jpegging's review against another edition
Give me some fun fantasy space opera any day
lifeislikealemon's review against another edition
3.0
Ik zit te zweven tussen 2 en 3 sterren omdat het op zich een enorm spannend middle grade boek is dat goed is uitgewerkt en super interessante lore en ik denk dat ik het op mijn 12 echt geweldig gevonden had, maar ik was gisteren eigenlijk echt niet in de mood om het te lezen en mezelf aan het pushen om het uit te lezen en dat werkt niet zo geweldig eh...
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Another solid addition to the Rick Riordan imprints collection.
This time the book focuses on Korean mythology while reading a "space opera' - which to me meant science fiction that had a lot of drama! :)
Looking forward to the next book in the series! *
This time the book focuses on Korean mythology while reading a "space opera' - which to me meant science fiction that had a lot of drama! :)
Looking forward to the next book in the series! *
alissabar's review against another edition
4.0
I think Min lives up to my expectations of what a Fox spirit would be like. There is lots of action and twists and turns and it was interesting to be a guest in the Thousand Worlds universe. This was my first introduction to Korean folklore. If the author ever decided to write another adventure with Min and Jun, I would have to read it to see what other experiences this girl could have.
2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge #2 A book by a trans or nonbinary author.
2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge #2 A book by a trans or nonbinary author.
dearangela's review against another edition
5.0
This is a SF young adult book about a supernatural young girl on a distant planet who leaves home to find her lost brother. She follows his trail, intending to get on board the spaceship on which he is a cadet to find out how went missing and where he might have gone. The official story is he is a deserter who has run off to find the legendary Dragon Pearl, which is a magical item. Basically, it's a an adventure quest story with ghosts and supernatural beings in space. It's fabulous!
The supernatural beings are based on Korean myths, of which I am entirely ignorant, but enjoyed the story nonetheless. Helpful pronunciation guide at the back for those who need it.
This book has a strong female lead character, who is smart and resourceful, but also very much a kid trying to figure out how to be. She struggles with loving and using her magic, wanting to hide it, but also feeling bad about her magic which influences people (delightfully called Charm). One of the funny, cute moments in this book is when she sees a "muggle" convince someone to talk (she is awe of someone using Charm without magic).
The supporting characters are also well developed people. We don't get a lot of insight into their backstory, but we see them as individuals with a personality and point of view. I like how this author discusses preferred pronouns - it's simply mentioned and no one ever disputes or calls it out.
The supernatural beings are based on Korean myths, of which I am entirely ignorant, but enjoyed the story nonetheless. Helpful pronunciation guide at the back for those who need it.
This book has a strong female lead character, who is smart and resourceful, but also very much a kid trying to figure out how to be. She struggles with loving and using her magic, wanting to hide it, but also feeling bad about her magic which influences people (delightfully called Charm). One of the funny, cute moments in this book is when she sees a "muggle" convince someone to talk (she is awe of someone using Charm without magic).
The supporting characters are also well developed people. We don't get a lot of insight into their backstory, but we see them as individuals with a personality and point of view. I like how this author discusses preferred pronouns - it's simply mentioned and no one ever disputes or calls it out.
melhara's review against another edition
2.0
[b:Dragon Pearl|34966859|Dragon Pearl|Yoon Ha Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517413544s/34966859.jpg|56241840] has an interesting plot that seamlessly combines korean mythology with sci-fi technology and includes primarily Korean rep as well as non-binary rep.
Min is a fox spirit living on the planet Jinju. She has always dreamed of being part of the Space Forces like her brother Jun. One day, an investigator arrives looking for information on Jun's whereabouts. He is apparently wanted for desertion, which is punishable by death. Min, refusing to believe that her brother would desert, runs away from home in an attempt to find him. Using her abilities to shapeshift and Charm those around her, she manages to infiltrate the Pale Lightning - the ship that Jun was stationed in - to find out what really happened to him.
Despite the interesting story line and world building, I didn't find any aspect of the book to be particularly memorable and I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.
I initially wanted to give this book 3-stars but the more I thought about it, the more I started leaning towards 2-stars because there were quite a few things that bothered me. They are as follows:
Issue 1: I didn't find Min likable at all, and thought she lacked personality and emotion. She has an indifferent 'oops-oh-well' attitude where she would impulsively do things without thinking of the consequences, feel guilty for a split second about the trouble she has caused, and then move on to wreak havoc elsewhere. She's also pretty self-centered and focuses only on her own desire to find her brother, while leaving her family to clean up her mess, endangering the lives of pretty much everyone around her, and pretty much ignoring a ghost that she promised to help.
Issue 2: On second thought, none of the other characters had much personality and emotions either. Min's interactions with Haneul and Sujin were boring and there was no chemistry between any of them. They seemed more like acquaintances than friends.
