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Sona and the Golden Beasts
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.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Rajani LaRocca
28 books510 followersRajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young people, including Red, White, and Whole, which won a 2022 Newbery Honor, the Walter Dean Myers Award, Golden Kite Award, and New England Book Award. Her other books include: Midsummer’s Mayhem (2019), Seven Golden Rings (2020), Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers (2021), Much Ado About Baseball (2021), Where Three Oceans Meet (2021), My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris (2021), The Secret Code Inside You (2021), I'll Go and Come Back (2022), and more. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of fiction and nonfiction, novels and picture books, prose and poetry. She finds inspiration in her family, her childhood, the natural world, math, science, and just about everywhere she looks. To connect with Rajani and learn more about her and her books visit her at www.RajaniLaRocca.com and on Twitter and Instagram @rajanilarocca.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2024
Incredible! I read this in one sitting as I was completely immersed in this fantasy world and could not put it down. I absolutely loved the world building in this Indian inspired fantasy adventure ... the land, sacred animals, the gems, singing and the magic in songs. The quest was amazing. The characters fantastic. So many good plot twists and reveals and surprises along the way that kept me guessing. But what I most appreciated was the complex themes woven in and the overarching narrative about colonialism in this world. Which is a pointed view of the impacts of British colonialism in so many parts of the world, including India and the United States.
It worked. I thought it was brilliant. How can these complex layers exist in a fantasy adventure for children? I am so impressed.
A nod to the writing style, I loved the bits of letters, songs, legends, government rulings, etc. from past years that served as mini chapters in between all the larger chapters set in present day to share more background and info. I loved all of those tidbits.
I would recommend for ages 10+ as the storyline is quite complex. But a standalone fantasy that has a great ending too? This book is a winner.
It worked. I thought it was brilliant. How can these complex layers exist in a fantasy adventure for children? I am so impressed.
A nod to the writing style, I loved the bits of letters, songs, legends, government rulings, etc. from past years that served as mini chapters in between all the larger chapters set in present day to share more background and info. I loved all of those tidbits.
I would recommend for ages 10+ as the storyline is quite complex. But a standalone fantasy that has a great ending too? This book is a winner.
April 8, 2024
I enjoy all of this author's books. LaRocca is versatile and can write realistic novels-in-verse as well as magical realism. Sona and the Golden Beasts is a departure for LaRocca as it is an epic fantasy novel. I love that it is a standalone, but the themes are complex, and the characters are multi-layered and vivid.
Sona is a Malek, a member of the ruling class. The Maleks and Devans have coexisted for two hundred years, but murmurs of uprising are growing. Music has been outlawed in the land as it serves as a source of magic among the Devans, and Sona knows that no one else in her Malek family can hear what she hears. Music surrounds her, and her love and affinity for animals is also a source of contention. When Sona's ayah falls gravely ill after a Goldstorm, Sona must risk everything to find the Nectar of Life that is the only source to help the Devan woman who raised her. JOining forces with a Devan boy named Raag, Sona journeys to Mount Meru with her beloved pony and an orphaned wolf pup in tow. A malevolent Hunter pursues her, searching for the five Sacred Beasts that carry Gems of Life in their very hearts. Can Sona and Raag evade the Hunter who has already killed two of the Beasts? And what of the mysterious Sixth Beast whom prophecy foretells will restore balance to the land?
Sona and the Golden Beasts is a riveting story of self-discovery, newfound family and surprising revelations. I particularly enjoyed the subplot concerning the Gray Ghost, (Gulappan, a mysterious bandit who seeks to free Devia from Malekian rule). The revelations concerning him and his multi-layered characterization were wonderful. I also loved Willa, Sona's pony, and Swara, the golden-eared wolf pup whom Sona adopts. The author's exploration of colonialism and the effects of greed on a society were very relevant as was the theme of racism and found friendship. LaRocca does well at interweaving excerpts from letters, folktales, songs and other creative narrative devices to give the world a sense of authenticity. I enjoyed the third-person point of view as well. My favorite aside is the folktale of Bhoomi, the Earth Goddess coming to earth and visiting a poor family. The story reminded me a lot of the myth of Baucus and Philemon, the elderly couple in the Greek myth who are visited by Zeus and Hermes.
