Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup

Debut authors Nauryzbai and Kalaus employ Kazakh mythology to craft a thrilling series-opening fantasy about a contemporary tween who accidentally summons a warrior prince from 2,000 years in the past. Batu, who lives in Almaty, is struggling to cope with his family’s preparations for a new baby, and bullying from classmate Scorpion. After inadvertently calling upon Golden Warrior Aspara—the legendary 13-year-old hero of the Saka people—Aspara recruits Batu in his search for the Golden Cup, an ancient Saka relic. Dangerous encounters with evil spirits called Jeztyrnaq imperil their quest, forcing the duo to rely on Batu’s friends to survive. Things get even more treacherous when Scorpion and his meddling grandfather begin their own search for the Cup. Culturally significant details—including sensorial descriptions of the smell of dishes such as bauyrsaq and shelpek, and the intricate patterns of traditional Kazakh rugs—ground the characters’ journey in Batu’s present, even as the narrative swiftly shifts between contemporary action and scenes from Aspara’s past. Fans of fantasy adventures such as the Pandava series and Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond will enjoy the easy-to-root-for characters and familiar tropes that populate this action-packed tale. A glossary concludes. Ages 8–12. (Aug.)