Issue 3: We are introduced to many characters who are just forgotten and discarded along the way, such as Min's family back in Jinju, her mysterious aunt Nari, Captain Hye, and the pilot Byung-Ho.
Issue 4: Min's ability to infiltrate the Pale Lightning without arousing any suspicion was unconvincing.
Issue 5: What are the duties of a space cadet aside from scrubbing toilets?
Issue 6: I'm not sure if I missed it, but I don't think it was ever explained what abilities a Tiger-spirit has, except that they're scary and have good noses (but apparently not a good enough to sniff out an undercover fox). We do find out that Dragons can manipulate weather and create life on planets, Dokkaebi (goblins) can become invisible and wield a magic spork (I'm not even kidding), Shamans (humans who can communicate with ghosts?) can help the dead move on, and Foxes can shapeshift and use Charm to manipulate any creature.
Issue 7: Foxes can apparently detect other supernatural beings but other supernatural beings can't do the same??
Issue 8: What happened to Jang's arc?!
Issue 9:: How does the Dragon Pearl work?
Issue 10: I felt like Min's over reliance on using Charm was a result of lazy writing. Aren't foxes supposed to be clever and cunning? Rather than using her wits to get out of tricky situations, Min used Charm and her shapeshifting abilities to get her way. There was really no cleverness or slyness to it (I guess some would argue that her abilities is what made her cunning but I'm not buying it). She used Charm so often, I was left wondering if there were any limitations to her power.
tl;dr - Although there were quite a few things that bugged me about this book, it might be because I'm just being a bit too nitpicky (I guess I just wasn't invested in the story enough to suspend disbelief). As this is a book aimed towards a younger demographic (middle grade), I'm sure younger readers will enjoy the magic and adventure that Dragon Pearl has to offer.
***#6 of my 2019 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - A book by an AOC set in or about space***
Min is a fox spirit living on the planet Jinju. She has always dreamed of being part of the Space Forces like her brother Jun. One day, an investigator arrives looking for information on Jun's whereabouts. He is apparently wanted for desertion, which is punishable by death. Min, refusing to believe that her brother would desert, runs away from home in an attempt to find him. Using her abilities to shapeshift and Charm those around her, she manages to infiltrate the Pale Lightning - the ship that Jun was stationed in - to find out what really happened to him.
Despite the interesting story line and world building, I didn't find any aspect of the book to be particularly memorable and I just couldn't connect with any of the characters.
I initially wanted to give this book 3-stars but the more I thought about it, the more I started leaning towards 2-stars because there were quite a few things that bothered me. They are as follows:
Issue 1: I didn't find Min likable at all, and thought she lacked personality and emotion. She has an indifferent 'oops-oh-well' attitude where she would impulsively do things without thinking of the consequences, feel guilty for a split second about the trouble she has caused, and then move on to wreak havoc elsewhere. She's also pretty self-centered and focuses only on her own desire to find her brother, while leaving her family to clean up her mess, endangering the lives of pretty much everyone around her, and pretty much ignoring a ghost that she promised to help.
Issue 2: On second thought, none of the other characters had much personality and emotions either. Min's interactions with Haneul and Sujin were boring and there was no chemistry between any of them. They seemed more like acquaintances than friends.
Issue 3: We are introduced to many characters who are just forgotten and discarded along the way, such as Min's family back in Jinju
Spoiler
(BTW, what happened to the to the investigator that Min left behind with her family? Why didn't Min feel guilty about outing her family as fox spirits to the investigator?! Did her family get into a lot of trouble?)Issue 4: Min's ability to infiltrate the Pale Lightning without arousing any suspicion was unconvincing.
Spoiler
Min was able to pass as Cadet Jang without a hitch. I mean, Min didn't even make an effort to befriend or get to know the ghost of Cadet Jang. She basically went around acting like herself while looking like Jang and no one - not even Jang's friends - seemed to notice anything strange. I've watched Freaky Friday, Parent Trap and New York Minute enough times to know that it's pretty hard to impersonate someone you know, let alone a complete stranger, and get away with it.Issue 5: What are the duties of a space cadet aside from scrubbing toilets?
Spoiler
I think one of the reasons why Min was able to infiltrate the Pale Lightning so successfully is because she spends most of her time cleaning bathrooms. Apparently training to be a space soldier is synonymous to being a janitor.Issue 6: I'm not sure if I missed it, but I don't think it was ever explained what abilities a Tiger-spirit has, except that they're scary and have good noses (but apparently not a good enough to sniff out an undercover fox). We do find out that Dragons can manipulate weather and create life on planets, Dokkaebi (goblins) can become invisible and wield a magic spork (I'm not even kidding), Shamans (humans who can communicate with ghosts?) can help the dead move on, and Foxes can shapeshift and use Charm to manipulate any creature.
