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Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask

Shiko Nguru author Melissa McIndoe illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Lantana Publishing

Published:11th Aug '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask cover

A fast-paced fantasy adventure for middle grade readers inspired by East African mythology

12-year-old Mwikali is moving to a new school in Nairobi and just wants her life to be normal. But when she meets Soni, Odwar and Xirsi who reveal that she is descended from an ancient bloodline of legendary Kenyan warriors, all hope of a normal life fades. Now, with an array of malign forces massing, Mwikali must delve deep into the past to discover her ancestry, learn to harness her extraordinary powers, and enter a race against time to defeat a village elder who has turned to dark magic in an effort to gain ultimate power...

A fantasy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the moment of its breathtaking conclusion.

“With its important lessons about self-acceptance and its action-packed scenes of fighting monsters, Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask is a delightful fantasy novel.”

-Foreword Reviews, 5 Stars

* Foreword Reviews *

“This is an exciting fantasy adventure – with an urgent mystery to solve and a surprise ending. A range of themes are covered – including the idea that true power comes from believing in yourself, using your skills, learning to trust and cooperate with others. The good news for young readers hungry for more, is that this is the first in a new series about the Intasimi warriors.”

-Book for Keeps, 5 Stars

* Books for Keeps *
“A fantastic introduction to Kenyan culture and a great story too!”

-Karen Sands-O’Conner, British Academy Global Professor of Children's Literature


"Nguru's series-opening debut is rich in the mythology and beauty of Kenya. Mwikali's path from self-doubt to confidence inspires, and her struggles with friendship feel universal. A handful of charming full-page illustrations enhance the work. A heartfelt page-turner."

-Kirkus Reviews


“This was a gripping fast paced fantasy story and I found it engrossing! If you enjoy fantasy stories full of magic and adventure I would definitely recommend this!”

-TOPPSTA

  • Short-listed for Georgia Children's Book Awards 2024 (United States)
  • Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2024 (UK)

ISBN: 9781915244031

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 20mm

Weight: unknown

228 pages