Mythspeaker - by Christopher Roubique (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world!

"Mythspeaker is a vibrant and fun fantasy adventure starring an endearing band of misfits. Readers will love the epic heist, rich mythology, and wondrous magical creatures."
--Alexandra Ott, author of Seekers of the Wild Real

Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, thirteen-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has kept him on edge his whole childhood, preventing him from having fun like other kids in his tribe. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action, desperate to fulfill his destiny.

He is horrified to find that the precious Egg of the World Turtle, on whose vast shell everyone and everything lives, has been stolen by invaders. The Turtle is angry and grief-stricken, threatening to upend the very land under their feet. The invaders refuse to heed the warning of the tribes and return the Egg . . . so Kyta comes up with a plan to steal it back!

It's risky and dangerous . . . but abandoning the Egg is certain doom. Kyta assembles other kids who could sneak into the invaders' fortress and pull off the heist, but getting four very different personalities to work together is harder than he thought. And when they discover that the Egg is being guarded by an evil collector, his savage ogres, and a beast so terrible that it defies description, their odds seem all but impossible! Will Kyta be able to fulfill his destiny, or did he set himself up to fail . . . and the world to fall?

Inspired by the Indigenous American folktales, this thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.

Review Quotes

★ "Imaginative worldbuilding is enlivened by engaging characters contending with grounded emotions such as loneliness and insecurity as they strive to perform heroic and inspiring feats in this timeless and original celebration of Indigenous stories."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"[Readers] will be treated to a sturdy heist plot, a likable team of young people, occasionally stunning figurative language, and the beguiling concept of "living myths" who interact with mortals."--Kirkus

"Strong readers and fantasy lovers will be rewarded with a fast-paced adventure brimming with all the tropes of a good epic . . . A highly imaginative feast for the senses that expertly weaves an intense plot with believable characters and laugh-aloud humor. Cajun and Indigenous author Roubique is surely a voice to watch."--School Library Journal

"Mystical. Magical. And filled with heart." --J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner

"A truly magical tale that's heart-pounding, heart-warming and even a little heart-breaking. Basically a tale full of heart! The best stories envelop what we believe in, what hopes and truths we cherish. To have achieved that all in a debut, and so beautifully, is truly extraordinary."
--Sarwat Chadda, New York Times bestselling author of City of the Plague God

"With lush nods to Indigenous myths and a hero you'll cheer for from page one, Mythspeaker is a journey brimming with heart, humor, and high-stakes hijinks that readers will want to relive again and again." --M.T. Khan, award-winning author of Nura and the Immortal Palace

"An exuberant, breathtaking adventure filled with good mischief, old lore, and a destiny of epic proportions. Roubique brilliantly paints the world atop Gonoka with endless allure, like a curtsy to Earth and all of her gifts. Lovers of myths will find this book a delight, and with no doubt would want to relive Kyta's journey again and again."
--Caris Avendaño Cruz, author of Marikit and the Ocean of Stars

About the Author

Christopher Roubique grew up in rural Wisconsin and filled his time--and his heart--with the joys of fantasy and science fiction. His own books leap from those same joys, folding in his Cajun and Indigenous heritage, passion for mental health, and plenty of fantastical creatures. He still lives in Wisconsin and has squeezed his wife and daughter beside all those stories in his heart too.

Follow him on X and Bluesky @Dreamertide.