Middle school me would have fan-girled over this book. I felt an instant connection to the main character Mo, as I was the only girl in the martial arts dojo I attended as a kid and also very small. Even as an adult, I found myself completely engrossed in the story, racing through the pages, unable to put it down!

This was such a fun middle-grade story! I loved all the martial arts in the story, and I thought the fight scenes were absolute gold, especially the final one. The backstory for the conflict in the story was way more intense than I was expecting too. The movie aspect and Cody Kwok (except his reveal) gave me Jackie Chan vibes and I loved it. I didn’t even call who the Black Hoodie Guy was, so that reveal was a big surprise. It’s quite an action-packed story, so I think kids will really enjoy this. The Chinese lore relating to the martial arts was so intriguing. The story also features such a fierce FMC as well. There are also so many great lessons sprinkled throughout the story that are a great learning opportunity for kids and people in general. There was also a tiny romance arc in the story, mainly in the vein of a first crush where Modesty, the FMC, is lowkey oblivious to Nacho’s feelings toward her. They are just so innocent and adorable. Things get interesting by the end of the story though. I also really enjoyed their friendship and how they resolved their conflicts. I was also really happy with Dax’s character growth. Overall, this was such a fun story with lots of action and character growth. I highly recommend it!

This was a high octane martial arts focused ride for middle school readers. Modesty (Mo) Seto is a self-conscious young girl who just wishes she were a little taller, a little larger, a little better understood by her mother and a little more recognized by her father. A junior taekwondo black belt, Mo has recently been on a loosing streak as all her competitors grow and she continues to be small. As her archnemesis Dax once again beats her during a final competition in which her Dad and number one fan walks out of, Mo’s life begins to spiral.

As she attempts to win back her place at the top and make her Dad proud Mo is drawn into the world of Hollywood with the chance to meet and star alongside her favourite martial arts movie star Cody Kwok. Needing to set herself apart, Mo is determined to learn Xiaoxi Fu, an ancient and secret dance-like martial arts sequence passed down from her ancestors that she uncovered hidden away in the basement. But, all is not as it seems in this star crusted world and Mo will have to learn to see the truth for herself. As someone attempts to sabotage the movie auditions, while Mo’s Dad is once again missing in action she must solve the mystery for herself and find her confidence.

Fully equipped with secret societies, espionage, and some thrilling stunts this was certainly a page turner. The underlying morals are of course about recognizing your own strength, living up to parental expectations, valuing those who have always been there for you and learning to be happy with who you are making it a great book for those in middle school dealing with changing bodies and a new consciousness. It is written in the style of a junior reader with far-fetched events, and certain plot twists that were fairly predictable, but I didn’t mind so much as an adult reader given how layered the story was. It reads just like a movie and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot-forward narrative, and could recognize some of my former self in Mo.

I adored Mo’s best friend with his collection of hilariously quirky shirts and well researched facts. He was the yin to her yang and the pair made a good duo. The one thing I found problematic in this book was that he was nicknamed Nacho.* Having your one Latin American character with a super stereotypical reference and no funny origin story to back up the name just reads as really inappropriate to me. He had so many other interesting characteristics and hobbies that could have inspired a nickname, but instead one was selected that purely reflected his culture. I don’t think kids need any more reasons to discriminate, but perhaps I am sensitive to this having grown up a rare splash of colour with a different cultural background in my community. It just felt odd given the Mo’s arc was about finding her identity outside of appearances. Dropped half a star for this. I was later contacted by the author to explain the name, which has a very interesting origin that I hope is explained in the next book!

THE LEGENDARY MO SETO is a fun middle grade novel by debut author A.Y. Chan. Mo Seto is twelve and she dreams of being a taekwondo champion, but her small size puts her at a disadvantage when competing against other kids. Mo’s upset after losing her last competition, and feels like her once supportive dad is now disappointed in her. When Mo finds out about an audition for a new movie starring her favourite martial artist and actor, Mo jumps at the chance to redeem herself and show everyone, including her dad, that she’s capable of competing against anyone regardless of her size.

Mo is an endearing character and I loved following her journey! She’s determined, brave and fierce. Mo shows herself and everyone else that it’s okay to be short, and being small doesn’t make her any less of a taekwondo star. I love her supportive best friend and his lovable grandpa, and the new friends she makes while she auditions. While Mo’s dad distances himself, Mo’s relationship with her mom strengthens and it was wonderful to see them grow closer.

There’s a big mystery surrounding Mo’s dad and his family which adds a lot of intriguing back story to the plot. This mystery is compelling, and it helps Mo learn about herself and her ancestors. If you’re interested in picking this up I suggest you avoid reading the publisher’s synopsis because it gives too much away.

