The Upwelling

Winner of the 2023 Victorian Premier’s Prize for Indigenous writing

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

'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