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Mythspeaker
For fans of Race to the Sun and the Aru Shah series, this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology follows a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist in order to save the world!
Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, thirteen-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has kept him on edge his whole childhood, preventing him from having fun like other kids in his tribe. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action, desperate to fulfill his destiny.
He is horrified to find that the precious Egg of the World Turtle, on whose vast shell everyone and everything lives, has been stolen by invaders. The Turtle is angry and grief-stricken, threatening to upend the very land under their feet. The invaders refuse to heed the warning of the tribes and return the Egg . . . so Kyta comes up with a plan to steal it back!
It's risky and dangerous . . . but abandoning the Egg is certain doom. Kyta assembles other kids who could sneak into the invaders' fortress and pull off the heist, but getting four very different personalities to work together is harder than he thought. And when they discover that the Egg is being guarded by an evil collector, his savage ogres, and a beast so terrible that it defies description, their odds seem all but impossible! Will Kyta be able to fulfill his destiny, or did he set himself up to fail . . . and the world to fall?
Inspired by the Indigenous American folktales, this thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing the Ay'do Pronunciation Guide from the book.
Thanks to a prophecy revealed when he was little, thirteen-year-old Kyta always knew that he was destined to save the world. But waiting for that moment has kept him on edge his whole childhood, preventing him from having fun like other kids in his tribe. So when the ground quakes and the trees whisper that something is wrong, Kyta leaps into action, desperate to fulfill his destiny.
He is horrified to find that the precious Egg of the World Turtle, on whose vast shell everyone and everything lives, has been stolen by invaders. The Turtle is angry and grief-stricken, threatening to upend the very land under their feet. The invaders refuse to heed the warning of the tribes and return the Egg . . . so Kyta comes up with a plan to steal it back!
It's risky and dangerous . . . but abandoning the Egg is certain doom. Kyta assembles other kids who could sneak into the invaders' fortress and pull off the heist, but getting four very different personalities to work together is harder than he thought. And when they discover that the Egg is being guarded by an evil collector, his savage ogres, and a beast so terrible that it defies description, their odds seem all but impossible! Will Kyta be able to fulfill his destiny, or did he set himself up to fail . . . and the world to fall?
Inspired by the Indigenous American folktales, this thrilling and heartwarming fantasy shows the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and believing in yourself.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing the Ay'do Pronunciation Guide from the book.
Audible Audio
First published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 15, 2025
This book is such a gem (or, rather, an "Egg of the World Turtle"😉). It is a fast-paced adventure that blends the excitement of a high-stakes heist with the depth of Indigenous American folktales. The author does a beautiful job weaving in mythology and cultural details naturally, and the heist itself is smart and full of twists. What really sets the book apart, though, is its characters. It is hard to pick a favorite, as each individual comes with plenty of personality and heart. The friendships, teamwork, and cleverness of the kids really make it hard to put down this story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
The author writes a narrative that’s reminiscent of a folktale. The book’s opening describes the formation of the world, as the shells of two turtles form the continents. An Egg is laid, and it becomes the center of the conflict. Endellion and his tribe of Tenemusuh steal it, as they strive to wield power over others and take anything they want. The Egg of the World Turtles is guarded by five tribes, but the Tenemusuh control a massive creature that can’t be defeated. Kyta, the main character, is destined to save the world, and he’s certain that stealing the Egg back is his defining moment.
Occasional chapters are written in boldface font, and these pages describe the conflicted existence of the Tenemusuh creature and its captors. Yes, it slaughtered the warriors guarding the Egg, but it was forced to do it. Readers may feel pity toward this juggernaut of a beast when they realize its freewill has been taken away. It’s confined to a cage when it’s not being used as a weapon, and it dreams of joy and freedom running under the stars. The creature isn’t a prominent part of the overall plot, so these chapters remind readers of its impending threat. Readers will anticipate that Kyta will eventually need to face it when stealing back the Egg of the World Turtles.
Kyta uses a myth told by his tribe as the template for his quest. The story says four team members are needed, so he must find three other young people to fill specific roles on the mission. Yudove is ostracized from her tribe, but she’s experienced with handling the horses they’ll need. Eno was banished for predicting the destruction of the Egg, but he’s an expert at stealth and using ropes. The final team member is Tumuhv, the son of a tribal chief. Tumuhv views himself as a mighty warrior, but he hasn’t earned his father’s respect. His prickly, condescending attitude makes him a questionable team player, but Kyta needs him to fill the role of warrior. Kyta is the leader, since it’s his destiny to save the world. However, he must learn the meanings of teamwork and selfishness to complete his quest.
