Sona and the Golden Beasts
by Rajani Larocca (Author)
From Newbery Honor and Walter Award-winning author Rajani LaRocca comes a gripping middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent's Secret and The Last Mapmaker.
Though music is outlawed in the land of Devia, Sona hears it everywhere. Sona is a Malech, a member of the ruling class that conquered Devia centuries ago. Malechs forbade music to prevent the native Devans from using their magic, and Sona hides her abilities lest they put her in danger. Then Sona discovers an orphaned wolf pup. She believes the pup, with its golden ears, might be related to one of the five sacred beasts of Devia, and she vows to keep it safe.
That means bringing the pup in tow when Sona embarks on a perilous quest, along with a Devan boy, to secure the nectar of life for a loved one who has fallen gravely ill. On the journey, as Sona uncovers secrets about the Malechian empire and her own identity, she realizes that the fate of the sacred beasts, and the future of Devia, just might come down to her.
This captivating fantasy novel by award-winning author Rajani LaRocca will sweep readers into Sona's quest across the land of Devia as she grapples with the lasting impact of colonial rule and learns to fight for what she knows is right.
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Sona Kalpani, 13, lives in Devia as a descendant of the Malechs, who colonized Devia centuries ago. Sona's family owns land where the king employs native Devans to mine rare gems, which are then sold around the world. Though Sona loves to sing, she must keep her passion a secret, as music is outlawed in Devia in order to control its people's innate musical magic. Sona soon saves a wolf pup from a Hunter and later learns that her father is not her biological parent but her uncle, and that she is half-Devan, a truth that, if discovered, will force her into exile. Knowing her presence puts her family in danger, Sona flees with the wolf pup and seeks out her elderly caretaker, Ayah, whom Sona learns is her grandmother. When Ayah falls ill, Sona and Raag, Ayah's grandson, must team up to find a cure, all while protecting the wolf pup from the Hunter. LaRocca (Red, White, and Whole) enhances South Asia-inspired worldbuilding by employing a rich tapestry of fantastical creatures and amicable characters, making for a lush, spirited story that explores the harm of colonialism, the power of friendship, and the depths of forgiveness and faith. Ages 8-12. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. (Mar.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"An epic journey woven with breathtaking prose and a spellbinding and treacherous tale. A new classic, with the power to heal and triumph." — Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Last Cuentista
"Spellbinding and vivid. Rajani LaRocca has created a magical realm like no other, a hero to cheer for, and a mystery that grows deeper with every page turn. Like all great fantasy, the world of Sona and the Golden Beasts shines a powerful light on our own." — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor recipient
"LaRocca's intricate South Asian-inspired world is richly developed. A fully immersive and enchanting fantasy that readers will get lost in." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A meaningful and magical exploration of tough topics through a memorable lens." — Booklist (starred review)
"A lush, spirited story that explores the harm of colonialism, the power of friendship, and the depths of forgiveness and faith." — Publishers Weekly
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
Voyages and travels
Fantasy fiction
Wolves
