Karma of the Sun
Teen hero aims to stop doomsday in thoughtful adventure.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Karma of the Sun is a fantasy novel set in the Himalayas at some undetermined time in the future, after a nuclear winter. Author Brandon Ying Kit Boey concocts a quest to save the entire world from total destruction. Swearing is limited to a few instances of "damn," "hell," and "bastard." One scene features someone drinking a cocktail of alcohol and cobra blood. There's non-sexual nudity in a scene where Karma and Nami are stripped when taken prisoner. One young character is killed by wolves, and there are other scenes of strong violence, including a particular brutal fight scene where a boy uses a blade and a dagger to protect himself.
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What's the Story?
As KARMA OF THE SUN opens, young Karma hears an eerie horn call that no one else notices. He is sure that the call is connected to the prophesy of the seven suns: Six Suns. Six blasts in the sky. A seventh -- and the Earth will die. After his village is destroyed by bandits, Karma leaves on a quest to find the Child Lama and follow a dangerous path to a mystical mountain said to connect the physical world with the spirit lands.
Is It Any Good?
The Himalayas make for vivid action, and this thoughtful fantasy is a solid debut. In Karma of the Sun, author Brandon Ying Kit Boey concocts a post-nuclear adventure that resonates with ancient magic and spirituality. The main character is both admirable and relatable, and never portrayed as an Asian stereotype. Adventurous readers will be rewarded.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character strengths shown in Karma of the Sun. How does Karma show courage, teamwork, and perseverance as he tries to save his village -- and the world?
Karma's father has been missing for most of his childhood. Why does the boy feel such loyalty toward him?
How do myths change over time? How do the characters in this book shift their understanding of local folklore?
Book Details
- Author: Brandon Ying Kit Boey
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: CamCat
- Publication date: January 17, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 21, 2023
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