Prodigal Tiger

by Samantha Chong

An action-packed YA contemporary fantasy debut that brings vibrant Malaysian folklore to life.

For five years, Caroline Chua has lived in exile from her home and family in Malaysia at a magical academy in New York City--far enough away that she can’t hurt the people she loves. That is until she is abruptly summoned home in an emergency—her beloved older brother, Aaron, who is next in line to become the Protector of the Island, has vanished. And now back in Penang, she can’t help but notice that things don’t feel the same as they once did and it’s unclear if she’s changed, or the island.

Despite her family’s desire to keep her close and the Council’s explicit instructions to stay out of trouble, stubborn, self-sufficient Caroline is hell-bent on saving her brother with or without anyone’s help. But when it turns out that Aaron has been kidnapped by vengeful ghosts with a centuries-old grudge, even Caroline must admit she’s in over her head and will need the help of the friends she had abandoned, including her first love, J.J.

The ghosts’ goals are simple: break the barriers between the ghost and mortal realms during the Hungry Ghost Festival using Aaron to take the island’s magic, and cement their rightful place as the true—albeit dead—rulers of the island. With only seven days before the barrier weakens, Caroline is in a race against time to save her brother. But as enemies stack up, always one step ahead, Caroline can’t help but wonder if she’s strong enough for this battle. Or is she doomed to repeat the mistakes that sent her away all those years ago?

PRODIGAL TIGER is a rich, cinematic celebration of Malaysian magic and folklore, as well as an emotional exploration of never quite feeling like your whole self after living in the diaspora.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Asia

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

Samantha Chong is a Malaysian fiction writer, and her debut YA novel, Prodigal Tiger, will be published by Putnam Children’s in spring 2026. Samantha is constantly exploring what it means to belong, whether that’s tied to places, people, or the myriad of ways that someone can carve out their space in an increasingly shifting world. When she’s not writing, Samantha is out looking for hidden histories, cooing over cats, or attempting to whip up culinary creations.

Reviews

[kylie’s been jinxed ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

˚⊱🐯⊰˚ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒓 ˚⊱🐾⊰˚

ᯓ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴅɪɢᴀʟ ᴛɪɢᴇʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ʀᴇʟᴇᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴍᴀʀᴄʜ 𝟷𝟽, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼!!
⤿ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 3.5 sᴛᴀʀs!! ★★★☆☆
⤿ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ: ᴍᴀʟᴀʏsɪᴀɴ ғᴏʟᴋʟᴏʀᴇ, ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀɴᴅ ғʟᴀᴡᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs!

ᯓ 🐾 ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs:

⤷ Caroline Chua. Our narrator and flawed main character, she’s easy to connect to and relate with her struggles. Caroline has her strengths and her problems, which make her an interesting character to follow. However, I felt that her romance with J.J. was excessive and could have been better done.

⤷ Aaron Chua. Her perfect older brother, who goes missing forcing Caroline to look for him. This creates interesting family dynamics and discussions of legacy throughout the book for the reader to think of.

ᯓ 🐯 ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:
⤷ This is a wonderful debut and a fast paced read. It contains imaginative world-building, well developed characters and action!

This book has incredible world building. The illustrations of the Island were vivid and are definitely a place I would like to visit. (If only it was real) That is something that I particularly enjoy in Asian inspired novels, they’re rich in history and often contain very unique worlds. I have very little knowledge of Malaysian folklore or experience with southeastern inspired novels. (Though I hope this will change soon.)

I appreciated the struggles of Caroline, I could relate to them immensely. It was nice to see an author acknowledge these problems, rather than shying away from them. I especially liked a conversation between Caroline and her friend towards the end of the book.

The writing was satisfyingly easy to read, straightforward with just enough show not but not tell to satisfy me. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Island and the myth, they really helped to immerse me within its world. The pacing was quick, though slightly rushed towards the end, it perhaps could have done with another fifty pages to draw out the final scenes.

This was an incredibly strong debut from Samantha Chong, rich in myth and adventure. I have high hopes for any of her future stories and characters.

ᯓ 🐾 ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs:

I would recommend this book for those looking for an entrance in Southeast Asia mythology. The story was compelling and interesting, filled with action and adventure for short attention spans. Besides, the cover is so beautiful - I might need to buy a physical copy for myself when it’s released!

ᯓ 🐯 ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:
⤿ 3.5 stars

ᯓ🐾 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ:
⤿ Darker by Four (Tan)
⤿ The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (Oh)

Thank you very much to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Younger Readers for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Zana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

"Everyone gets a choice to tell their own story, no matter their last name. What legacy do you want to have for yourself?"

This was a really fun book! It's a great YA fantasy adventure story set in the real world and would be perfect for kids who like books like the Percy Jackson series. But this story is self-contained so there's no need to commit.

I'm not usually into young YA, but I was sold on the Malay folklore. And honestly, the rep was awesome. I don't usually see Malay folklore in trad pubbed novels, so I was pretty excited. And the Malay words littered throughout the story were chef's kiss.

As an adult, this would probably be a 3-star read for me. Everything is pretty predictable, including the main plot and the characters' actions, and the novel follows fantasy story beats to a T. It's definitely a soft magic system, so there's nothing too confusing for young readers. But as a kid who was starving for representation in stories, this would've made me happy.

While this isn't for my adult self, I would definitely gift this to a kid sibling or my nieces/nephews.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.

