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Creators
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Publisher
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Awards
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Release date
February 22, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781666526219
- File size: 254634 KB
- Duration: 08:50:29
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 770
- Text Difficulty: 3-4
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Reviews
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Publisher's Weekly
February 7, 2022
In Axie Oh’s (XOXO) transporting historical fantasy based off the Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong,” a village throws a maiden into the sea each year in hopes of appeasing a violent sea god who wreaks devastating natural disasters. Mina, 16 years old and furious at the gods for abandoning her village, sacrifices herself as this year’s Bride of the Sea God; in doing so, she takes the place of her brother’s love in a bid to save her sibling. After the sacrifice, Mina arrives in the spirit realm, where she finds herself tied to the sleeping, seemingly cursed Sea God by the Red String of Fate. As she seeks to wake the Sea God, she’s initially antagonized and eventually supported by the Sea God’s protectors—including Lord Shin of the Lotus House, a cold teenage nobleman whose developing relationship with Mina complicates her quest. Though exposition-heavy dialogue slows the novel’s pace early on, Mina’s determination to save her village and restore the order between humans and gods pushes the pace to an enjoyable clip, enabling an atmospheric folklore interpretation that’s sure to satisfy fans of historical K-dramas such as Moon Lovers. Ages 13–up. Agent: Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary. -
AudioFile Magazine
Rosa Escoda's dreamy narration sweeps listeners into a captivating retelling of a Korean folktale. Deadly storms rage along the coast every year, only calming after a sacrifice to the Sea God. When Mina realizes her brother is desperately in love with the woman intended as this year's "bride," she plunges into the sea to save her brother's heart. Mina's strength is apparent in Escoda's voice as Mina dives down to the mysterious spirit realm--and finds a red string of fate leading her to adventure. Escoda narrates with a British accent, smoothly shifting into Korean and differentiating between characters with a light touch. Listeners will love getting lost in this lush, romantic story with Mina, who seeks out a way to save her homeland and forge her own destiny. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine -
School Library Journal
August 1, 2022
Gr 7 Up-Oh adapts the traditional Korean "Tale of Shim Cheong" as the basis of her latest novel, her first foray into exploring folklore. Her unique version features 16-year-old Mina who, unwilling to watch her adored older brother lose his beloved Shim Cheong, replaces herself as the sacrificial bride of the Sea God. Waking in the Spirit Realm, Mina must reunite with her lost soul while figuring out how to save her earthly people. In combining historical folklore, magical elements, and fantastic creatures, Oh invents her own affecting myths. Spanish Korean actor Rosa Escoda makes her YA debut with energetic aplomb. Persuasively dynamic characterizations aside, however, Escoda has a noticeable speech impediment that could alienate impatient listeners. VERDICT The choosiest audiences might turn to the page to enjoy Oh's girl-power adventure.
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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Formats
- OverDrive Listen audiobook
Languages
- English
Levels
- Lexile® Measure:770
- Text Difficulty:3-4
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