Review: Dragon Pearl

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yoon Ha Lee already had me at FOX MAGIC and DRAGONS. This middle grade space adventure story revolves around Korean mythology and sibling love. Min is a bold and brave girl who goes searching to find out what has happened to her older brother Jun, who has been accused of abandoning his post to search for something called the Dragon Pearl. Readers of Lee's Machineries of Empire series will find in contrast to the steep immersion of his usual worlds that this is a very accessible story for children. There is a deft exploration of supernatural racism, since foxes are looked down upon in Min's society and viewed as sly and dangerous, whereas tigers, dragons, shamans, celestial maidens, and even goblins are seen as useful to society. While some aspects of the story require the usual suspension of belief in middle grade adventures- young teen runs away from home in space to rescue older brother!- the story is just plain fun. With it's gorgeous cover and novel blending of mythology and space opera-like drama, this book is sure to delight young readers.


I received a Digital Review Copy of this book from Disney Hyperion via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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