Rick Riordan Presents

July 15, 2024
In this follow-up toPahua and the Soul Stealer (2021), all that stands between the world and destruction is one (prospective) shaman warrior. After inadvertently breaking one of the seals that's imprisoning angry thunder god Xov, Pahua Moua knows that she needs to repair it--after all, she's the reincarnation of the hero Shee Yee. But Pahua is not quite 12, and though she's received an invitation to tour the School for Shamanic Arts and Spiritual Mastery, she isn't a shaman warrior yet. She hasn't even been officially accepted. Pahua decides that repairing the seal can also serve as her hero's quest and secure her place at the school. Along with sarcastic cat spirit Miv and her new friend, shaman warrior Zhong, Pahua journeys through familiar lands and into new ones and comes face to face with dragons. Completing her quest will require allies, sacrifice, and an exploration of her relationships with her family members and Zhong. Pahua's signature humor and confidence shine through, even as she grapples with being in Shee Yee's shadow, the consequences of a past life she doesn't even remember, and the impact of her own actions. Steeped in Hmong mythology and brimming with Hmong American culture, this strong sequel leaves room for more adventures to come. A wonderful balance of adventure, wit, and tough decisions. (glossary, author's note)(Fantasy. 8-12)

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December 1, 2024

Gr 5-8-Reincarnated shaman warrior and demigod Pahua Moua returns in this action-packed, humorous follow-up to Pahua and the Soul Stealer. Following the rescue of her little brother, Pahua is navigating problems both mundane and magical as she vies for acceptance into a school for the Shamanic Arts. Her brother's moodiness seems unshakable, but Pahua has bigger worries as Xov, the imprisoned god she battled in the first installment, is poised to break out of his enchanted cell. Pahua once again teams up with fellow warrior Zhong and sarcastic cat spirit Miv to explore spiritual realms and mythical creatures as she searches for a way to save the world. Imbued on every page with Hmong language, mythology, and culture (both past and current), this fast-paced adventure is rich with meaning, but also just a good time. Pahua's journey to find her own path while also reckoning with the "flashy, demon-slaying, acrobatic hero" who carried her spirit in a past life is especially poignant. VERDICT A standout in the world of Rick Riordan Presents, this sequel and its predecessor are a must-buy for middle school libraries.

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