Publishers Weekly
12/18/2023
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.)
From the Publisher
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 compelling read set in a richly developed world.” — School Library Journal (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
School Library Journal
★ 03/29/2024
Gr 3–7—Tension and unrest roils between the golden-eared Indigenous population of Devia and the Malechs who are mining the land for its jewels. Songs are powerful to the Devans and help them connect with the five magical beasts. The Malechs have outlawed singing and mixed marriages. Sona, raised in a Malech home, is a girl who has an affinity for animals, frequently caring for strays. When she finds a wolf pup with golden ears, she knows she must protect it from the Hunter. Sona and a Devan boy named Raag embark on an adventure to save the wolf, find nectar that will save the life of a woman important to both of them, and possibly summon the sixth beast who according to lore will appear at the time of a Devia's greatest need. Fantasy, action, and a quest drive the story. Flawed adults controlled by anger and greed are among the many obstacles the main characters and their trusty animal companions face. Between chapters there are historical writings, song lyrics, letters, and missives that contribute to the worldbuilding. Commentary on colonialism, natural resources, and power add depth to the tale. With a free-Devia movement growing, the story looks for a path forward with reconciliation and healing. VERDICT A compelling read set in a richly developed world with two young characters on a quest to save the Golden Beasts, discover their family secrets, and make their beloved country better for the people living there.—Erin Wyatt
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-12-16
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)
