*Westmark* by Lloyd Alexander is the gripping first novel in a political fantasy trilogy that marks a departure from his earlier myth-inspired works. Set in a kingdom on the brink of revolution, the story follows Theo, a printer’s apprentice whose life is shattered after a clash with royal authority forces him into exile. As he travels the troubled land of Westmark, Theo becomes entangled with rebels, rogues, and a mysterious girl with a hidden past, confronting questions of justice, freedom, and power. With its sharp commentary on tyranny and truth, *Westmark* blends fast-paced adventure with philosophical depth, offering a darker, more mature narrative that still carries Alexander’s signature heart and humanity.
