Anzu and the Realm of Darkness - by Mai K Nguyen

About the Book

"Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic. She doesn't feel much like celebrating anymore. While avoiding holiday festivities, Anzu spots a stray dog down the street. A dog that seems to be staring right at her. But when she chases after it, she slips and falls down a ridge, losing consciousness. When she awakes, she's in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she's only heard about in Obaachan's stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it's too late. Only, getting home is not as simple as she'd thought. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami of Yomi and a world full of creatures she'd once thought weren't real, the race against the clock is on. She must break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children, and reach the gate home before sunrise ... or be stuck in Yomi forever."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

5 Worlds meets Spirited Away in this tale of a girl fighting her way back home after getting trapped in the spirit world.

Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic. She doesn't feel much like celebrating anymore.

While avoiding holiday festivities, Anzu spots a stray dog down the street. A dog that seems to be staring right at her. But when she chases after it, she slips and falls down a ridge, losing consciousness. When she awakes, she's in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she's only heard about in Obaachan's stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it's too late.

Only, getting home is not as simple as she'd thought. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami of Yomi and a world full of creatures she'd once thought weren't real, the race against the clock is on. She must break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children, and reach the gate home before sunrise...or be stuck in Yomi forever.

Review Quotes

Raves for Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

"This captivating adventure into the land of spirits comes to life with charming illustrations and a highly imaginative story about the power of heritage and friendship. Perfect for young fans of Demon Slayer or Spirited Away!"--VICTORIA YING, author-illustrator of Hungry Ghost and City of Secrets

"A warm, wise, and delightfully ghostly adventure that celebrates the power in loving who we are and knowing where we come from."--K. O'NEILL, creator of the Tea Dragon series

"An epic journey through the underworld of Japanese folklore, with darkly delightful art, it reminds us that the path to self-acceptance is complex. Anzu's story is richly crafted with beauty, horror, and heart."--NIDHI CHANANI, author-illustrator of Pashmina

About the Author

Mai K. Nguyen is a Vietnamese and Japanese American comic creator and UX designer living in the California Bay Area. Her debut graphic novel, Pilu of the Woods, came out with Oni Press in 2019.