disguises herself in a dress and joins in her friend’s place, leaving home and her old self behind. She soon discovers the dark powers threatening the kingdom: a magical blight scars the land, and the power-mad Duchess Helte is crushing everything between her and the crown. In spite of these dangers, Lorel makes friends and begins learning magic from the powerful witches in her coven. However, she fears that her new friends and mentors will find out her secret and kick her out of the coven, or worse.

©2024 Margaret Killjoy (P)2024 Dreamscape Lore Coming of Age Epic Fantasy Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Magic Science Fiction & Fantasy Witchcraft Magic Users
Refreshing Fantasy • Wonderful Tale • Democratic Sorority • Unique Worldbuilding • Epic Adventure
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I just loved it so much. Can't wait for the next book and to follow Laurel and her friends wherever they go

Wonderful

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I looked up the book because I listen to the authors podcasts, and I was not sure what to expect, but I am glad I did. The girl born in a boys body struggles, and the witches and setting and dangers in the world around her grows out of and reflects those of her inner growth in a way that is somehow both dark and wierdly cute. The reflecting inner and puter world tells illusive truths that amount to more than the parts. That makes this book much more than a fantasy escape for those with a similar journey.
Not crazy about the narrator, but it worked.

Fantasy manifesting a special coming of age

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very enjoyable story, very apt narration, cool audio effects. will happily pre order the 2nd book.

rarely a dull moment

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Seriously, Magpie, when is the next one?!?

WE NEEDS IT. WE NEEDS IT PRECIOUS, YES WE DO.

cannot wait for more

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I recommend everyone read anything and everything Margaret Killjoy has put out. This work especially illuminates so many of the emotions of being a young trans person in a beautiful way alongside world building that would make Terry Pratchett proud. I have been listening with my kids and they love it too--even if I have to explain some things afterward. Easily one of the top five books I've read this year.

A Fantastic Story Told by a Fantastic Storyteller

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Uniquely well written, I enjoyed this all the way through and can’t wait for the next book in the series. If you like fantasy, and you’re tired of the protagonist being effectively all power, this is for you!

Unique story in the fantasy genre

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Magpie doesn’t as much subvert as mutate the tropes of high fantasy. It is a thoughtful love letter to the classics, and a much needed update to their values and worldview. Her prose is precise,but isn’t afraid to be poetic at times. The politics are overt without feeling overbearing. The ruminations on coming out and considerations on transitioning were compelling,even to this het-cis dude. Can’t wait for the next book.

Good range and dynamics on the narrator. Hope she does the next one too!

Hits all the genre tropes with flair and originality

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The performer was excellent.
The novel is dynamic and exciting. I love hearing a story that models a truly free and democratic sorority of witches!

The book I wish I had as a baby Queer.

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The subtle and not so subtle nods to various political and anti political perspectives through the lens of ‘medieval fantasy’ was refreshing and added depth to characters choices. The foreshadowing was rewarding to those paying attention, and character development was genuine and engaging

Margaret’s World building just gets better and better

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Witches with axes. I repeat: witches. with. axes…

A great kick-off of what will surely be an epic adventure. I enjoy Margaret’s world-building and approachable story-telling. I like the mirror she puts to our own world, without screaming “THIS IS A BIG METAPHOR, PEOPLE!”. I’m into her characters. All of them: the good ones and the bad ones - or are they all kinda gray? You know, like people?

Anyway, can’t wait for the follow-up. Meantime, I’ll keep tuning in to her Cool Zone Media podcast Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff and CZM Book Club. And you should too.

So curious where it goes next

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