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The Legendary Mo Seto #2
Martial Arts Star
Mo travels to Hong Kong to shoot her movie and unexpectedly comes across another ancient book of martial arts secrets in this fast-paced, high-kicking sequel to The Legendary Mo Seto.
After rescuing her dad, martial arts film star Cody Kwok, and the ancient Book of Joy from a big player in the notorious Five Claw crime organization, Mo is on to her next filming a movie with Cody! Mo and Dax, along with Mo’s Dad, are whisked away to Hong Kong to start work on The Protégé. It’s Mo’s first overseas trip, and she is awestruck by the glitz and glamour of the international film experience.
Soon after they arrive, they attend a party in the Kwok family’s fancy penthouse apartment, where Mo and Dax meet Cody’s fifteen-year-old sister, Fiona, who’s full of natural martial arts talent. Mo is shocked when Cody’s father gifts Fiona a very familiar the Book of Sorrow, a piece in the trilogy of books that hold ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. How did Cody’s family get it? With Mo’s dad’s attention diverted to seeking the truth about the Five Claws, Fiona offers to show Mo around Hong Kong. As their friendship grows deeper, Fiona teaches Mo techniques from the Book of Sorrow in between filming.
But it turns out Fiona has ulterior motives, and soon, Mo finds herself taking on the Five Claw Society once again, this time with the help of Dax, Cody, and her best friend, Nacho. Can she protect the book and make her martial arts dreams come true?
After rescuing her dad, martial arts film star Cody Kwok, and the ancient Book of Joy from a big player in the notorious Five Claw crime organization, Mo is on to her next filming a movie with Cody! Mo and Dax, along with Mo’s Dad, are whisked away to Hong Kong to start work on The Protégé. It’s Mo’s first overseas trip, and she is awestruck by the glitz and glamour of the international film experience.
Soon after they arrive, they attend a party in the Kwok family’s fancy penthouse apartment, where Mo and Dax meet Cody’s fifteen-year-old sister, Fiona, who’s full of natural martial arts talent. Mo is shocked when Cody’s father gifts Fiona a very familiar the Book of Sorrow, a piece in the trilogy of books that hold ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. How did Cody’s family get it? With Mo’s dad’s attention diverted to seeking the truth about the Five Claws, Fiona offers to show Mo around Hong Kong. As their friendship grows deeper, Fiona teaches Mo techniques from the Book of Sorrow in between filming.
But it turns out Fiona has ulterior motives, and soon, Mo finds herself taking on the Five Claw Society once again, this time with the help of Dax, Cody, and her best friend, Nacho. Can she protect the book and make her martial arts dreams come true?
- GenresMiddle Grade
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 18, 2025
I loved the first Mo, so I went into the second one with cautious optimism….and it definitely delivered!
Martial Arts Star cranked up the action and had me glued to my couch finishing the book in a weekend!
This time the adventure is set in Hong Kong, and it was great reading about the sights and sounds of HK. Felt like a fun, fast-paced mini-travelogue mixed with a whodunnit mystery and an explosive finish.
While Sanjay, my favourite character from the last book, wasn’t with the crew in HK, Dax and Gramps more than made up for it alongside Mo. They had me giggling throughout the whole book, as did the ever-stressed out PR rep, Mabel. You’re a queeeeen, Mabel!
Can’t wait for the third (we’re getting a third, right?!) to finish the story of the trio of books!
For kids (and adults) who loved the first book, I have no doubt that they’ll love the second one as well.
Martial Arts Star cranked up the action and had me glued to my couch finishing the book in a weekend!
This time the adventure is set in Hong Kong, and it was great reading about the sights and sounds of HK. Felt like a fun, fast-paced mini-travelogue mixed with a whodunnit mystery and an explosive finish.
While Sanjay, my favourite character from the last book, wasn’t with the crew in HK, Dax and Gramps more than made up for it alongside Mo. They had me giggling throughout the whole book, as did the ever-stressed out PR rep, Mabel. You’re a queeeeen, Mabel!
Can’t wait for the third (we’re getting a third, right?!) to finish the story of the trio of books!