[ting]

southeast asian fantasy? SIGN ME UPP

[Sleepy Zirka · Rating 3 out of 5]

✧˖°.˗ˏˋ PRODIGAL TIGER ˊ˗˖°.✧
----- ----- ----- ----- -----

[ Quote will be revealed on the 17 March 2026! ]

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Characters: ★★★☆☆
World Building: ★★★★☆
Plot: ★★★☆☆
Tension: ★★☆☆☆
Writing style: ★★★☆☆
Entertainment: ★★★☆☆

Overall Score: ★ 3.1/5.0 ★ 6/10 ★

˗ˏˋ ✧ I will thank NetGalley and the publisher 'Penguin Young Readers Group' for this unique chance to get a early glimpse into this story in form of an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)! Please note, no quotes will be provided, until the (polished) official release! ✧ˊ˗

THIS IS MY EASTERN YA-NOVEL ERA. Gimme these goods, i just left a Thai inspired fantasy, lets delve into a Malaysian inspired one (Hey! Geographically they are close! Munch Munch)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
˗ˏˋ The Story ˊ˗

After a long and extended time away from her home, Caroline Chua returns to her Malaysian family and island homeland. Certainly this detour from her plans didn't bring her much pleasure... Her older brother had gone missing under mysterious circumstances and Once landed on safe land, she is encaptured into the old island life. On top of this, her brothers duties as a Being dragged around, after all this didn't up as a nice vacation trip for her...

Yet Fairly shortly into her stay, the missing case returned, yet everything seems just off, the details not clicking into place, as if he was replaced by an entity... Now it is up to her and her friend J.J. to find out what the real motive of the ghost is and what they had planned for her brothers fate. Travelling here and there... even deep into enemy territory.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
˗ˏˋ My Two Cents ˊ˗

We really get thrown into the magical dark atmosphere! Starting from page one we get a feel for the ghosts and that they seem as the... good guys of this world. And i could sense that Caro wasnt too thrilled to be back in her home. In itself the book has a rather quick pace, bringing new characters and settings up constantly, whilst Caro and J.J. are retrieving/searching clues. It could be condensed to mini Arcs inside the main story, which in itself is not bad, but it made the little parts feel repetitive.

The fantasy aspect and the Malaysian folklore, do make a intriguing and refreshing basis for a urban fantasy setting. Having many creatures readers from the western world are not as familiar, might set a ground stone for exploring eastern inspired and eastern literature. Personally i can speak that i liked certain aspects and characters, but couldn't really fall in love or empathize with them too much.

ALSO, personal favorite, SNEK! Theres a Naga! *points in the distance* (۶•̀ᴗ•́)۶ ♡

Although i am also not the main audience for these books, this might not be too much of a diminishing factor for a younger readership. *caugh* not like i didnt hit my 20s yet *caugh* Regardless. Will i actually pick this book up, when i see in in a book store? Not particularly at full price and not day one, but This was a pretty good upbeat for a debut novel for a new author, i will keep my eyes peeled and ready if i see any other releases.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----

[Paula Sena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Even though it contains many Malaysian words and folklore that I didn't understand, I didn't mind not connecting with that part as much. It didn't take away from my experience.

I absolutely loved the magic system and the characters. Caroline's interactions with her brother were one of my favorite parts of the story. They truly acted like siblings, with all the warmth and banter that come with that. I also enjoyed the way she interacted with the other characters.
Her relationship with J.J. was cute, but I wish we had seen more development instead of just being told they used to like each other and still do. A little more buildup would've made their connection even stronger.

One thing that didn't fully work for me was the beginning. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, and it made the pacing feel a bit rushed. Plot-wise, a lot is happening, not necessarily in a bad way, but some events felt a bit too close together, like the story didn't have enough breathing room between big moments. When the action started, it didn't stop anymore.

Still, despite that, I had a great time reading this. The characters, the worldbuilding, and the magic system more than made up for the slower start, and I'm excited to see what the author will do next.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Fanna]

this contemporary fantasy inspired by malaysian lore and culture, and exploring the diaspora life sounds so good

[Alli]

Does the cover art look like a fiercer version of the tiger from K-Pop Demon Hunter? Yes.

Is that why I decided to read it? Only partly.

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:
Got the ARC for this! Malaysian folklore and a stunning cover! 🩵

[Sandrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this Asian inspired fantasy which takes place in Malaysia. I did think that the beginning was rushed and not much explanation about the magic system, only that they have magic. We’re just told a few details and we have to roll with it. I prefer when there’s a detailed magic system as it helps me understand better the characters, the world they live in and their motivations.
Caroline comes back to Malaysia after 5 years away. We don’t know at first why she left, but she is coming back because her brother is missing. The pace is quick.
There’s also a little romance between Caroline and J.J. Since we didn’t know much about their past, it did feel a bit rushed to just pick up right where they left 5 years ago after not speaking during that time. I like that there were plot twists. There were a lot of references to Malaysian folklore, since I’m unfamiliar with them, it was a bit hard to picture, but it was interesting nonetheless.
Overall, it could’ve been a really great book, but it was lacking some details around some of the characters past which made it a bit hard to connect with them.
That’s my personal preferences but perhaps another reader won’t mind this!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

[Eden]

DNF @39%

I enjoyed the beginning of this quite a bit. The fmc is returning home after a five year absence to find her brother. Her family runs the island and it’s magical. The writing was descriptive so I felt I could really see the setting. I think this is written well. My DNF is purely due to personal preference. The fmc left when she was 13 because she kept endangering people with her magic. When she comes back, everyone blames her for being so distant. That didn’t click for me. I didn’t understand why a 13 year old was being punished with banishment essentially, but then everyone left behind blames her?? There’s also little to no mention of her life in NYC which I thought would’ve flushed that storyline out better. On the other hand, the fmc was also pretty oblivious to how her actions affected others and wasn��t self aware at all. I was frustrated more than I was enjoying the story, so it’s a DNF.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

First holiday read, I took draft notes on phone while on airplane so forgive a choppier review than usual. Prodigal Tiger is a YA love letter to Malaysian culture and mythology in an urban-fantasy package.

