Lalani of the Distant Sea

There are certain books that feed the soul and remind readers who they truly are. Lalani of the Distant Sea is just such a masterpiece; a novel that is more than a story. Steeped in Filipino folklore, a fully realized world and vivid characters, Erin Entrada Kelly has given us an incredible gift.Lalani Sarita lives on the island of Sanlagita, an oppressive place ruled by a vindictive mountain. Everyone is given a job and knows their place. But, a drought threatens the villagers, and Lalani's mother is stricken with mender's disease, an often fatal illness. Hope just might lie to the north on Mount Isa, a paradise of good fortune. Lalani knows she is nothing special, that she is the least likely person to accomplish a life-changing task. However, when a rash wish causes the villagers to blame her for their hardships, Lalani must find a way to help. A perilous quest ensues in which many unusual creatures are met and much adventure occurs.This story is difficult to effectively describe. While it is clothed as a simple fairy tale, Lalani of the Distant Sea is so much more: a story of the importance of kindness, the need for courage and a journey of self-discovery. I especially love how the ordinary characters must find the courage to take a stand. Hetsbi, one of Lalani's friends, is one of my favorite characters, and I loved the chapters that explored events from his perspective. Practical Veyda, Hetsbi's sister, is also a wonderful character. In love how she nmakes medicine and is determined to help people in her village.The novel has many complex events, and plot threads eventually culminate in an exquisite tapestry. If you are a bit confused by the many creatures and events, please be patient. All will become plain if you continue the journey.Lalani of the Distant Sea is a must-read and an unforgettable experience. I loved all the vivid creatures, particularly the Weeping Loset, the Whenbo and the Bai. The author's imagination is amazing, and the creatures spring to life. The world seems so real, and you will be immersed in its savage and oddly hopeful embrace. Enter a world of peril where things are never what they seem. Thoroughly recommended. God bless you all.

This book reminds me of moana. A young lady whose burden is to save he mother, her village and to reach the unkown.It was a joy to read a book filled with mythology, adventures and lessons, it would be better if there’s more illustrations :)

I bought this book for my daughter for Christmas, and it took me nearly two months to get my hands on it because she kept rereading it. It is amazing. If you loved "The Girl Who Drank the Moon," you'll love this one.

Loved this gentle story about how to be brave even when you are full of doubts and fears. Highly recommend!

My book arrived earlier than expected and in great condition, even as used.

Wonderful story!

Lalani of the Distant Sea was my favorite summer read of 2019. Erin Entrada Kelly does a masterful job weaving in Filipino folklore with this thrilling adventure. A rich cast of characters combined with the imaginative setting of Sanlagita, draws the reader in to an unforgettable experience. Fantastic story!

I like the idea behind this wandering maritime adventure -- think The Voyage of the Dawn Treader crossed with Disney's Moana, roughly -- but I feel like it would have been stronger if the point-of-view had stuck with the title heroine throughout the novel, rather than darting around among a supporting cast and a variety of fantastical creatures. The structure is also a little strange, as twelve-year-old Lalani technically leaves her island village home three different times, which tends to reduce the narrative tension overall.Or maybe I just need to stop reading (or at least overthinking) middle-grade fiction, as I keep nitpicking issues that likely wouldn't bother someone closer to the age of the typical protagonist. This is a solid story with some fun worldbuilding inspired by traditional Filipino folklore, and my particular critiques may not be relevant for other readers.

I bought this thinking it would have creatures or rituals or places or mythologies that would draw from Filipino folklore, but there was none of that here. It's simply a story that has some words drawn from Tagalog (like "Isa" or "Diwata").I felt that the writing was good and interesting - and the book was very well-designed with some special chapters that had their own illustrations - but as I didn't have the correct expectations, it was a disappointment.