Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s for the ARC of this!

Absolutely adorable, this was heart breaking and full of action and culture. The magic system was really interesting, Kai was the coolest companion, and I loved seeing her deal with what happens when you do bad things for what feels like a good reason. This is another one for fans of Aru Shah and Percy Jackson, with mythology, family, and a shapeshifting companion.

It’s hard to read a book like Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit and not immediately draw comparisons to 2021’s middle grade standout Amari and the Night Brothers. Both target the same age demographic in the fantasy genre, both feature a protagonist on the hunt for information about their golden child older sibling's recent death, and both explore themes of isolation and otherness in a world that does not want to embrace their identity. Theo Tan more specifically looks at this in the context of a blended Chinese-American culture, not unlike another recent middle grade fantasy Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Unfortunately, Theo Tan slightly misses the mark for me where these two other efforts in the genre delivered in full.

I won’t pretend I can speak to the accuracy of the Asian-American diaspora explored here, or how it will resonate with its target audience. But coming to this purely as work of middle grade fantasy, Theo Tan falls a little flat. The story itself was oddly passive, with things more so happening to Theo than by any action on his part. He’s swept into this world of magic and unexplored history but he spends most of the novel actively rejecting all of it. Which is part of his character’s arc, but makes the plot progression feel stilted and the final escalation rushed. So as much as I am glad stories that blend these kind of real world issues with speculative fiction for a younger age group are being published with greater frequency, I do think other works have blended this better. And with more effective character work.

I wanted Theo and Kai’s dynamic to have a little more… energy I suppose. These are two people (creatures?) forced to work together solely because of their shared connection to Theo’s dead brother, which looms over the relationship like a gloomy raincloud for the entirety of the book. It makes their banter a little dry, and even by the end of the novel I was never fully convinced that they learned to function as friends instead of reluctant acquaintances. Don’t get me wrong - I think they’re fully realized characters with their own ticks and nuance. And Kai especially was refreshing to read from with her endless quips. I just wasn’t sold on their story arc together. And the remainder of the characters are the very definition of just barely there enough to move the plot along.

I don’t want to give the impression that love and lived experiences weren’t carefully constructed in this book, if Sutanto’s author’s note is anything to go by. But I can’t help but compare this middle grade fantasy debut to other books that have also recently been released in the genre and find it falling more towards the middle of the pack, rather than a front runner.

Thank you to the publisher Feiwel & Friends for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

Set in San Francisco, California, at a time when money can buy magic, flying cars, and flying shoes, Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit asks what does it cost to have those luxuries.

First generation Chinese-American Theo has spent his childhood eschewing as many aspects of his Chinese culture as possible, but when tragedy strikes his family, Theo and–formerly his brother’s, now his–companion fox spirit Kai are thrust into a quest that will delve into aspects of their culture, identity, and ancestry and will raise questions about what actions are ethical and moral.

The book was a bit slow-going for me at first as I came up-to-speed with Theo’s world, but once I hit the point where he and Kai are accepted into the Know Your Roots program at Reapling in Mountain View (Silicon Valley), things took off.

I enjoyed watching the bond grow between Theo and Kai, the struggles they undertook together, and their friendship with Namita. I liked seeing Theo find his courage and his inner magic (qì) The story is a nice mix of heavier themes and humor. This would be a good book for parents and elementary schoolers to read together.

Told in the alternating points-of-view of 12-year-old Theo and snarky, shape-changing Kai, Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit takes you on an adventure vacillating between an America run on commoditized magic and the Chinese spirit worlds of other realms. You even visit the gates of hell.

Content warnings: death of a sibling, violence, greed, depictions of demons, versions of hell

I received an advance ebook copy from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

An excellent middle grade magic story with strong themes of friendship, but I also liked the underlying theme about embracing who you are, including the parts of your culture that you think others won't like. I liked the relationship between Theo and Kai and the Chinese representation in the story. There were a couple of unexpected twists and I always like it when I can be surprised when I read books :)

Definitely one I'll be adding to my classroom.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

This middle grade book follows 12-year-old Theo Tan and trickster fox spirit Kai. In a near-future San Francisco where magic works a lot like advanced tech, Theo is determined to be as American and not-Chinese as possible, which is in contrast to his idolized older brother Jamie. Kai is his brother’s companion spirit, and Theo’s rival for his brother’s affections. But when Jamie is killed in an accident, Theo and Kai must team up to discover what his brother’s job’s big top-secret cultural project is really about.

I wasn’t sure about this book at first but it really grew on me. The two perspectives are used well, as we can understand Theo’s point of view but through Kai’s eyes also understand Theo can be a real brat. I like that the book approached Chinese and Indian cultures from a different angle and brought a unique futuristic bent. The ending was action-packed and quite satisfying, and provides a direct lead into a sequel.

This book felt both familiar and completely original, which I loved. Kai and Theo were both instantly likable & occasionally exasperating, and as they become closer, they also become more loved by the reader. I appreciated how the author tried to differentiate between the two narration styles. I wish some side characters got to reveal a bit more depth or have a bit more page time. A really enjoyable and mysterious adventure that I hope will have a sequel.

This was such a sweet, emotional book and I enjoyed it so much! It's a perfect middle grade magical story. It has great Asian representation and is also an important story of accepting and connecting with your culture and heritage. It's something to be proud of, not ashamed of. I remember going through some of the same feelings as Theo at that age, of embarrassment and trying to distance myself from my culture and I think it's such an important thing to show kids at this age that it is something to be embraced, not be embarrassed about.

