Princess Mononoke meets How to Train Your Dragon in this magical middle grade adventure from Cindy Lin, author of The Twelve, featuring a blend of East and Southeast Asian folklore and mythical creatures, and starring a boy with a hero’s destiny.

Prince Jin is running out of time.

He must find a monster companion before his thirteenth birthday or lose the throne completely.

And that means travelling to the only place where monsters still live: the legendary, dangerous Whisper Island.

But untold perils await Jin there. The magical creatures he seeks are not so easily swayed, and an even greater threat looms on the horizon—one that could threaten everything Jin hopes to achieve.

• A Prince’s Coming of Age Story: Prince Jin has just months to find a mythical partner and prove he’s worthy of the throne—a deadline that could cost him everything.
• The Dangerous Whisper Island: Jin travels to a legendary island sanctuary, the last known home of magical beasts, where untold dangers and powerful creatures await him.
• Kirin, Dragons, and Phoenixes: A fantasy world inspired by East and Southeast Asian legends, filled with creatures like the noble kirin, powerful dragons, and the mysterious piyao.
• The Power of a Whisperer: Perfect for young readers who love adventure, magic, and stories about the unbreakable bond between heroes and their incredible animal companions.