Into the Mid-World

by Chisi Amanda Xiong

"In the ravaged landscape of 1970s Laos, Sa, a young Hmong man, embarks on a perilous journey to save his family from the clutches of war. Guided by the ancient traditions and spiritual practices of his people, Sa must confront the darkest forces of human nature and the malevolent entities that lurk in the shadows of the jungle. As he navigates the treacherous Mekong River and the unknown realms of the spirit world, Sa finds unlikely allies and forges a path that blurs the lines between reality and the unknown. But will his love for his family be enough to overcome the horrors of war, the sinister forces that seek to destroy him, and the ultimate sacrifice that may be required of him? Dive into this heart-wrenching tale of survival, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family, set against the backdrop of one of history's most forgotten conflicts."

209 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2024

About the author

Chisi Amanda Xiong is born and raised in the Pacific Northwest in the Greater Seattle Area. She is first generation born Hmong-American and most of her writing inspirations are inspired by the stories she grew up asking about. It always related to the questions who are we? where are we from? our beliefs? and a lot of folklore from grandma. She loves listening to myths from all cultures and is fascinated by myths and legends from around the world.

She graduated from the University of Washington in Tacoma WA with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing.

At the moment she lives in North Everett WA with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys exploring cafes in her neighborhood and walking at the waterfront in Everett with her family members.

If you ever run into Amanda (the name she goes by) please say "Hi" because Amanda is an ENFP and will definitely enjoy talking with you! xoxo

Reviews

[AJ Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves Asian-inspired literature, folktales, and myths, I was eager to read this book. It is the author's debut novel, and follows the story of Sa, a Hmong man trying to lead his family to safety in the aftermath of the Secret War in Laos. Although it deals with historical events, Xiong manages to tell a story that transcends the history itself, one that many can relate to and understand: a story of survival and familial love.

The book reads like a folktale, with elements of magic and mystery to intrigue and captivate the reader. My favorite parts of the story involve Hmong mythology and beliefs - the pazong, the spiritual realm, reincarnation, etc. Although this is an adult fiction book, I think that young adult and even middle-grade readers would enjoy this story; it is not graphically violent, and it adheres so well to the format of folklore that it would be a great read for anyone looking to expand the cultural landscape of their bookshelf. I plan to read this to my daughter who loves folktales!

I will not spoil the ending for anyone, but it is touching, heartfelt, and poignant. I love the way Xiong decided to end the story, and even more so after reading the Author's Note at the end. If you read this book, please don't skip the Author's Note! It gives insight into the inspiration for this book and adds a depth of meaning to the story to know the ways in which it parallels the author's own family history. Truly amazing.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy, myths and folktales, and/or Asian literature. I read it in a single day (which I don't do often)!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an incredible introduction to Hmong literature. The pacing is just right and I truly believe the ending covered so much that I was wondering from the first few pages of the book. It is intended for 13+ years old, however it could go much deeper considering the historical context as per the Author's Note (highly recommend reading cover to cover). I thank the author and her lineage for giving us a peak into many Hmong peoples' lives and living in diaspora. It was also so lovely to get to to talk to the author in real life about magical realism and the presence of spirituality in many cultures that people might easily dismiss as "fantasy". If I had time I would have loved to read in one-sitting, however still loved being able to pick it up when I could and was deeply immersed in Sa's journey.

[G X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast-paced and a quick read! I feel like there could have been more to this story so that it's longer, but I did enjoy it overall. This had a small introductory to who the Hmong people are, and incorporates some small parts of our cultural practices and beliefs.

I usually do not like books with a male protagonist, but wanted to give this one a try. After finishing it, I absolutely get why the author used a male protaganist!

I also read the author's notes in the end and honestly, even though the book was good, I enjoyed the author's notes so much more because of how authentic and beautiful it was.

[Anisa Xiong-Loe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute treasure! It follows Sa, a Hmong man determined to guide his family through the perilous aftermath of the Secret War in Laos. While the story deals with brutal historical reality—a journey many Hmong families will deeply recognize—it’s elevated by an enchanting narrative style. The prose reads like a captivating folklore, infused with magic, mystery, and vibrant Hmong mythology and beliefs. I was completely swept away! If you're looking for a book that will enrich your understanding of global history and expand your cultural horizons, pick this one up immediately.

[Sara Holt-Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent first novel. It would be a perfect gift for a young reader or anyone interested in a peek into Hmong history and culture through the telling of a tale that is both an entertaining adventure and also that pulls on your heart strings.

The Authors note at the end makes you feel like you are hearing a story told to you by an old friend, and I hope there are more stories to come.

[Sophia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a wonderful introduction to Hmong stories! I love that the author was inspired by her family—you can see these threads throughout the novel, and it makes the reading experience that much more meaningful. I really hope we see more Hmong stories like this one—especially in the realm of kidlit—over the next few years.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS!

