Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me free access to the digital advanced copy of this book.

Lia is trying to fit into her school. However, her parents are kidnapped by the Dragon King. In order to save them she has to under the sea. I really like this novel. The world-building was very creative and intricate. The writing is magical and enchanting! I love Lia because she was a strong and courageous heroine. I also liked the folklore that is mixed into the story! Lia Park in the Magic Jewel is fast-paced that filled with magic and adventure! I recommend this for fans of Spirited Away, The Girl who Fell Beneath the Sea, and Howl’s Moving Castle!

This was an excellent MG fantasy book! Lia was a great main character, and I thought the story was really good. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

This is how you start what is sure to be a stellar MG series.

Lia's journey from believing she is odd-one-out in this supernatural adventure to understanding just how much power she has is guaranteed to resonate with kids and the world is such an amazing mix of mythology and modern.

An exciting and heartwarming story about family and the lengths we'll go to to protect one another. I learned a lot about Korean culture, and would really like to try some of the food described! But the real magic of this story is in the folklore and the fierce female main character, who finds she has had what she needed within her all along. Fast-paced with lots of action. Kids will love it!

What a wild, funny, and action-packed romp through Korean mythology! I loved reading as main character Lia blundered and ad-libbed her way to becoming the hero she always wanted to be in order to save her parents. Great pick for fans of the Rick Riordan Presents series.

Non-stop action mixes with spy-adventure, magic, myth and Korean flair to make for an easy, fun read.

Lia is training to join the mysterious organization her parents are already members of, but in order to pass the test, she needs to possess magic, which she doesn't seem to have. When she arrives home from a party to find her parents missing and an agent dead, she's thrust into the wild chase to find a hidden jewel to save them. Jetting of to South Korean, she discovers her magic has been hidden on purpose, and that the evil can track her, since she's actually extremely powerful. But magic won't be the only thing she needs to save everyone.

From the first page, it's a dive into an interesting mix between reality and a hidden, magical world. Lia does go to school and is trying to fit in with the usual humans. Her personality immediately catches edge as she rebels against her parents blatantly, and this trait does carry on through, making her kind but not perfect. And, honestly, a little hard to completely like. But she's got a lot on her plate as she comes into amazing powers and heads off to save her parents, despite everyone telling her not to.

Action fans are going to enjoy this one. It never slows and keeps tension high the entire time. It reminds of a spy story (think Spy School direction) but with a healthy mix of magic and myth. This gives it an interesting twist, although the plot does feel familiar. There are surprises along the way, and the Korean culture adds a lovely flair, too, even though there isn't much on the world building end. Descriptions remain very slight, keeping this one completely on the tension end.

It's an easy read and will invite even more reluctant readers in.

For much of her life, Lia Park has been balancing schoolwork with the practice of Taekkyeon in preparation for possible acceptance into the coveted IMA. But with no inkling of magical ability, her chances of acceptance remain dismally low. Lia’s best friend Joon is a natural fit for the program, so Lia has shifted her attention to becoming friends with the popular students at her normal middle school in order to survive her inevitable rejection from IMA. When Lia disobeys her parents to attend the birthday party of the year, a series of unfortunate events leads Lia on a dangerous adventure halfway around the world to rescue those she loves and discover the truth about who she really is.

Built on the framework of a superhero origin story, this novel has a driving momentum that keeps the action flowing from beginning to end. Korean language and culture are interwoven into Lia’s story, connecting readers to her roots and the power she can wield when in tune with them. Lia is the protagonist of this adventure, but she and Joon have equal participation through many of the scenes, meaning the story will connect with an even greater range of readers. With each passing moment, Lia and Joon must work together to protect one another and solve problems as the threat of destruction looms ever closer.

Fans of Rick Riordan and modern takes on ancient mythology will love this addition to the genre. Fast-paced and inspiring, this book is one that will resonate with readers for its honest human component as well as its overall mythological intrigue. The lines between good and evil are often blurred as characters are focused on a single goal that has ripple effects elsewhere. Readers are transported around the world alongside Lia and Joon, and they will be captivated by the many clues and details within the storyline. As each moment becomes more dire, readers will be rooting for Lia and Joon’s successful victory in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This introduction to Lia Park’s story is enchantingly written, and readers will be anxious to jump into book two as soon as it is available.

This was a lovely and funny MG contemporary fantasy. Lia and her family are part of a secret magical organization, but Lia's always been unable to use magic herself. Until her parents go missing, and Lia & her friend teleport to Korea where they have to follow a series of magical clues to save her parents & the world. I loved the puzzles that Lia unravels, and all the twists and turns of this fast-paced adventure! Perfect for middle grade readers who love quests and magic!

A fast-paced adventure starring Lia Park as she discovers the magical powers she possess and that her protective parents have hidden from her. The book combines action, fantasy, Korean culture and spy craft into a story kids will love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC..

Twelve-year-old Lia Park has spent her whole life dreaming of becoming a monster hunter with IMA, the secret organization where her parents work. There's only one problem: Lia doesn't have any magic. Or so she thinks. Turns out, Lia's parents have been keeping some pretty big secrets from her, including the nature of her true powers. When her parents are kidnapped by an ancient enemy intent on exploiting those powers, Lia finds herself thrust into a dangerous world of mythology and high-stakes espionage.

This book is action-packed and tons of fun. It reminded me a bit of Spy Kids, but with MAGIC— a convincing pitch! Korean vocabulary and dialogue is seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative, and elements of mythology inform a comprehensive and unique magic system. It's so great to see Korean history and culture take center stage! Highly recommend