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sophs_37's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored “Pahua and the Soul Stealer”. The relationships and writing in this novel was
so astoundingly good that I was hooked from the first sentence. I love how the Hmong culture was represented in this book. I came in not knowing much so I did a little research and it is so interesting. It took me a little time to warm up to some of the characters but overall was great. I found Pahua very relatable with not really fitting in so she was one of my favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for mythology.
so astoundingly good that I was hooked from the first sentence. I love how the Hmong culture was represented in this book. I came in not knowing much so I did a little research and it is so interesting. It took me a little time to warm up to some of the characters but overall was great. I found Pahua very relatable with not really fitting in so she was one of my favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for mythology.
alyssaarch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
quirkylitlover's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Rick Riordan Presents, and Disney Audiobooks for the opportunity to review and Advanced Reader Copy of this title.
Shaman warriors, spirits, demons, dragons, and mythological creatures...Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee has all of these things and much more!
This book is about a Hmong girl named Pahua who has always been a bit of an outcast. She is able to see and talk to spirits that nobody else knows is there. Even her younger brother has started feeling like Pahua is too old to "pretend" in this way. One day Pahua encounters a lonely bridge spirit and feeling sorry for the spirit, she accidentally untethers it from its' bridge. Her younger brother encounters the bridge spirit and then becomes gravely ill. Pahua fears that it is all her fault, so she sets off on a journey to save her brother. Along the way she meets a shaman warrior-in-training and begins to realize the extent of her own powers. The two encounter many obstacles on their journey, but they learn to work together to overcome whatever they may face.
The author and the narrator both do an excellent job of portraying the personalities of the different characters. At times, they are a bit humorous with their sarcastic and witty comments. Conversely, readers are also given insight into how guilty Pahua feels about her brother being ill and how important it is for her to come up with a solution.
I would recommend Pahua and the Soul Stealer to readers that have previously enjoyed the Percy Jackson series or other titles published by Rick Riordan presents. This is a great book for fans of mythology and readers that enjoy action and adventure.
#NetGalley #PahuaandtheSoulStealer #middlegradereads #bookreviews
Shaman warriors, spirits, demons, dragons, and mythological creatures...Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee has all of these things and much more!
This book is about a Hmong girl named Pahua who has always been a bit of an outcast. She is able to see and talk to spirits that nobody else knows is there. Even her younger brother has started feeling like Pahua is too old to "pretend" in this way. One day Pahua encounters a lonely bridge spirit and feeling sorry for the spirit, she accidentally untethers it from its' bridge. Her younger brother encounters the bridge spirit and then becomes gravely ill. Pahua fears that it is all her fault, so she sets off on a journey to save her brother. Along the way she meets a shaman warrior-in-training and begins to realize the extent of her own powers. The two encounter many obstacles on their journey, but they learn to work together to overcome whatever they may face.
The author and the narrator both do an excellent job of portraying the personalities of the different characters. At times, they are a bit humorous with their sarcastic and witty comments. Conversely, readers are also given insight into how guilty Pahua feels about her brother being ill and how important it is for her to come up with a solution.
I would recommend Pahua and the Soul Stealer to readers that have previously enjoyed the Percy Jackson series or other titles published by Rick Riordan presents. This is a great book for fans of mythology and readers that enjoy action and adventure.
#NetGalley #PahuaandtheSoulStealer #middlegradereads #bookreviews
mattisonsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.0
antonique_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
bookishcori's review against another edition
medium-paced
Fun, middle grade fantasy adventure following a Hmong girl and Hmong folklore!
librarianpenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this finished book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Pahua and the Soul Stealer
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Standalone for now
Diversity: Hmong mc and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, fantasy, mythology, retelling
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 10+ (Slight racism, Murder mentioned, Parent leaving, Death, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: Pahua Moua has a bit of a reputation for being a weirdo. A lonely eleven-year-old Hmong girl with the unique ability to see spirits, she spends her summer days babysitting her little brother and playing with her best friend, a cat spirit no one else can see.
One day Pahua accidentally untethers an angry spirit from the haunted bridge in her neighborhood--whoops. When her brother suddenly falls sick and can't be awoken, Pahua fears that the bridge spirit has stolen his soul. She returns to the scene of the crime with her aunt's old shaman tools, hoping to confront the spirit and demand her brother's return. Instead, she summons a demon.
Thankfully, a warrior shaman with a bit of an attitude problem shows up at the last minute and saves her butt. With the help of this guide, Pahua will have to find her way through the spirit worlds and rescue her brother's soul before it's too late. Little does she know she'll have her own discoveries to make along the way. . . .
With its unforgettable characters, unique nature-based magic system, breathtaking twists and reveals, and climactic boss battle, this story based on Hmong oral tradition offers everything a fantasy lover could want.
Review: I really loved this book! It was amazingly sweet and cute read. I loved the characters and character development. The world building was well done as well and the plot had me hooked from the first page.
However, I did feel like the the pacing was a bit fast. There was a lot of stuff that wasn't explained in story but I did appreciate that the context was in the back of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Pahua and the Soul Stealer
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Standalone for now
Diversity: Hmong mc and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, fantasy, mythology, retelling
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 10+ (Slight racism, Murder mentioned, Parent leaving, Death, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: Pahua Moua has a bit of a reputation for being a weirdo. A lonely eleven-year-old Hmong girl with the unique ability to see spirits, she spends her summer days babysitting her little brother and playing with her best friend, a cat spirit no one else can see.
One day Pahua accidentally untethers an angry spirit from the haunted bridge in her neighborhood--whoops. When her brother suddenly falls sick and can't be awoken, Pahua fears that the bridge spirit has stolen his soul. She returns to the scene of the crime with her aunt's old shaman tools, hoping to confront the spirit and demand her brother's return. Instead, she summons a demon.
Thankfully, a warrior shaman with a bit of an attitude problem shows up at the last minute and saves her butt. With the help of this guide, Pahua will have to find her way through the spirit worlds and rescue her brother's soul before it's too late. Little does she know she'll have her own discoveries to make along the way. . . .
With its unforgettable characters, unique nature-based magic system, breathtaking twists and reveals, and climactic boss battle, this story based on Hmong oral tradition offers everything a fantasy lover could want.
Review: I really loved this book! It was amazingly sweet and cute read. I loved the characters and character development. The world building was well done as well and the plot had me hooked from the first page.
However, I did feel like the the pacing was a bit fast. There was a lot of stuff that wasn't explained in story but I did appreciate that the context was in the back of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
nightwing's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
2.25
Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I couldn't get into it. The mythology was cool and all but once they traveled into the magical world it got really confusing and I couldn't keep up.
I do really enjoy the themes of accepting who you are and moving on from jealousy. I think the writing style just wasn't for me in the end. I loved the three main characters, I just really couldn't get into the story much. :(
Honestly, I couldn't get into it. The mythology was cool and all but once they traveled into the magical world it got really confusing and I couldn't keep up.
I do really enjoy the themes of accepting who you are and moving on from jealousy. I think the writing style just wasn't for me in the end. I loved the three main characters, I just really couldn't get into the story much. :(