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bookishbird's review
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is out today!
Hey Reader Friends! Back today with another review for a book in the Rick Riordan Presents line...I can't get enough! Up today is Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee. This is the first in the series and I truly cannot wait for more. This is a good one for sure.
What I liked:
-Pahua! This should be a given, right? However, I'm in the middle of another series right now and I am not a fan of the main character, so trust me, this needs to be emphasized. I found Pahua empathetic and compassionate. Her ability to understand where others are coming from and forgive is lovely, but she also stands up for herself when she needs to. Additionally, I wanted to hug her because she really, really needs one.
-Lee's writing and pacing: nothing felt rushed, which I loved. The setting, characters, and action was so wonderfully articulated that it truly felt like watching a movie (or a series lol) in my head. I took a bit longer to read this one than I usually do with these books, but it was definitely better that way. I think the story stuck with me a little more because of it. I know basically nothing about the Hmong culture so I devoured the stories and myths. One thing I absolutely LOVE about these books is the glossary/pronunciation guides included at the end. I like to have an idea of what different words in different languages sound like so it was super helpful.
What I didn't like:
-Nothing! There were just enough questions left unanswered by the end that I can't wait for the next book. Isn't it nice when that happens? Also...why is always dads who are missing/leave/otherwise occupied in these books?
I definitely recommend if you are a fan of middle grade fiction/fantasy.
Hey Reader Friends! Back today with another review for a book in the Rick Riordan Presents line...I can't get enough! Up today is Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee. This is the first in the series and I truly cannot wait for more. This is a good one for sure.
What I liked:
-Pahua! This should be a given, right? However, I'm in the middle of another series right now and I am not a fan of the main character, so trust me, this needs to be emphasized. I found Pahua empathetic and compassionate. Her ability to understand where others are coming from and forgive is lovely, but she also stands up for herself when she needs to. Additionally, I wanted to hug her because she really, really needs one.
-Lee's writing and pacing: nothing felt rushed, which I loved. The setting, characters, and action was so wonderfully articulated that it truly felt like watching a movie (or a series lol) in my head. I took a bit longer to read this one than I usually do with these books, but it was definitely better that way. I think the story stuck with me a little more because of it. I know basically nothing about the Hmong culture so I devoured the stories and myths. One thing I absolutely LOVE about these books is the glossary/pronunciation guides included at the end. I like to have an idea of what different words in different languages sound like so it was super helpful.
What I didn't like:
-Nothing! There were just enough questions left unanswered by the end that I can't wait for the next book. Isn't it nice when that happens? Also...why is always dads who are missing/leave/otherwise occupied in these books?
I definitely recommend if you are a fan of middle grade fiction/fantasy.
rainbowwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thewintersings's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I live in a town with a Hmong community, and while I've seen some nonfiction books about Hmong history and culture, I've never seen a fictional book with a Hmong character in it, let alone a main character. There are some, but they're uncommon. This book is so important. It's a start to filling a huge void. Hmong people deserve to see themselves in stories. I'm glad this one exists.
andrealage's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
scostner's review
4.0
Yet another triumph for Rick Riordan Presents - Pahua's story is full of family, the longing for friends, and Hmong folklore. Being a member of an ethnic minority is difficult for any child. Add in an absent father, a mother working double-shifts, and being constantly responsible for a younger brother - then multiply by the ability to see spirits. Imagine what it would be like to see things no one else is aware of, not be able to talk about it with anyone because you have no friends, and add it to all the other awkwardness. But when an angry ghost threatens her little brother, Pahua will channel her inner shaman and dare to enter the Spirit Realm to protect him.
The author shares her inspiration for the story in her note, which comes at the end of the book. I had never read any Hmong mythology before, but the figures are fascinating. There are nature spirits, demons, dragons, gods, demi-gods, ghosts, elephant spirit guides, shapeshifters. Any reader who has enjoyed Percy Jackson, Paola Santiago, or other characters from Rick's imprint should grab a copy of Pahua as soon as they can.
The author shares her inspiration for the story in her note, which comes at the end of the book. I had never read any Hmong mythology before, but the figures are fascinating. There are nature spirits, demons, dragons, gods, demi-gods, ghosts, elephant spirit guides, shapeshifters. Any reader who has enjoyed Percy Jackson, Paola Santiago, or other characters from Rick's imprint should grab a copy of Pahua as soon as they can.
slimikin's review
3.0
I loved the emotional beats of this, and the Hmong folklore worldbuilding was lovely, but I'm starting to find the quest formulae of these Rick Riordan Presents books a little tedious, especially when they involve instances where the protagonist could just ask for help...and doesn't. Pahua also experienced a significant amount of self-doubt in this, and even before her moments of uncertainty or fear or hesitation became repetitive, they brought the momentum of any scene to a grinding halt. I like Pahua the Big Sister and the Girl Who Sees Spirits very much...but I find it a struggle to care about Pahua the Heroine at all.
abbyaroza's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
I hope this author has the chance to continue these characters in a series. Auntie gift guide: Great for kids enjoying other fantasy/magic novel/series.
abigail_eck's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
asphodelic's review
1.0
(+) Hmong mythology and representation
(+) Pahua consistently uses her wits to avoid conflict
(-) Telling rather than showing
(-) Zhong was little more than a walking, talking mouthpiece for exposition.
(-) Too long, too much going on
(-) A bit of chosen one-ness going on with Pahua
(-) Bland characters and characterization
(-) Excessive pop culture references
I'm sorry to say I didn't like this much at all. Honestly, I almost didn't finish it. I think the editors at RRP are getting lazy, because this book was all about telling, with almost no showing to be had. Someone really needs to tell these authors that having a character spout all your information to them is really not fun. And also, please please PLEASE do not put pop culture references in your climactic encounter with the villain. That's really not a good idea.
I got super scared when Zhong said she came from a shaman school, so it was a huge relief when it didn't turn into a magic school story. Other than that, there is very little praise I can give this book.
(+) Pahua consistently uses her wits to avoid conflict
(-) Telling rather than showing
(-) Zhong was little more than a walking, talking mouthpiece for exposition.
(-) Too long, too much going on
(-) A bit of chosen one-ness going on with Pahua
(-) Bland characters and characterization
(-) Excessive pop culture references
I'm sorry to say I didn't like this much at all. Honestly, I almost didn't finish it. I think the editors at RRP are getting lazy, because this book was all about telling, with almost no showing to be had. Someone really needs to tell these authors that having a character spout all your information to them is really not fun. And also, please please PLEASE do not put pop culture references in your climactic encounter with the villain. That's really not a good idea.
I got super scared when Zhong said she came from a shaman school, so it was a huge relief when it didn't turn into a magic school story. Other than that, there is very little praise I can give this book.