The magic system in this book is so interesting! I loved the futuristic but also ancient feel of the whole book. The action scenes were so well written, I was able to imagine it easily! It was so exciting and fun and I hope we get to see Kai and Theo again soon!

I would highly recommend this book for kids and adults alike! Anything by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a must read!

This book was not at all what I was expecting! Kai was hilarious and I laughed out loud at Kai’s parts! This story is full of magical and immersive world building. I loved being introduced into this world. The footnotes were funny, but a tad distracting in e-book form, I forgot what they were for by the end of the chapter. All in all a very interesting read and I’m certain it will find its perfect kid reader out in the world!

This is a middle grade heroes journey adventure. You have Theo thrust into circumstances out of his control after the sudden and mysterious death of his brother Jamie. Then you have Kai a fox spirit who is grieving the loss of her master but called to be the spirit aide of her "enemy" Theo. Both mourning the loss of Jaime, they have to work together to overcome their differences and solve the mystery.

The setting reminded me of a Chinese version of Big Hero 6. Charming hardworking older brother, angry younger brother, companion of the older brother left behind.

As an adult it was hard to read how disrespectful Theo was of his parents and the background they come from at the beginning of the book. Putting my head into the perspective of Theo though I get it. To be "American" is to assimilate and to be a child is to want to blend in instead of celebrating what makes you stand out. I'm sure this will be well loved by the target audience. The voice throughout is very juvenile and I think will be relatable.

I wish we had had more time with Jamie at the beginning so we could have more context for the initial reasons why Theo and Kai don't like each other.

I'm happy to have been able to get an advanced copy of this book, and hope it finds itself in the hands of the perfect reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read early for an honest review. I enjoy Rick Riordan’s new Presents Imprint and the array of cultures that are represented, so when I saw this story here, I was drawn in by the cover and the description, and was excited to try it. Theo is a likable and relatable character for kids (much like Percy Jackson) and Kai, his new spirit companion, has a fantastically sarcastic humor. And with that ending, I’m excited to see how their journey continues. I’ll definitely be picking up this MG adventure story for my nieces to enjoy.

Theo Tan has always felt like an outsider. His brother is super smart and the overachiever. He doesn't have as much money as other kids at his school. Meaning he doesn't have as much money to purchase cirth like other kids in his school.. He really doesn't want a companion spirit, let alone one as lame as a goldfish. All Theo wants to feel like is a normal kid. One who can be seen as your standard everyday American. Yet when his brother dies and leaves behind clues that indicate that his death was anything but ordinary, Theo is swept up in an adventure to find out what really happened. With the reluctant help of his brothers companion spirit, Kia. Theo applies to the Find Your Roots program. There they find out that connecting with children's roots is one of the last things they have in mind for the students involved. Will Theo and Kai be able to find out what is really happening before all heck is broken lose? Can Kia and Theo build a bond like the one Kia had with Theo's brother?

This is a super fast paced book. It is very easy to pick up and really so well written that it is kind of hard to put down. I am very excited to see what adventure Kia and Theo go on next. Kids will be swept away by this tale and I am so very excited to recommend it.

Thank you so very much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.

This was such a great book! Very fun and adventurous, I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you, Feiwel & Friends, for allowing me to read Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit early!

I loved, loved, loved this magical book. Such an emotional, thrilling tale about family, friendship and connection that Jesse Q. Sutanto crafted. I wanted to read something lighter after some heavy reads, but Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit wasn't exactly light, but still I didn't care? I adored this book. I finished it in one sitting and I'll be now counting the days until its publication because I'll definitely be re-reading this once I have a physical copy.

I think I will just read anything Jesse Q. Sutanto writes.

This book does so many things, and it never feels like too much. It's this interesting blend of sci-fi and fantasy - set in the future, magic has replaced technology - with a very interesting magic system. It's a story about a boy who loses his brother and wants to find out what happened to him. It's a story about having a fraught relationship with your heritage and learning to be proud of it. And it's also a wonderful story about a boy and his spirit companion, who initially hate each other, but who grow together through grief and going on an adventure.

Especially the last part was really amazing to me. I've always been a huge fan of animal companions in books, especially if they talk. And Kai even has her own perspective in the book! She's so funny and I loved her so much!

But really, what's not to love about this book?

Hi everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit, Jesse Q. Sutanto's middle grade debut.
Not long after Theo Tan, a Chinese American 12 year old boy learns of his brother Jaime's sudden death in a car accident, he inherits his brother's former companion fox spirit, Kai. Theo and Kai never really got along while Jamie was alive, but they'll have to put away their differences as they go on an adventure to solve the mystery of Jamie's death.
I have read all of the author's other books and loved each one of them, and I can say this one didn't disappoint me, as I really enjoyed it from the very first page to the last one. I loved the world the story is set in and the way in which magic is a very important part of it.
I also loved the characters and the way they develop as they come across many challenges throughout the story. I particularly liked Kai's sense of humor, and her hilarious commentaries about humans.
I can't wait to read the next book in this duology!
If you like middle grade fantasy and stories about cultural heritage, you will absolutely love this book.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another fun look at a different mythology and world view. I enjoyed Theo and Kai as characters as they set out to solve the mystery of his brother's death. Science fiction is enjoying a resurgence and this does a nice job of being both myth and science.

A very charming tale about the power of friendship. The alternating narrators give a more complete story without jarring the reader by bouncing between them. The fox spirit is delightfully sarcastic and vulnerable at turns. I appreciated how their relationship built throughout the story, and I'm excited for the next one.