For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world!
Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, thirteen-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has kept him on edge his whole childhood, preventing him from having fun like other kids in his tribe. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action, desperate to fulfill his destiny.
He is horrified to find that the precious Egg of the World Turtle, on whose vast shell everyone and everything lives, has been stolen by invaders. The Turtle is angry and grief-stricken, threatening to upend the very land under their feet. The invaders refuse to heed the warning of the tribes and return the Egg . . . so Kyta comes up with a plan to steal it back!
It's risky and dangerous . . . but abandoning the Egg is certain doom. Kyta assembles other kids who could sneak into the invaders' fortress and pull off the heist, but getting four very different personalities to work together is harder than he thought. And when they discover that the Egg is being guarded by an evil collector, his savage ogres, and a beast so terrible that it defies description, their odds seem all but impossible! Will Kyta be able to fulfill his destiny, or did he set himself up to fail . . . and the world to fall?
Inspired by the Indigenous American folktales, this thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.---from the publisher
304 pages 979-8217039043 Ages 8-12
Keywords: fantasy and magic, heist, Indigenous mythology, Native American folklore, action/adventure, teamwork, misfits, environmental stewardship, nature, believing in yourself, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old
*******
Other reviews:
★ “Cajun and Indigenous debut author Roubique draws inspiration from Indigenous American tales to craft a rousing action-packed adventure. Imaginative worldbuilding is enlivened by engaging characters contending with grounded emotions such as loneliness and insecurity as they strive to perform heroic and inspiring feats in this timeless and original celebration of Indigenous stories.”
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A satisfying adventure [with] a sturdy heist plot, a likable team of young people, occasionally stunning figurative language, and the beguiling concept of ‘living myths’ who interact with mortals.”
– Kirkus Reviews
