Family

Through brothers Emil and Brighton's close-knit relationship, the author explores the importance of family ties, particularly during times of trauma and upheaval. Throughout their childhood, the Rey brothers have been best friends, telling each other everything, relying on one another for comfort, encouragement, and honest advice. However, after they turn 18, a fierce battle between the Blood Casters and the Spell Walkers ensues, Emil's discovery that he has shocking magical powers, and the boys' mother's revelation that Emil was actually adopted, tests the boys' seemingly unbreakable bond.

Always believing he was the smarter, bolder, and more capable of the two, Brighton is jealous and angry when Emil turns out to have phoenix blood in him. Initially he believes that Emil has betrayed him, hiding the truth of his powers for years. When he learns the truth, that Emil is in fact not his real brother and has...