It had an excellent start, I could really feel the disconnect of not belonging anywhere, of loving a place but not feeling welcome anymore or things always being a little too hard when home should be easy. I could also feel the author’s love for her culture, from the foods and clothes to the language, it suffused the early novel.

Sadly a few issues emerged once we moved into the ‘action’ portion of the novel. It became a constant cycle of “try to find knowledge/person/thing, get attacked by bad guys, big magical battle, we start losing and have to teleport away to safety, downtime where we talk about needing a plan but never make a plan, council is overbearing and useless, try to find knowledge/person/thing, get attacked, big magical battle…’ and this continued for the entire rest of the novel (excluding the denouement scenes and epilogue). The repetition made it drag. At one point the action felt like it should have been the 3/4 ‘darkest hour’ moment but I checked the kindle status and it was barely 50% in. The pacing is definitely off, and the novel could have been tightened to have less magical battles over and over.

Another two reasons the magical battles started to bore me. First: there is magical healing so the wounds taken never mean anything, just take a potion, lie down for a few hours, and everything is fixed. Second: the magic, and how people use it, is never really explained properly. Healing requires potions and ingredients and exact recipes except for when it doesn’t. Some magic effects refer to weaving or knots, while others seem to Just Happen as soon as the wizard wills it. Sometimes hurting someone’s magic directly hurts them (eg. cut on a tiger immediately making the same wound on the wizard), but sometimes it doesn’t. It’s hard to tell what takes time or effort versus what is easy and immediate, or what is dangerous/deadly. So the big battles have a bunch of spells flying around but readers can’t tell what the cost or effect or danger level of any of them are.

I enjoyed the protagonist and her friends, and most of their allies. I liked the idea of the romance between Caro and JJ but I never felt much actual chemistry between them - they seemed to start dating just because they used to date and still found each other attractive. Which is realistic, I guess, but not the most compelling relationship to read. The antagonists far too often had either no motivation or motivation that didn’t make sense (eg. having a goal to "rewrite the world" but... how? why? your life honestly seems really good, seriously why?). The main villain spends most of the final battle cackling and shouting cliche phrases, including the priceless gem that Caro may have beaten him three times already but she’ll never manage a fourth time 😹😮‍💨 It sounded so silly that I felt like I was reading a different novel to the one I started.

I applaud the author for the post-climax problems and decisions (apart from the fact that it took so long to force improvements on the council). I think it would have been easy to fix all Caro’s problems, to make drawing magic from the island easy, to have her feel completely at home and accepted again. But she’s 18 and it’s so natural and believable for her to still feel out of place and not know which world she belongs in, and to want more time to figure it out.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Rating: 3.5 stars, rounding down as always -- Loved the Malaysian urban fantasy aspect, but a repetitive second half drags the novel down.

[Lyn Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This action-packed YA contemporary fantasy captivatingly weaves Malaysian folklore and magic into the themes of family honour, duty and friendship.

Caroline Chua, a descendant of the legendary Chua Yun Fan (the warrior who fought against pirates and built Penang to what it is today), was exiled to New York City after an incident 5 years ago. This life-changing incident affected Caroline tremendously, causing her to drown in guilt, and feel unwelcomed at home. She was made to go home when her brother, Aaron, the next-in-line to be the Protector of the Island, went missing. Caro is determined to find and save her brother, despite the orders of her father and the Council to stay out of trouble. Here, we witness Caro’s fighting spirit, for the love of her brother, family, friends, and the island, against the vengeful ghosts with a centuries-old grudge. She has save her brother while stopping the ghosts from stealing the island’s magic, all before the barrier between the realms weakens on the Hungry Ghost Festival.

As a Penangite, I half-wished magic exists in Penang (half because I’m not a fan of ghosts). I love reading the locations in the book which includes several landmarks such as The Peranakan Mansion and Kek Lok Si. The author made these places sound magical, just like their architecture.

This book is fast-paced as the author continuously captures readers’ attention with actions scene after scene. The beginning of the book, however, is heavily loaded with information, from the introduction of the island, to Chua Yun Fan’s legacy, to the introduction of the many characters that help build the story. The first few chapters support the understanding of the backstory, but I think there was too much telling that it took me a while to immerse in the story.

What I really liked about this book is the storytelling. It is easy to imagine the scenes, especially of the settings. The plot is kept interesting, with several plot twists (one of which I caught on early, and the other was totally unexpected — but made so much sense after!).

What I didn’t like was… the main character. Hahaha. I feel Caro’s friends’ frustrations that I wanted to slap her head as well. She is filled with guilt inside-out that while she thinks it’s not her fault, she blames herself for everything that happened. Also, she doesn’t listen. And when she does, she listens to the wrong people. That “urgh” feeling was so strong I felt like diving into the book and kick her in the rear.

