I went into this book expecting a different type of book based on the cover and blurb. I anticipated something more along the lines of books under the Rick Riordan umbrella. If you go in expecting that, you might be disappointed by the role of magic and mythical beings. However, if you're expecting an Indiana Jones-esque adventure full of action, travel, humor, mystery, and the intersection of myth and history, then you've found the right book! This is a shorter read with the kind of action and suspense that has you starting a new chapter three chapters after the one you swore was the last of the night.

In the midst of all this is also Freddie's internal quest. In Vietnam after many years away, she feels disconnected from the language and the big family she considers home. Compared to her straight-A, responsible cousin Liên, Freddie constantly feels like she doesn't measure up. I loved Freddie and Liên's dynamic, and we learn that Liên has so much more to her than being the "good" or "smart" one. These cousins love each other, and they also have to learn to know each other as they are now and not as they were as little kids.

I loved the detailed descriptions of Vietnam – the country, the people, and the delicious food. These cultural details are seamlessly woven into the narrative without interrupting the flow of the story. There were things I looked up while reading, and I think many of them are things that many of my Vietnamese American students will be delighted to come across.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced ebook copy of the text. This book is going to the classroom library and might also make it into my hero's journey unit in ELA.

First of all, I really liked it.
Lots of meticulous descriptions and details.
The beginning of the story was a lot. A lot of information really fast, but the payoff was great. The information and background was really needed, I feel.

“The heroes that stand the test of time are the ones who have been able to shift their perspective—to see clearly, they have an uncanny ability to see their loved ones for who they truly are and what they are capable of.”

Mic drop.

Two points of the story:
-The need and greed for power is ultimately your downfall.
-Family is everything.

Really makes you reflect on your life.

I really wish I was more accustomed or aware of Vietnamese cultures and customs. I could’ve vibed a lot more with some moments, but this story does do a good job of introducing you to it or giving you some nostalgia if you are familiar.

I recommend to people who like stories about adventure and mythology.

When traveling to Vietnam to visit her family the last thing Vietnamese American Freddie Lo is to go on a magical quest to find an ancient legendary crossbow and save her grandfather! Freddie Lo is going to visit her extended family in Vietnam, however having not seen her family for so long and not speaking Vietnamese all that well, it's hard for Freddie to connect. But Freddie isn't going to give up the chance to reconnect with her family, especially with her grandfather. But when her grandfather reveals that he knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow that has magical abilities, Freddie knows her entire life is going to change. When her grandfather is kidnapped its up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to find the crossbow and save Freddie's grandpa! This book was just a fantastic read, it takes you across Vietnam and through gorgeous places. It's a great middle-grade read and the adventure was well done. I liked the story and friendships built in this and how Freddie was so resilient and determined. The book is a fun one for middle grade and young readers to read and get interested in. It's a fun road trip adventure filled with Vietnamese mythology, family bonds, and identity! Seriously, pick this one up and add it to your tbr!

Release Date: August 6,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Scholastic | Scholastic Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*