Sona and the golden beasts

Sona lives a quiet life in Devia as the daughter of a Malech farmer, part of the colonial ruling class in a country conquered long ago. She knows that music is forbidden in Devia, as the local population of Devans used it to spin their magic, but Sona can't help herself from singing; she hears melodies all around her, emanating from and connecting her to every living thing and corner of nature. This gift leads her to rescue an orphaned golden-eared wolf pup, but when a determined hunter comes calling to finish off the enchanted creature, Sona and her ailing ayah's Devan grandson go on the run to protect the pup and find a fabled cure to restore the beloved woman's health. Earth-shattering secrets are revealed, fabled creatures appear at every turn, and Sona must face the truth about the Malech rule of her cherished homeland. The stellar South Asian--inspired story is rich in historical detail and mythical lore, offering a rip-roaring adventure story while also gently introducing readers to matters of entrenched racism and the costs of colonialism. The already engrossing narrative is cleverly embellished with a smattering of extremely telling advertisements, historical documents, personal letters, and song lyrics, all highlighting the different views and experiences of the Malech and Devan communities. A meaningful and magical exploration of tough topics through a memorable lens.

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.)

A bold girl's secret family history and her care for an orphaned wolf pup lead her on a legendary quest. After a Hunter from Malechia demands shelter at her home in Devia, 13-year-old Sona Kalpani learns a shocking secret. The Hunter's suspicious gaze forces Sona's Malech farmer father to reveal the truth: She's the daughter of his late sister, who was killed by the Goldstorm that also claimed Sona's real father, a Devan. The gem-seeking Malechs, who've colonized Devia for hundreds of years, have outlawed interracial marriage and banned music, which is how Devans wield magic and communicate with animals. Sona realizes she must act, since the Hunter is seeking the injured wolf she rescued, and her loving Ayah is ill from a Goldstorm. Sona sets off with Raag, a boy from a nearby village; Willa, her beloved gray pony; and Swara to journey to Mount Meru, which is sacred to Earth Goddess Bhoomi and is the source of amrita, "the golden nectar of life." Raag is sure that Swara's one of the five magical beasts from Devan legend, and Sona and Raag find connections to a prophecy that may free Devia. LaRocca's intricate South Asian--inspired world is richly developed. The tightly written narrative is interspersed with folklore, letters, songs, and other writing that flesh out the troubled history and wounds of colonization that can only begin to be healed with truth-telling and love. A fully immersive and enchanting fantasy that readers will get lost in. (map) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* Sona lives a quiet life in Devia as the daughter of a Malech farmer, part of the colonial ruling class in a country conquered long ago. She knows that music is forbidden in Devia, as the local population of Devans used it to spin their magic, but Sona can't help herself from singing; she hears melodies all around her, emanating from and connecting her to every living thing and corner of nature. This gift leads her to rescue an orphaned golden-eared wolf pup, but when a determined hunter comes calling to finish off the enchanted creature, Sona and her ailing ayah's Devan grandson go on the run to protect the pup and find a fabled cure to restore the beloved woman's health. Earth-shattering secrets are revealed, fabled creatures appear at every turn, and Sona must face the truth about the Malech rule of her cherished homeland. The stellar South Asian–inspired story is rich in historical detail and mythical lore, offering a rip-roaring adventure story while also gently introducing readers to matters of entrenched racism and the costs of colonialism. The already engrossing narrative is cleverly embellished with a smattering of extremely telling advertisements, historical documents, personal letters, and song lyrics, all highlighting the different views and experiences of the Malech and Devan communities. A meaningful and magical exploration of tough topics through a memorable lens. Grades 4-7. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.

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.)