Geography & Cultures
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The Last Fallen Star (A Gifted Clans Novel) (Gifted Clans, 1)
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.
"Graci Kim does such an amazing job of blending Korean mythology into the modern world, I am now wondering how I ever lived without knowing all this cool information."--New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan
Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.
Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!
Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?
As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.
Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.
"A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come."--Kirkus Reviews
Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites :Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani ChokshiRick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame MbaliaRick Riordan Presents Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay MejiaThe Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.
"Graci Kim does such an amazing job of blending Korean mythology into the modern world, I am now wondering how I ever lived without knowing all this cool information."--New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan
Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.
Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!
Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?
As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.
Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.
"A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come."--Kirkus Reviews
Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites :Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani ChokshiRick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame MbaliaRick Riordan Presents Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay MejiaThe Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
Editorial Reviews
"The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim absolutely shines. Riley Oh's positive voice is infectious and will have readers wanting to follow her adventures long after the last page is turned."―Zoraida Cordova, award-winning author of the Brooklyn Brujas series
"The Last Fallen Star is as thrilling as it is heartwarming. For contemporary and fantasy middle grade readers alike, this one's an absolute must-read! Prepare to be enthralled from the very first page."―J. Elle, NYT best-selling author of Wings of Ebony
"[In this] fast-paced adventure, unique clan identities are cleverly imagined, and Riley's emotional arc and journey to self-acceptance shine through."―Publishers Weekly
"Exploring familial bonds, belonging, and community, this is a fast-paced urban fantasy drawing on Korean mythology. Complications and twists keep the plot engaging and snappy. A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come."―Kirkus Reviews
"Full of humor and thrills, this bewitching fantasy blends Korean mythology into an empowering adventure."―School Library Journal
"I wish I could go back in time and hand this book to young Ellen. I would have loved it so much, because this was what I was missing in my life. Thank you, Graci, for writing it!"―Ellen Oh, author of The Dragon Egg Princess and the Spirit Hunters series
"Korean mythology gets a modern twist in this rollicking adventure by debut author Graci Kim. From entering a secret temple by way of the fried chicken counter at H-Mart to summoning a goddess at the Santa Monica Pier, every chapter of this novel delights and surprises. At times laugh-out-loud hilarious, at times heartwarming and poignant, The Last Fallen Star will capture the imaginations of readers for years to come!"―Axie Oh, author of Rebel Seoul and Rogue Heart
"Like a true magician, Graci Kim intertwines Korean mythology with an all-too-relatable sister story in her heart-stopping adventure that's sure to capture the heart of anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. You can't help but root for plucky Riley Oh as she engages on a quest to find belonging and acceptance."―Jessica Kim, author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
"Readi...
"The Last Fallen Star is as thrilling as it is heartwarming. For contemporary and fantasy middle grade readers alike, this one's an absolute must-read! Prepare to be enthralled from the very first page."―J. Elle, NYT best-selling author of Wings of Ebony
"[In this] fast-paced adventure, unique clan identities are cleverly imagined, and Riley's emotional arc and journey to self-acceptance shine through."―Publishers Weekly
"Exploring familial bonds, belonging, and community, this is a fast-paced urban fantasy drawing on Korean mythology. Complications and twists keep the plot engaging and snappy. A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come."―Kirkus Reviews
"Full of humor and thrills, this bewitching fantasy blends Korean mythology into an empowering adventure."―School Library Journal
"I wish I could go back in time and hand this book to young Ellen. I would have loved it so much, because this was what I was missing in my life. Thank you, Graci, for writing it!"―Ellen Oh, author of The Dragon Egg Princess and the Spirit Hunters series
"Korean mythology gets a modern twist in this rollicking adventure by debut author Graci Kim. From entering a secret temple by way of the fried chicken counter at H-Mart to summoning a goddess at the Santa Monica Pier, every chapter of this novel delights and surprises. At times laugh-out-loud hilarious, at times heartwarming and poignant, The Last Fallen Star will capture the imaginations of readers for years to come!"―Axie Oh, author of Rebel Seoul and Rogue Heart
"Like a true magician, Graci Kim intertwines Korean mythology with an all-too-relatable sister story in her heart-stopping adventure that's sure to capture the heart of anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. You can't help but root for plucky Riley Oh as she engages on a quest to find belonging and acceptance."―Jessica Kim, author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
"Readi...
Readers Top Reviews
ApplesandpaintAna
Absolutely amazing book. I definitely wish I had a book like this growing up. But am so happy there are books like this for my kids. Love all the magic and Korean mythology in this book. It was an action packed and absolutely delightful read. So excited to read more from this author!