My favorite aspect of this book was the pivotal role of music in the story. I love any book that uses music as a prominent plot device, and LaRocca does this very well. i have noticed that most of her books emphasize music. Sona and the GOlden Beasts is no exception. I loved the theme of friendship as well, and both Sona and Raag are great characters who make mistakes but learn to help each other. The relationship is platonic and very refreshing. They both need each other despite the class differences that seek to keep them apart.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy in a different setting, vivid characters and a fun story.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.
Sona is a Malek, a member of the ruling class. The Maleks and Devans have coexisted for two hundred years, but murmurs of uprising are growing. Music has been outlawed in the land as it serves as a source of magic among the Devans, and Sona knows that no one else in her Malek family can hear what she hears. Music surrounds her, and her love and affinity for animals is also a source of contention. When Sona's ayah falls gravely ill after a Goldstorm, Sona must risk everything to find the Nectar of Life that is the only source to help the Devan woman who raised her. JOining forces with a Devan boy named Raag, Sona journeys to Mount Meru with her beloved pony and an orphaned wolf pup in tow. A malevolent Hunter pursues her, searching for the five Sacred Beasts that carry Gems of Life in their very hearts. Can Sona and Raag evade the Hunter who has already killed two of the Beasts? And what of the mysterious Sixth Beast whom prophecy foretells will restore balance to the land?
Sona and the Golden Beasts is a riveting story of self-discovery, newfound family and surprising revelations. I particularly enjoyed the subplot concerning the Gray Ghost, (Gulappan, a mysterious bandit who seeks to free Devia from Malekian rule). The revelations concerning him and his multi-layered characterization were wonderful. I also loved Willa, Sona's pony, and Swara, the golden-eared wolf pup whom Sona adopts. The author's exploration of colonialism and the effects of greed on a society were very relevant as was the theme of racism and found friendship. LaRocca does well at interweaving excerpts from letters, folktales, songs and other creative narrative devices to give the world a sense of authenticity. I enjoyed the third-person point of view as well. My favorite aside is the folktale of Bhoomi, the Earth Goddess coming to earth and visiting a poor family. The story reminded me a lot of the myth of Baucus and Philemon, the elderly couple in the Greek myth who are visited by Zeus and Hermes.
My favorite aspect of this book was the pivotal role of music in the story. I love any book that uses music as a prominent plot device, and LaRocca does this very well. i have noticed that most of her books emphasize music. Sona and the GOlden Beasts is no exception. I loved the theme of friendship as well, and both Sona and Raag are great characters who make mistakes but learn to help each other. The relationship is platonic and very refreshing. They both need each other despite the class differences that seek to keep them apart.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy in a different setting, vivid characters and a fun story.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.
March 13, 2024
“We saw her worth when others did not. We’ve helped her, and now she’s going to help us, help the whole country. That’s how all healing begins. With respect. With kindness. With love.”
Sona is a Malech in Devia, a land that was conquered by the Malechs centuries ago. The Malechs banned music in an effort to stop the Devans, who are native to Devia, from using their magic. Despite this, Sona still hears music everywhere, even when others don’t, and her affinity for it helps her navigate and understand the world. Her sympathy for animals leads to her taking in a wolf pup, who she suspects to be one of the sacred magical beasts of Devia. After a Hunter shows up at her house in search of the wolf and a close family member falls ill, she embarks on a quest to protect the pup and save her loved one. With the help of a Devan boy, Raag, she searches for the nectar of life and uncovers the truth about the Malechian empire, choosing to fight for what she believes is right.