My favourite characters… there are just so many. I love all the side characters — Arabella (such a pretty name befitting her intelligence and grace), J.J. the healer (I always love healers), Zati the scaredy-but-bravest friend, Athena the badass, and Kavita (something about her feels peaceful). I wished there was more to Aaron’s character, as he plays an important part of the story. But alas, I felt his character lacked personality. Oh, I almost forgot Nazmi the archivist — “I like stories, and how they help people find answers.”

All in all, this is a fun read, suitable for teenagers and young adults, especially those who love Malaysian folkore and magic. It’s a perfect gift for young readers, and I believe it is a very feel-at-home read for Penangites.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the e-ARC.

[Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc review. Courtesy of NetGalley

A war with ghosts ? Fought by wizards ? With a Malaysian inspired foundation ? Yes please ! I’m a huge fan of fantasy and folklore. Give me a story that is also heavily culturally influenced and I’m beyond excited. That’s why I was delayed in reading this book. I hit a slump for a bit and simply refused to have my experience tainted by it . Now, back to the point, a review. This book was different than my normal fantasy and that aspect of the plot felt refreshing. It didn’t feel like it followed a formula or typical trope. It was simply an interesting new story using the folklore of hungry ghosts. I also enjoyed the writing style. It flowed very smoothly and allowed for this to be a very quick and easy read. The story takes off pretty quickly and you get to some action right after that. You follow 18 year old Caroline as she grapples with her past , struggling to stay focused as the past decisions she has tried to run from come to the forefront. She has a brother to save, a consequently whole island, which includes everyone she loves, from vengeful ghosts !

It’s because I enjoyed the idea of this book that I was a little disappointed that the lore wasn’t a bit more fleshed out. It would have made the significant points of the plot hit a bit more strongly. I also like to really immerse myself in the world I’m reading but with out a bit more background I couldn’t fully participate. For example the magic. I know it manifested as a tiger but I could never grasp if a tiger was ONLY her specific manifestation or maybe her family line? Was it only in her minds eye image? Sometimes she took magic from the fur and others it’s like she pulled from the “air” separate from the tiger. I couldn't get a strong foundation on how the magic worked. We know they kept saying it was powerful but how ? We never saw examples of that, and I felt like I kept waiting .

Or things like the Keris (knife) or the portal. If there was more background on those things and their significance earlier, I think it would have been more impactful when they came back up later.

I also wish flash backs to NY were included. I didn’t realize until half way through that she was at a magic school there. It would have made some of her memories of using what she learned more significant had we known more about her time there.

I also think the ages throw it off a bit too. Maybe if her memory started at 16–18 it would all feel a bit more plausible than her being 13 when everything went down . It made the romance not quite as significant as I feel it was supposed to be. The “STILL” being in love when they were only 18 and apart for 5 years just didn’t quite land, at least not romantically. And why would the parents never visit their 13 year old ?

I have serval questions About different plot points but those would be spoilers so I look forward to the book publishing And getting to discuss it all with other readers !

[Franky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐

LIKED:
- The overall mythology and integration of the magic system into the story was really lovely. I honestly could have done with more of it and how the different animal affiliations related to each of the characters, since we actually get very little of it.
- The folklore of the island and the family history was probably my favorite parts of the story. It was the most endearing part ot the characters as well as kept a lot of the intrigue alive.
- Jumping off of that, the conversations about colonization and pride in one’s heritage were really interesting and well done, Especially with the MC going off to study in America and many of her friends and kinfolk feeling like she has shirked her identity (even if it was out of her control or choice to leave).
- This. Cover. Is EVERYTHING. It’s so stunning with the flames and the tiger and the colors and the way the text is integrated. It’s just stunning. 1000/10.
- The title is also lovely. She is the prodigal daughter that has the affiliation of a tiger. It’s good. Solid work.

LAMENTED:
- The romance is incredibly weak. I know it’s not the main drive of the story, but I honestly wish it wasn’t even there. Or if it was that there was more actual build-up to it. Especially since her love interest is just flat. And he COULD have been cool. The alchemy? A neat idea. But a lot of his character interactions are just based around this flimsy romantic entanglement.
- There are a few twists in this story and I clocked most of them, which is fine and a me thing, but there was one that I just thought was too telegraphed and weak. The villain reveal just felt underwhelming because it felt so obvious. I think there were stronger, less trope-y avenues to explore there .
- The end of this story felt…odd. I’m not sure if it’s setting up for a sequel, but it didn’t really leave that many questions unanswered. It mostly just, put everything back where they started but didn’t really lean into that.
- I think some of the side characters needed more depth. There’s another one of the MC’s friends that I know like net zero about. I think we could have gotten a bit more out of the MC’s head to actually experience more of these characters on the page.

LONGED FOR:
- More of the magic and animal alignment.
- Less of the romance (for the sake of deeper character exploration).
- More understanding as to why this is the ending of choice.


Will I read the next one? : I think so. I did enjoy this one quite a bit.

*Thank you to Penguin & NetGalley for providing this ARC!


Similar Books :
- 'Dragonfruit' by Makiia Lucier
- 'The God and the Gwisin' by Sophie Kim
- 'So Let Them Burn' by Kamilah Cole
- 'Descendant of the Crane' by Joan He
- 'The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea' by Axie Oh

[Wera Niyom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC ahead of this review! The following feedback in my own opinion.

