The Tyrant's Daughter

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough HS, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 25, 2014

Review

Laila is thrust into life in exile in the United States after fleeing her unnamed Middle Eastern country with her mother and younger brother (who at age 6 is told he will be King someday) following the assassination of her father and subsequent collapse of his regime. While adjusting to the sudden drop in status, navigating high school (and boys), and life in a Western country, Laila comes to realize that life back home was not as she always believed. Her father was not the benevolent leader she thought him to be and as she learns more about her country she must deal with a shadowy CIA agent and refugees from her country who were opposed to her father. Carleson, a former CIA officer, has written an nuanced and compelling story.

Overall Book Score: excellent