Warning! If you haven’t read Tristan Strong Destroys the World yet, turn back now!
Otherwise, you already know that, during Tristan’s last trip to Alke, the land of folk heroes and gods, was . . . obliterated. Don’t panic! It wasn’t our world. But Alke as we knew it is gone.
Now the surviving residents of Alke are scattered across the U.S., and it’s up to Tristan to track them down. Including some old friends . . .
Since We Last Met
The last time we saw Thandiwe, she was helping refugees escape Alke as it was collapsing. We welcome the sight of a princess getting her hands dirty and helping people in need. Unfortunately, she was one of the many Alkeans who vanished upon entering our world. We can’t imagine it will be easy for the princess of Isihlangu to build allies in a place where she is unknown. So do her a favor and go follow her on social media.
Transformation Time
Once she’s located, the first things you may notice about Thandiwe’s new appearance are her unexpected accessories. As it turns out, when an Alkean enters our world, any mystical weapon or tool they were carrying at the time transforms into something a bit more mundane. In Thandiwe’s case, her trademark forebear shield morphed into a skateboard. Would it surprise you to find out that she’s actually a really great skater? Most princesses are. Don’t believe us? Just ask one.
Storm’s Coming In
Since arriving in our world, Thandiwe and High John have been searching for the John tales, and along the way, they stumbled on some runaway children. Never one to turn her back on those in need, Thandiwe, along with a woman named Granny Z, created a safe place for the youngsters to hang out and have fun: the greatest indoor skate park you’ve ever seen. Then Thandiwe went even further to form the Rolling Thunder skate squad, giving the kids a great big new family. We’d say it was enough to make us cry, but we’re still a little bitter that our application to join conveniently “got lost in the mail.”
You Can Take the Girl Out of the Mountain . . .
Just in case you’re worried that Thandiwe has gone soft, have no fear. Her skateboard can still transform back into a shield, and she can summon her kierie club in the blink of an eye when necessary. If, for instance, any nasty old haints ever threaten her friends or any of the kids in Rolling Thunder, well . . . let’s just say they’re going to leave with fewer teeth than they arrived with.
Want to join Thandiwe and the Rolling Thunder? Be sure to pick up Tristan Strong Keeps Punching, on sale 10/5!