For kids (and adults) who loved the first book, I have no doubt that they’ll love the second one as well.
July 9, 2025
Mo Seto is back and she packs an exciting punch!
Martial Arts Star picks up right after The Legendary Mo Seto, the first book in this new middle-grade series. Fans will enjoy reconnecting with Mo, her family and her friends as we watch 13-year-old Mo live her dream as she takes on a role in a new martial arts movie! But it's not all martial arts moves and camera angles! Dark forces continue to follow Mo on the hunt for missing relics!
Set in the beauty of Hong Kong, this is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with mystery and humour that had me chuckling to myself. I loved the themes of family and change and how Mo continues to be a strong female main character for young readers. The sweet, budding romance was also a nice touch.
Martial Arts Star is a great addition to this middle grade series, and I will be wholeheartedly recommending it to my young library customers. I'm hoping with a third mysterious relic still missing that we can anticipate another book in this series.
Note: I'd recommend reading the first book since there are elements and plot points that continue into this book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and Aladdin books for the complimentary finished hardcover copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
Martial Arts Star picks up right after The Legendary Mo Seto, the first book in this new middle-grade series. Fans will enjoy reconnecting with Mo, her family and her friends as we watch 13-year-old Mo live her dream as she takes on a role in a new martial arts movie! But it's not all martial arts moves and camera angles! Dark forces continue to follow Mo on the hunt for missing relics!
Set in the beauty of Hong Kong, this is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with mystery and humour that had me chuckling to myself. I loved the themes of family and change and how Mo continues to be a strong female main character for young readers. The sweet, budding romance was also a nice touch.
Martial Arts Star is a great addition to this middle grade series, and I will be wholeheartedly recommending it to my young library customers. I'm hoping with a third mysterious relic still missing that we can anticipate another book in this series.
Note: I'd recommend reading the first book since there are elements and plot points that continue into this book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and Aladdin books for the complimentary finished hardcover copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2025
Special thanks, once again, to the author and publisher for my beautiful hard cover finished copy. This is book number 2 in a series. We meet main character Mo, her family and friends in the first book, The Legendary Mo Seto. There, a young Mo was auditioning to be in a martial arts movies with one of her idols. In this new book, she's gotten the role and is set to begin filming. But just like in the first book, a secret society is after some very precious artifacts that Mo and her family possess. Along with her family and her friends both old and new, they once again need to come together to help save the day!
Once again, I'm not the target audience for this book, as it's very much a middle grade story, but I thought it was really fun! I think young readers will really enjoy Mo and story! I donated the first book to my school library and plan to do the same with this one and I can't wait to hear some young reviews! I think readers will enjoy the easy to follow story line, the fast pace and action and the relatable characters.
Once again, I'm not the target audience for this book, as it's very much a middle grade story, but I thought it was really fun! I think young readers will really enjoy Mo and story! I donated the first book to my school library and plan to do the same with this one and I can't wait to hear some young reviews! I think readers will enjoy the easy to follow story line, the fast pace and action and the relatable characters.
August 21, 2025
I really loved being back with Mo, her friends and her family!
What an action packed sequel! I loved the Hong Kong setting, the mystery around the stolen book, the new characters, and the changing relationship with Nacho.
What an action packed sequel! I loved the Hong Kong setting, the mystery around the stolen book, the new characters, and the changing relationship with Nacho.
September 14, 2025
Heading to Hong Kong for her debut movie alongside her frenemy Dax and her favorite actor, Cody Kwok, Mo Seto’s dreams are finally coming true! After securing a movie role, stopping the evil Huangdi and the Five Claws, and learning her ancestor’s sacred martial arts style, everything should be smooth sailing…right? But just as Mo thinks life can’t get any better, the universe throws her endless curve balls, beginning with the news of an impending family move. Add pesky reporters, a fake crush, and a stolen heirloom, all while navigating movie shoots and Cody’s erratic behavior, and Mo has her hands more than full. Can Mo befriend Cody’s elusive sister Fiona, recover the stolen artifact, locate her missing grandfather, and thwart the revenge of the Five Claws, all while fighting to understand how she feels about her best friend Nacho? Or will the young martial artist crumple underneath this Mo-numental burden?
