Coming of Age

The coming of age theme revolves around characters who grow, change, and mature. The changes occur sometimes as a natural course of events over time and other times as a reaction to other people or situations. Several of the characters of this novel demonstrate this common theme. The changes are not always positive. Instead, they are dramatic with serious consequences.

Cardan is the youngest son of former High King Eldred, and he never expected to take the throne. Jude is a mortal girl who lives in Elfhame. She entered into an agreement to save Cardan's life and put him on the throne. In return, he is bound to her, promising to do anything Jude commands for a full year. Jude knows that her control is tenuous at best, and she is constantly worried that she may not have thought of every possible scenario, meaning...