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Caput Mundi #1
Caput Mundi, the Head of the World
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26When Niil Terra sets off to find his missing parents, he ends up in Caput Mundi, a dazzling world filled with flourishing innovation and alchemic wonders. It is also the home of enarii, a shape-shifting metal that can be willed into any form, whether it be swords, forks, or fly swatters. There, Niil’s talent for enarii shaping emerges, and for the first time, he feels like he truly belongs.
But when he discovers that his mother is the leader of the Doubleyes, who is out to eliminate enarii, he is faced with an impossible choice: to stop her or watch hundreds suffer at the hands of someone he'd do anything to reunite.
But when he discovers that his mother is the leader of the Doubleyes, who is out to eliminate enarii, he is faced with an impossible choice: to stop her or watch hundreds suffer at the hands of someone he'd do anything to reunite.
274 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 17, 2026
2 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kang
2 books9 followersB.R. KANG is a 1.5-generation Korean-American, unapologetic foodie, Harvard alum, and constant daydreamer. Her debut novel, “Caput Mundi,” has been nearly twenty years in the making—rooted in what-ifs, countless revisions, hundreds of rejections, and a stubborn belief that good stories are worth fighting for.
When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with recipes or exploring flavors from around the world. For more, visit her website CaputMundiBooks.com.
When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with recipes or exploring flavors from around the world. For more, visit her website CaputMundiBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 22, 2025
The world of Caput Mundi is vividly drawn, and the message about finding your voice and standing for what’s right is handled with heart and honesty. There’s action, mystery, humor, and even a few well-earned emotional punches.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
The most creative part of the book is a substance called enarii. Characters use it freely for a myriad of purposes, and it’s used as currency to buy things. People can absorb it into their skin and use it to form any object they can visualize. Niil is the main character, and he has a rare ability. He can sense the presence of enarii and draw it to himself. The substance seems alive at times, as it starts to move when he’s nearby. Niil learns that the only other person with his ability is his mother, but she left home four years ago. Readers will discover more about enarii as events unfold, as it’s the most important substance in the world. Other secrets await.
Ada joins the cast early in the story, but she has a contrasting outlook on the world. Her parents kidnap Niil in the book’s opening, but they care for him like their own child. Ada is bitter toward her parents because she thinks Niil was treated better than her. She notifies him of her parents’ murder and sets out to locate those responsible. She suspects it’s a secret group called the Doubleye. Ada isn’t very forthcoming with information, so it takes a while for readers to understand her character. She has a rare allergy, but she becomes a loyal ally to Niil.
The underlying conflict concerns societal issues involving entitled people and citizens who’ve been wronged. Many citizens in the empire are unhappy with the leadership, and some are actively rebelling. The Doubleye encourages unrest and chaos, and they’ve set off explosions and fires in public places. Niil and Ada, as well as her cousin Soes, eventually meet members of the Doubleye, although they don’t fully understand what’s happening. Yes, Niil’s mother is a member of the rebel group, but there are complications. Niil is conflicted about his mother’s role, and the Doubleye now has more radical ideas. Readers will be surprised as characters’ motives come to light, and unexpected twists ensue.
What didn’t work as well:
Perhaps there are too many surprises, as it seems like readers don’t fully know characters until the book ends. There are even truths that characters don’t know about themselves. On the other hand, it’s nice that the plot isn’t completely predictable.
The final verdict:
It’s wonderful when readers discover a book with unexpected ideas. Niil is a delightful, naïve underdog who is determined to save innocent lives and find his mother. I recommend readers try this book for themselves.
The most creative part of the book is a substance called enarii. Characters use it freely for a myriad of purposes, and it’s used as currency to buy things. People can absorb it into their skin and use it to form any object they can visualize. Niil is the main character, and he has a rare ability. He can sense the presence of enarii and draw it to himself. The substance seems alive at times, as it starts to move when he’s nearby. Niil learns that the only other person with his ability is his mother, but she left home four years ago. Readers will discover more about enarii as events unfold, as it’s the most important substance in the world. Other secrets await.
