Kariba

Siku is a graphic novel about a girl who can control water and has visions of a great serpent. She is the daughter of the Great River Spirit, Nyaminyami, and must give up the only life she's ever known to bring about the necessary rumuko ritual.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Catalyst Books

The daughter of a river god, raised by a human father, and destined to a tragic fate, Siku is a captivating African fantasy-adventure graphic novel inspired by the mythology of the Zambezi River and the history of the Kariba Dam, one of the largest dams ever constructed. Born into a world where the water understands her and bends to her will, Siku's life takes an unexpected turn when a massive dam is built, displacing thousands of Shonga people. As her ability to manipulate water grows out of control, she is drawn into a world of visions and secrets, where she must confront the true nature of her identity and the ancient power hidden within her.

Determined to find her father, Tongai, who has ventured to the Kariba Dam in search of a cure for Siku, Siku embarks on a perilous journey alongside Amedeo, the young son of Kariba's chief engineer. Together, they navigate through elephant graveyards, rugged jungles, and ancient ruins, outrunning pirates, bootleggers, and shape-shifting prophets who seek to exploit Siku's abilities for their own gain.

However, Siku soon discovers a terrible secret that her father has been hiding from her: she is the daughter of the Great River Spirit, Nyaminyami, and the only way to bring about the necessary rumuko, a ritual that has maintained balance on the Zambezi for centuries, is for Siku to sacrifice the only life she has ever known.

With the future of the Shonga resting on her shoulders, Siku sets out on a perilous journey to the source of the river, seeking to understand the ancient power that lies within her. Along the way, she encounters various challenges and obstacles, including treacherous terrain, dangerous creatures, and powerful enemies. But with the help of her newfound allies and the guidance of the river spirit, Siku is determined to fulfill her destiny and restore balance to the Zambezi.

In the end, Siku's journey is not only about discovering her true identity but also about embracing her heritage and the responsibility that comes with it. She learns to harness the power of the river and use it to protect her people and the environment. Siku emerges as a hero, a symbol of hope and resilience, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the African people and their connection to the natural world.

The 2023 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children award-winning The Smeds and the Smoos is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale that will captivate readers of all ages. With its rich mythology, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes, this graphic novel is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, fantasy, and the power of the human spirit.

Dimension: 254 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781946395825