The final verdict:
Kyta is a kind-hearted, humble, and determined boy who exhibits positive characteristics that young readers can admire. The plot includes action, drama, character conflict, and ends with an exciting, emotional climax. The resolution indicates a sequel will be forthcoming. I highly recommend this book for all middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy folklore.
The author writes a narrative that’s reminiscent of a folktale. The book’s opening describes the formation of the world, as the shells of two turtles form the continents. An Egg is laid, and it becomes the center of the conflict. Endellion and his tribe of Tenemusuh steal it, as they strive to wield power over others and take anything they want. The Egg of the World Turtles is guarded by five tribes, but the Tenemusuh control a massive creature that can’t be defeated. Kyta, the main character, is destined to save the world, and he’s certain that stealing the Egg back is his defining moment.
Occasional chapters are written in boldface font, and these pages describe the conflicted existence of the Tenemusuh creature and its captors. Yes, it slaughtered the warriors guarding the Egg, but it was forced to do it. Readers may feel pity toward this juggernaut of a beast when they realize its freewill has been taken away. It’s confined to a cage when it’s not being used as a weapon, and it dreams of joy and freedom running under the stars. The creature isn’t a prominent part of the overall plot, so these chapters remind readers of its impending threat. Readers will anticipate that Kyta will eventually need to face it when stealing back the Egg of the World Turtles.
Kyta uses a myth told by his tribe as the template for his quest. The story says four team members are needed, so he must find three other young people to fill specific roles on the mission. Yudove is ostracized from her tribe, but she’s experienced with handling the horses they’ll need. Eno was banished for predicting the destruction of the Egg, but he’s an expert at stealth and using ropes. The final team member is Tumuhv, the son of a tribal chief. Tumuhv views himself as a mighty warrior, but he hasn’t earned his father’s respect. His prickly, condescending attitude makes him a questionable team player, but Kyta needs him to fill the role of warrior. Kyta is the leader, since it’s his destiny to save the world. However, he must learn the meanings of teamwork and selfishness to complete his quest.
The final verdict:
Kyta is a kind-hearted, humble, and determined boy who exhibits positive characteristics that young readers can admire. The plot includes action, drama, character conflict, and ends with an exciting, emotional climax. The resolution indicates a sequel will be forthcoming. I highly recommend this book for all middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy folklore.
February 25, 2026
This book full of Indigenous American mythology is an exciting heist book full of a cast of kids who are animated and all have their own unique personalities and struggles.
I unfortunately have to admit it took me a really long time to get into this, but that was my fault and not the fault of the story. It’s written with a folktale style especially in the beginning, and my very white euro- and American-centric perspective struggled to lock in at first. It was absolutely worth sticking with it, but I do wish some things had more of an “on ramp” so to speak so that younger readers aren’t tempted to give up before they can appreciate how fun this book is.
The characters in this book are varied and interesting. Each of the kids have clear strengths and weaknesses, and it’s those traits that make them essential – and occasionally a struggle. The beast’s perspective is interwoven to add depth and complexity to the “bad guys,” showing some of it’s a little more complicated than the readers and the main characters might think at the beginning. All the characters have emotional journeys and discoveries they have to make along the way.
The plot is also a lot of fun. I have a lot of mixed experience with heist stories, but I liked how this one played out. It’s more than fun, though. It has moments that are poignant and deep.
The villain occasionally felt a little unrealistically dramatic, but I think it works with the storytelling style of the book.
Overall, I love reading adventure fantasy stories inspired by cultures we haven’t seen much of historically in children's book publishing, and I hope more books like this come in the future.
I unfortunately have to admit it took me a really long time to get into this, but that was my fault and not the fault of the story. It’s written with a folktale style especially in the beginning, and my very white euro- and American-centric perspective struggled to lock in at first. It was absolutely worth sticking with it, but I do wish some things had more of an “on ramp” so to speak so that younger readers aren’t tempted to give up before they can appreciate how fun this book is.
The characters in this book are varied and interesting. Each of the kids have clear strengths and weaknesses, and it’s those traits that make them essential – and occasionally a struggle. The beast’s perspective is interwoven to add depth and complexity to the “bad guys,” showing some of it’s a little more complicated than the readers and the main characters might think at the beginning. All the characters have emotional journeys and discoveries they have to make along the way.
The plot is also a lot of fun. I have a lot of mixed experience with heist stories, but I liked how this one played out. It’s more than fun, though. It has moments that are poignant and deep.
The villain occasionally felt a little unrealistically dramatic, but I think it works with the storytelling style of the book.
