In the Serpents Wake

Hartman’s YA fantasy continues to stand out for its emotional intelligence and careful world-building. This installment leans into questions of transformation, monstrosity, and identity with unusual depth. Hartman is interested in people who don’t fit clean categories, and that gives the story a humane, thoughtful quality. The world remains rich without feeling overbuilt. A strong choice for readers who want fantasy with both heart and moral texture.