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librarydancer's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent, entertaining middle-grade/tween fantasy. Very interesting lead character. The story gets a little stuck when first in space, but picks up to an exciting final third of the book.
The Korean folklore is fascinating, and adds dimension to the story.
The Korean folklore is fascinating, and adds dimension to the story.
ceena's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great middle grade full of adventure. Honestly, the setting, the characters, and story felt unique and new. I loved how well the sci-fi aspects worked with the fantasy ones. There were many more supernatural beings than I anticipated there being.
I did, on occasion, find my mind wandering, or not connecting with Min, BUT I am so not the target audience. The amount of action here and the choices taken will probably be a hit for most tweens and younger readers. Also, this isn't to say I didn't like the book or find it all predictable. There were times I was completely thrown by events -- some I really wasn't expecting to read in a middle grade book. A great read and one I'll be recommending to young readers looking for a more sci-fi read with action.
I did, on occasion, find my mind wandering, or not connecting with Min, BUT I am so not the target audience. The amount of action here and the choices taken will probably be a hit for most tweens and younger readers. Also, this isn't to say I didn't like the book or find it all predictable. There were times I was completely thrown by events -- some I really wasn't expecting to read in a middle grade book. A great read and one I'll be recommending to young readers looking for a more sci-fi read with action.
telltalepage's review against another edition
4.5
I was so so looking forward to this book, as an avid lover of Korean culture, I was so ready to learn more about it. This is a lot different from other RR presents books, as it takes place in another world (universe?) and it takes place is space, on space cruisers. That element was truly awesome, especially as the entire universe was populated by Korean characters! (How often does that happen in literature written in English, especially sci-fi....I can't think of a single one.)
The only reason this got bumped down half a star is because I thought the plot was a tiny bit meandering and not very strong. But I loved the characters and the way Yoon Ha Lee expertly wove Korean culture within the world he created. I think Korean and Korean-American kids will absolutely love this, and I also think every other kid out there will love it too! I mean, it's got shapeshifters, space battles, ghosts! It's got everything an action adventure story could need.
The only reason this got bumped down half a star is because I thought the plot was a tiny bit meandering and not very strong. But I loved the characters and the way Yoon Ha Lee expertly wove Korean culture within the world he created. I think Korean and Korean-American kids will absolutely love this, and I also think every other kid out there will love it too! I mean, it's got shapeshifters, space battles, ghosts! It's got everything an action adventure story could need.
rockyroadbutch's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
a_writer_guy's review against another edition
3.0
I was really excited to read this book. I love the Percy Jackson series, and another chance to have a story similar to that with a different culture's mythos behind it had a huge draw. Unfortunately, it was just super dry and cliched. I was very bored. Nothing was particularly bad. The writing was fine. It just didn't hold my attention very well.
my_life_full_of_stories's review against another edition
3.0
I gave it 3 stars because I really loved the characters, the mythology and the writing.
This was entertaining, however the pacing was off for me.
By the end of the book I was a little disappointed.
This was entertaining, however the pacing was off for me.
By the end of the book I was a little disappointed.
erine's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been on my to-read shelf for a looong time, and I finally got around to picking it up. A lot of events and circumstances were just a little too coincidental or tidy, but other than that, I really enjoyed this. At some point I realized it reminded me of Ender’s Game, and I’m not entirely sure why. Futuristic space travel? Sibling rivalry? Relationships with fellow cadets? Ominous authority figures that visit the family? Empathy for creatures unlike yourself (in this case, ghosts)? Regardless, it was a fun space adventure all twisted up with ghosts and Korean mythology.
Min is quick-thinking and smart, if very young, and after learning her brother has deserted the Space Cadets, she goes in search of him. There’s magic and gambling, space battles and spy missions, and my favorite: complicated friendships full of fun, mistakes, broken trust, and forgiveness.
I found this a pleasure read from beginning to end.
Min is quick-thinking and smart, if very young, and after learning her brother has deserted the Space Cadets, she goes in search of him. There’s magic and gambling, space battles and spy missions, and my favorite: complicated friendships full of fun, mistakes, broken trust, and forgiveness.
I found this a pleasure read from beginning to end.
moh's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I loved the main character's determination and teasing out of ethical consequences in ways that felt both complex and true to her age. While Korean fox mythology is new to me, I adored that the MC was a shape-shifting fox and the combination of a future universe, space travel, lonely ghosts, and mythology. And multiple, non-explainy references to the existence of more than two genders in a middle-grade novel—Joy!
I loved the main character's determination and teasing out of ethical consequences in ways that felt both complex and true to her age. While Korean fox mythology is new to me, I adored that the MC was a shape-shifting fox and the combination of a future universe, space travel, lonely ghosts, and mythology. And multiple, non-explainy references to the existence of more than two genders in a middle-grade novel—Joy!
rachel_faerie's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 ⭐️ really cute, really unique, has good LGBT+ rep (side characters) and really enjoyed the Korean mythology, definitely for younger readers, and was slow to grab my attention at first, but switching to the audio book sucked me right in :)