My first thought as I started this book was that this was this is the story of Alanna's brother Thom (by Tamora Pierce) if he were instead a trans girl-- Trading places with a friend who would rather be a knight, Lorel leaves home to learn to be a witch. I mean this comparison affectionately as I have a lot of love for the Alanna series. I've read that story as an excellent examination of gender, because Alanna dress s like a boy but maintains her identity. It's not about how you dress or look, it's about who you are. I love that The Sapling Cage dives more deeply into this, talks freely about transness, and Lorel finds herself and friends she can trust with her identify throughout the book.

Witches are hunted in this world, and it is only through learning to protect themselves and banding together that the covens survive. The magic system is interesting and beautiful, though not without potential for darkness. I love the youth who aren't afraid to stand up for what they know is right and the authority that eventually listens and stands with them.