Sona and the Golden Beasts, Rajani LaRocca
Sona and the Golden Beasts, Rajani LaRocca
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Sona and the Golden Beasts

Author: Rajani LaRocca

Narrator: Shiromi Arserio

Unabridged: 9 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/05/2024


Synopsis

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. 

About Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Patti on February 19, 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 char......more

Goodreads review by Melanie on June 21, 2024

Prolific writer Rajani Larocca (middle grade NIV Mirror to Mirror and award winning Red, White & Whole, early chapter book Secret of the Dragon Gems, picture book Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers and more) brings middle grade readers a fantasy set in the world of Devia with gods, goddesses and mytholog......more

Goodreads review by Alex on July 04, 2024

The magic and hard truths of Legendborn meets the tragedy of where the red fern grows meets the adventure of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Expect some level of tears. Also, I think Legendborn, even though it’s written for an older audience, deals with a similar subject in a much more nuanced, del......more

Goodreads review by Karen on October 25, 2024

Sona lives with her father and brothers in the land of Devia, known for the abundant gems found throughout the land. Sona’s family are Malechians who have taken over Devia and are cruel rulers. Devians are magical and cast magic through song. Naturally, the Malechians forbid singing. When a severe G......more

Goodreads review by MK on July 11, 2024

Proof that just because a book is middle grade doesn’t mean it can’t be excellent. Great world building, plot, and lessons learned. Hopeful and bright at the end, just as any book like this should be.......more