PRODIGAL TIGER

Eighteen-year-old Caroline Chua ends her five-year banishment at a magical academy in New York City—a consequence of “the Incident”—when her older brother’s disappearance calls her home to Malaysia.

Aaron, who’s destined to uphold the Chua family legacy as the next High Protector of Penang Island’s Magical Council, has been kidnapped by vengeful spirits who are seeking to seize control. With only a week until the Hungry Ghost Festival—a time when the veil between the living and the dead thins—headstrong Caro must reunite with old friends Athena, Arabella, J.J., and Zati to defend her island home. As she battles external enemies, Caro also confronts her inner struggles: lingering self-doubt, the shame of exile, and the weight of family duty. A shocking betrayal, a surprising revelation, and the kindling of a romance with J.J. add emotional depth to the action-driven plot. While the frequent battle scenes occasionally slow the story’s momentum, the novel’s heart lies in its strong portrayals of friendship, loyalty, and the courage to stand together against darkness. Debut novelist Chong deftly weaves Malaysian folklore and the lore of the Hungry Ghost Festival into a vivid modern fantasy setting, enriching the story with cultural texture, moments of light humor, and lots of heart.

Brimming with action, folklore, and fearless friendship; a fantasy in which loyalty and love prove just as powerful as magic.