As mentioned in my review for the 1st book, I’m back with my book review for BOOK 2 of the Lia Park series by Jenna Yoon. In LIA PARK AND THE HEAVENLY HEIRLOOMS, Lia and her BFF, Joon, are finally starting school at the International Magic Academy. But as soon as school starts, there is a crisis. One of the Heavenly Heirlooms, magical objects that create fire and light, is stolen by the evil monster and King of Darkness, Jihaedaegukjeok. Together with her friends, Lia must find the remaining heirlooms and bring it back to the school for safekeeping before world is thrust into darkness.

This was a great follow-up to book 1 and just like the first book, this is packed with Korean mythology, culture and language. I also loved that it was in a school setting. And the mix of magic and technology in both the physical structure of the school and its curriculum was fascinating. I would’ve loved to spend more time at the school, but understand the plot takes us out into the dangers of the real world once again. The ending felt like it was wrapped up too quickly with some questions left unanswered, which I assume means there will be another book in this series. And I hope I don’t have to wait too long for it because this series is now an AUTO-BUY series for me. I am invested and cannot wait to go on more adventures with Lia.

This book picks up immediately after Book 1 and while I think this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first one for added context and flavor. I said it before and I’ll say it again, this series has given the 12 year-old girl in me so much joy. This will be a perfect addition to your little one’s library or even your own!

It is a fast-paced adventure as Lia navigates a new school and friendships. She is dedicated to becoming a hwarang even if confidence in her abilities begins to waver. Despite wanting to be the best, she is supportive of others and values her friendships. The book is fun and plot-driven with a lot of different subplots. It’s a fast read and entertaining, but I did wish there was more interaction between Lia and her best friend Joon.

Readers who like middle-grade adventures and magic schools will enjoy Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms.

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms is a fun follow-up to the series' first installment, Lia Park and the Missing Jewel. Lia and Joon are a dynamic duo, and I consistently appreciate how they support and challenge each other, as well as learn from each other. Another great aspect is how I continue to learn about Korean culture and history, and how Jenna Yoon includes the Korean language quite naturally in the dialogue and world-building magical system that she has created.

I would definitely recommend this book to middlegrade readers who love reading about magic and adventure, themes of friendship and family, and learning different cultures.

Similar reads:
1. Aru Shah series by Roshani Chokshi
2. Dragon Realm series by Katie and Kevin Tsang
3. Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell

Lia Park is the perfect mix of magic and tech for modern readers! I always love hearing about magical schools, so it was really fun to get a glimpse into different classes and see how magic and technology factored into those. While the ending seemed to wrap up a bit quickly for me (or perhaps I was just so caught up in everything that was going on!) based on the ending, there's bound to be another book in the series to satiate me. I've got many questions about Chloe, Eugene, and Victor and hope this isn't the last we see of them!

Solid follow up the series opener LIA PARK AND THE MISSING JEWEL. Lia and Joon are finally beginning their official training at the International Magic School after getting their fair share of on the job training during the first adventure and expectations are high for both of them at school. But Lia’s magic seems to be off somehow and trouble hits the school requiring her to be at her absolute sharpest. Typical school and friend drama is a part of the greater fantasy aspect of the book giving a great dose of realism to a series that is sure to be popular with those who read books by Riordan and any of his Riordan Presents imprint and other magical adventures. Magic school based series abound and fortunately, author Jenna Yoon keeps hers fresh and not just a Korean heritage rehash of the others. However, the Korean folklore, language and traditions are key and readers are sure to become very interested in the mythology of the culture. Surprises twists add great appeal to this one. Ideal for grades 4-8 and with its more approachable length as compared to others in the genre, both Lia Park books should be on libraries’ shelves everywhere with eyes pealed for book 3.