The Upwelling

WINNER OF THE VICTORIAN PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARDS 2023 PRIZE FOR INDIGENOUS WRITING

'A deeply immersive young adult fantasy and an enthralling debut. It's a privilege to walk this new path into the oldest of stories' AMIE KAUFMAN, New York Times-bestselling author

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 breath of fresh air for both the genre and Australian literature. Lystra Rose has expertly crafted a captivating and enchanting fantasy world filled with magic and heart, while reminding us of the rich cultures and histories that were taken during colonisation . . . a must-read for lovers of YA fantasy' Books+Publishing

'A fresh new novel combining Indigenous culture and fantasy adventure, in a way not seen before' ReadPlus

'It is amazing to read a fantasy novel that draws on ancient original knowledge systems and their understandings. It's fun to read a book you can identify with' Dr Bronwyn Bancroft, award-winning Bundjalung artist and author

'Lystra Rose writes with a fresh and compelling voice, seamlessly marrying meticulous word craft and storytelling with a deep connection to her Indigenous culture. This is uniquely Australian storytelling with purpose and a poetic sensibility' Tim Baker, bestselling author

'Not a surfer? Me neither, but I felt like I rode the waves with Kirra, feeling the salt spray on my face. Not Indigenous? Me neither, but I felt like I walked, and at times ran, amid the rich Yugambeh culture. There are so many things I am not, but that's why I love to read. The Upwelling is a cultural education by stealth' Bern Young, award-winning radio presenter, ABC Gold Coast

Lystra Rose, a descendant of the Guugu Yimithirr, Birri Gubba, Erub and Scottish nations, is an award-winning writer and editor who lives in a land where the rainforest meets the sea . . . the Yugambeh-speaking nation (the Gold Coast), Australia. When she's not catching waves with her husband and two kids, Lystra is editing Surfing Life magazine. She's the first female editor-in-chief of a mainstream surf magazine in the world.

The Upwelling is Lystra's debut novel.