The Upwelling

In Lystra Rose's young adult fantasy novel, The Upwelling, three misfits must work together to save the world from an end-of-the-world nightmare. The story is steeped in Indigenous knowledge and has won multiple awards. It is a captivating and enchanting debut that will appeal to readers of all ages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Hachette Australia

Winner of the NSW Premier's Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature 2023


Winner of the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2023


Prize for Indigenous Writing


Shortlisted for the 2023 Prime Minister's Literary Award for Young Adult Literature


Shortlisted for the NSW Premier's UTS Glennda Adams Award for New Writing 2023


Shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize 2023


Longlisted for the Ara Historical Novel Prize 2023


Children and Young Adult

A captivating young adult debut from a Black&Write! Writing Fellowship Winner!


Three misfits.


Two warring spirits.


One chance to save the world.


Kirra is the great-granddaughter of a truth dreamer, and, like Great Nanna Clara, no-one believes her night-visions are coming true. When an end-of-the-world nightmare forces her to surf where her brother was killed, she time-slips into a place that could ruin her life, here, and in the Dreaming.


Narn is the son of a well-respected Elder and holds an enviable role in his saltwater clan. Though he bears the marks of a man, many treat him like an uninitiated boy, including the woman he wants to impress.


Tarni is the daughter of a fierce hunter and the custodian of a clever gift. Somehow, she understands Kirra when no-one else can. But who sent this unexpected visitor: a powerful ancient healer or an evil shadow-spirit?


When death threatens all life, can a short-sighted surfer, a laidback dolphin caller and a feisty language unweaver work together to salvage our future?


A story that moves with urgency - in equal parts surprising and enthralling. The story is steeped in Indigenous culture, with vivid descriptions of the Dreaming and its inhabitants.


The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Kirra is a strong-willed young woman who is determined to save her people and the world, while Narn is a skilled warrior who is torn between his loyalty to his clan and his feelings for Tarni.


Tarni is a clever and resourceful young woman who is fiercely protective of her family and her culture.


The plot is fast-paced and filled with action, with the three misfits facing numerous challenges and obstacles as they work to save the world.


The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader with a sense of hope for the future.


Overall, "The Dreaming" is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy and anyone who enjoys a story that blends action, adventure, and cultural significance.


AMIE KAUFMAN, New York Times -bestselling author, has praised the book, saying, "A CAPTIVATING YOUNG ADULT DEBUT FROM A BLACK&WRITE! WRITING FELLOWSHIP WINNER! Three misfits.


Two warring spirits.


One chance to save the world.


Kirra is the great-granddaughter of a truth dreamer, and, like Great Nanna Clara, no-one believes her night-visions are coming true. When an end-of-the-world nightmare forces her to surf where her brother was killed, she time-slips into a place that could ruin her life, here, and in the Dreaming.


Narn is the son of a well-respected Elder and holds an enviable role in his saltwater clan. Though he bears the marks of a man, many treat him like an uninitiated boy, including the woman he wants to impress.


Tarni is the daughter of a fierce hunter and the custodian of a clever gift. Somehow, she understands Kirra when no-one else can. But who sent this unexpected visitor: a powerful ancient healer or an evil shadow-spirit?


When death threatens all life, can a short-sighted surfer, a laidback dolphin caller and a feisty language unweaver work together to salvage our future?


A story that moves with urgency - in equal parts surprising and enthralling. The story is steeped in Indigenous culture, with vivid descriptions of the Dreaming and its inhabitants.


The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Kirra is a strong-willed young woman who is determined to save her people and the world, while Narn is a skilled warrior who is torn between his loyalty to his clan and his feelings for Tarni.


Tarni is a clever and resourceful young woman who is fiercely protective of her family and her culture.


The plot is fast-paced and filled with action, with the three misfits facing numerous challenges and obstacles as they work to save the world.


The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader with a sense of hope for the future.


Overall, "The Dreaming" is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy and anyone who enjoys a story that blends action, adventure, and cultural significance.


AMIE KAUFMAN, New York Times -bestselling author, has praised the book, saying, "A CAPTIVATING YOUNG ADULT DEBUT FROM A BLACK&WRITE! WRITING FELLOWSHIP WINNER! Three misfits.


Two warring spirits.


One chance to save the world.


Kirra is the great-granddaughter of a truth dreamer, and, like Great Nanna Clara, no-one believes her night-visions are coming true. When an end-of-the-world nightmare forces her to surf where her brother was killed, she time-slips into a place that could ruin her life, here, and in the Dreaming.


Narn is the son of a well-respected Elder and holds an enviable role in his saltwater clan. Though he bears the marks of a man, many treat him like an uninitiated boy, including the woman he wants to impress.


Tarni is the daughter of a fierce hunter and the custodian of a clever gift. Somehow, she understands Kirra when no-one else can. But who sent this unexpected visitor: a powerful ancient healer or an evil shadow-spirit?


When death threatens all life, can a short-sighted surfer, a laidback dolphin caller and a feisty language unweaver work together to salvage our future?


A story that moves with urgency - in equal parts surprising and enthralling. The story is steeped in Indigenous culture, with vivid descriptions of the Dreaming and its inhabitants.


The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Kirra is a strong-willed young woman who is determined to save her people and the world, while Narn is a skilled warrior who is torn between his loyalty to his clan and his feelings for Tarni.


Tarni is a clever and resourceful young woman who is fiercely protective of her family and her culture.


The plot is fast-paced and filled with action, with the three misfits facing numerous challenges and obstacles as they work to save the world.


The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader with a sense of hope for the future.


Overall, "The Dreaming" is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy and anyone who enjoys a story that blends action, adventure, and cultural significance.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 127 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780734420251