“The Legendary Mo Seto: Martial Arts Star” by A.Y. Chan is a smash-hit sequel that was well worth the wait. After defeating Huangdi and discovering that her martial arts hero, Cody Kwok, is a fraud, Mo’s life has been a rollercoaster of adventure. This second entry in the series is packed full of action and unbridled hilarity, as Mo sets out for her debut movie. Instead of referencing her favorite Cody Kwok quotes, Mo now envisions herself in movie versions of her real-life scenarios, making this book read like a very clean “Deadpool” comic. Each character is highly nuanced, and the plot strikes the perfect balance of solvable mysteries and unforeseen plot twists that keep the action moving like a well-paced family film. I absolutely loved the Hong Kong setting and the Chinese cultural references that permeate every page with wonder. Every single character has deep motives and many layers, from stuck-up Fiona’s hidden feelings to Cody’s quest to discover his true path. And at the end of everything, it’s the friendships Mo makes that are the truest treasures, as the young martial arts star navigates conspiracies, mysteries, and the challenges of being thirteen.
A brilliant coming-of-age tale even better than part one, this second entry in Mo Seto’s adventures is a heartwarming story full of flying fists, family, and fun. This story contains action violence and near-drowning incidents, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Any reader who loves good, clean action stories steeped in culture with a heavy dose of humor is sure to love this incredible second entry in a truly remarkable series.
I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“The Legendary Mo Seto: Martial Arts Star” by A.Y. Chan is a smash-hit sequel that was well worth the wait. After defeating Huangdi and discovering that her martial arts hero, Cody Kwok, is a fraud, Mo’s life has been a rollercoaster of adventure. This second entry in the series is packed full of action and unbridled hilarity, as Mo sets out for her debut movie. Instead of referencing her favorite Cody Kwok quotes, Mo now envisions herself in movie versions of her real-life scenarios, making this book read like a very clean “Deadpool” comic. Each character is highly nuanced, and the plot strikes the perfect balance of solvable mysteries and unforeseen plot twists that keep the action moving like a well-paced family film. I absolutely loved the Hong Kong setting and the Chinese cultural references that permeate every page with wonder. Every single character has deep motives and many layers, from stuck-up Fiona’s hidden feelings to Cody’s quest to discover his true path. And at the end of everything, it’s the friendships Mo makes that are the truest treasures, as the young martial arts star navigates conspiracies, mysteries, and the challenges of being thirteen.
A brilliant coming-of-age tale even better than part one, this second entry in Mo Seto’s adventures is a heartwarming story full of flying fists, family, and fun. This story contains action violence and near-drowning incidents, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Any reader who loves good, clean action stories steeped in culture with a heavy dose of humor is sure to love this incredible second entry in a truly remarkable series.
I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
Review: 4.75 Stars
Mo Seto is officially shooting a movie and heading to Hong Kong to do it! Before jetting off to Hong Kong, she finds that her family will be moving to another state when she is back and there is a possibility of her missing her school’s upcoming halloween bash where she, Nacho and Cassie are going together and there is this lingering awkwardness around her and Nacho that she is not sure what do. While in Hong Kong, she finds that Cody inherited the Book of Sorrow from his maternal side and is determined to speak to Cody about it. Before she could, the book was stolen, will she ever recover it and can she befriend Cody’s lonely sister, Fiona who might know more than she is letting on?
Ahh, Mo is as usual her feisty and determined self..but I did find her a little reckless in some of her decision making throughout the book that ends up leading to more consequences than it was worth! She is upset that her family has made the decision to move and is also hoping to find her Yeye, her paternal grandfather who they lost touch with when her dad moved to America. I love the budding friendship that she has with Fiona, you can tell that she tries to be her usual self as she befriends Fiona. Chinese culture is prevalent in some moments such as the myth of Meng Po and dim sum in the Hong Kong backdrop.