Sona and the Golden Beasts is a heartfelt story about the power of love and kindness where two kids journey to save the kingdom and the family member they love. Rajani LaRocca masterfully weaved together a tale that was both magical and revealing, tackling the harsh truths of colonization and imperialism. Inspired by the British occupation of India, this book tackled the complex feelings of a girl who has ties to both the Malech, who colonized Devian, and the Devans, who have been suffering under the Malech’s rule for centuries. Sona is so compassionate, and it is her kindness that means the most in the end. I feel like that simple message speaks volumes, and I think the lessons in this book are extremely valuable for middle grade readers and adults alike. The incorporation of magical animals like Swara, the wolf pup, and Willa, Sona’s pony, was a great touch, and they were honestly my favorite characters. While I loved the world-building and the important themes LaRocca touched on, I did feel that some parts of the book felt rushed. There were also some instances where Sona and Raag seemed to dismiss things or forgive each other very easily when I felt there should’ve been a bit more of a discussion between them. However, I still think it was a magical read and a great book for middle grade readers.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley, Rajani LaRocca, and Quill Tree Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Sona is a Malech in Devia, a land that was conquered by the Malechs centuries ago. The Malechs banned music in an effort to stop the Devans, who are native to Devia, from using their magic. Despite this, Sona still hears music everywhere, even when others don’t, and her affinity for it helps her navigate and understand the world. Her sympathy for animals leads to her taking in a wolf pup, who she suspects to be one of the sacred magical beasts of Devia. After a Hunter shows up at her house in search of the wolf and a close family member falls ill, she embarks on a quest to protect the pup and save her loved one. With the help of a Devan boy, Raag, she searches for the nectar of life and uncovers the truth about the Malechian empire, choosing to fight for what she believes is right.
Sona and the Golden Beasts is a heartfelt story about the power of love and kindness where two kids journey to save the kingdom and the family member they love. Rajani LaRocca masterfully weaved together a tale that was both magical and revealing, tackling the harsh truths of colonization and imperialism. Inspired by the British occupation of India, this book tackled the complex feelings of a girl who has ties to both the Malech, who colonized Devian, and the Devans, who have been suffering under the Malech’s rule for centuries. Sona is so compassionate, and it is her kindness that means the most in the end. I feel like that simple message speaks volumes, and I think the lessons in this book are extremely valuable for middle grade readers and adults alike. The incorporation of magical animals like Swara, the wolf pup, and Willa, Sona’s pony, was a great touch, and they were honestly my favorite characters. While I loved the world-building and the important themes LaRocca touched on, I did feel that some parts of the book felt rushed. There were also some instances where Sona and Raag seemed to dismiss things or forgive each other very easily when I felt there should’ve been a bit more of a discussion between them. However, I still think it was a magical read and a great book for middle grade readers.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley, Rajani LaRocca, and Quill Tree Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
February 26, 2024
Sona and the Golden Beasts is a fantasy adventure set in Devia, a place where magic, music, and nature are delicately balanced and inextricably intertwined. Or they once were, before the arrival of treasure-seeking intruders. For centuries, the Malechs have methodically and seemingly without remorse unraveled this place of balance and beauty with their unquenchable thirst for riches. Devia stands on the brink of collapse. Sona’s story begins here, with the sudden appearance of both a mythical golden beast—a wolf pup—and the Hunter who means to destroy it. To save the creature, Sona embarks on a perilous journey with the Hunter in pursuit.
While parallels to both colonialism and climate change lie at the core of the novel, those themes are deftly woven through the story without distracting from it. At its heart, I feel the novel explores connection, and the ripples that spread when those connections are broken. Connections between family members, between friends, between the elements of nature. And most of all, the broken connection between the people of Devia and their music, so vital to their bonds of community, their culture, their environment, and their ability to thrive.
Through Sona’s eyes we witness characters struggling to weather these broken connections while enduring the Malechs’ tyranny, and others arising in rebellion. We see the Malechs’ efforts to pull treasure from the land become frustrated and their response: to turn a blind eye to their culpability and double down, spiraling Devia deeper into chaos. We see neighbor pitted against neighbor.
But throughout Sona’s travels we also see the kindness of strangers. We see generosity. Love and trust. Courage and determination. Healing and redemption. All delivered in a page-turning adventure filled with myth and mystery and marvels.
Author Rajani LaRocca has created yet another enchanting middle grade novel. Thank you, Rajani, for such a wonderful addition to the middle grade lexicon. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
While parallels to both colonialism and climate change lie at the core of the novel, those themes are deftly woven through the story without distracting from it. At its heart, I feel the novel explores connection, and the ripples that spread when those connections are broken. Connections between family members, between friends, between the elements of nature. And most of all, the broken connection between the people of Devia and their music, so vital to their bonds of community, their culture, their environment, and their ability to thrive.
Through Sona’s eyes we witness characters struggling to weather these broken connections while enduring the Malechs’ tyranny, and others arising in rebellion. We see the Malechs’ efforts to pull treasure from the land become frustrated and their response: to turn a blind eye to their culpability and double down, spiraling Devia deeper into chaos. We see neighbor pitted against neighbor.
