Book Title: The Last Fallen Star
Author: Graci Kim
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Release date: May 4, 2021
Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy
SYNOPSIS:
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.
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Author Information
Graci Kim is a Korean-Kiwi diplomat turned author who writes about the magic she wants to see in the world. The Last Fallen Star is her middle grade debut. In a previous life she used to be a cooking show host, and she once ran a business that turned children’s drawings into plushies. When she’s not lost in her imagination, you’ll find Graci drinking flat whites, eating ramyeon, and most likely hugging a dog (or ideally, many). She lives in New Zealand with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Twitter @gracikim and Instagram @gracikimwrites.
My Review
The Last Fallen Star is one of those books you can’t stop thinking about, even days later. The story is so beautiful and unique and the characters were so enjoyable. I loved how wholesome this book was. If you’re looking for an action-packed fantasy, then stop here because this is the book you’re looking for. Believe me when I say this is not a middle grade to sit on.
This debut is the beginning of a fun and mythical series that is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite middle grade reads. I loved how whimsical this book is and how, from the first line, you’re instantly drawn into the story. I was instantly hooked and I could not get over just how much fun this book was. I was reminded what it felt like to be a pre-teen again and how you want to make all these big decisions on you own. I loved that The Last Fallen Star brought back memories that changed my life when I was younger.
Riley is such a fun and devoted protagonist. She will do anything for her family, especially her sister. So when her sister’s life is in danger, Riley will stop at nothing to save her. Her dedication to her family and friends and clan was really something; it can easily be described as awe and inspirational. Riley is a saram – someone who doesn’t posses magic like her family. And yet, her adoptive family doesn’t treat her any differently than as if she was one, which I really enjoyed. I loved the familial aspects of this story and how they were all supportive of one another. But other clan members ostracize her and her non-magical abilities, and Riley is always determined to show them that she does fit in and that she will do anything for the clans, even when a shocking secret about her heritage is revealed. She is always full of so much hope and courage that she’s inspiring.
Riley is a great character, no doubt, but so are all the characters in this book. Her best friend, Emmett, is an absolute treasure and someone who is just as devoted to his friends as Riley is. Hattie is the epitome of a perfect sister: she’s always there for Riley and always so supportive. Their sisterly bond is full of so much love and strength. It’s the heart and soul of this story.
But besides the characters, I fell in love with the world building and Graci Kim’s writing. Kim’s writing is just beyond beautiful. Kim has written a truly enchanting debut filled with mesmerizing world building and stunning magic. I could not get enough of the Korean mythology. It’s absolutely enchanting, and I loved how Kim flawlessly blended this mythology in with the modern world. It was so well done and really made me wish something like this existed. I wanted to insert myself into this world and be part of one of the clans. The Last Fallen Star is just so unique and entertaining. Kim has a way with words and storytelling – this book is everything I wanted and more.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Last Fallen Star and all the fun mythology. It’s a fantastic debut, one that is full of unforgettable moments and the bond between sisters. It’s easily a book I know many will love. My review honestly does not do this book justice – it’s absolutely amazing and I recommend picking up this middle grade now. And you can bet I will be picking up the sequel next year!
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blog Tour
Check out the other tour stops on this amazing tour!
Week One:
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5/1/2021 |
Excerpt |
Week Two:
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5/2/2021 |
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5/3/2021 |
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5/4/2021 |
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5/5/2021 |
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5/6/2021 |
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5/7/2021 |
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5/8/2021 |
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Week Three:
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5/9/2021 |
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5/10/2021 |
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5/11/2021 |
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5/12/2021 |
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5/14/2021 |
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5/15/2021 |
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Week Four:
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5/16/2021 |
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5/17/2021 |
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5/18/2021 |
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5/19/2021 |
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5/20/2021 |
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5/21/2021 |
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5/22/2021 |
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Week Five:
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5/23/2021 |
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5/24/2021 |
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5/25/2021 |
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5/26/2021 |
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5/27/2021 |
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5/28/2021 |
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5/29/2021 |
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Week Six:
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5/30/2021 |
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5/31/2021 |
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Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win one of three (3) finished copies of THE LAST FALLEN STAR! This giveaway is open to USA residents only.
acourtofcoffeeandbooks.com 
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