Overall, I love reading adventure fantasy stories inspired by cultures we haven’t seen much of historically in children's book publishing, and I hope more books like this come in the future.
March 5, 2026
Mythspeaker is, as the title suggests, a fantasy novel based on mythology - in this case, based very loosely on Native American mythology, with the author noting in the acknowledgements that while Native American mythology inspired the story, it is not based on any particular tribe's myths, but more broadly on ideas that exist across multiple tribes.
This is a fun and fast-paced story, with several main characters who are all teens or tweens who have some internal struggles around their value to themselves and the broader society around them. Each character defines themselves by a particular talent or event, and struggles to identify with any other aspect of themselves, and each one grows throughout the story into a more balanced person as the story progresses. That, in itself, makes the book interesting and readable, and valuable to the many readers of that age (and older) who experience similar struggles.
The only issue I had with this novel really has nothing to do with the plot, and more to do with the author allowing his religious views to seep in through the Native American mythology he loosely based his story upon, giving rather more value to Christian ideals than may be appropriate in this setting. Most readers likely won't notice, but as a non-Christian who avoids Christian-themed novels, it stood out to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun and fast-paced story, with several main characters who are all teens or tweens who have some internal struggles around their value to themselves and the broader society around them. Each character defines themselves by a particular talent or event, and struggles to identify with any other aspect of themselves, and each one grows throughout the story into a more balanced person as the story progresses. That, in itself, makes the book interesting and readable, and valuable to the many readers of that age (and older) who experience similar struggles.
The only issue I had with this novel really has nothing to do with the plot, and more to do with the author allowing his religious views to seep in through the Native American mythology he loosely based his story upon, giving rather more value to Christian ideals than may be appropriate in this setting. Most readers likely won't notice, but as a non-Christian who avoids Christian-themed novels, it stood out to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 24, 2026
Mythspeaker is a well-crafted fantasy story of one kid destined to save the world. Kyta has known from a young age that he is destined to save the world and the time is now. The egg of Gonoka, the world turtle that they live on, has been stolen! After an unsuccessful attempt at negotiating to get the egg back, Kyta knows what he must do...steal it back. Using tales within the world, he enlists help from other kids to complete his destiny.
I really loved the world that was created! It was vibrant and full of life. The characters are all really fun and will be relatable to the kids reading this book. Full of adventure and learning about life and getting along, Mythspeaker is a really exciting, Indigenous inspired fantasy story. I had so much fun reading this book and I would love to read more set in this world.
*Thank you to Penguin Young Readers/Viking and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own!*
I really loved the world that was created! It was vibrant and full of life. The characters are all really fun and will be relatable to the kids reading this book. Full of adventure and learning about life and getting along, Mythspeaker is a really exciting, Indigenous inspired fantasy story. I had so much fun reading this book and I would love to read more set in this world.
*Thank you to Penguin Young Readers/Viking and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own!*
November 6, 2025
Christopher Roubique is a master storyteller. When I tell you this book should be an instant classic, I don’t say that lightly. Christopher has woven an incredibly poignant tale of friendship and fate that that will appeal to both kids and adults alike. Kyta’s emotional journey was so well crafted, the side characters so complex and REAL (I loved my knife-wielding boy Tumuhv!), they stayed with me long after finishing this book. The plot to rescue the Egg is fast-paced and exciting while also allowing room for Kyta to experience true growth and depth as a character. I loved him so much and just wanted to give him a big hug!
With witty and fun dialogue, gorgeous prose, and a character cast that’s sure to steal your heart, MYTHSPEAKER deserves to be on every child’s bookshelf. One of my favorite books of all time.
With witty and fun dialogue, gorgeous prose, and a character cast that’s sure to steal your heart, MYTHSPEAKER deserves to be on every child’s bookshelf. One of my favorite books of all time.
March 9, 2026
Mythspeaker is a remarkable first book from a master storyteller. Christopher's world-building and character development are on par with the greats. Kyta and his motley crew have an impossible task that can make or break Kyta, either validating his destiny or ensuring the end of his world. This is so much more than the journey of a chosen one saving the world; Kyta's journey is one of self-discovery that helps him realize that maybe his destiny is not what he thought it was.
I read this with my 10-year-old daughter, and she instantly fell in love with the humans and living myths that call Gonoka home. As we finished the last page, she asked when the sequel would be released because she wants to follow the characters on their next great adventure!
I read this with my 10-year-old daughter, and she instantly fell in love with the humans and living myths that call Gonoka home. As we finished the last page, she asked when the sequel would be released because she wants to follow the characters on their next great adventure!
