Caput Mundi, the Head of the World
Book #1 Enarii
by B.R. Kang
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Pub Date 17 Mar 2026 | Archive Date 31 Jul 2026
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Description
Upper middle-grade hopepunk blends the arts of Avatar: the Last Airbender with epic adventure & heart of Percy Jackson
When Niil Terra sets off to find his missing parents, he ends up in Caput Mundi, a dazzling place filled with flourishing innovation and alchemic wonders. It is also the home of enarii, a shape-shifting metal that can be willed into any shape, whether it be swords, forks or fly swatters. As Niil’s talent for shaping enarii emerges, he discovers something he’s never had before: a place where he belongs.
But when secrets about enarii—and Niil’s parents—begin to surface, he is faced with an impossible choice that could cost far more than he’s prepared to lose.
Caput Mundi: the Head of the World is an upper middle grade adventure fantasy with a touch of hopepunk. At its core, this is an adventure story filled with action, mystery, and well-deserved butt kicking. But it’s also about perseverance, and what it means to stand up for what’s right. It’s about finding your voice, taking your power back, and holding onto who you are. No matter what the world throws at you.
Advance Praise
"A lively, imaginative middle-grade fantasy full of adventure and magical elements."—Kirkus Review
"People’s ultimate loyalties are tested against a backdrop of alchemistic magic and political machinations in the exciting series-opening fantasy novel Caput Mundi: The Head of the World."—Foreword Review
"It’s wonderful when readers discover a book with unexpected ideas."—YA Books Central
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781969668036 |
| PRICE | $9.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 271 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 2 members
Featured Reviews
Amy M, Reviewer
Great fantasy style book with characters that are wonderful like Niil 💛
Love the details and uniqueness of this story
Great world building and character interactions 😊
Veronica A, Reviewer
4.5 True Rating | ARC Review: An incredible book about the adventures of Niil as he searches for answers and his father, finding friendship, adventure, and even more questions.
🌎 For Fans of:
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Fantasy
- Adventure
- Friendship
- Fighting for what is right
- Uncovering secrets
- Searching for parents
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Growing up, my favorite book was The House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, a book that won multiple awards and had me reading it every year for a decade.
This book, Book 1 of Caput Mundi, reminds me of House of the Scorpion in so many positive ways because it’s an adventure that goes beyond kids just being kids.
Originally going out to seek answers about his father and his own kidnappers who disappeared, male main character Niil becomes a piece of a much bigger puzzle — one that leads to more questions.
There are budding friendships with other children, adventure, fighting for what is good and right, and an entertaining world with fictional elements that humans can wield.
Even though it’s a middle grade book, as a 31 year old female, I really enjoyed it! It was fantastical enough to get into but still complex enough and well written in a way that never made me feel bored or overwhelmed.
📖 Should My Child Read This?
I say yes! It’s definitely a middle grade book since there are instances of fighting (hand to hand and with weapons), death (not vivid descriptions, some off-page), and the fight between good and evil. There aren’t any religious elements nor any romantic/sexual elements (not even kissing) but there are larger questions and moral dilemmas of doing the right thing even when it is difficult and dangerous.
🖤 Thank you to author B. R. Kang, NetGalley for the digital advanced copy, and Books Forward PR for the physical advanced copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📘 Book: Caput Mundi, the Head of the World
📚 Series: Caput Mundi, Book 1
📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
✅ I would recommend to YA readers and adult readers!
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