Okay, so I read this on a random Sunday after work. (It's midnight as I'm composing this after binging) I didn't nessicarly feel like reading on my phone, nor did I feel doing the same for a physical book. But last night, I reorganized my bookshelf and fully displayed, "Into the Mid-World". It caught my attention that I haven't read it since I've been busying myself in my tbr books.

I was compelled to reach for the book and haven't took a break since binging. I was hooked on my rocking chair while reading the book and merely two inches from my face as I teared, blew my nose, teared, blew my nose, teared, you get the idea!

Concerning the companions of Sa, who have embarked on his spiritual journey, I felt connected and resonated with their upbring and purpose sticking to their protection and values. Yellow Dog, you are so lovable and I spent every tear whenever I read your name, hoping the best for your fate. The same serves for Yia, his endless endurance for the one he cherishes the most is his most strongest and weakest cherishment. One he's willing to fight and stay true to his word.

"Sa laid still and stared into the night sky. His eyes blinked slowly until they closed forever and his heart stopped beating."

My eyes couldn't contain the countless tears running down my face. Despite this, I remained head strong and continued through teary eyes.

What broke my state is when Zoua and her children found themselves back where Sa's deceased body laid. Though my knowledge in Hmong culture is quite limited (I enjoy exploring more knowledge), I fully comprehended and predicted this dire predicament when I read this. Once again, my sobs penetrated and I had to contain my emotions for my mom, Zoua (Yes, she has the same name as Zoua in the book does as well. 🤍) would hear me through the wall.

Witnessing how Zoua's distress guiding her five children to a safe sanctuary in such a horrific setting only to be traced back to her deceased lover body invoked such a raw and poignant emotion to me as a reader and aware of same/similar situations as this. There's love, sole-comfort, and healing physically seeing your loved one's surviving and making it on their own. Especially in this case. However, this evolved into one where Sa's presence of strength and love for his family to a survive in this dangerous territory, nearly killed them in his act of protection.

Another comment I'd like to add is that I would've like to have a broader and expansive writing when the emotional scenes were presented. In the scene where Sa enters Zoua's dreams and informs her of his last appearance, I yearned to gain further conversation between the two. Moreover, a minor backstory as a pair who didn't gain a mother's blessing and their kids and how they shaped them into the parents they recognize them as. (I am aware that this book is to mainly focus on the Sa's exploration throughout the spirit world, feelings confided within him, rescuing Yia, and his family still serves as his ambition for him to save them. I still a great time reading and comprehension everyone's undialoged emotions/expressions.)

I'm glad I attended the Hmong New Year where Amanda, her husband, cousin, and her cousins boyfriend were all there advertising for the books one year anniversary! They were all so sweet to my family and I. We chatted for a bit and my mom, Zoua, informed to Amanda, how much of a book work I am.

The next time I encounter a conversation where someone suggest a book to read, I'm most positive I'll lend them valuable information about this book and their friends. This book of Hmong culture of our world, traditions, spirits, and stories that is embraced and composed by a talented Hmong author. You definitely cannot stop an artist from achieving their project, your poem in the end dedicating to your father and his own entched a powerful and remarkable ending note.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautifully written and emotional journey that really resonated with me. The story of Sa, a Hmong man navigating the horrors of war and the spirit world to protect his family, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The author Chisi Amanda Xiong's writing draws you in, making you feel deeply connected to Sa’s character and his struggles. There are plenty of unexpected twists along the way that keep you engaged, and the way everything comes together in the end left me with a real sense of closure. The themes of survival, love, and sacrifice are powerful, and the bond between Sa and his family is truly moving. Highly recommend this book!

[Jamie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing in the tradition of "qhia zaj dab neeg" or telling stories in Hmong, Xiong does a wonderful job of immersing the reader into a world of fantasy and Hmong mythology. The writing is vivid, creating a world that is both mysterious and believable. The pacing is fast and doesn't slow down for a moment. Easy to read, this book can be done in one sitting, but I had to do it in two because I got sick. However, you won't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Hmong culture or the fantasy/mythology/adventure genre.

[Nina Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed reading this book. I honestly loved how the book is formatted which may not be as big of a deal to others, but it was laid out so clean and easy to read. The book is very touching, especially at the end. I loved the author’s mix of “real event” with some spirituality to the story. Looking forward to seeing more work of hers in the future.

[Reader K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. Its exploration of trauma, shame, loss, disability awareness, and most importantly, the strength of love was so beautifully done! I would’ve been completely heartbroken if it didn’t have the semi-happy ending it did. This one will definitely stay with me for a while.
Full review on my IG - @itsreader.k