Ada joins the cast early in the story, but she has a contrasting outlook on the world. Her parents kidnap Niil in the book’s opening, but they care for him like their own child. Ada is bitter toward her parents because she thinks Niil was treated better than her. She notifies him of her parents’ murder and sets out to locate those responsible. She suspects it’s a secret group called the Doubleye. Ada isn’t very forthcoming with information, so it takes a while for readers to understand her character. She has a rare allergy, but she becomes a loyal ally to Niil.
The underlying conflict concerns societal issues involving entitled people and citizens who’ve been wronged. Many citizens in the empire are unhappy with the leadership, and some are actively rebelling. The Doubleye encourages unrest and chaos, and they’ve set off explosions and fires in public places. Niil and Ada, as well as her cousin Soes, eventually meet members of the Doubleye, although they don’t fully understand what’s happening. Yes, Niil’s mother is a member of the rebel group, but there are complications. Niil is conflicted about his mother’s role, and the Doubleye now has more radical ideas. Readers will be surprised as characters’ motives come to light, and unexpected twists ensue.
What didn’t work as well:
Perhaps there are too many surprises, as it seems like readers don’t fully know characters until the book ends. There are even truths that characters don’t know about themselves. On the other hand, it’s nice that the plot isn’t completely predictable.
The final verdict:
It’s wonderful when readers discover a book with unexpected ideas. Niil is a delightful, naïve underdog who is determined to save innocent lives and find his mother. I recommend readers try this book for themselves.
February 16, 2026
4.5 True Rating | ARC Review: An incredible book about the adventures of Niil as he searches for answers and his father, finding friendship, adventure, and even more questions.
🌎 For Fans of:
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Fantasy
- Adventure
- Friendship
- Fighting for what is right
- Uncovering secrets
- Searching for parents
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Growing up, my favorite book was The House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, a book that won multiple awards and had me reading it every year for a decade.
This book, Book 1 of Caput Mundi, reminds me of House of the Scorpion in so many positive ways because it’s an adventure that goes beyond kids just being kids.
Originally going out to seek answers about his father and his own kidnappers who disappeared, male main character Niil becomes a piece of a much bigger puzzle — one that leads to more questions.
There are budding friendships with other children, adventure, fighting for what is good and right, and an entertaining world with fictional elements that humans can wield.
Even though it’s a middle grade book, as a 31 year old female, I really enjoyed it! It was fantastical enough to get into but still complex enough and well written in a way that never made me feel bored or overwhelmed.
📖 Should My Child Read This?
I say yes! It’s definitely a middle grade book since there are instances of fighting (hand to hand and with weapons), death (not vivid descriptions, some off-page), and the fight between good and evil. There aren’t any religious elements nor any romantic/sexual elements (not even kissing) but there are larger questions and moral dilemmas of doing the right thing even when it is difficult and dangerous.
🖤 Thank you to author B. R. Kang, NetGalley for the digital advanced copy, and Books Forward PR for the physical advanced copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📘 Book: Caput Mundi, the Head of the World
📚 Series: Caput Mundi, Book 1
📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
✅ I would recommend to YA readers and adult readers!
🌎 For Fans of:
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Fantasy
- Adventure
- Friendship
- Fighting for what is right
- Uncovering secrets
- Searching for parents
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Growing up, my favorite book was The House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, a book that won multiple awards and had me reading it every year for a decade.
This book, Book 1 of Caput Mundi, reminds me of House of the Scorpion in so many positive ways because it’s an adventure that goes beyond kids just being kids.
Originally going out to seek answers about his father and his own kidnappers who disappeared, male main character Niil becomes a piece of a much bigger puzzle — one that leads to more questions.
There are budding friendships with other children, adventure, fighting for what is good and right, and an entertaining world with fictional elements that humans can wield.
Even though it’s a middle grade book, as a 31 year old female, I really enjoyed it! It was fantastical enough to get into but still complex enough and well written in a way that never made me feel bored or overwhelmed.
📖 Should My Child Read This?
