4.5⭐

Basic Premise:
- 17 different stories of mythical creatures from Southeast Asia.
- Has themes of grief, loss, alienation, change, hope and love.

Thoughts:

This is a lovely collection of stories that's suitable for young readers. Each story showcases a different mythical creature/cryptid that's particularly known in that Southeast Asian country. There are 17 different ones, each written by a different author with different themes and styles.

It's an interesting read as every story has a deep connection with the culture of that particular nation. Southeast Asian readers might've heard stories of these mythical creatures but they're usually scary stories. This collection changes it to a light-hearted beautiful retelling of these myths in the eyes of a child encountering the cryptid for the first time.

Sometimes the stories have a sad undertone to it, with explorations of grief and change. The stories featuring Than Trung and Sang Kelembai for example. Sometimes they're fun with a comedic undertone. Examples of this would be the story with the Aswang which I thought was horror! There are also many stories with themes of alienation, of children feeling ostracized for being different, for not fitting in. All of the stories end on a hopeful note and I love that.

Stories I particularly enjoyed:
- The Girl in the Graveyard
- The Curse of Sang Kelembai
- Kusu Island
- The Mawas in the Airport
- Melati and the Eternal Battle
- Naga Fireballs
- Lexie Libot Gets Lost in a Wedding

What I thought could've been better:
- Naturally there are usage of different languages in the stories, like the one with the Orang Mawas which was especially funny. Perhaps a glossary at the end would enhance the reading experience. However, as I was given the ARC to read, I am not sure if a glossary will be added to the published edition later. (Might change the review later once I get the final copy!)

It's a lovely collection and one I'll get for my nieces/nephews to read. Highly recommended!

"Escaping Reality, Embracing Southeast Asia's Diversity"

Seventeen storytellers weave a magic portal to Southeast Asia cultures through the lens of enchanted folklore, captivating the readers’ imagination with heartfelt wisdom at its core. Featuring a team of award-winning authors, The Beast Beneath The Winds curates vibrant mythical creatures drawn from the writers’ ancestral lineage as they re-emerge into modern life. Through seventeen children’s tenacious adventures, the book uncovers the warmth and timeless wisdom that lies beneath.

Each short story has immersed me in Southeast Asian cultures through its narrative. I could relate to the nuances in the foods, scenery, and the characters’ conversations. All the authors beautifully conveyed their unique heritage to the readers. Therefore, I recommend slow-paced reading to keep the younger readers engaged with the culture and context. However, some parts of the narratives felt too rushed, yet overall, it is still cohesive and entertaining.

I also appreciate the authors’ way of shedding a strong light on emotional struggles, which are usually dismissed or buried by the older family members. It is a powerful reminder that children also need a safe space to navigate their challenges, especially their family, friendships, and school-related life. Somehow, it feels uplifting, especially when the writers encourage the children to be brave and wise, graceful yet vulnerable. It remains soul-stirring even for adults. However, I'm surprised that one of the stories mentioned LGBTQ+ issues, and it makes me wonder if it is the right place to bring such a sensitive topic for children.

I also admire the cryptids’ illustrations, one of my favorite parts of the book, for providing greater clarity to the readers. In addition to the illustrations, the writers offer a brief and concise introduction about the magical creatures, which I found very useful.

Ultimately, this book has swept me away on a mystical journey into the roots of Southeast Asia, as I carried my 12-year-old self into fearless adventures. A book that encourages young readers to embrace the unknown through the ancient stories of Southeast Asian magical creatures.

Thank you for Hanna Alkaf and the publisher Abrams Children's Book. I am sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read the e-ARC.