Wayel Kati – The Quest of the Seven Guardians by Linthoi Chanun (Niyogi Books) takes the young reader into a world brimming with enchantment and mystery set in the mythical hills of Manipur. This is a fantasy fiction tale that draws inspiration from and is intricately woven with the folklore of Manipur. Many folktales find expression in a single tale of epic proportion.
This middle-grade fantasy novel effortlessly weaves together elements of adventure, friendship, and destiny, captivating young readers and adults alike.From the very first page, readers are transported into a vividly imagined world where magic is real and hidden powers lie dormant within seemingly ordinary individuals.
There is a divine meeting of the great gods where a special task comes to the forefront. The head of the mission will be Laiba- a nine year old who discovers he’s the head priest of the hand picked set of seven youngsters chosen by Atingkok, the Father God in the form of a silver bearded hermit for this mission. The mission is to seek and find the lost divine scissors of justice – Wayel Kati, where the books also draws its name from.
The story revolves around this group of youngsters who discover their unique abilities and are destined to protect their realm from an impending threat. How do they come into their own? How do they deal with the monsters that lurk within them, as well as the ones that lurk outside? How do they deal with the real emotions of grief, pain, loss, fear, self-doubt as they navigate this journey? How do they find hope and love, confidence and faith as they build their team and strive on for something that is beyond themselves? These are the questions that drive the narrative.
Each chapter reveals new layers of this captivating universe, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist or turn. There are dashes of humour and the youth of the characters gives a young fun vibe to the story.
The characters in Wayel Kati are expertly crafted, each with their distinct personalities and motivations. As readers follow their journey, they become emotionally invested in their growth and development. The friendships that form among the protagonists are heartwarming and relatable, reminding us of the power of unity and teamwork.
Wayel Kati – The Quest of the Seven Guardians is a thrilling fantasy adventure but also explores universal themes such as self-discovery, courage, and the importance of embracing one’s true potential.