But throughout Sona’s travels we also see the kindness of strangers. We see generosity. Love and trust. Courage and determination. Healing and redemption. All delivered in a page-turning adventure filled with myth and mystery and marvels.
Author Rajani LaRocca has created yet another enchanting middle grade novel. Thank you, Rajani, for such a wonderful addition to the middle grade lexicon. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
March 7, 2024
This is actually a re-read for me. Red, White, and Whole is one of my favorite verse novels. While Sona is LaRocca's first middle grade fantasy, her care for her main characters and their close and complicated family relationships is a theme throughout all of her novels.
In this story, the author has built a rich world that completely immersed me. I connected with Sona, who dearly cares for vulnerable animals, loves the people she's close with, and has strong will. As she learned more about what she didn't know--about herself, the Devans, the Malechs, her family, her beloved Ayah, and even the animals, Sona grew as a character and it affected her choices in important ways. The relationship between her and Raag developed nicely, and he changed as well. I was swept up in their adventure and cared about what happened.
I appreciated that Sona and Raag could fight for justice without using violence. The parallels between Devia and our own burdens of race and colonialism are important and done in an organic, rather than didactic, way. The variety of formats that pepper the story, from letters to songs to other primary sources, added important information and perspectives. What is truth? Who gets to tell their story? I'm glad Rajani told this one.
In this story, the author has built a rich world that completely immersed me. I connected with Sona, who dearly cares for vulnerable animals, loves the people she's close with, and has strong will. As she learned more about what she didn't know--about herself, the Devans, the Malechs, her family, her beloved Ayah, and even the animals, Sona grew as a character and it affected her choices in important ways. The relationship between her and Raag developed nicely, and he changed as well. I was swept up in their adventure and cared about what happened.
I appreciated that Sona and Raag could fight for justice without using violence. The parallels between Devia and our own burdens of race and colonialism are important and done in an organic, rather than didactic, way. The variety of formats that pepper the story, from letters to songs to other primary sources, added important information and perspectives. What is truth? Who gets to tell their story? I'm glad Rajani told this one.
March 10, 2024
Thank you to @harperkids and #Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book that came out on March 5th.
I love a fantasy quest that sucks me into a world that’s unlike any other and holds me there from start to finish. Sona and the Golden Beasts did that beautifully, and I just added it to my list of favourite fantasies of the year. It’s a rich and magical story with extensive world-building and unique characters and beasts, with a thoughtful look at the extortion of natural resources and the harmful effects of colonialism and classism.
Sona has secrets she needs to hide from The Hunter pursuing her, but she’s also desperate to find a cure for her ayah’s illness, for which she feels responsible. She and her companions must travel a great distance to find the cure before it’s too late, but she discovers the sacred wild beasts are also in danger. Sona faces sabotage multiple times on her long journey, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists that kept me guessing how the story would end.
I would recommend this story to readers who enjoy the Rick Riordan Presents series of highly engaging fantasy adventures.
I love a fantasy quest that sucks me into a world that’s unlike any other and holds me there from start to finish. Sona and the Golden Beasts did that beautifully, and I just added it to my list of favourite fantasies of the year. It’s a rich and magical story with extensive world-building and unique characters and beasts, with a thoughtful look at the extortion of natural resources and the harmful effects of colonialism and classism.
Sona has secrets she needs to hide from The Hunter pursuing her, but she’s also desperate to find a cure for her ayah’s illness, for which she feels responsible. She and her companions must travel a great distance to find the cure before it’s too late, but she discovers the sacred wild beasts are also in danger. Sona faces sabotage multiple times on her long journey, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists that kept me guessing how the story would end.
I would recommend this story to readers who enjoy the Rick Riordan Presents series of highly engaging fantasy adventures.
March 1, 2024
Sona lives in Devia, a land where gems are plentiful and just appear on the ground. It was those gems that enticed the Malechs to come and take over, and since the Malechs arrived, things have changed. Devans aren’t allowed to own any gems, and they aren’t allowed to sing their magic songs.
Sona has a peaceful life, taking care of wounded animals and strays that show up at her doorstep, and helping out on her father’s farm. But when an injured wolf puppy with golden ears appears in their barn, closely followed by a Hunter intent on killing it and making sure that its magic is vanquished, Sona has to run to protect it. As she flees and travels through Devia, she comes to learn more about the magic of the land, and even more about herself. Soon, she has to ask herself just what is worth sacrificing for freedom and peace.
