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Synopsis
In the shadow of Le Morne Brabant mountain on the island of Mauritius, young storyteller Zuri’s life is upended when a storm awakens an ancient power within him. Marked by a crescent-shaped birthmark, Zuri begins to hear the songs of whales and the voices of maroon spirits’ escaped slaves who leapt to freedom from the cliffs. As malevolent forces rise to consume the world, Zuri must reunite fractured ocean magic, awaken ancient gods, and heal the rift between humanity and nature. Time is running out, and the fate of the earth rests in the hands of a boy destined to rewrite its story. The Guardians of Le Morne is an epic fantasy of ecological reckoning to restore human destruction of the environment through greed and over exploitation.It is a story that echoes across generations, filled with myth, magic, and the enduring strength of resilience. Despite its heavy themes, The Guardians of Le Morne is ultimately a story of hope. It acknowledges the damage humanity has inflicted on the world but insists that redemption is possible. The message is clear: healing begins with recognising the past, embracing our interconnectedness, and taking collective action to restore balance.
Is The Guardians of Le Morne appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Middle grade eco-fantasy with themes of slavery's legacy and environmental destruction balanced by messages of hope and restoration. Historical trauma (enslaved maroons leaping to freedom) is referenced but not graphically depicted.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include slavery and death.
Who'll love this
Young readers will connect with Zuri's journey to discover his magical gifts and save the world through courage, ancient gods, and ocean magic.