Lori M. Lee

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I really loved learning more about the Mong culture. I also really loved how this book was an adventure that focused on the brother and sisters realtionships. I also thought this was super fun and fast pace read, I also like that is story focsued on two girls trying frantically to save the world. I also loved all the various creatures we meet in this read. This book was erriee and creepy but not horror. It had so many classics "rirodan" moments. Will def be checking out more books with this characters!… (mais)

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I really loved learning more about the Mong culture. I also really loved how this book was an adventure that focused on the brother and sisters realtionships. I also thought this was super fun and fast pace read, I also like that is story focsued on two girls trying frantically to save the world. I also loved all the various creatures we meet in this read. This book was erriee and creepy but not horror. It had so many classics "rirodan" moments. Will def be checking out more books with this characters!… (mais)

Pahua and the Soul Stealer is the first book in the Pahua Moua series by Lori M. Lee that focuses on Hmong mythology. It was released September 7th, 2021 and is part of the absolutely wonderful Rick Riordan Presents imprint, an imprint that aims to publish diverse mythological works of fiction for children and teens.
Lee's story was entrancing. Pahua and the Soul Stealer features shamans, ghosts, and talking cats! It has strong Hayao Miyazaki vibes (Lee even name drops Spirited Away in the story) with a girl entering a spirit realm, a talking cat, etc. but it is very much it's own unique story drawing on the mythology of Hmong culture. The story follows our delightful and sweet and brave protagonist, Pahua Moua. Pahua and her family are refugees from Laos, but her father left years earlier and she spends a lot of her time taking care of her younger brother, Matt. But Pahua can also see spirits and when she makes a mistake involving a ghost, she must journey into the spirit realm to save her brother. Her quest is fraught with danger, but there is also magic, friendship, and learning about her own strength. With the help of a girl named Zhong, a shaman warrior, Pahua risks it all to save her brother.
Pahua and the Soul Stealer was an engaging story that I am eager to read again. Pahua is a great heroine -she is noble, loving, kind, and brave. The world building and folklore is fascinating. And the pacing of the story is quick and easy to read.
I highly recommend this book… (mais)