[MPOV] The Beasts Beneath the Winds

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.43/5

Publish: October 21, 2025

Editor: Hanna Alkaf

Genre: Asian folklore, mythology, anthology, short stories, young adult

A sweeping and magical story collection showcasing the mythical creatures of Southeast Asia, including work by two-time Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly and National Book Award finalist Shing Yin Khor

A turtle the size of an island. A cricket that can possess you if swallowed. A giant who turns enemies to stone. The legends of Southeast Asia—or “the lands below the winds,” as explorers used to call it—are populated with a whole menagerie of colorful beasts that inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Yet, passed on as they are through story and song, so many of these stories remain rooted in some long-forgotten past and bound by the borders of the region, creatures of myth and memory and nothing more. Until now.

Welcome to The Beasts Beneath the Winds, a collection of Southeast Asia’s most elusive cryptids by a team of bestselling and award-winning authors. Within these gorgeously illustrated pages, readers will find the stories of seventeen regular kids who encounter these mythical creatures in the here and now, and—fortunately or unfortunately—live to tell the tale

There are a total of 17 short stories in this anthology. It is quite interesting with the many different cultures and believes captured in one book. I am so amazed by it all!

1. American Cousin by Erin Entrada Kelly
2. The Mystery of the Meowing Makcik by Nadia Mikail
3. The Girl in the Graveyard by Brandon Hoang
4. The Egg by Mandy Moe Pwint Tu
5. Fish out of Water by Moniza Hossain
6. Forest Keeper by V.T. Bidania
7. Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet by Mae Respicio
8. The Curse of Sang Kelembai by Hanna Alkaf
9. Dance of the Unicorns by Van Hoang
10. Rich and Strange by Greg van Eekhout
11. Kusu Island by June CL Tan
12. The Mawas in the Airport by Shing Yin Khor
13. Melati and the Eternal Battle by Jesse Q. Sutanto
14. Naga Fireballs by Veeda Bybee
15. Ellie Takes Flight by Emma Goddard
16. Dara, Danny, and the Thai Giants by Dow Phumiruk
17. Lexie Libot Gets Lost in a Wedding by Gail D. Villanueva

I was mesmerized... entranced by the many magical creatures spotlighted in this anthology. TBH, I was today years old when I learnt of so many folklores, definitely an eye-opening read and kept me going. As it's all short stories, it was an easy read to finish.

I do not have any particular favourites as each story has its own flair and carry its own tale. Most of the authors are unknown to me. I do find some of the writings and plots were not as polished. Since it is short, it was bearable and easy to finish reading it. Offhand, I would say Kusu Island, The Egg and Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet were memorable to me.

Overall, if you are looking for some easy read with mythical elements, please give this book a try. I am glad to be given the chance to read and review this e-ARC, all thanks to the author and editor, Hanna Alkaf.

Here's the link for more details:

the beasts beneath the winds – HANNA ALKAF