#liaparkandthemissingjewel

[natreviewsbooks]

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel Tour Stop

Good afternoon my lovelies! I hope you've all been doing well. It's been a hot minute since I've participated in a blog tour, but I'm so excited to be talking about this next title. It's no secret that I was a former Children's Librarian ( I have since moved on to the local public school as a college advisor), and I love to find new middle grade titles for every kid. Not only is this a perfect selection for Asian American and Pacific Islander month (and every other month of the year), but it just so happens to release tomorrow!! Make sure you add it to your TBR!

Book Title: Lia Park and the Missing Jewel

Author: Jenna Yoon

Publisher: Aladdin Books

Release Date: May 3, 2022

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/59365270-lia-park-and-the-missing-jewel

Book Purchase link: https://www.goodreads.com/buy_buttons/12/follow?book_id=59365270&page_type=book&page_type_id=59365270&ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout&sub_page_type=show&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout-20

Book Description: (From Goodreads)

This middle grade fantasy follows a young girl who must venture to the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King in Korea to save her parents from an evil diviner spirit. Twelve-year old Lia Park just wants to fit in. Her parents work with a mysterious organization that makes them ridiculously overprotective. Lia’s every move has been scrutinized since she was born, and she’d love to have the option of doing something exciting for once. So when she gets invited to the biggest birthday party of the year—and her parents say she can’t go—Lia sneaks out. But her first act of rebellion not only breaks her parents’ rules, but also an ancient protection spell, allowing an evil diviner spirit to kidnap and ransom her parents for a powerful jewel that her family has guarded for years. With just the clothes on her back and some very rusty magical skills, Lia finds herself chasing mysterious clues that take her to her grandmother’s home in Korea. From there, she has to make their way to the undersea kingdom of the Dragon King, the only person who knows where the powerful jewel might be. Along with her friend, Joon, Lia must dig deep and find courage to stand up for those who are weak—and become the hero her parents need. 

Review:

If you're looking for a book that seamlessly combines fantasy and contemporary elements into a unique and engaging storyline, then you're going to want to read this book. Lia Park is such a fantastic young heroine. She's determined to save the world, yet realistic of what that might mean. Moreover, she's also a young woman who's a bit of a rebel, so she might not always do as she's told (I mean, when does any kid ever do EXACTLY as their parents have told them?).

The incredible world-building just adds to this fun story. It's chockfull of action and just gives off a cinematic vibe from start to finish. I loved how fun this story was, and how excited I got as I read through. You also get insight into Korean culture, which I appreciated greatly. Overall, it's a well rounded story that deserves a place on all shelves.

Author Bio:

Jenna Yoon studied Art History at Wellesley College and received her master’s degree in Korean art history from Ewha Womans University. She’s lived about half her life in both Korea and the United States. When she’s not writing, Jenna loves to travel, find yummy eats, play board games, and take skin care very seriously. Currently, she lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two kids.