A trans girl disguises herself as a witch apprentice to fulfill her dream, navigating gender identity, acceptance, and a kingdom threatened by a magical blight and power struggles. The story explores themes of self-discovery, found family, and the complexities of transitioning in a world where witches are women and magic comes with consequences.

Reader Review Summary

Margaret Killjoy's The Sapling Cage is a refreshingly original and heartwarming fantasy novel that immerses readers in a rich world of witchcraft, identity exploration, and found family. At its core is Lorel, a trans girl who takes an incredible risk by disguising herself as her best friend in order to join a powerful coven of witches - an opportunity normally only afforded to those assigned female at birth.

From the outset, Killjoy deftly builds an intricate fantasy setting with intriguing lore around the different factions vying for power, like the anarchistic Ilthurian Knights and the oppressive noble houses. But the true magic lies in Lorel's deeply personal journey of gender self-discovery amidst this tumultuous backdrop. Her nervousness about keeping her identity hidden, coupled with the thrill of finally apprenticing as a witch, creates captivating tension that kept me eagerly turning pages.

Woven elegantly into the high-stakes plot of a strange blight ravaging the kingdom's forests are candid explorations of what it means to be trans. Lorel's inner doubts, fears of rejection, and moments of hard-won acceptance and validation ring powerfully true. Killjoy avoids reductive narratives, instead celebrating how transition goals can look different for every individual while still affirming the identities of all trans people. The casual queer representation through side characters further enriches the authentic portrayal.

Beyond the poignant character work, the book excels on other fronts that will delight fantasy fans. The imaginative magic system based on drawing power from trees feels fresh and well-developed. Action sequences where Lorel and her coven battle terrifying tainted creatures are vividly depicted with high stakes. And the diverse array of witchy characters make for an utterly charming found family that readers will easily become invested in.

While some readers may want even more details about the rich world and a slightly tighter narrative focus at times, The Sapling Cage is an outstanding start to Killjoy's trilogy. It's an enthralling coming-of-age tale grounded in incisive transgender representation and anarchistic themes, all wrapped up in a propulsive plot filled with witchy wonders. A joyful and empathetic celebration of trans girlhood that's sure to entrance both existing fans of the fantasy genre and those looking for bold new stories.