I say yes! It’s definitely a middle grade book since there are instances of fighting (hand to hand and with weapons), death (not vivid descriptions, some off-page), and the fight between good and evil. There aren’t any religious elements nor any romantic/sexual elements (not even kissing) but there are larger questions and moral dilemmas of doing the right thing even when it is difficult and dangerous.
🖤 Thank you to author B. R. Kang, NetGalley for the digital advanced copy, and Books Forward PR for the physical advanced copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📘 Book: Caput Mundi, the Head of the World
📚 Series: Caput Mundi, Book 1
📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
✅ I would recommend to YA readers and adult readers!
Review of advance copy
Eleven year old Niil is kidnapped by debt collectors for the debts of his father and brought to Umbra. His captors are kind to him, but when they disappear, Niil must make his own way. He discovers enari, a valuable liquid metal that can be shaped into anything. He meets Ada and her cousin Soes and together they travel to Caput Mundi where enari is as much a weapon as currency. The three youngsters try to find the adults who have let them down, and, in so doing, discover a lot about themselves.
Set in a world based on ancient Rome, this story is a fast-paced adventure fantasy where the protagonist must learn the advantages and pitfalls of his newly discovered powers. There are new friends who may not actually be friends and much to discover in the capital Caput Mundi. At the end, Niil, Ada and Soes find out how someone they thought was an ally has diabolical plans to wreak a terrible revenge on the people of the Caput Mundi. The ending hints at further adventures. The author creates a world of haves, have-nots, with greed and power at the core. Kids who enjoy books about kids with special powers, in a quasi-historical magical setting may find themselves happily immersed in the world of Hearth. A nicely drawn map at the beginning helps to understand Niil’s travels. I’m not sure of racial distinctions of the characters.
Set in a world based on ancient Rome, this story is a fast-paced adventure fantasy where the protagonist must learn the advantages and pitfalls of his newly discovered powers. There are new friends who may not actually be friends and much to discover in the capital Caput Mundi. At the end, Niil, Ada and Soes find out how someone they thought was an ally has diabolical plans to wreak a terrible revenge on the people of the Caput Mundi. The ending hints at further adventures. The author creates a world of haves, have-nots, with greed and power at the core. Kids who enjoy books about kids with special powers, in a quasi-historical magical setting may find themselves happily immersed in the world of Hearth. A nicely drawn map at the beginning helps to understand Niil’s travels. I’m not sure of racial distinctions of the characters.
Read
December 17, 2025Caput Mundi, the Head of the World: Enarii is a dazzling adventure fantasy for upper middle-grade readers that blends action, mystery, and hopepunk sensibilities. B.R. Kang introduces Niil Terra, a young protagonist on a quest to find his missing parents, who discovers a world brimming with alchemic wonders and the shape shifting metal, enarii.
Kang’s narrative excels at combining thrilling adventure with profound themes of perseverance, self discovery, and standing up for what is right. Readers are immersed in a richly imagined world while rooting for Niil as he navigates complex choices, including confronting his own mother’s dangerous ambitions. This book balances high-stakes fantasy with heartfelt messages about belonging, courage, and the power of taking control of one’s destiny.
Kang’s narrative excels at combining thrilling adventure with profound themes of perseverance, self discovery, and standing up for what is right. Readers are immersed in a richly imagined world while rooting for Niil as he navigates complex choices, including confronting his own mother’s dangerous ambitions. This book balances high-stakes fantasy with heartfelt messages about belonging, courage, and the power of taking control of one’s destiny.
October 22, 2025
This is such a vibrant and well-thought-out middle-grade fantasy that is definitely a book with themes that will apply to readers of all ages. There's the power struggle between finding one's identity as children grow up and the frustration of cleaning up adult-made problems that millennials will be sure to relate to. The worldbuilding was fantastic, and the relationship between characters was heartfelt and realistic. A perfect read for anyone who needs a little hope in their life!
Review of advance copy
This book has everything for pre-teens. Fantasy, adventure, more twists and turns that you didn't see coming. Characters are well developed. Was especially interested in a substance called Enarii which can be made into anything from utensils to boats, wouldn't that be nice to have. If kids are into fantasy then this would be the book for them.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews