The World of The Mannamong
In the unseen spaces between nature and humanity, guardian spirits walk quietly among us.
Created by Mother Nature to guide and protect, the mannamong were meant to keep the world in balance.
But balance is fragile — and not every spirit remembers why it was created.
Kali Teal grew up hearing stories about the mannamong — guardian spirits created by Mother Nature to guide and protect humanity.
When a mysterious illness nearly takes her life, Kali discovers the spirits are real. They cure her intense, unnatural fevers — only to reveal that one of their own caused them.
Now a rogue spirit named Tontorus is hiding within her, willing to risk her safety to escape judgment from the others.
Lost and overwhelmed, Kali is pulled into a hidden world far more complicated — and dangerous — than the stories she was told.
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A story of balance, choice, and the spirits that shape us.
Full-Color Fantasy World
Every page is beautifully illustrated to bring the mannamong to life.
A Brave Heroine
Kali's heart, courage and curiousity inspire readers to face their own challenges.
Themes of Hope & Discovery
A story about bravery, friendship, and finding strength in unlikely places.
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The Saga So Far
Volume 1: When an ancient rogue spirit invades Kali (kay-lee) Teal’s soul, she uncovers the truth about the mannamong — mythical spirits created by Mother Nature to guide and protect humanity.
Volume 2: Still bound to the rogue spirit, Kali struggles to regain control of her life. Forced to cooperate with the very being haunting her, the two must find a way to survive — or fade away together.
Volume 3: In Development — Sign up to be notified.
Kali Is Missing. But Her Story Isn’t Over.
Coming soon… The Mannamong returns — and hope takes center stage.
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The Human Story
Kali Teal
(Kay-lee) (tēl)
An inquisitive eight-year-old who can see spirits — and is unwillingly bound to one who refuses to let go.
Vianne Teal
(Vee-anne) (tēl)
Kali’s steady and protective mother, who knows more about the mannamong than she first reveals.
Hawk
(Haw-k)
A mysterious man who can interact with spirits — and guides Kali toward truths she isn’t ready to face.
Jewel
(Jew-el)
Jewel is Vianne’s closest friend and Trent’s partner — a steady presence who helps care for Kali while Vianne works as a park ranger.
Trent
(Tren-t)
Trent has spent years searching for the legendary Crimsong Pearl, determined to complete the thesis that could redefine his future.
Not all who shape the world walk in human form.
The Spirits of the World
Gisenes
(Jeh-see-ness)
Daughter of Mother Nature and leader of the mannamong — a guardian sworn to preserve balance between spirits and humankind.
Tontorus
(Tawn-toe-rus)
A rogue mannamong hiding within Kali’s necklace — defiant, calculating, and desperate to avoid judgment.
Galerith
(Gail-rith)
A watchful spirit whose quiet presence masks intentions few fully understand.
Blitzstreak
(Blitz-streek)
Scorch's mischievous companion always testing boundaries between mortals and spirits.
Scorch
(Scor-ch)
A relentless enforcer of spirit law — and Tontorus’ most determined pursuer.
Paniña
(Puh-neen-yah)
The Priestess of Fire who once gave her people hope. Her legend still echoes.
Why Families & Readers Connect with The Mannamong
A Magical Journey
The Mannamong invites readers into a world of adventure, mystery, and meaningful choices. It’s a story of courage, balance, and learning to face the consequences of one’s actions — in both extraordinary moments and everyday life.
For Families & Educators
Created for readers ages 8–13, The Mannamong blends immersive fantasy with themes of empathy, personal responsibility, and moral decision-making.
Through layered storytelling and dynamic artwork, the series encourages critical thinking and emotional growth — while remaining accessible, imaginative, and age-appropriate.
FAQs
Key reasons readers (especially children) love the story:
- Manga-inspired art — great for visual engagement.
- Accessible emotional themes like courage, friendship, and empathy.
- Easy-to-follow panels — ideal for reluctant readers.
- Comparable reads: Amulet, Wings of Fire, Bone, and films like Inside Out, Lilo & Stitch or Spirited Away.
- Primary Age Range: 8–13 years old (middle-grade readers).
- Secondary Appeal: Older teens and adults may also enjoy deeper themes of empathy, trauma, courage, and trust.
The series generally aligns with grades 3–6 and is especially accessible to visual learners due to its graphic-novel format.
Yes — The Mannamong is designed for visual learners and reluctant readers. Its manga-inspired layout with engaging artwork helps maintain interest, even for readers who say they “hate books.”
The Mannamong: Volume 1 follows Kali Teal, a young girl battling a mysterious illness, who discovers her world intersects with mannamong — ancient nature spirits — after an encounter with a stubborn spirit named Tontorus.
There are a few brief fantasy confrontations and moments of tension, including magical creatures in conflict. These scenes are non-graphic and balanced with humor, warmth, and reassurance throughout the story.
The Mannamong includes mild fantasy peril, similar to what you’d find in many middle-grade adventure stories. Characters may face danger, magical threats, or brief scuffles, but there is no graphic violence, gore, or on-screen injury. All conflicts are handled in a child-appropriate, story-driven way with an emphasis on emotion, consequences, and growth rather than harm.
One adult character is briefly shown smoking a cigarette. This behavior is not glamorized or encouraged and appears only momentarily as part of character world-building.
No. The Mannamong does not include profanity, slurs, or explicit language. Characters may occasionally express frustration using mild words such as “jerk,” but the dialogue remains appropriate for children and families.
While primarily a story, it supports emotional literacy, ethical thinking, and discussion about personal responsibility.
No. The Mannamong is entirely human-created, written and illustrated by its creator Michael Adam Lengyel over many years.