Maverick

The Battle Begins! The Tiger’s Tongue Is Now Available!

Maverick
February 18, 2025

Twin princesses Kelindi and Aridani couldn’t be any more different. With Kelindi destined for the throne, Aridani never aspired to rule The Claw. But when an ancient prophecy brings the twins head to head for the throne, what does the future hold for The Claw? Maverick and Mad Cave Studios are pleased to announce the return of the acclaimed TIGER’S TONGUE for a YA audience, now available at your favorite book store!

Maverick’s senior editor Lauren Hitzhusen said, “We’re so excited to add Tiger’s Tongue to the Maverick lineup this year! The creative team has crafted a unique story unlike anything else we have at Maverick. It follows two teenage sisters vying for the same throne in the midst of a war between oppressors and oppressed. At its core, Tiger’s Tongue is about sisterhood, freedom, and what power means. Bringing it over to Maverick, where it’s our focus to showcase queer and diverse casts, is the perfect move. We are excited to introduce Kelindi and Aridani to new audience.”

THE TIGER’S TONGUE (OGN)
Writer: Olivia Stephens – Artist: Diansakhu Banton-Perry
Colorist: Bex Glendining – Letterer: Joamette Gil
ISBN: 9781545816523

Synopsis: Under the militant rule of The Tiger’s People, empowered by their animal familiars, the Claw is on the brink of war. At the precipice of adulthood, twin princesses Kelindi and Aridani hold the future of the Claw in their hands. Kelindi would sue for peace with The River’s People, those who were subjugated “to bring order,” while Aridani has never aspired to rule. But an ancient prophecy is revealed that’ll force fate’s hand for the sisters…

Meet the Creators!

Olivia Stephens, Author
Olivia Stephens is a graphic novelist, illustrator, and writer from the Pacific Northwest. She earned her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017. Olivia has created work for a number of sites and publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and FIYAH Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction. Her debut graphic novel, ARTIE AND THE WOLF MOON, comes out from Lerner Books in Fall 2021.

Illustrator, Diansakhu Banton-Perry
Diansakhu Banton-Perry is a 2D Illustrator and Character Designer. She is a 2019 graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Communication Arts degree, with a focus in Concept Design. She creates characters for a variety of genres, but is mainly inspired by science fiction and fantasy.