July 8, 2024
In a fantasy world inspired by Filipino mythology, 12-year-old Tanikala is impatient to join the ranks of the Serpent Riders as the chosen one, destined to stop the Great Bakunawa from devouring the moon. But there’s a hitch—in her Kalinawan village, every Serpent Rider must rear and bond with their own elemental serpent, and Tani’s egg still hasn’t hatched. Frustrated by her peers’ training advancement and anguished by the most recent monster attack on her village, Tani makes a dangerous deal with a mysterious stranger who gives her a serpent of shadow and ash. At first, Tani is delighted by the success she and her serpent have on the training field. Yet when Tani’s younger sister is kidnapped by the stranger as payment, Tani realizes the price for glory is more than she’s willing to pay. With friends Kiri and Bato, Tani strikes out into the wilderness, encountering terrifying and legendary creatures on a quest for her sister and, hopefully, redemption. Meanwhile, the Great Bakunawa’s foretold reappearance draws closer, adding tension to this high-octane adventure that incorporates Filipino language and folklore, coalescing in an immersive debut by Diño. Ages 8–11. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative.
July 15, 2024
A young warrior faces horrifying beasts and evil magic in order to rescue her sister. Twelve years ago, when Tanikala, the daughter of a great warrior, was born, a prophecy said she was destined to defeat the Great Bakunawa, a giant sea serpent who will devour the last moon and leave their world in darkness. Tani is training to become a Serpent Rider, a warrior with a personal flying elemental serpent. Unfortunately, Tani's bakunawa egg hasn't hatched yet. Without her serpent, she isn't sure how she'll protect those she loves, like her younger sister, Ligaya. Then an impatient Tani meets a woman in a vision who says she can craft a bakunawa for her. After a deadly monster attack on the village, Tani, tired of feeling helpless, makes a deal with the strange woman. Her new bakunawa is incredible, but she soon discovers that the price she must pay is her beloved sister. Desperate to save Ligaya, Tani enters the dangerous forest, faces beasts and ghouls, and finds unexpected allies and foes. But time is running out before the Great Bakunawa's return. Based on Filipino folklore and legend, Di�o's debut is an action-packed fantasy filled with twists and turns. Readers will relate to Tani's struggle to figure out her identity and find her strength while living up to her destiny and her father's reputation. Tani's beautiful but frightening world vividly incorporates many different tales, monsters, and creatures. An engaging adventure full of Filipino magic.(Fantasy. 8-12)
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November 19, 2024
Inspired by Filipino folklore, Yxavel Magno Diño’s debut novel, The Serpent Rider, is a mesmerising middle-grade fantasy. All Tani wants is for her bakunawa egg to hatch so she can become the great warrior she is destined to be. Tani wants to protect her village, especially her little sister, Ligaya, from the Great Bakunawa, the most powerful sea serpent, who swallowed six of the world’s seven moons. After a monster attack threatens the people she loves, Tani can no longer wait patiently, but her desperate deal to get a bakunawa has a price, and Ligaya is taken. Tani takes on a treacherous journey to find her sister, not knowing that the Great Bakunawa is already stirring. The Serpent Rider is bound to capture the hearts and minds of readers aged nine and older, seamlessly drawing them into Tani’s journey of self-discovery. Though the circumstances are fantastical, Tani is still relatable as the main character, as she grapples with patience, personal desires, guilt and more. The story maintains a brisk pace, while ensuring that the action-packed antics of the characters never take away from the message about the importance of learning and knowing history. Diño brings a fresh perspective, inspiring newcomers to learn more about Filipino folklore and traditions, while offering representation for readers who may not often see themselves reflected in Australian children’s literature. Perfect for fans of Claribel A Ortega’s Witchlings and the television show The Owl House.