About This Book:
For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world!
Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, thirteen-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has kept him on edge his whole childhood, preventing him from having fun like other kids in his tribe. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action, desperate to fulfill his destiny.
He is horrified to find that the precious Egg of the World Turtle, on whose vast shell everyone and everything lives, has been stolen by invaders. The Turtle is angry and grief-stricken, threatening to upend the very land under their feet. The invaders refuse to heed the warning of the tribes and return the Egg . . . so Kyta comes up with a plan to steal it back!
It’s risky and dangerous . . . but abandoning the Egg is certain doom. Kyta assembles other kids who could sneak into the invaders’ fortress and pull off the heist, but getting four very different personalities to work together is harder than he thought. And when they discover that the Egg is being guarded by an evil collector, his savage ogres, and a beast so terrible that it defies description, their odds seem all but impossible! Will Kyta be able to fulfill his destiny, or did he set himself up to fail . . . and the world to fall?
Inspired by the Indigenous American folktales, this thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.
*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
Destinies don’t need to be completed alone
What worked:
The author writes a narrative that’s reminiscent of a folktale. The book’s opening describes the formation of the world, as the shells of two turtles form the continents. An Egg is laid, and it becomes the center of the conflict. Endellion and his tribe of Tenemusuh steal it, as they strive to wield power over others and take anything they want. The Egg of the World Turtles is guarded by five tribes, but the Tenemusuh control a massive creature that can’t be defeated. Kyta, the main character, is destined to save the world, and he’s certain that stealing the Egg back is his defining moment.
Occasional chapters are written in boldface font, and these pages describe the conflicted existence of the Tenemusuh creature and its captors. Yes, it slaughtered the warriors guarding the Egg, but it was forced to do it. Readers may feel pity toward this juggernaut of a beast when they realize its freewill has been taken away. It’s confined to a cage when it’s not being used as a weapon, and it dreams of joy and freedom running under the stars. The creature isn’t a prominent part of the overall plot, so these chapters remind readers of its impending threat. Readers will anticipate that Kyta will eventually need to face it when stealing back the Egg of the World Turtles.
Kyta uses a myth told by his tribe as the template for his quest. The story says four team members are needed, so he must find three other young people to fill specific roles on the mission. Yudove is ostracized from her tribe, but she’s experienced with handling the horses they’ll need. Eno was banished for predicting the destruction of the Egg, but he’s an expert at stealth and using ropes. The final team member is Tumuhv, the son of a tribal chief. Tumuhv views himself as a mighty warrior, but he hasn’t earned his father’s respect. His prickly, condescending attitude makes him a questionable team player, but Kyta needs him to fill the role of warrior. Kyta is the leader, since it’s his destiny to save the world. However, he must learn the meanings of teamwork and selfishness to complete his quest.
The final verdict:
Kyta is a kind-hearted, humble, and determined boy who exhibits positive characteristics that young readers can admire. The plot includes action, drama, character conflict, and ends with an exciting, emotional climax. The resolution indicates a sequel will be forthcoming. I highly recommend this book for all middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy folklore.