Prodigal Tiger served as a wonderful introduction to Malay folklore. From including different dialects in dialogue to the exciting descriptions of Malaysia through a fantastical lens, I enjoyed every minute of getting to know this magical version of Malaysia through the characters’ eyes.

I would have liked more breathing room between action scenes where we could relax with the characters and come to terms with everything happening with the council, the island, and the ghosts. In the middle of the book, there are constant obstacles happening back-to-back right when they are on the cusp of finding something new. I did like how these obstacles built off each other rather than maintaining one level of tension, but I found some fatigue with the constant attacks/explosions. Around the last 15% of the book, it slows down, and we see more of their daily life as they come to terms with the choices the major characters have made. I really appreciated how loose ends were tied up in a nice bow, but would have liked more of these scenes interspersed in earlier parts of the book. It should also be noted that while I found some plot twists to be predictable, it makes the book a nice, comfortable read. The predictability doesn’t shift my experience negatively, as instead of focusing so much on understanding the world and the magic, I could simply be with the characters.

The romantic tension between J.J. and Caro is sweet, and I like that when Caro returns to the island, there isn’t instant forgiveness. Both sides have things to work on in their relationship. While I wished to have male yearning early on, this story is primarily told through Caro’s perspective. J.J.’s hesitation shows some hints of potential male yearning, but I liked how it was left up to Caro to make the first move since she was the person who left. How they left things is always in the back of her mind, and I liked how it’s a consistent element that ties into her feelings of belonging.

The folkloric creatures and incorporating the Hungry Ghost Festival tie really well together. I got a huge kick out of seeing Chong’s interpretation of the Naga, as that also exists in my culture. There is something eerily chilling about the magic system, but thrilling. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in branching out into contemporary fantasy inspired by Asian culture, featuring darker folkloric tones, reuniting loved ones who must navigate a prior separation, and yearning for belonging.

3.5 star rating rounded to 4

[Karis · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!~~

4.5/5 stars rounded down!

This was such a pleasant surprise. Even though this really feels like standalone, I'd really love if this became a series, for the potential for further exploration is so massive.

Malaysia is a country I know very little about, and although Chong didn't dive too deeply into the precise mythology behind certain aspects besides ghosts (They were the antagonists, afterall), I still managed to get enough information to enjoy the lore that was presented to me. What really interested me was the worldwide implications of magic outside Malaysia and how the wizards regardless of culture hid in plain sight from the non-magic users. Despite me wanting to see all that, the story's primary focus in Caro's world and community was already fascinating enough.

Caro and the cast were my favorite aspects of the book. There's so much banter that's filled to the brim with wit and sarcasm, but the serious moments that held a lot more weight and stake in the relationships is what really solidified my love for these kids. I also related a lot to Caro's struggles, of being so afraid to drag loved ones into my problems in fear of them getting hurt or punished on my behalf, so it was easier to go alone than to ask for help. The narrative really forced her to confront this flaw of hers, and the way it was handled, especially between her childhood friends Zati and J.J., was s well done. I especially love the bond she and her brother had once he came back into the picture; it was really sweet how much they loved each other. There's also two specific twists regarding the villains I don't want to spoil, but the way they were both subtly hinted at throughout the story was a point of craftmanship on Chong's part.

The only thing I didn't like as much was the action. It's written well for the most part, but the pace of it was long, especially if the same fight dragged over a couple chapters. I also had a hard time visualizing it, because sometimes the words were vague, like using words such as 'spell' and 'curse' when I felt the distinguishment between the two wasn't exactly clear. The only aspect of magic/wizardry that felt more fleshed out was the medical treatments that often took place after the fights (So many people got hurt), particularly because J.J. was a healer and Caro described what he was doing/using for the most part.

All in all, I really liked this. Chong's grabbed my attention, and I wanna see what she plans on doing next!

[LadyoftheBlade (Britt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of Prodigal Tiger. This debut is very much about family, legacy, and the burdens that come with both. The story takes place in Malaysia and is soaked in southeast Asian culture. This YA debut novel revolves around Caroline Chau leaving NYC and returning home to investigate the disappearance of her twin brother, Aaron and find him as he is to be the next protector of the island. 


Caroline left her home five years prior to the story after an incident gone wrong causes her friend J.J. to get hurt. Caroline, while trying to live up to her brother, asks to create her own wizarding exam test. And she fails. As a result, she voluntarily leaves the island until she returns in the present day of the novel. Once home, Caroline has to reconcile with the way she left her friendships and her family five years ago. In the days leading up to the Hungry ghost festival, Caroline becomes entangled in a ghostly plot that threatens the island's magic. This is the basic premise that the novel opens with.


Caroline is a stubborn and always dives head first into danger. Mostly at the expense of herself. She isn't unlikable, but she does tend to diminish herself to make things "easier" for those around her. Or at least, so she can perceive she is making things better. The magic system isn't explained. You will not get any in depth course on how it works other than there are wizards and there are mortals. However, the how of the magic really isn't all that important. What is important is that Caroline's magic manifests in the shape of a tiger and it's cool!


Prodigal Tiger definitely does feel a bit slow at some points. The pacing in the beginning third is a bit slow and by the end I felt the resolution happened too fast. However, the novel is strongest in some of its slower scenes that allow Caroline to build on her relationships with her friends and family.


