The Lotus Flower Champion

by Pintip Dunn, Love Dunn Narrated by Nancy Wu

Overview

No escape. Follow the rules. And don’t count on reality—in this uniquely vibrant romantasy from NYT bestselling author Pintip Dunn and daughter Love Dunn…

It looks like paradise…only it’s not.

This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Thailand. One last wish for my dying mama. Instead, we’re stranded on a lush, stunning island with ten strangers—held captive as Thai mythology unfolds around us…and within us.

Now we’re being tested. We’re expected to face our greatest fears—and possible deaths—in hopes of awakening some kind of dormant gift…or curse. One by one, we’re transforming, echoing the strange and sometimes wondrous abilities found in Thai folktales.

But my mama has only days to live, my papa is missing, and I’m forced to trust a group of strangers…including our evasive, dark-eyed tour guide, who resembles a minor god. Toss me in the ocean and feed me to the naga now.

Only I’m no hero. My days are managed by numbers and the compulsions that used to keep me safe.

I have to prove how far I can go. To survive. To protect my family.

And to find a way off this perilous island where everything is a lie…including reality.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is one of the best YA books I've read in a long time! It's like survivor meets Thai folktales! I absolutely adored Alaia and loved the OCD representation.” -Kay Reads Too Much

“This is a clean, adventurous YA novel with fascinating use of Thai folktales.” -Zoe Forward, Author

“This was such a unique spin on magical abilities and myths. There were a variety of characters and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. This is such a fun novel that I really enjoyed.” -Miss W Book Reviews

“The fact that this book had such high stakes for the characters and a hint of magic, really kept my focus on never wanting to put it down... But wow, this book was such a good read, I highly recommend it if you like magic, escape rooms, life or death situations, romance, or high stakes in books.” -Meg_Hendu

“The Lotus Flower Champion is an enjoyable read.” -Bookshelf Showcase

“This was such a great read! It's full of magic and myths! It's diverse and full of twists and turns. An island where X-men meets Maze Runner and entwined in Thai folklore.” -Of Pages and Ink_Books

“This was a great read! The cover instantly drew me in and I fell in love with the story right away.” -Rina Roo Reads

“The Lotus Flower Champion was bizarre and interesting, familiar and new, and a blend of genres. The settings were very picturesque. I felt the story was easy to get into and that Alaia was a very compelling character.” -Books.Pups.Tea

Kirkus Reviews

2023-11-04
A Washington, D.C., teen and her mother are stranded on a deserted island along with a group of strangers and a mysterious, possibly magical, force.

Seventeen-year-old Alaia’s mother is dying of cancer. Mama decides to return home to Thailand with her husband and daughter to enjoy life while she still can. Determined to make her mom happy, Alaia agrees to go on a yacht trip—although she’s anxious about the deep water—and even spends time with cute boatswain Bodin, who also has a Thai mom and a white dad. When the cruise suddenly goes wrong, a multinational group of 12 passengers of one lifeboat, including Alaia, Mama, and Bodin, wash up on a tropical island. (Alaia last saw Papa, an obstetrician, on deck helping a pregnant woman who went into labor.) With no food and Mama’s medicine running out, their chances of survival look grim, until members of the group begin to display strange abilities. Could Thai folktales really be coming to life? Neither purely a survival story nor a fairy tale, the narrative, in which personal struggles and growth take center stage, combines the complexities of navigating loss and growing up. Alaia’s OCD is an integral facet of the plot throughout, and her character arc is ultimately positive, focusing on mental health and forming and maintaining strong relationships.

A wholesome and realistic coming-of-age novel—with magical flourishes. (authors’ note, sources) (Fantasy. 12-17)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191674438
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged