Girls of Paper and Fire paints a picture of a fantastical realm with animal people built on a caste system, with those at the bottom, those at the middle, and those at the top. Although this book appears at first to be a story of someone from the lowest caste falling in love with royalty, it is more so a story of the poorest getting revenge and rising up against tyranny. The world building in this book is excellent and reminds me a bit of Narnia mixed with various Asian cultures and royal aesthetic. This book engages with themes such as sexual assault, abuse, and child brides, so this may not be the book for you if you know these themes will prevent enjoyment.
Recommended for older young adults.