The ending of the novel was a bit of a rollercoaster and definitely felt as if I was watching the end of a shonen anime (affectionate). Despite its minor flaws, Prodigal Tiger is an absolute gem of a debut. To elaborate anymore may spoil the book. But, I loved how the main antagonist and Caroline clashed in their view of what a person's legacy should be. 


Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable story about family, duty, legacy, and how to move past expectations. Definitely recommend!

[Prof. Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prodigal Tiger by Samantha Chong is an exhilarating and vibrant addition to the YA contemporary fantasy genre that beautifully showcases Malaysian folklore and culture. As someone who actively seeks out diverse voices and stories, I was particularly excited to read this debut, and it did not disappoint. It’s a richly woven tale that combines action, magic, and emotion, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and cultural stories alike.

The story follows Caroline Chua, a character whose journey of exile, identity, and family resonated deeply with me. Her backstory of living in New York City away from her Malaysian roots adds a layer of complexity and authenticity to her character, making her struggles with belonging and self-discovery especially relatable for young readers who might be navigating their own cultural identities. Chong’s portrayal of Caroline’s internal conflicts and her determination to save her brother is both inspiring and heartwarming.

What truly elevates Prodigal Tiger is its vivid depiction of Malaysian folklore and traditions. The novel brings to life the rich tapestry of ghosts, spirits, and festivals that are often underrepresented in Western YA literature. The Hungry Ghost Festival, in particular, is depicted with cinematic detail, immersing the reader in its significance and the mystical atmosphere of Penang. The inclusion of local myths and magical elements adds a distinctive flavor to the story, making it a must-read for those interested in expanding their understanding of Southeast Asian culture.

The action scenes are well-paced and intense, especially as Caroline races against time to prevent the ghosts from breaking the barriers between the realms. The stakes are high, and the stakes feel real—both for Caroline’s family and for the broader community. I appreciated how Chong balanced the fast-paced plot with quieter moments of reflection, allowing readers to connect with Caroline’s emotional journey and her feelings of guilt, hope, and resilience.

The characters are diverse and well-developed. Caroline’s relationships—with her family, her old friends, and her first love J.J.—are nuanced and add depth to the story. The portrayal of friendships, romantic tension, and family dynamics enriches the narrative and makes the characters’ motivations more compelling.

From a broader perspective, Prodigal Tiger is an important addition to the need for more diverse stories in the YA community. As someone who actively seeks out Black, Brown, and Asian authors, it’s refreshing to see a story that authentically celebrates Malaysian culture and folklore while also exploring universal themes of identity, belonging, and redemption. Chong’s storytelling is cinematic, emotional, and culturally rich, making it a meaningful read that broadens the landscape of YA fantasy.

Overall, Prodigal Tiger is a captivating debut that combines cultural authenticity with thrilling fantasy. It’s a fantastic choice for readers who love action, folklore, and stories that explore what it means to find oneself across different worlds. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to diversify their reading list and discover new worlds through the lens of Malaysian magic.

[dzươn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book at the right time of my life. This book is written for the girls who lived so far away from home for so long, girls who struggle with the idea of belonging, girls who are between cultures.

I've never been to Penang but now I want to go home to it. Under Chong's pen, Malaysia felt a lot like the store around the corner where I could just pop by. We are taken to Southeast Asia, where magic has always been the norm, abundant, and unforgiving. I love fantasy in a contemporary context, this book makes me feel like magic is at the tip of my fingers and it has always lived around me.

From chapter one, we are transported to the middle of the story, which is a perfect place to start (thank you Arctic Monkeys). And as we grew to know the world and the characters, we understand their past. Chong weaved each character's backstory to the main plot with skills. This book is a homage to Hokkien family drama and I just LOVE how the politics played a part in shaping individual's family history. Once I finish the book, I realize this is not just Caro's story, but everyone else's too, Aaron, Arabella, Athena, J.J., Zati, even the adults like Kai Lin, Kai Tsiang, Chee, Yun Fen, etc... My favourite part was watching how different family dynamics played out, how one circle closes for another to begin, how siblings will go through hell for one another.

What resonates with me the most is the discussion of home, belonging, and most of all, legacy. This is a kind of book that you picked up because of a hooky commercial plot and ended up sitting with for a long time to come.

[Journey Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mythological fantasy read with supernatural elements ideal for fans of light magic and fast paced adventure.

This book was a lot of fun! There was a healthy amount of humor, which I liked. I almost feel like it would have been more enjoyable if it would have leaned a bit more into the younger audience though. The main character and most of her friends are eighteen, which, while semi-necessary for plot reasons, made her somewhat less relatable to who I feel would most enjoy this book.

It was, however, refreshingly clean. They used the h word but other than that there wasn't much content and even the violence wasn't graphic or too intense. I think this would be an excellent book to gift to the kids in your life. (I would say 12-15). There was some romance between Caroline and J.J., but it stayed on the 'sweet' side of things, (it did progress a little fast but it didn't bother me too much because they'd been friends pretty much their entire lives), and it also leaned heavily into the family and friendship elements which pleased me.

The thing that I liked the least was all the names. There were a LOT of side characters, most of them with very similar sounding names, and it got extremely confusing after a while.

