* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I really adored this read. I really loved how this book was such a fun korean inspired read, with a witch and mythology twist. I found this book to be super fast pace. I loved how the circle of friends increased as the book went on. I also really liked at the heart of this read, was the sisterhood elment. This book had so many of the elements is expected from a mythology read for 2020 culture. I read this book in two days and had a hard to putting it down! Such a great read!!! Can't wait for book 2, def one of my favorite imprint books overall. ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I really adored this read. I really loved how this book was such a fun korean inspired read, with a witch and mythology twist. I found this book to be super fast pace. I loved how the circle of friends increased as the book went on. I also really liked at the heart of this read, was the sisterhood elment. This book had so many of the elements is expected from a mythology read for 2020 culture. I read this book in two days and had a hard to putting it down! Such a great read!!! Can't wait for book 2, def one of my favorite imprint books overall. ( )

The first in a new series based on Korean mythology. We read this for bedtime story, and by now have read enough stories with Korean elements that some aspects are starting to feel familiar, which is nice.

There's magic and adoption and belonging and feeling like the odd one out. There is a quest that feels impossible and a journey of discovery. There are fantastic creatures and fantastic food and exploring L.A.

It must have made an impression, because when the second book came out, my youngest demanded we buy it immediately, and put it at the top of our story-time stack. ( )

The world building here is tremendous -- the clans of magic users, the hidden society, the blending of Korean culture into everything -- it's fascinating, and writing grabs you from the first and pulls you in. Also loved the characters -- Riley and her sister Hattie and cookie-bearing best friend Emmett are all awesome and her family and the peripheral characters are really great too. The magic is so interesting, and the magical creatures even more so.

That said, I had some troubles with plot holes and believability -- maybe because some of the features were just too predictable? Anyway, I think the book will be wildly appealing to the audience it is intended for. ( )

This novel is a 2022 Lone Star novel.

Riley Oh and her sister Hattie are super close, but only Hattie will be initiated into her powers as a healing witch. Neither think it's fair that Riley, as a Saram (human), can't be granted the healing powers as she is also such a good healer. Hattie knows no fear and concocts a plan to convince the goddess to grant Riley these powers. Unfortunately, the plan goes awry and now Riley must save her sister. Em, her best friend whose mother was killed by the one witch clan that was ousted from all the clans, promises to go on this journey with her. They'll find the last fallen star for the goddess who will then heal her sister. What Riley fails to mention is that she just learned she's Horangi, one of the ousted clan.

This novel is part of the Rick Riordan Presents, presenting Korean goddesses. Much like his novels, there are interesting gods, twists, and a journey as they try to complete a quest. It's enjoyable. The characters were likeable and the plot will continue in another novel. the end will surprise you--it's not all perfectly tied together in a bow. ( )