Per usual, the chapters are short and sweet with funny-ish chapter headings related to the moment of the chapter itself. The pacing and plot is fast. This book is also where the supporting characters shine and have little side stories where they overcome their own set of adversaries such as Fiona, Cody and Yeye.
While I still love Book 1 more, this one is a great follow-up read! Dare I ask if there is a possibility of Book 3? Hehehe….
Thank you, A Y Chan and Simon & Schuster, for the gifted finished copy!
Mo Seto is officially shooting a movie and heading to Hong Kong to do it! Before jetting off to Hong Kong, she finds that her family will be moving to another state when she is back and there is a possibility of her missing her school’s upcoming halloween bash where she, Nacho and Cassie are going together and there is this lingering awkwardness around her and Nacho that she is not sure what do. While in Hong Kong, she finds that Cody inherited the Book of Sorrow from his maternal side and is determined to speak to Cody about it. Before she could, the book was stolen, will she ever recover it and can she befriend Cody’s lonely sister, Fiona who might know more than she is letting on?
Ahh, Mo is as usual her feisty and determined self..but I did find her a little reckless in some of her decision making throughout the book that ends up leading to more consequences than it was worth! She is upset that her family has made the decision to move and is also hoping to find her Yeye, her paternal grandfather who they lost touch with when her dad moved to America. I love the budding friendship that she has with Fiona, you can tell that she tries to be her usual self as she befriends Fiona. Chinese culture is prevalent in some moments such as the myth of Meng Po and dim sum in the Hong Kong backdrop.
Per usual, the chapters are short and sweet with funny-ish chapter headings related to the moment of the chapter itself. The pacing and plot is fast. This book is also where the supporting characters shine and have little side stories where they overcome their own set of adversaries such as Fiona, Cody and Yeye.
While I still love Book 1 more, this one is a great follow-up read! Dare I ask if there is a possibility of Book 3? Hehehe….
Thank you, A Y Chan and Simon & Schuster, for the gifted finished copy!
December 20, 2025
Mo is back in action, tackling new problems as she faces not only film acting, bad guys, and a complicated crush, but also the idea of her family moving from the home she’s always known, and finding the Book of Sorrow before the Five Claws do!
There’s so much going on in this sequel, but it’s done in a fun and fantastic way. As the second installment in a series, this one is pretty solid! The story centers more on family and companionship than the first book did and the ending made me feel all cozy inside as everything was being resolved. Mo is such a charming main character, and I absolutely love her and Dax, her frenemy. Dax is such an airhead and a weirdo but he’s hilarious. I loved all the interactions between him and the reporter Libby Varley. I think Libby met her match with him!
It was fun exploring the whodunnit plot and trying to unravel the mysteries. I have to admit; I did not see the plot twist coming. I thought I had it all figured out but Chan proved me wrong! It was cool being able to dive more into Cody Kwok’s family and learning all the fun little secrets and how Mo’s and Cody’s families were tied to one another. The euphemisms and the story threads were all cleverly used and I have to admire A.Y. Chan’s writing abilities!
Overall, Martial Arts Star is just as entertaining and full of life as the first book and I can’t wait to see more of this series!
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the author for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s so much going on in this sequel, but it’s done in a fun and fantastic way. As the second installment in a series, this one is pretty solid! The story centers more on family and companionship than the first book did and the ending made me feel all cozy inside as everything was being resolved. Mo is such a charming main character, and I absolutely love her and Dax, her frenemy. Dax is such an airhead and a weirdo but he’s hilarious. I loved all the interactions between him and the reporter Libby Varley. I think Libby met her match with him!
It was fun exploring the whodunnit plot and trying to unravel the mysteries. I have to admit; I did not see the plot twist coming. I thought I had it all figured out but Chan proved me wrong! It was cool being able to dive more into Cody Kwok’s family and learning all the fun little secrets and how Mo’s and Cody’s families were tied to one another. The euphemisms and the story threads were all cleverly used and I have to admire A.Y. Chan’s writing abilities!
Overall, Martial Arts Star is just as entertaining and full of life as the first book and I can’t wait to see more of this series!
