The Serpent Rider
by Yxavel Magno Diño (Author)
In this middle grade debut inspired by Filipino folklore, a spunky, determined warrior must claim her destiny in order to save her sister, perfect for fans of Witchlings and The Owl House.
Tani dreams of fulfilling her destiny as a Serpent Rider, fighting alongside an elemental serpent to defend her village against monsters. More than anything, she wants to protect her little sister Ligaya, the village princess who's tasked with memorizing their community's history, including the tale of Great Bakunawa, the most powerful and feared sea serpent that swallowed six of the world's seven moons.
After a devastating monster attack, Tani can no longer wait patiently for her bakunawa egg to hatch. She makes a desperate deal with a stranger who promises her a serpent of her own. But when her gamble puts her sister in major danger, Tani must find a way to save Ligaya before she's lost forever. All the while, in the depths of the sea, Great Bakunawa is stirring, threatening to devour the last moon and plunge the night sky into eternal darkness . . .
This accessible, standalone novel is a perfect gateway for new fantasy readers to dive into enchanting worlds and embark on heart-pounding adventures.
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Publishers Weekly
In a fantasy world inspired by Filipino mythology, 12-year-old Tanikala is impatient to join the ranks of the Serpent Riders as the chosen one, destined to stop the Great Bakunawa from devouring the moon. But there's a hitch--in her Kalinawan village, every Serpent Rider must rear and bond with their own elemental serpent, and Tani's egg still hasn't hatched. Frustrated by her peers' training advancement and anguished by the most recent monster attack on her village, Tani makes a dangerous deal with a mysterious stranger who gives her a serpent of shadow and ash. At first, Tani is delighted by the success she and her serpent have on the training field. Yet when Tani's younger sister is kidnapped by the stranger as payment, Tani realizes the price for glory is more than she's willing to pay. With friends Kiri and Bato, Tani strikes out into the wilderness, encountering terrifying and legendary creatures on a quest for her sister and, hopefully, redemption. Meanwhile, the Great Bakunawa's foretold reappearance draws closer, adding tension to this high-octane adventure that incorporates Filipino language and folklore, coalescing in an immersive debut by Diño. Ages 8-11. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative. (Sept.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
An engaging adventure full of Filipino magic.
Review quotes
"In this fast-paced middle grade fantasy shimmering with themes of family and friendship, Tani seeks to save her sister while coming to terms with her place among the Serpent Riders. Readers will root for the brave and spunky Tani throughout the many twists and turns of her story!" —Katie Zhao, author of the Dragon Warrior and Winnie Zeng series
"Action-packed and splendidly enchanting, Diño gives wings to an epic middle-grade debut worthy of enthroning Bakunawas as one of the world's most beloved lore. Set in a world where Filipino myths come alive, Tani's adventures brim with courage, friendship, and hiwaga—that breathtaking mystical force that shines in Diño's prose. An absolute treat for lovers of dragons and fantastical beasts." —Caris Avendaño Cruz, author of MARIKIT AND THE OCEAN OF STARS
"A spellbinding tale of destiny, courage and friendship. Yxavel Magno Diño masterfully weaves Filipino mythology into a thrilling page turner full of plot twists that will leave readers wanting more." —Jenna Yoon, author of the Lia Park series
"An empathic and endearing story of friendship, courage, and sisterly love, The Serpent Rider will pull on your heartstrings, but in the same breath, get your pulse pounding like the Great Bakunawa thundering against her magical cage." —Gail D. Villanueva, author of MY FATE ACCORDING TO THE BUTTERFLY and the Lulu Sinagtala and the Tagalog Gods series
"High octane adventure that incorporates Filipino language and folklore . . . An immersive debut." —Publishers Weekly
"Diño's debut is an action-packed fantasy filled with twists and turns. . . . An engaging adventure full of Filipino magic." —Kirkus Reviews
Yxavel Magno Diño was born in the Philippines before moving to Australia at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. To make up for it, she spent her time daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did. Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she's not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea or getting lost in the pages of a book.
ymdino.com
@yxavel_writes
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV012060 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Asian
