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A review by bookishbird
Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee
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.