Students in my school love all the books from Rick Riordan Presents and Dragon Pearl is among their favorites, so I was pleased to see the second book of the series. The mix of Korean mythology and science fiction creates an intriguing setting. There are spaceships and advanced weapons alongside characters carrying swords and training in martial arts. In the midst of all this, Sebin ( a young member of the Juhwang Clan), has eagerly awaited an acceptance letter to become a cadet in the Thousand World Space Forces, but when Sebin reports for duty everything goes wrong. There seem to be saboteurs or rebels on board the ship - explosions, crew cut off, Sebin and the other new cadets are on their own. What does honor demand of Sebin? Is duty to family or to the fleet more important?
Today's young readers have grown up on Star Wars and other space adventures, so running battles through the passageways of a starship or the use of mental or even mystical powers are not uncommon. But the idea of participants in those battles being able to turn into tigers or other forms is a refreshing addition to the possibilities of what can be expected. Although much of the plot centers around Sebin's family and experiences, the other cadets make it more of an ensemble story with each using their own abilities to cope with the emergency and learning to trust one other.
The extraordinary powers and group dynamics may remind readers of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and their adventures with classmates and friends. As with other books from the imprint, the rich cultural background that is being worked into this series adds layers of meaning and nuance to the reading experience. The ending resolves some of the conflicts within the book, but the larger scene of the Thousand Worlds and the fabled Dragon Pearl still leave many future adventures possible for these characters and their universe.
I read a copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment