Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Lori M. Lee’s second Southeast Asian fantasy adventure about a girl who is the reincarnation of the greatest warrior of all time.
Eleven-year-old Pahua Moua has always had an active imagination. But she never would’ve dreamed that she’s the reincarnation of Shee Yee, the most powerful shaman warrior in Hmong history. Nor would she ever have thought that she could stand up to the evil god Xov and foil his attempt to escape the prison that Shee Yee built for him centuries ago.
The confrontation left Xov’s prison seals weakened, and Pahua must reinforce them before the god can break out and unleash chaos on all the realms. But where is his prison located, and how can she strengthen its bars? Pahua assumes she can find the answers at shaman school, but the elders there are wary of her connection to Shee Yee. Pahua has no choice but to set off on her own quest to the Land of Dragons, the only place where the right kind of metal can be . . . er, plucked.
A snarky cat spirit, a rivalry between two shamans-in-training, dangerous dragon encounters, and a stand-off with a thunder god are just a few of the delights and thrills in this sequel to Pahua and the Soul Stealer, winner of the 2022 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature.
Cover illustration by Tou Her
PRAISE FOR PAHUA AND THE DRAGON’S SECRET
★ “This powerful story rooted in Southeast Asian mythology should be on all shelves for teens and tweens to find. Fantasy readers will love Pahua and look forward to her adventures.” — School Library Journal, STARRED Review
“Lee adroitly develops the friendship between Pahua and Zhong as they bond over their insecurities and complicated familial relationships. Humorous dialogue from the demons and spirits brings a much-needed levity to each challenge that the two girls face. Featuring Hmong representation and action-packed adventure, this high-spirited, emotionally resonant series starter will satisfy any fan of the imprint.” — Publishers Weekly
“This is a fun adventure through a world inspired by Hmong mythology, full of imagination and featuring characters whose concerns are both modern and timeless. A classic, satisfying adventure tale packed with magical beings.” — Kirkus
“Pahua is clever with a bit of snark, giving the story a lot of humor, and while the book is long, the pace is quick, with plenty of adventure and action to keep readers going. Another exciting, mythology-based fantasy for middle-graders.” — Booklist
“This story, immersed in Hmong mythology, has many twists and turns and unexpected challenges. Fantasy fans will not want to put this book down.” — School Library Collection
“I love the adventures Pahua has in this book. I also love the sense of humor, the clever plotting, and the fantastic cast of characters. But most of all I love Pahua: her courage, her kindness, and her love for family.” — Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series
“This book had me biting my nails and laughing out loud all at once. Lori M. Lee has woven a story of enchanting spirits, terrifying demons, and one fiercely courageous shaman warrior. Pahua is my new hero!” — Christina Soontornvat, Newbery Honor-winner of A Wish in the Dark
“Reminiscent of the magic and whimsy of Howl’s Moving Castle. An enchanting blend of humor and heart in an adventure that readers won’t soon forget.” — Claribel A. Ortega, author of Ghost Squad and Witchlings
“I was happily, helplessly tangled-up in the sparkling magic of Pahua’s story from the first line. She isn’t just courageous when it comes to fighting through beautiful, scary spirtworlds; she’s courageous enough to be her uniquely-awesome self in this world, too. She makes you feel braver with every page-turn, and that’s a special kind of magic.” — Natalie Lloyd, award-winning author of Over the Moon
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