I received an advanced reading copy of Sona and the Golden Beasts in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
Sona has a peaceful life, taking care of wounded animals and strays that show up at her doorstep, and helping out on her father’s farm. But when an injured wolf puppy with golden ears appears in their barn, closely followed by a Hunter intent on killing it and making sure that its magic is vanquished, Sona has to run to protect it. As she flees and travels through Devia, she comes to learn more about the magic of the land, and even more about herself. Soon, she has to ask herself just what is worth sacrificing for freedom and peace.
I received an advanced reading copy of Sona and the Golden Beasts in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
April 10, 2024
3.5 stars
I did enjoy many facets of this book, like the topics of colonialism and racism/classism and the fantastical world that was built. I did think the worldbuilding was a little looser than I would want it to be as an adult reading middle grade, but I still think it would be enthralling to a middle grader. For example, between chapters there are excerpts of songs, letters, advertisements, or various other “mixed media” type of things to build the world, and I think sometimes they made sense and added to the world and sometimes it felt like they contributed minimally and were just added to continue the pattern? Again, I think these critiques are from an adult reading middle grade so might be not applicable to a middle grade reader.
Trigger warnings for animal death. Just gonna throw that one out there.
I did enjoy many facets of this book, like the topics of colonialism and racism/classism and the fantastical world that was built. I did think the worldbuilding was a little looser than I would want it to be as an adult reading middle grade, but I still think it would be enthralling to a middle grader. For example, between chapters there are excerpts of songs, letters, advertisements, or various other “mixed media” type of things to build the world, and I think sometimes they made sense and added to the world and sometimes it felt like they contributed minimally and were just added to continue the pattern? Again, I think these critiques are from an adult reading middle grade so might be not applicable to a middle grade reader.
Trigger warnings for animal death. Just gonna throw that one out there.
October 8, 2023
Dear Reader,
Sona and the Golden Beasts is set in an imaginary world, but its themes are very much inspired by our own. As an Indian American, I have always struggled with the British occupation of India, when Britain drained India’s resources and people for centuries before finally being shamed into leaving. But I grew up loving British literature, especially the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings series. And as I reflected on my personal history, I knew that I might not be the person I am if the British had not been in India—my parents would most likely not have spoken English, and they might not have immigrated to the United States. Still, I couldn't wrap my mind around one country's exploitation of another.
When I went to England and saw the statue of Queen Victoria, Empress of India and the jewels and other treasures that had been stolen, I was dismayed that these symbols of imperialism continue to exist. I drew upon those feelings for this book.
Another part of the inspiration for this story came a few years ago, when I was shocked by the opening scene in the Watchmen TV series. Horrific and historically accurate, it depicted events from the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. How had I never heard of this important piece of American history? I started to think about who gets to tell the history of a country, and I used that idea in this book as well.
Finally, I thought about exploring climate change in a fantasy setting: What would the earth say if it could literally speak to us?
I hope you enjoy my first fantasy novel, one that explores the horrors of greed and the wonders of love. I hope it helps us all draw upon our greatest strengths—kindness, respect, and empathy—to help us heal what is broken in our own world.
Yours,
Rajani LaRocca
Sona and the Golden Beasts is set in an imaginary world, but its themes are very much inspired by our own. As an Indian American, I have always struggled with the British occupation of India, when Britain drained India’s resources and people for centuries before finally being shamed into leaving. But I grew up loving British literature, especially the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings series. And as I reflected on my personal history, I knew that I might not be the person I am if the British had not been in India—my parents would most likely not have spoken English, and they might not have immigrated to the United States. Still, I couldn't wrap my mind around one country's exploitation of another.
When I went to England and saw the statue of Queen Victoria, Empress of India and the jewels and other treasures that had been stolen, I was dismayed that these symbols of imperialism continue to exist. I drew upon those feelings for this book.
Another part of the inspiration for this story came a few years ago, when I was shocked by the opening scene in the Watchmen TV series. Horrific and historically accurate, it depicted events from the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. How had I never heard of this important piece of American history? I started to think about who gets to tell the history of a country, and I used that idea in this book as well.
Finally, I thought about exploring climate change in a fantasy setting: What would the earth say if it could literally speak to us?
I hope you enjoy my first fantasy novel, one that explores the horrors of greed and the wonders of love. I hope it helps us all draw upon our greatest strengths—kindness, respect, and empathy—to help us heal what is broken in our own world.
Yours,
Rajani LaRocca
December 8, 2023
This book is amazing! It is a true must read for middle school students. On the surface it is a fantasy story about Sona, a young girl, who is on a quest to a magic item that will help bring someone she loves back to life. There are plot twists, magic animals, and an epic quest. But the book is so much for than that! It deals with climate change, the impact of colonization, discrimination, family, identity, and more. There are so many deep conversations that you can have with this book while also providing students a fun and engaging read. It is a book that could be read and enjoyed with different levels of understanding for many age groups from around 4th grade to 8th.
December 30, 2023
As a fan of this author's work, I went into this middle grade fantasy blind. I immediately connected to Sona, especially her love and care for animals. Her protective and loving family was heartwarming. The world building started off well, but as the novel progressed, parts of it felt forced or assumed and that withdrew my suspended belief. Too often, the pacing dragged and some of the events could have been either shortened or cut. For readers who dislike blood and violence, read this novel with precaution because there is plenty of bloodshed and death. The ending felt too rushed and easy to me. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC to read and review.
November 13, 2023
This is a good choice for readers who like their fantasy books to have some ties to modern sociopolitical concerns, like Lalo Lesperance Never Forgot or Reese's Every Bird a Prince, or who enjoy allegorical tales like Malinenko's This Appearing House, Reynold's Izzy at the End of the World, or Barnhill's The Ogress and the Orphans. Fans of LaRocca's fantasy books Midsummer's Mayhem and Much Ado About Baseball will also want to pick this up.
April 4, 2024
I loved this book and my only complaint is that it was over too soon. The character development was on point and the magical system perfectly complimented the plot. I could see several of the twists coming but as a middle grade book that's expect. LaRocca does a beautiful song weaving in nature, song and ethics into such a fun story!
April 19, 2024
This book captivated me, leaving me wishing for more. The characters were well-developed, and the magical system enhanced the plot seamlessly. While some twists were predictable, it's forgivable in a middle-grade novel. LaRocca skillfully integrates nature, music, and morality into this delightful tale.
March 24, 2024
I really enjoyed Sona and the Golden Beasts. The world building was fantastic, and the plot and Sona's mission were easy to follow. Sona is a character you can't help liking and cheering on. I'm a huge fan of Rajani LaRocca, and her newest book is a winner.
October 22, 2023
What a magical book! You are going to love this story with beautiful animals and strong characters. But who should they trust on this journey?
January 25, 2024
Some truly excellent world building, animals real and magical, likeable characters, and unexpected twists. Really, everything you could want from a middle-grade fantasy novel!
March 30, 2024
Excellent read with fantastic world building. Great character development and plotting. Lots of twists. I really enjoyed reading this and I know my students will too.
April 8, 2024
Brilliant!
April 9, 2024
Loved. Ready to hand this to several kids.
April 9, 2024
Excellent! Magic and Fantasy and Family and traditions all wrapped up in excellent storytelling and world making. I loved this one!
April 14, 2024
This is my first contact with this author's work and I'm in love with her world-building and tangling of myths and magic.
A girl and a wolf, a pony, and a boy are on a quest to save the wolf from a hunter and also to do the right thing. On top of it, they discover a larger plot of rebellion and liberation that coincides with their goal to reach Mount Meru when we reach 70% of the book. And both children discover more about themselves and magic.
About 400 pages total this novel slows down when we reach the 40% mark but I would say that is the best choice. By slowing down the author allows us to dive deeper into culture, magic system, and world-building in a way that we connect with the world, culture, and characters in a meaningful way.
Although it was a slower section it was still very full and I loved Bhoominath, the city. It was my favorite location because I felt I was there and could smell the spices and hear the cacophony of the market stalls.
The book has constant small interruptions, chapters of one paragraph or two pages with songs, legends, letters, information, and traditional stories that enrich the world and our experience of it.
