In twelfth-century Angkor, during the construction of a magnificent temple complex for the God-King, young stone carver Veasna discovers he can understand the speech of elephants, monkeys, tigers, crocodiles, and birds. These animals maintain their own ancient societies and debate whether to aid or sabotage the vast human project reshaping their forest home.
Veasna's gift draws him into romance with Sophea, a gifted apsara dancer whose family expects a politically advantageous marriage. When senior carver Borin steals designs and plots sabotage with the aid of discontented animal factions, Veasna must navigate court betrayal, forbidden love, and the delicate politics of both human and animal realms to protect the temple and the fragile alliance he has forged. The Whispering Spires of Angkor blends sweeping historical detail with light fantasy, exploring themes of reciprocity, artistic creation, and the courage required to listen across boundaries of species and status.