Blurb

A fast-paced, high-kicking debut that’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Stand Up, Yumi Chung as a young taekwondo artist uses an ancient book to help save her dreams—and her father.

Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Even though her mom disapproves, Mo can always count on her dad, who is her number one fan and biggest supporter. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. Mo can’t even lean on her dad like usual with how distracted he’s been lately.

When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this her chance to prove to her dad, to the world, and to herself that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size. Unfortunately, Dax is auditioning, too. As Mo and her nemesis progress to callbacks, someone attempts to sabotage the movie set and Mo’s dad disappears—and both events seem linked to a mysterious book, the Book of Joy.

Review

“Though she be but little she is fierce” and “never meet your heroes” sum this book up perfectly.

Mo has to use all her cunning and creativity when not only is her father mysteriously AWOL but accidents seem to follow her around.

When she finds an ancient book that she cannot understand but knows links her family to an ancient discipline she so wants to understand and practice, she has to put her feelings of inadequacy due to her lack of height as well as her disappointment at the less than heroic leading man aside and prove to everyone around her that she has what it takes to solve the mysteries going on around her.

The themes of family, inner strength and self belief drive this pacey MG thriller, with its varied cast of characters and a feisty, gritty, determined, rule-busting protagonist.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and @The_WriteReads for the eARC in exchange for this review on the blog tour.