Description

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 Cityfar enough away that she cant hurt the people she loves. That is until she is abruptly summoned home in an emergencyher beloved older brother, Aaron, who is next in line to become the Protector of the Island, has vanished. And now back in Penang, she cant help but notice that things dont feel the same as they once did and its unclear if shes changed, or the island.

Despite her familys desire to keep her close and the Councils explicit instructions to stay out of trouble, stubborn, self-sufficient Caroline is hell-bent on saving her brother with or without anyones help. But when it turns out that Aaron has been kidnapped by vengeful ghosts with a centuries-old grudge, even Caroline must admit shes 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 islands magic, and cement their rightful place as the truealbeit deadrulers 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 cant help but wonder if shes 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.

Author: Samantha Chong
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers
Published: 03/17/2026
Pages: 352
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.50w x 0.88d
ISBN: 9780593860106
Language: English