Release: September 7, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org
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Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Lori M. Lee’s middle grade debut about a lonely Hmong girl who discovers she’s a powerful shaman warrior in this fantasy inspired by Southeast Asian mythology.
Pahua Moua has a bit of a reputation for being a weirdo. A lonely eleven-year-old Hmong girl with the unique ability to see spirits, she spends her summer days babysitting her little brother and playing with her best friend, a cat spirit no one else can see.
One day Pahua accidentally untethers an angry spirit from the haunted bridge in her neighborhood–whoops. When her brother suddenly falls sick and can’t be awoken, Pahua fears that the bridge spirit has stolen his soul. She returns to the scene of the crime with her aunt’s old shaman tools, hoping to confront the spirit and demand her brother’s return. Instead, she summons a demon.
Thankfully, a warrior shaman with a bit of an attitude problem shows up at the last minute and saves her butt. With the help of this guide, Pahua will have to find her way through the spirit worlds and rescue her brother’s soul before it’s too late. Little does she know she’ll have her own discoveries to make along the way. . . .
With its unforgettable characters, unique nature-based magic system, breathtaking twists and reveals, and climactic boss battle, this story based on Hmong oral tradition offers everything a fantasy lover could want.
About the Author:
Lori M. Lee is the author of speculative novels and short stories. Her books include PAHUA AND THE SOUL STEALER (Disney/Rick Riordan Presents), FOREST OF SOULS and the sequel BROKEN WEB (Page Street), and more.
She’s also a contributor to the anthologies A THOUSAND BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS and COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES. She considers herself a unicorn fan, enjoys marathoning TV shows, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family.
Photo credit PrettyGeeky Photography..
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Pahua and the Soul Stealer Review:
“Pahua and the Soul Stealer” is an excellent addition to the Rick Riordan series and does not disappoint!
Firstly, I had no idea about the Hmong Culture until I read this book. Right from the beginning, I liked Pahua and was intrigued by her powers to see spirits. I loved her connection with Miv. Miv is adorable as her cat spirit, with the snarky, humorous dialogues. As the story progresses, Pahua also meets Zhong, and they go on an epic adventure quest to save Pahua’s brother Matt. The author excitingly wrote the book! Each chapter ends with a shocking cliffhanger that makes you unable to put the book down and continue reading. Many scenes made the story memorable, like when the demon initially attacks her or when she and Zhong move into the echo, and when they meet Spike. From waterfalls to tunnels to mountains, Pahua experiences traveling across all kinds of platforms to help her brother.
Pahua is excellent in the lead. In the beginning, she is more of a wallflower where other girls like Hailey overshadow her. But as the story progresses, you see her confidence shine. Moreover, I liked her because she doesn’t use brutal force to attack whoever threatens her in the story. I like how she uses other skills like persuasion and bargaining to get out of a situation. Zhong and Pahua have contrasting personalities, and they both work so well together. The story is magical as they come across various forms of spirits. Xov is also a formidable character.
My only minor criticism is how the author could have used characters like June to a higher potential. Apart from that, I loved “Pahua and the Soul Stealer” and found it a promising start to the series.
Giveaway Details:
3 winners will win a finished copy of PAHUA AND THE SOUL STEALER, US Only.
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
Book Tour Schedule
Week One:
Kait Plus Books-Excerpt-9-1-2021
YA Books Central-Excerpt-9-2-2021
Nerdophiles -Review-9-3-2021
Bibliosini-Review-9-4-2021
Week Two:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-9-5-2021
Book-Keeping-Review-9-6-2021
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-9-7-2021
booksaremagictoo-Review-9-8-2021
Sometimes Leelynn Reads-Review-9-9-2021
Log Cabin Library-Review-9-10-2021
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-9-11-2021
Week Three:
Lifestyle of Me-Review-9-12-2021
Emelie’s Books-Review-9-13-2021
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-9-14-2021
Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-9-15-2021
More Books Please blog -Review-9-16-2021
Discover Elysian-Review-9-17-2021
Don’t Judge, Read-Review-9-18-2021
Week Four:
@pagesofyellow-Review-9-19-2021
TLC Book Nook-Review-9-20-2021
Fyrekatz Blog-Review-9-21-2021
The Momma Spot-Review-9-22-2021
Lexijava -Excerpt-9-23-2021
hauntedbybooks-Review-9-24-2021
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-9-25-2021
Week Five:
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review-9-26-2021
YA Book Nerd-Excerpt-9-27-2021
PopTheButterfly Reads-Review-9-28-2021
@fictitious.fox-Review-9-29-2021
Two Points of Interest-Review-9-30-2021
I had no idea about Hmong culture until I read Pahua as well and now I am fascinated by the myths and legends! This was such a great addition to the Rick Riordan Presents collection! Thanks for the great review!