Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE ONES WE BURN

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THE ONES WE BURN

Rebecca Mix

Ranka must marry a prince in order to honor a treaty between humans and Witchik, but her coven wants her to kill him as well. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel’s dark fantasy premise, persecution, threatened sacrifice, violence, grief, and emotionally complex themes suit mature teens more than younger readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of past and present death are central to the plot.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of magical bloodletting and injuries.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing consistent with YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

Features a queer romantic lead.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Features fictional cult-like beliefs and magical traditions.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic tension and relationships are central to the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension and frightening magical consequences.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic intensity, no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal or incidental depictions.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy combat, blood sacrifice, and peril.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists exhibit significant bravery against systemic power.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative world-building and magic systems.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Diverse representation including LGBTQIA+ characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

A fantasy story with some incidental themes about society and relationships, but it is not designed to teach factual knowledge or practical skills.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is shown amidst a cutthroat environment.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of truth, power, and autonomy.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Complex characters navigating difficult moral choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE ONES WE BURN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE ONES WE BURN, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE ONES WE BURN
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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