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the author for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 11, 2025
How can you not fall in love with Mo Seto just from that colorful cover? This second book was every bit as delightful as the first and more. Here are five reasons why:
🥰The relationships -- Mo is thirteen and just starting to notice that she "like likes" her best friend Nacho. She is also learning and growing in relation to family, friends, and work.
🐱👤Ninja skills -- In book 1 we learned about the Xi sisters books. The Book of Joy was in Mo's basement. The moves have entertaining names like Chipmunk Charges. She discovers a new move in the second book and it comes in handy.🐙
🎥Movie set -- Mo has gotten a part in a Cody Kwok movie. Despite the fact that her frenemy Dax Washington is her costar, Mo finds many ways to imagine herself as the star of her own movie. Loved those little vignettes sprinkled throughout.
🛫Location -- The cast flies to Hong Kong to film the movie. What could be better? That is where her father was born and her Yeye is still there somewhere. Can she find him and learn more about the Xi sister books?
🪂Trilogy?--The Xi sisters made three books: The Book of Joy, The Book of Sorrow (discovered in this book), and The Book of Comfort. Surely we need one more book?!
Two of my Goodreads friends turned me onto this series (Thank you, Rosh and Thibault). These books are perfect for the kids who love their taekwondo and dream about being the next Jackie Chan. Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
🥰The relationships -- Mo is thirteen and just starting to notice that she "like likes" her best friend Nacho. She is also learning and growing in relation to family, friends, and work.
🐱👤Ninja skills -- In book 1 we learned about the Xi sisters books. The Book of Joy was in Mo's basement. The moves have entertaining names like Chipmunk Charges. She discovers a new move in the second book and it comes in handy.🐙
🎥Movie set -- Mo has gotten a part in a Cody Kwok movie. Despite the fact that her frenemy Dax Washington is her costar, Mo finds many ways to imagine herself as the star of her own movie. Loved those little vignettes sprinkled throughout.
🛫Location -- The cast flies to Hong Kong to film the movie. What could be better? That is where her father was born and her Yeye is still there somewhere. Can she find him and learn more about the Xi sister books?
🪂Trilogy?--The Xi sisters made three books: The Book of Joy, The Book of Sorrow (discovered in this book), and The Book of Comfort. Surely we need one more book?!
Two of my Goodreads friends turned me onto this series (Thank you, Rosh and Thibault). These books are perfect for the kids who love their taekwondo and dream about being the next Jackie Chan. Thank you to Aladdin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
A.Y. Chan is an incredible storyteller, and I'm continually impressed at how well she balances a fast-moving, twist-filled plot with genuine humour and heart! The pacing is phenomenal, and I found myself locked in from start to finish.
What really stood out was how immersive the experience felt, seeing vivid pictures painted of entire scenes as they unfolded. The payoff in the final stretch was deeply satisfying, with character arcs coming together in a way that felt earned and emotionally resonant. I had a literal smile on my face reading the last few chapters.
I also loved how the story lets readers discover the world alongside Mo, learning as they go rather than being spoonfed. It made the adventure feel personal and engaging in the best way possible, even as an adult!
And yes... Fred the Floatie is absolutely an S-tier character.
What really stood out was how immersive the experience felt, seeing vivid pictures painted of entire scenes as they unfolded. The payoff in the final stretch was deeply satisfying, with character arcs coming together in a way that felt earned and emotionally resonant. I had a literal smile on my face reading the last few chapters.
I also loved how the story lets readers discover the world alongside Mo, learning as they go rather than being spoonfed. It made the adventure feel personal and engaging in the best way possible, even as an adult!
And yes... Fred the Floatie is absolutely an S-tier character.
March 14, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Review posted closer to publication.
Worthy sequel to the first book:
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Review posted closer to publication.
Worthy sequel to the first book:
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
September 16, 2025
What a fantastic sequel! I loved seeing Mo, Dax, and Cody back again, along with some great new characters. The Hong Kong setting really brought the story to life, with glitz, action, and so much mystery woven in. The pacing was fast, the martial arts elements were awesome, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews