Pahua and the Dragon's Secret

Pahua #2

by Lori M. Lee

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.

A snarky cat spirit, a rivalry between two shamans-in-training, a dangerous dragon encounter, 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.

Eleven-year-old Hmong girl Pahua Moua recently discovered that she's the reincarnation of Shee Yee, a renowned warrior. With the help of her friends Miv, a talking cat; and Zhong, a shaman-in-training, Pahua defeated Xov, the god of wrath, destruction, and thunder. Now she has to retrieve some metallic dragon scales to reinforce his weakened prison cell.

Pahua, Zhong, and Miv travel to the Land of Dragons, where they come upon the truth stone, an object that reveals the world as it is. The stone will help them locate the second seal that will bind Xov. However, magic is circular, and if Pahua wants to create something as powerful as a cage for a god, she will have to make an equally powerful sacrifice. . . .

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a live-action series on Disney+.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mythology, Fiction, Asian Literature, Dragons, Urban Fantasy

432 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Lori is an avid writer, reader, artist, and lover of unicorns. She should probably spend less time on the internet (but she won't). She considers herself a unicorn aficianado, is fond of talking in capslock, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and family.

Reviews

[the tortured poets department]

12/14/23: COVER REVEAL ON INSTAGRAM🫶🏻 SEPTEMBER 2024, BABY!!!!!!!!!

6/20/23: UPDATE apparently this is now a 2024 release, so... 😭😮‍💨

4/12/23: taking matters into my own hands and manifesting a synopsis + cover reveal soon🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[Lauren Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this series fuses Hmong mythology with modern middle grade fantasy. In this book, Pahua, her friend Zhong, and the sarcastic cat spirit Miv must travel to the Land of Dragons to ensure that the god of destruction, Xov remains imprisoned. I enjoyed meeting Lori M. Lee yesterday at the Chippewa Valley Book Festival and learning more about her and the Pahua series. Looking forward to more Pahua books.

[Karen Cohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first volume, Pahua and the Soul Stealer, readers met then eleven year-old Pahua. Pahua is Hmong, and like so many immigrant and first-generation children, there is no one like her in her immediate area. Her parents are divorced, her mother works a lot to support Pahua and her younger brother Matt, and therefore Pahua spends a lot of time watching Matt and wishing she had friends, while trying, like so many children of divorce, to figure out what she did to drive her father away. During this novel, Pahua discovered that she is the spiritual reincarnation of Shee Yee, a powerful shaman, whose spirit was banished from reincarnation to keep him from freeing Xov, even though, in reality, Shee Yee was the one who imprisoned him. In this second volume, Pahua goes on a quest to repair the second of the three seals confining Xov, to prove she is worthy to enter the School for Shamanic Arts and Spiritual Mastery. In the process, she meets new people, makes new friends, and runs into new problems.

As with the first novel, Pahua and the Dragon's Secret is a wonderful example of the fantasy sub-genre based on the mythology of a particular culture, in this case Hmong. As with the first volume, this volume has magic, a quest, danger, and new friends. That such a wonderful story includes pieces of a mythology that many people are unfamiliar with helps bind it together and gives it a depth and richness that is often lacking, making for a wonderful and entertaining story. Like many second novels, it assumes you have read the first one, and I would recommend that you do so, for the appropriate background. Recommended for readers upper elementary to adult.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pahua is a reincarnated shaman and demi-god. Following the rescue of her little brother, Pahua is struggling to navigate the mundane as well as getting accepted into the school for the Shamanic Arts. Her brother is acting moody. With imprisoned god, Xov threatening to break out of his enchanted cell, Pahua must tea again with Zhong and his sarcastic cat, Miv. As the explore the spiritual realms to find a way to save the world, she hopes her mission will count as a hero’s quest and ensure her acceptance. Along the way the duo meets allies, dragons, and much more. As she grapples with being in Shee Yee’s Shadow, a result of a past life, Pahua must find her own path. Will she succeed?

The plot is well written, magical, and engaging. The characters are well developed, relatable, and enjoyable. The world building is well done, complex, and draws the reader into Pahua’s world. Mixed throughout are snippets of the Hmong language, mythology, and culture. Fans of Rick Riordan, mythology, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide through NetGalley.
Pahua, Zhong, and Miv are back for another adventure. They must locate the right metal to reinforce Xov's prison cage and reinforce the second seal. This continuation of the story offers new characters along with those from book one. Lee makes readers feel they are part of the quest as they venture to the dragon's land and locate the Seamstress. When a new friend betrays them, they must handle the emotional fallout as well as the physical dangers before completing the journey. Though successful in reinforcing Xov's prison, readers see how he tricked them and their actions have caused a much more dangerous situation at the end. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the action and the way Lee weaves Hmong mythology into the story. The Glossary helps with terminology.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee has created great characters in this story. Pahua is a great main character! She is loyal, funny, and self-aware. That last one is especially refreshing in middle grade novels. Her cat spirit familiar Miv adds even more humor with his constant sarcasm. Zhong is the perfect lovable brat. Our newest character, Yulong, was a little underdeveloped for the role he played in the story.

