Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze - by Maple Lam

Book Synopsis

Percy Jackson meets Dragonball in the first book of this adorable, funny, and action-packed graphic novel series! Follow along as the legendary Monkey King tries to save the world from a mysterious new threat--and smashes his way through the world of ancient Greek mythology in the process!

A long-forgotten evil has reemerged, determined to transform everyone--humans, beasts, and gods alike--into monsters. And there's only one being who can stop it, or at least that's what he thinks. Sun Wukong, aka the Monkey King, is said to be the mightiest of all beasts, and he's made a deal with the gods. They will grant him his greatest wish and make him a god too. All he has to do is battle these monsters, defeat this evil, and basically save the world. What could possibly go wrong?

Wukong must first journey to Greece, where he'll have to figure out how to escape the underworld alive, be a good pet-sitter for a three-headed dog, and ultimately find his way through a labyrinth. But when he comes face-to-face with the Minotaur, will he have what it takes to slay the monster . . . or will the Monkey King's story end up a Greek tragedy?

Review Quotes

"An action-packed and adorable blend of mythological worlds that highlights the power of understanding. Monkey King and the World of Myths reminds us that, with the help of their friends, even outsiders will find where they belong. This compelling and truly unique blend of cultural histories will fill your heart and leave you with a big smile on your face." --Andy Runton, Eisner-Award winning creator of the Owly Series

"Maple Lam does not monkey around. Monkey King is action-packed, heartfelt, and funny from start to finish!"--James Burks, creator of the Agent 9 and Bird & Squirrel series

"I had a blast following Sun Wukong on his hilarious adventures as he navigates world myths retold with a twist." --Remy Lai, award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky

"A fantastic retelling of an old classic tale from the East." --Dan Santat, Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator of The Aquanaut and After the Fall

"A kinetic, bombastic, and wholly original cartoon take on classic mythology, exalting in the strength found in self-acceptance and the love of good friends." --Shannon Watters, Eisner Award-winning and New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Lumberjanes series

About the Author

Maple Lam is an author-illustrator originally from Hong Kong and now based in Los Angeles, California. Her previous books include the picture books Dim Sum, Here We Come! and My Little Sister and Me. She has also illustrated numerous books for other authors including What Can You Do With a Toolbox? by HGTV personalities The Cousins. Monkey King and the World of Myths is her debut graphic novel series. Visit her at www.maplelam.com.