Issue 7: Foxes can apparently detect other supernatural beings but other supernatural beings can't do the same??
Spoiler
On that note, Min was afraid to use charm on Captain Hwan (a Tiger) for fear that he would sniff her out BUT isn't she already using charm/magic with her shapeshifting? There was a part in the story where she was afraid to shapeshift into an inanimate object while hiding because Hwan could certainly sniff her out… but wouldn't he be able to sniff her out regardless of whether or not she shapeshifts? Also, isn't she already in a shapeshifted form?Issue 8: What happened to Jang's arc?!
Spoiler
I thought Jang wasn't able to rest in peace until all mercs are dead. Did he kill the ones that he was haunting? Or is he officially at peace now thanks to Min? Does that make Min a Shaman?Issue 9:: How does the Dragon Pearl work?
Spoiler
I was under the assumption that only dragons could wield the pearl… hence the name. How did Min know how to use it? What purpose does the Dragon Society serve if anyone can wield the Dragon Pearl and terraform planets whenever they want?Issue 10: I felt like Min's over reliance on using Charm was a result of lazy writing. Aren't foxes supposed to be clever and cunning? Rather than using her wits to get out of tricky situations, Min used Charm and her shapeshifting abilities to get her way. There was really no cleverness or slyness to it (I guess some would argue that her abilities is what made her cunning but I'm not buying it). She used Charm so often, I was left wondering if there were any limitations to her power.
tl;dr - Although there were quite a few things that bugged me about this book, it might be because I'm just being a bit too nitpicky (I guess I just wasn't invested in the story enough to suspend disbelief). As this is a book aimed towards a younger demographic (middle grade), I'm sure younger readers will enjoy the magic and adventure that Dragon Pearl has to offer.
***#6 of my 2019 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - A book by an AOC set in or about space***
redwheeler721's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, War, and Injury/injury detail
emily_1215's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars
There's nothing wrong with this; it was a fun read, and I really love the casual inclusion of nonbinary characters in a MG sci-fi book...that's the futurism we love to see. But it's just not that deep. Every adventure story doesn't have to have a profound message or revelation for the readers, but there were so many opportunities for that in this novel that didn't get developed.
There's nothing wrong with this; it was a fun read, and I really love the casual inclusion of nonbinary characters in a MG sci-fi book...that's the futurism we love to see. But it's just not that deep. Every adventure story doesn't have to have a profound message or revelation for the readers, but there were so many opportunities for that in this novel that didn't get developed.
grapie_deltaco's review against another edition
3.0
3.5⭐️
I would've loved this book in middle school.
I went into this book unfamiliar with Korean folklore or mythologies and learned so much. The magic systems, ghost lore, and interactions these non-human beings have with one another were so interesting all the way through.
This book had zero romance and I'm so glad it didn't. This is the story of a curious, clever, and independent young girl having to constantly think quickly on her feet and push forward through difficult trials to find her brother. It's a story of self-exploration and strength from a very young girl and I'm so happy young girls reading this book will have a role model whose character development has nothing to do with crushes or falling in love.
Future technologically advanced societies, space pirates and galactic mercenaries, and a shape shifting teenage fox-spirit using magic to charm her way past the adults who stand in her way. The way magic and science blend is seamless and a combination I wish I could see more of in the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres!
The story is short and very fast-paced- almost too fast-paced. The friendships don't feel fully fleshed out or authentic, the bad guys are very obviously the bad guys, and there's little to know breathing room in-between conflicts. However, it's easy to read and understand, making it perfect for its intended audience.
I would've loved this book in middle school.
I went into this book unfamiliar with Korean folklore or mythologies and learned so much. The magic systems, ghost lore, and interactions these non-human beings have with one another were so interesting all the way through.
This book had zero romance and I'm so glad it didn't. This is the story of a curious, clever, and independent young girl having to constantly think quickly on her feet and push forward through difficult trials to find her brother. It's a story of self-exploration and strength from a very young girl and I'm so happy young girls reading this book will have a role model whose character development has nothing to do with crushes or falling in love.
Future technologically advanced societies, space pirates and galactic mercenaries, and a shape shifting teenage fox-spirit using magic to charm her way past the adults who stand in her way. The way magic and science blend is seamless and a combination I wish I could see more of in the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres!
The story is short and very fast-paced- almost too fast-paced. The friendships don't feel fully fleshed out or authentic, the bad guys are very obviously the bad guys, and there's little to know breathing room in-between conflicts. However, it's easy to read and understand, making it perfect for its intended audience.