February 25, 2026
This book was a great ride, an adventure from start to finish. I appreciated the personalities of all the characters which the author paints in vivid detail, each original and memorable.
What will stick with me is the exciting mythical creatures and the superpowers they had. I think kids will see themselves in Kyta’s quest, part of a team.
More than anything, though, it’s the natural world the book takes you to that holds your attention. Fraught with danger, and a challenge you can be proud of standing up to. There were some scary beasts in there! Might be a little too gory for an 8 year old, but then again it might make for a more riveting read than most books on the shelf.
Thumbs up.
What will stick with me is the exciting mythical creatures and the superpowers they had. I think kids will see themselves in Kyta’s quest, part of a team.
More than anything, though, it’s the natural world the book takes you to that holds your attention. Fraught with danger, and a challenge you can be proud of standing up to. There were some scary beasts in there! Might be a little too gory for an 8 year old, but then again it might make for a more riveting read than most books on the shelf.
Thumbs up.
February 28, 2026
This is such an inspiring story for younger teens. No matter what any reader of this story is going through, they can see themselves in the main group of characters, and be reassured that they have someplace they belong. The ending of this story is predictable but satisfying, and the happy ever after is very fitting of all the characters.
I really enjoyed the writing style. It's told in an omniscient narrators point of view, with a oral story telling style, much like a story teller is telling this story out loud to the reader. A huge thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC!
I really enjoyed the writing style. It's told in an omniscient narrators point of view, with a oral story telling style, much like a story teller is telling this story out loud to the reader. A huge thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC!
December 20, 2025
4.75 stars
I read this with my 9-year-old, and we really enjoyed this story. Although everything in this book was fictional, I was able to introduce a few Indigenous mythological concepts to my kid. I loved the teamwork between the Ay'do kids, with the overall message being that it's okay to ask for help to save the day.
The Tenemusah lord felt a little cartoonish at times, but it is a kid's book. I think older elementary kids and middle schoolers will really enjoy this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I read this with my 9-year-old, and we really enjoyed this story. Although everything in this book was fictional, I was able to introduce a few Indigenous mythological concepts to my kid. I loved the teamwork between the Ay'do kids, with the overall message being that it's okay to ask for help to save the day.
The Tenemusah lord felt a little cartoonish at times, but it is a kid's book. I think older elementary kids and middle schoolers will really enjoy this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
March 19, 2026
Mythspeaker is a beautifully written epic fantasy adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology with four misfit children who must heist the World Turtle's egg back from White Invaders. Though it's not specific to any particular tribe, Roubique pulls a lot of common ideas/understandings of the world and I thought the characters were all really fun to root for and of course we love a heist adventure in this house!
March 10, 2026
I read this book and absolutely devoured it! Christopher Roubique did an amazing job of developing characters that speaks to kids, and how they navigate life and show resiliency. More than that though, the world that he built is amazing, and I can see so many kids imagining how they would fit in it. 10/10.
A middle grade book that anyone can enjoy!
A middle grade book that anyone can enjoy!
April 8, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an interesting Indigenous myth book. Friends go on a quest to save the world and a villain who is power hungry. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. I like how the kids learn new things along the way as well as let nothing stop them; even in the face of adversity.
February 26, 2026
4.5 Stars. Wonderful book based on Indigenous American Mythology. Kyta the main character and his friends go on a quest to recover a stolen turtle egg and thus save the world. Great message about working with a team and not giving up when things get hard. Really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cute folktale/fantasy story about a group of unlikely friends coming together to save the world in which they live.#Mythspeaker #NetGalley
February 26, 2026
Excellent read!!! I could not put this book down due to the exciting fast pace!!! I look forward to reading more books by this author!!
March 14, 2026
I adored this book! and the audiobook narrator was perfect for it. I loved the lore and the worldbuilding, the heist vibes, the teamwork! The whole cast was incredible!
December 12, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This longer middle grade fantasy had a lot of Indigenous and Cajun folklore that might need a little more explanation for some readers. The cover is great, and it's a good choice for readers who want an action packed adventure fantasy like Marsh's Rougarou Magic, Hobson's The Storyteller, Young's Healers of the Water Monster, or Smith's On a Wing and a Tear.
This longer middle grade fantasy had a lot of Indigenous and Cajun folklore that might need a little more explanation for some readers. The cover is great, and it's a good choice for readers who want an action packed adventure fantasy like Marsh's Rougarou Magic, Hobson's The Storyteller, Young's Healers of the Water Monster, or Smith's On a Wing and a Tear.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews