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Tales of the Feathered Serpent: The Hero Twins and the Magic of Song by David Bowles
Published by Lee & Low Books on October 29, 2024
Genres: Children's Fantasy & Magic Books, Children's Mexico Books, Children's Fantasy Comics & Graphic Novels
Pages: 80
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In this graphic novel retelling of an Indigenous Mexican tale, demigod twins must use their magic of song to rescue their father and uncle from the perilous Land of the Dead. A supreme middle-grade adventure!
In the age when Maya demigods lived among us, two carefree brothers, One Hunahpu and Seven Hunahpu, are foolishly lured to Xibalba, the Land of the Dead, to play a game. Unfortunately, it was a one-way trip. Unable to return to the sea-ringed world above, One Hunahpu's firstborn sons must be raised by their grandmother.
Yet all hope is not lost. Down in Xibalba, One Hunahpu meets the rebellious Lady Blood, and their love leads to another set of twin sons, destined to save their father and uncle and restore balance to the cosmos. But won't be easy! Lady Blood is shunned in the world above, and the twins are taunted by their half-brothers' cruel pranks. If they choose to use a little trickter magic, maybe... just maybe... they might succeed.
Adapted from author David Bowles's retellings and translations of essential pre-Columbian texts like the Popol Vuh, the Tales of the Feathered Serpent series bring Indigenous Mesoamerican stories alive for young readers!
Book Recommendations Based on Book
Here are seven 2024 releases that bring mythological themes, adventure, or magic—perfect if you enjoyed Tales of the Feathered Serpent:
- A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene
- This romantic fantasy set in a world of dangerous fae and cursed forests follows a defiant changeling on a quest to save her family, blending myth and perilous magic.
- Hera by Jennifer Saint
- A fresh retelling of Greek mythology, this novel centers on Hera, the queen of the gods, as she grapples with the cycle of cruelty set by her family, offering a powerful look at legendary characters from a modern lens
- The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
- Inspired by East Asian folklore, this novel combines ancient tales and contemporary themes, weaving a story of second chances, magic, and family connections in a beautifully crafted narrative
- The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan
- As the concluding book in an epic trilogy, it combines mythical elements with a thrilling journey in a world filled with magical power struggles and moral dilemmas
- Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner
- Continuing the journey of characters navigating lands filled with gods and demons, this fantasy novel expands on its world with new mythical dangers and deep-seated mysteries
- The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
- A haunting tale inspired by the Grimm Brothers, it follows a young healer who discovers her destiny—and the consequences of wielding her gift—within a dark, fairytale-inspired world
- The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
- This speculative novel explores an isolated town intertwined with myth, where a young girl discovers connections across time, blending folklore with literary depth
Tales of the Feathered Serpent: The Hero Twins and the Magic of Song by David Bowles is a stunning graphic novel that introduces young readers to the world of Maya mythology through the adventurous story of two demigod twins. The tale begins with One Hunahpu and Seven Hunahpu, carefree brothers who are lured into the Land of the Dead, Xibalba, where they become trapped. Raised by their grandmother, One Hunahpu’s twin sons grow up with a fiery determination to rescue their father and uncle.
However, the twins face obstacles both supernatural and personal: they must confront the harsh treatment from their half-brothers and use their wits, magic, and song to triumph over the dangers of Xibalba. Their journey is filled with suspense, mythical creatures, and elements of trickery that make this story a thrilling read. With vibrant illustrations and rich cultural storytelling, Bowles crafts a magical adventure that is both entertaining and enlightening, perfect for middle-grade readers who crave action-packed tales and deep connections to heritage.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