It had some pretty neat Ghostbusters/supernatural vibes with the ghost realm and the not-really-explained magic, (which worked in this instance), and the mythology and Malay words and foods added to the worldbuilding. It was also solidly a stand-alone and wrapped itself up satisfactorily. I'm not sure it would hold up to too many rereads but it was a fun and entertaining book and I will be looking out for more work from the author in the future!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

better than i expected it to be, but it still bored me overall. something about the story/plot just wasn't enticing enough.

the writing/prose is fine, especially given it's YA, it could have been much, much worse. but the world we land in is lacking. i don't know anything about malaysia/history/folklore/etc. so when we're told things, i need to be TOLD. it also irks me when we have foreign languages use said foreign language and not provide an immediate translation-- i know this can be fixed by translating on the internet, but then i get pulled away from the book and it's just not a good experience.

the relationships in the story don't work well for me. caroline is brought back because she's gotta find her brother, okay deal. but then we're introduced to a lot of her friends/family that she 'abandoned' and we get very little of their relationships in a meaningful way. caroline has an issue with every single one of them, because she left and ghosted them. most of that doesn't get resolved until the latter half of the book and it all feels really rushed. and even the ones that are like mildly resolved before that, they feel very brushed under the rug because they have to be because they have to help caro find aaron.

there's like a smidge of politics thrown in here that i wish was expanded on, but given it's YA, that kind of detail can slide i guess.

the book is pretty okay if you look past all of these criticisms though. it's very action-packed and fast-paced.

thank you to netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC!

[Macie Broussard · Rating 3 out of 5]

TLDR: Prodigal Tiger is definitely an action packed fantasy and if that and YA are up your alley, you'll enjoy this one. If you're not into YA, skip this one.

The cover art of this book is beautiful and what initially led me to wanting to read it. The cover emits fun and magic, and I think that this book is that: fun and magic! I bet with the right narrator, this would be an awesome audiobook - especially with the Malaysian folklore and words used throughout. I loved the friend group in this story, enjoyed their banter and care for one another.

Everything about the world building of this story was subtle, and I feel like it lacked depth. We know the characters have magic, we know the island has magic, somehow those are linked, but people can have magic off the island, there's a ghost world - everything is super vague and left me wanting to understand it more. I do think all of the elements of a good fantasy world were there, but it just didn't come to fruition. There was also a political element of the story that we were told about, but I didn't fully feel was fleshed out - the council - Caro and Aaron's roles there. I get the basics, but there was something missing. Finally, I struggled with the ending - I didn't follow Caro's choices throughout, she's a teen - but this final decision left me confused about the character motivation.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley In exchange for my true and honest thoughts.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome start not only sets the mood of the book, but it also tells the reader what to expect: grim, dark encounters with horrible creatures, action, and dealing with spiritual worlds and underworld ghosts that are invisible to common, non-magical humans but are leaking.
Caroline is the granddaughter of the most famous hero, and he is returning home after being away for years in New York. We sense immediately that she isn't 100% happy about it, that she feels like she is lacking in some way to be of help. Her magic has taken the shape of a tiger, she is powerful sometimes too much making her dangerous.

Her brother, Aaron, the next in line to be the head of the council is missing. Which means if he is gone, she will have to take his place. That is a nightmare for Caroline. She must do everything in her power to find her brother. From here, it's a non-stop chain of events. Very cool characters and epic moments. I love asian mythology and lore (in this case, Malaysian) fantasy novels.

Easy to visualize the characters, action, and scenes. The team is great, I love when different characters join forces for a quest or journey. The villain is awesome because she has her (valid) reasons. And having access to vivid memories and past events enriches the plot. 
amazing cover

I won a goodreads giveaway arc copy and my opinion is my own.
posting to insta here therearenobadbooks

[june on · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC on NetGalley.

This book is a wild ride! Having grown up and lived in Penang, where PRODIGAL TIGER takes place, I was immediately endeared by its portrayal of familiar landmarks, people, cultures and folklore. The author blends them all seamlessly into a magical world and casts them in new roles, adding novelty to Penang's familiar society and landscape in ways that I didn't expect. The story and characters carry with them pieces of cultures I adore. For instance, the Hokkien-drama-esque approach to the Chua's family's past and secrets, which shocked me just as much as it intrigued me.

The pacing is fast, with quiet moments in between, some breathing room before each battle. There are some brilliant fight scenes, but due to my preference, my favorite parts are still the 'quieter' scenes where Caroline ruminates on her struggle or scenes with important dialogues.

Beyond the vengeful ghosts, mythical creatures, and high-stake battles, this is a story about family, the burden of legacy (and responsibilities), and belongings. The magic system really helps drive these messages home and made me think about what it means to be connected to a place/community. I thought of those who grew up far from home, or never left, or have found themselves somewhere in between. This is a book for us.

[Saren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down. I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Prodigal Tiger is a great action packed YA review. While I don't think I'm the target audience for this book, I still had a great time reading it. This was my first introduction to Malaysian folklore and it has certainly left me wanting more!

We follow our main character Caro as she returns to a home where magic is the norm to find her brother missing and the island in chaos. She teams up with her old friends to find him. I sometimes struggle fantasy in a contemporary setting, but I think Chong did an excellent job blending the two. This also wasn't just Caro's story - we get a glimpse at the struggles of all of the characters young and old. I remember struggling as a teenager and feeling like nobody understood, so those themes really hit home for me. Watching Caro develop as a character was very reminiscent of that.