RaevnApplesandpai
All the lore involved, the story, the characters, I was hooked pages into the story. I can't wait to read more!!! Sadly I probably will have wait awhile but that is ok, I can chat my niece up about it since she loves to read just as much as I do. She is the reason, I bought this book twice. A nice physical copy for her & a awesome mobile digital copy for myself. Money well spent.
Eugene KenyattaRa
I had to think and think again before purchasing this book because, honestly, I felt the characters and storyline might be too immature for my sensibilities. That was not the case. It was deep, intriguing, genuine, and teaching. As an African born to an oral tradition, this brought me right back to being a child and hearing stories of our native heroes. It was a pleasant and enjoyable read and I at no point found myself thinking it was too predictable or the main character Riley was too whiny which is common for books with characters of this age group. Money well spent. I don't regret a thing!
Belle’s Middle Gr
This was SO GOOD! Some compared it to THE Dragon Pearl series, but the only similarities I see are they are both based on mythology(1 is Chinese, 1 Korean), & both MC are shunned by the ones they most want to be accepted by..oh, & they’re both utterly amazing lol Anyway, this was a fast-paced adventure from the word Go. The pacing of the story, the world & character building, just EVERYTHING left me stunned at how great this book was done. The author wrote some of the best characters ever. I fell in love w/all of them, even the ones I despised-now that’s talent. Riley was so relatable in so many ways. She was such a great heroine. I loved how the author showed the inner struggle an adopted kid might have w/loving their family more than anything, but at the same time having curiosity, sadness, & love for the family the never got to know. Riley thought she was wronging her family by even entertaining those thoughts-but she wasn’t. It’s only human to want to know those things, & feel those things. What an amazing family she has too, especially her sister Hattie. Their relationship was so great to read. That’s such an amazing big sis. Riley also hit a home run in the best friend department. Emmett is the best. So funny, loyal, brave....& man has he been through a lot. Boris & Areum have my heart though-fascinating & amazing characters. I loved all the different parts that make this book a whole-The Korean mythology, the different clans(including the cursed clan), the story of the suns & moons, the different creatures we see along the way, the plot, the backstory, the characters, the important themes throughout, & the amazing writing..Wow. There are too many stand out scenes to mention(plus no spoilers lol). But the part w/the grandma ghost, & the inmyeonjo(keeping it vague here lol)were soooooo good. I got emotional in all the best ways. Big focus on family, friendship, belonging, believing in & being yourself, & more. This may be a fantasy, but all of these characters were so complicated & just REAL, that the book felt very relatable as a whole. Also, I know so many kids will be so happy to see themselves in the heroine of this story like they couldn’t before-like the author herself mentions in the back she never could, & this book is for all those kids. So awesome. Highly recommend. Now I wait a year for book 2, & try not to go crazy waiting lol Of course , a STUNNING cover by the amazing Vivienne To as well!💜
Gina HartBelle’s
First, I'd like to address a one star review that I saw listed which said the book was a disjointed departure from "the first book." This IS the first book in an AMAZING series and the reviewer is obviously confused about this title. Moving on... This book is funny, smart, inspiring and the characters stay with you in the very best way. I read this with my daughters who are 7 and 10, and they became instant Graci Kim fans. The world building, which is one where Korean mythology-based magic exists in contemporary LA among other places , is phenomenal. Graci Kim's inventive take on life as a Korean American kid immersed in a magical society hidden from the "saram" (non-magical people) is so thoughtfully and playfully done. Students enter their secret Saturday School class by signing a BTS song at the noraebang, HMart holds the secret entrance to the gifted temple and so many other special details had my Korean American daughters glowing with pride and recognition. My niece (not Korean American) read along with us and was equally taken with the book. She is now obsessed with Hmart and learning Korean :) It's a fun dive into a world that just makes sense in its quirkiness. The characters are possibly our favorite part. Riley struggles with belonging in her family as an adoptee with a mysterious origin. She is smart, funny and reacts to situations the way you'd expect an almost 13 year old to react. Her best friend, Emmett is the source of my girls' favorite character catchphrase of all time "Holy shirtballs!" and so many interactions between characters had them giggling and discussing them long after we'd closed the book. The fast paced action in the book, the twists and turns in the plot, really took us for an amazing ride. I am not exaggerating when I say we couldn't put it down. For the last 100 pages or so, my daughters and I couldn't wait until our usual bedtime to read, we started before dinner...then in between bites, we kept reading...the sun went down and we switched on the lights and kept reading....it was bedtime, and we kept reading....finally by midnight we'd finished the book! I can't recommend this title enough. My 10 year old has reread it on her own. It's one we continue to talk about in our house as we anxiously await book 2. It's magical.