I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending—as an adult reader, I was left with some questions and concerns about the implications of the ending. It felt heavy to me and I think that’s because it felt too real, or maybe because the ending took such a serious turn. There are some minor fantasy elements in this book but it’s mostly an adventurous contemporary story where the villains are real people, not fantasy monsters. That said, I’m sure kids will love Mo and her action-packed story. This is an enjoyable and refreshing debut and I look forward to reading more from A.Y. Chan.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada & NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to review.

Rating: 4.25/5

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC copy of this novel!

The Legendary Mo Seto gives the vibes of Mulan and Shang Chi and the Ten Rings. It was incredibly fun to read, and hard to put down because I always wanted to know what happened next. Mo is fierce, and her character shows that you don’t need to be tall to do great things.
I’ll definitely be buying copies of this for my nieces.

The Legendary Mo Seto is a fast-paced beginning to a delightful new series. When auditions for an action movie starring Mo's favourite actor pop up, Mo can't pass up the opportunity to try out. The only problem is, she's too short! At the same time, Mo discovers an ancient book of martial arts in her attic, and starts translating the text. Determined to find her way into the auditions, Mo doesn't let her size stop her, and soon gets wrapped up in more trouble than she expected.

Mo is a likeable protagonist who is easy to root for. This book really channels the over-the-top, sometimes cheesy nature of the action films that are at its core. This leads to the plot points becoming more and more absurd as the story goes on, but it sort of works for it, and it was enjoyable to watch the story unfold. While it is clearly part of a series, this portion of the story is wrapped up in a satisfying way.

I would definitely recommend this book for middle grade readers who are looking for something fast-paced and fun!

A great childrens historical fiction novel on chinese martial arts, family secrets and self acceptance.
Modesty "Mo" Seto is an 11 year old battling her height. Mo has a special love for martial arts and is devastated after losing her 3rd Taekwondo match against her greatest rival Dax.
When a movie company announces they are looking for a preteen sidekick for the 25 year old famous legendary martial artist, Cody Kwok. Mo works with her friend Nacho to win the auditions and find out why so many mysterious things are happening on set.
I reccomend for anyone interested in Martial Arts and looking for a fun family friendly plot

“The Legendary Mo Seto” by A. Y. Chan masterfully blends martial arts, family secrets, and a dash of magic to create an exhilarating debut novel that will leave readers breathless.

Meet Modesty "Mo" Seto. The twelve-year-old dreams of becoming a taekwondo champion, but when she defies her parents and auditions for a movie featuring her idol, she unwittingly sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever. As Mo progresses through callbacks, someone sabotages the movie set, and her father mysteriously disappears. The key to unraveling these mysteries lies in an ancient book that holds secrets about Xiaoxi Fu, a dance-like martial art developed by Mo's ancestral grandmother.

Fast-paced and thrilling, Chan's writing propels the story forward at breakneck speed. From heart-pounding action sequences to unexpected plot twists, The Legendary Mo Seto keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mo is a fierce and determined heroine, an empowering protagonist. Her passion for taekwondo and her courage in the face of danger make her instantly relatable. Readers will cheer for her as she uncovers family secrets and battles formidable foes.

I really loved the rich cultural context. Chan seamlessly weaves Chinese American culture into the narrative. The exploration of family dynamics, identity, and tradition adds depth to the story. The Book of Joy introduces an enchanting layer of magic. The secret martial art is beautifully described, and its connection to Mo's past adds intrigue. Mo's friendships highlight the importance of unity and trust. Her determination to save her dreams and find her father reinforces the theme of resilience.

The vivid descriptions of taekwondo moves and fight sequences make readers feel like they're watching a thrilling action movie. Amid the adrenaline-fuelled scenes, Chan skillfully infuses tender moments that tug at the heartstrings.

Chan's debut is a true triumph. Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast or simply love a gripping adventure, “The Legendary Mo Seto” is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away by Mo's journey, and hold on tight because it's a wild ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Legendary Mo Seto by AY Chan

This middle grade novel is an absolute delight! It’s a high impact, triple kick of a story full of action, lovable characters, and a heroine who inspires.

I’ve often read a lot of contemporary or historically based middle grade novels, but this is a fun fusion of fantasy and contemporary starring Mo Seto, a small taekwondo champion who learns the importance of being oneself and solves a mystery along the way.

This story will have you on the edge of your seat and make you want every pun shirt Mo’s best friend, Nacho, wears. If you read a lot of middle grade, a little bit, or have a middle grader who loves adventure and martial arts, I recommend preordering The Legendary Mo Seto or checking it out June 4th!