I do feel that the worldbuilding was a bit soft, especially as someone who isn't familiar with Malaysian folklore. We get just a little bit of information, but not quite enough. I also recognize that this is a YA debut, and as I get older, YA becomes a little more hit or miss for me. And while we did get a glimpse into the story of each character, I think a little bit more information on their relationships with Caro would've been nice. It was a challenge at times to really fall in love with the characters. I also wish we'd gotten just a touch more on island politics, since we barely got a glimpse.

I will say that this book is definitely fast paced and perfect for a YA audience, it just wasn't quite right for me. I enjoyed the story overall and Chong's writing style, and I'll definitely keep an eye out for future releases from her.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books For Young Readers for the opportunity to read an early copy.

[Caseys_bookshelff]

DNF at 120 pages. I really thought I would enjoy this one because of the Malaysian magic/folklore and story full of action however, I could not seem to stay engaged with the storyline.

Caroline from the beginning is quick to react and eager to find her brother. This made the pacing seem pretty fast, and as her family members are introduced I felt so disconnected from them because all I knew is that they had a falling out with Caroline after she left the island. Maybe as the story progressed her relationships with them grows and the connections were stronger but since I did not finish the book I can’t say much. I just know I could not relate to or distinguish anything interesting about these characters following Caroline’s story.

So unfortunately, I had a hard time finishing this story and decided not to continue reading it. I think if the characters were developed more to add to the story I would have enjoyed this more and if the world-building was more detailed surrounding the magic in the island I would have had a better sense of the overall storyline.

Overall, I think others would enjoy this story if they are looking for something with a lot of action, Malaysian inspired folklore, flawed characters, Hungry Ghost Festival, magic, and YA contemporary fantasy.

Thank you Penguin Teen for the gifted ARC!

[Laney · Rating 4 out of 5]

After years away from home, Caroline returns after learning of her brother’s disappearance. In coming back, she’s reunited with old friends and forced to confront both the past she left behind and the challenges now facing the island.

Samantha Chong has created such a vibrant world, complete with a rich and immersive magic system. The characters (even the ghosts) felt fully alive on the page, each with a presence that lingered. I loved the twists and turns of Caroline’s journey, especially how the story weaves together Malaysian magic and folklore in a way that feels both fantastical and real. The magic-filled fight scenes were especially vivid, so much so that they felt like they were unfolding right in front of me.

What stood out most to me was how Caroline’s struggles weren’t just external. Alongside the fight for the island, she grapples with her relationships and her sense of belonging after so many years away. I did find myself wishing we’d gone a little deeper in some of the dialogue, but it never detracted significantly from the experience.

Overall, this was a great read, paired with a truly beautiful cover.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Samantha Chong for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review!

[Jayde · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favourite parts of Prodigal Tiger was the vibrant folklore that’s woven so delicately throughout its tale. It’s a thoughtful look at Malaysian culture that is too often unappreciated. I really enjoyed the rich world building and every description of the (sadly) fictional island of Penang was so unique and vivid that it kept me turning the page.

Whilst I sometimes found Caroline’s behaviour frustrating (or more often than not appropriate for her young age) or impulsive, I did enjoy the bravery and determination that are so crucial to her character. She strives to protect her friends and family - even to her own detriment sometimes. She’s flawed, and it was easy to appreciate that.

I didn’t see the plot twist coming - which I think is a sign of Chong’s tightly woven plotting - much like one of the intricate shields described therein. The action was almost nonstop and the stakes felt high - although at times I did question if they were perhaps a little too much. It was very fast paced and an immersive read that I would recommend if you’re looking for more Asian inspired fantasy.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers & NetGalley for this arc.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prodigal Tiger is a YA Fantasy set in modern Malaysia. It combines a story of folklore, family and self discovery.

Caroline Chua finds herself unexpectedly setting foot back in Malaysia after years of exile when her beloved brother, Aaron goes missing. He is set to become the next Protector of the Island and with vengeful ghosts on their heels, she sets off to find him. Despite the council's efforts to keep her away from trouble, Caro runs straight into it.

I love that Prodigal Tiger is unapologetically Malaysian. Allowing myself to discover more about Malaysia and its customs, culture and folklore.

A few twists and turns through the books make you question what is the importance of family, legacy and self preservation. I enjoyed reading about the complexities of familial ties and how that can change a person’s perception of themselves and their connections to their ancestry.

Magic although has a big part to play in Prodigal Tiger, it isn’t the be all or end all as the success of the task at hand rests in the strengths of everyone, magic or not. I love seeing how despite what we have, sometimes we isolate ourselves because of what we don’t have and devaluing ourselves because of it.

In the end, I loved that Caro found herself. However unconventional that is. She gained so much from those around her, from loss, self doubt and resilience.

[Emily Hourihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank netgalley, and the publisher for letting me read this book early. I loved it. it was magical and whismical. I think that the mythology was great. I loved the writing style. I think that readers who reads "The Wrath and the Dawn", "Once Upon a Broken Heart", and "A Song of Silver Flame like Night" books will loved this book. I thought that the world was unique. I also think that the book is great for younger readers as well as older readers. I think that this book will be great for middle graders. I think that this book brings two cultures together without overdoing one culture over the other greatly. I loved reading about New York and Malaysian cultures together. I also loved reading about the folklore in the book. Overall, I think that this book will be great for middle graders and all readers alike.