Prodigal Tiger

Chong blends family drama, supernatural suspense, and teen angst with Malaysian folklore in this arresting debut. For five years, 18-year-old Caroline Chua has been living in New York City, learning to hone her magical skills. But when her older brother, Aaron, disappears, she is forced to return home to Penang. As the Hungry Ghost Festival—during which spirits become more powerful—approaches, it’s imperative that Aaron is found so that he can take on his duty as Malaysia’s next High Protector. Upon discovering that vengeful ghosts with a grudge against the Chua family have kidnapped Aaron to seize control of the island, Aaron’s rescue becomes Caroline’s top priority. To succeed, she must reconnect with the friends she lost contact with after leaving for N.Y.C., including JJ, her former love interest, who still sets her heart aflutter. An experience of forging one’s own path while managing expectations is sensitively rendered alongside propulsive action sequences, dynamic plot twists, and affecting interpersonal conflict involving forgiveness, friendship, and self-advocacy. Ages 12–up. Agent: Larissa Melo Pienkowski, Azantian Literary. (Mar.)