I love the magic connected to nature, gems, sons, and beasts with hearts of magical gems all threatened by a monarch of another race moved by greed for power, and control over one people and their gems. This cruel king oppresses and silences magic and love between races. Segregation and Racism, disrespect shown by a colonizer. But one of the major lessons of this book is that race doesn't determine good or evil, actions and choices do.
I loved the main character, because she is compassionate, kind, understanding, reasonable, courageous, and loyal she will fight for the right thing and see her quest through. awesome twists and double twists and a surprise at the end that although predictable I'm glad I figured that out. It made me smile.
Awesome fantasy read.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this e-ARC.
A girl and a wolf, a pony, and a boy are on a quest to save the wolf from a hunter and also to do the right thing. On top of it, they discover a larger plot of rebellion and liberation that coincides with their goal to reach Mount Meru when we reach 70% of the book. And both children discover more about themselves and magic.
About 400 pages total this novel slows down when we reach the 40% mark but I would say that is the best choice. By slowing down the author allows us to dive deeper into culture, magic system, and world-building in a way that we connect with the world, culture, and characters in a meaningful way.
Although it was a slower section it was still very full and I loved Bhoominath, the city. It was my favorite location because I felt I was there and could smell the spices and hear the cacophony of the market stalls.
The book has constant small interruptions, chapters of one paragraph or two pages with songs, legends, letters, information, and traditional stories that enrich the world and our experience of it.
I love the magic connected to nature, gems, sons, and beasts with hearts of magical gems all threatened by a monarch of another race moved by greed for power, and control over one people and their gems. This cruel king oppresses and silences magic and love between races. Segregation and Racism, disrespect shown by a colonizer. But one of the major lessons of this book is that race doesn't determine good or evil, actions and choices do.
I loved the main character, because she is compassionate, kind, understanding, reasonable, courageous, and loyal she will fight for the right thing and see her quest through. awesome twists and double twists and a surprise at the end that although predictable I'm glad I figured that out. It made me smile.
Awesome fantasy read.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this e-ARC.
March 5, 2024
A magnificent, profound, fast-paced, and utterly engaging story.
One of the great pleasures of contemporary children's literature these days is the innovation with which authors are weaving towering themes into their work. Rajani LaRocca has written a powerful story of a colonized country where natural resources are being torn from the ground and ruling and subordinate groups are defined by the color of their ears. Sona is of the ruling class, and though she doesn't like the cruelty of some of her people, she loves her father, a prosperous farmer, and tries to be a good person in her small ways. But she hears music in the wounded animals she rescues—and sings—which is forbidden. When she rescues a wounded wolf cub with gold-tipped ears, she sets off an adventure that brings her face-to-face with the legendary animals of her country and the evil hunter who is using his government post for the cruel pleasure of destroying them—and thus, the astute reader will notice, destroying the culture of the country. As she seeks to keep her beloved wolf cub safe, Sona discovers secrets, makes unlikely friends, and sees a world she's only heard about in stories.
LaRocca's writing is lyrical and vivid. Legends and songs pepper the novel as interstices between chapters (which also include official writings from the government). The belief system of this world will feel familiar to many, as will the social upheaval (particularly to anyone who reads history). An ambitious, thrilling, tragic, beautiful story that would be a stellar book to read aloud in classrooms.
One of the great pleasures of contemporary children's literature these days is the innovation with which authors are weaving towering themes into their work. Rajani LaRocca has written a powerful story of a colonized country where natural resources are being torn from the ground and ruling and subordinate groups are defined by the color of their ears. Sona is of the ruling class, and though she doesn't like the cruelty of some of her people, she loves her father, a prosperous farmer, and tries to be a good person in her small ways. But she hears music in the wounded animals she rescues—and sings—which is forbidden. When she rescues a wounded wolf cub with gold-tipped ears, she sets off an adventure that brings her face-to-face with the legendary animals of her country and the evil hunter who is using his government post for the cruel pleasure of destroying them—and thus, the astute reader will notice, destroying the culture of the country. As she seeks to keep her beloved wolf cub safe, Sona discovers secrets, makes unlikely friends, and sees a world she's only heard about in stories.
LaRocca's writing is lyrical and vivid. Legends and songs pepper the novel as interstices between chapters (which also include official writings from the government). The belief system of this world will feel familiar to many, as will the social upheaval (particularly to anyone who reads history). An ambitious, thrilling, tragic, beautiful story that would be a stellar book to read aloud in classrooms.
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