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kelsie17's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atayoshapedspace's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
momgoose626's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review (and a giveaway!) and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This second book in the Gifted Clans Series finds our heroine once again trying to find a way to fit in amongst her people. You’d think saving humanity would have won everyone over, but Riley now finds herself up against new obstacles. First off, in the act of saving the world, she also removed the Gom clan’s healing powers, and the clan is not at all pleased. And this time she doesn’t even have the love and devotion of her family and friends to fall back on since no one remembers her. Riley feels like she’s only made things worse for everyone, and she’s bound and determined to fix things. This leads her on a journey to the Spiritrealm to find an honorary god who she believes can restore the Gom clan’s healing abilities. There she learns that being undocumented in the underworld comes with some real disadvantages. She almost gives up hope until she meets a mysteriously quirky janitor boy named Dahl with a thirst for adventure. Dahl immediately agrees to help her on her quest, and it turns out he can be quite resourceful! Dahl is definitely my favorite new character in the series—he adds humor and intrigue to the story! Of course, Korean mythology is featured heavily in the Spiritrealm (with Kim’s own unique and very fun twists!). Riley has to avoid a sentence in one of the versions of (vacation?) hell, face down Korean versions of helldogs and mermaids, and take a dip into the corrupted waters of the Spring of Eternal Life. Along the way, she learns more about her own heritage, including uncovering a secret she never imagined!
No second-book syndrome here—the pacing is spot-on and Riley’s personal journey is compelling. The book also has a complete story arc while still leaving us plenty to look forward to in book three. This series is perfect for kids who love magic, mythology and adventure!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours and NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This second book in the Gifted Clans Series finds our heroine once again trying to find a way to fit in amongst her people. You’d think saving humanity would have won everyone over, but Riley now finds herself up against new obstacles. First off, in the act of saving the world, she also removed the Gom clan’s healing powers, and the clan is not at all pleased. And this time she doesn’t even have the love and devotion of her family and friends to fall back on since no one remembers her. Riley feels like she’s only made things worse for everyone, and she’s bound and determined to fix things. This leads her on a journey to the Spiritrealm to find an honorary god who she believes can restore the Gom clan’s healing abilities. There she learns that being undocumented in the underworld comes with some real disadvantages. She almost gives up hope until she meets a mysteriously quirky janitor boy named Dahl with a thirst for adventure. Dahl immediately agrees to help her on her quest, and it turns out he can be quite resourceful! Dahl is definitely my favorite new character in the series—he adds humor and intrigue to the story! Of course, Korean mythology is featured heavily in the Spiritrealm (with Kim’s own unique and very fun twists!). Riley has to avoid a sentence in one of the versions of (vacation?) hell, face down Korean versions of helldogs and mermaids, and take a dip into the corrupted waters of the Spring of Eternal Life. Along the way, she learns more about her own heritage, including uncovering a secret she never imagined!
No second-book syndrome here—the pacing is spot-on and Riley’s personal journey is compelling. The book also has a complete story arc while still leaving us plenty to look forward to in book three. This series is perfect for kids who love magic, mythology and adventure!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours and NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
jacktardis's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
evamadera1's review against another edition
4.0
It took only a few pages to re-familiarize myself with the story. On top of that, the engaging narrative made me wonder why my memory painted the first book in the series in such an unflattering light. I loved how Kim explored more of Korean mythology through her transformation of the seven hells into NYC with rehabilitating vacations. Riley's travel (with her new companion) also plants subtle thinking points about immigration and the penal system. I also appreciate how Kim kept the book connected to the first and laid seeds that bore fruit in the conclusion.
shelsilvers's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
littlespacekitty's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
An amazing sequel to an amazing book!
The first book is a touchstone to me, and the second book was equally good :)
I'm excited to read the next and final book in this trilogy!
I'm so happy to read a book about Korean culture :heart:
The first book is a touchstone to me, and the second book was equally good :)
I'm excited to read the next and final book in this trilogy!
I'm so happy to read a book about Korean culture :heart:
greeniezona's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
tiannakelly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0