This has one classic flaw of fantasy. The MC isn't perfectly skilled at everything they need to do, but then gets a surge of power and "instinct" when they need it. I do not expect perfection from a young character, but the push and pull in the narrative about Pahua's skills are such a big point that it would be nice if her flaws had consequences rather than always working out.

I am still very excited to see where this series goes. Especially since the school has been introduced, I hope that her skills develop through practice and work in the next book!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2021, Pahua and the Soul Stealer was released. At the time, I'd thought it w0uld only be a standalone book. So, imagine my surprise and delight when I found out there would be a sequel, which is this book, Pahua and the Dragon's Secret. In a way, it's like what happened with City of the Plague God, by Sarwat Chadda. That was also released in 2021. And I'd assumed that it would only just be one book on its' own. Then its' sequel, Fury of the Dragon Goddess, came out last year. Pahua and the Dragon's Secret was just as amazing, incredible and wonderful as its' predecessor. I suppose only time will tell if there will be a third book in this series. But at this point, I don't see why that wouldn't happen.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd in Pahua series, this Rick Riordan presents title deals with deities of the Hmong culture. 11 year old pahua is the reincarnation of Shen Yee, a powerful demigod and cultural hero. Following the Riordan formula, Pahua struggles with understanding and using her powers but through the acts of kindness, self deprecating humor, and friendship manages to save the day. I found Pahua a likable heroine and adore Miv, her cat spirit annd highly sarcastic ally. I think kids will enjoy learning about Hmong culture and a story with dragons is sure to please. I was given a copy of this ebook in return for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this hard to put down but I also hate cliffhangers, which this is. Pahua, Miv, and Zhong have to repair the second wall of Xov’s cage to keep him safe inside until Pahua has learned enough to repair the final wall. Others join in on their quest along the way including one that has Pahua’s heart fluttering. Note that she’s a month away from being twelve so that is all that happens in terms of romance. I’ll be reading the next one in the series. I’m not sure if this is a trilogy but it rather feels like one.

[Eric Nhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This was my way of being a hero. This was how I stopped trying to emulate a hero who had only ever been a man, and instead embraced the girl who'd freed a bridge spirit with compassion instead of anger. Maybe I would never be a flashy, acrobatic demon-slaying hero worthy of folktales. But as long as I could save the people I cared about, maybe that was enough."

I love Pahua. Hmong mythology is so cool. I got a little emotional towards the end. Beautifully written and I love that this story is accessible to people of any age.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this second installment in the Pahua Moa series as well as the discovery that at least one more installment is yet to come. In this middle book, Pahua now has to find her place in the world she discovered in book one, to adjust to the expectations that others have about her based on reveals of book one. She also puts an enormous amount of pressure on herself to fix everything that went wrong in the first book regardless of whether it was her fault or not. I love how Lee centers Pahua's culture and family and eagerly look forward to the likely concluding installment.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide, Rick Riordan Presents, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this awesome book! This is the second instalment into the Pahua series and it was such a fun read! Same amazing characters, wonderful storytelling, adventure, and dragons made for a fantastic story! Can’t wait for Pahua’s next quest and in the meantime, would greatly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys exploring mythology and learn about different cultures.

[Nathan Dehoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book of this series, Pahua Moua, the reincarnation of the great Hmong warrior Shee Yee, wants to enroll in a school for shamans. In order to do so, she has to reinforce the prison of Xov, the god of destruction, which means finding metal in the Land of Dragons. The dragons in this story are creatures of water. It's a good adventure story, and I enjoy the character of Miv, the sarcastic cat spirit who accompanies Pahua.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Pahua and the Soul Stealer reminded me that if your sibling gets kidnapped by supernatural forces, you should seek adult help! Including dragons in this new volume ups the adventure and middle grade appeal. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a trilogy, like this author's Young Adult Shamanborn series.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautifully written! The scenes were so descriptive, you felt like you were right there with Pahua, Zhong, and Miv. The story was excellently woven to keep you fully engaged. I've already recommended this series to a number of people and will continue to do so. I can't wait for Pahua's next adventure to hit stores!

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an action packed adventure filled with dragons and other mythical creatures. I like that Pahua and her friends still keeps trying regardless of the costs.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.

Pahua, Zhong, and Miv must find a way to repair Xov's prison before he escapes. The usual hilarity ensues. #RickRiordanPresentsPahuaandtheDragonsSecretAPahuaMouaNovelBook2 #NetGalley

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second installment of Pahua Moua. It is definitely going on my classroom bookshelf and will be recommended to my students.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the middle grades Hmong-culture inspired fantasy is just as good as the first book.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love hiking, and the ever sarcastic miv. Dragons will always fascinate me. Looking forward to the next book.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75

[Paige Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and introduces a fun new character. Can't wait for book 3.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO CUTE!!!!!! Miv I love you <3

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series; I desperately want Pahua's story to continue beyond this trilogy (?) so we can see what she can do as an older teenager, like Percy Jackson—she just has so much potential!