The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad (review)

Beau resents his father because he is a cruel man who restricts Beau's freedoms. He has no idea that he should really be resenting his father because he is a ruthless, oppressive tyrant of a ruler who will stop at nothing to retain his power. Beau has been educated about the kingdom and its history, but he doesn't realize that his books may not contain objective truth. After he unexpectedly finds himself on a quest, along with Cressi, a sharp and brilliant girl who can do magic, and Nate, a hothead of a rebel, everything is upended for all three. Each learns to question the idea of a savior (they are looking for one person to fix everything for them at first) and instead trust their own abilities, both individually and as a trio with balanced strengths. Once Beau starts waking up to the world, the pace speeds considerably, moving the reader along at the same bewildering yet exhilarating pace as Beau experiences life-changing revelations. The idea that you don't have to be who you were raised to be is one that readers may just be considering at this age, and it's handled with grace and depth here, as all three main characters grapple with this very concept.