Kirkus Review
The question of honor versus family loyalty plays out in a thrilling Korean-inspired space opera. In this stand-alone companion novel to Dragon Pearl (2019), readers are introduced to a new family of characters, the Juhwang Clan of tiger spirits. Juhwang Sebin, a nonbinary 13-year-old who can shift between their human and orange tiger spirit forms, is accepted into Space Forces Command as a cadet on the same day their uncle, Capt. Hwan, is accused of high treason. The young cadet is called into action and then into question, as clan loyalty and professional duty collide. Their assigned battle cruiser, the Haetae, is sabotaged before Cadet Sebin can even be sworn in. Under the watchful eye of Special Investigator Yi and their assistant, Kim Min, a teenage girl, Sebin and three other cadets who are survivors of the blast must determine who has incapacitated the ship and crew. The tension mounts as Sebin struggles with the accusation that their admired Uncle Hwan is leading the insurrection and they hope to prove them innocent. Throughout, Lee develops an important thread that examines hard decisions when family tradition and personal integrity clash, an emotional dilemma that will resonate with many readers. The Thousand Worlds universe continues to thrill with the lure of Korean mythology, the action of space battle, and the personal struggle to act with honor. Fans will demand more. Weaves together science fiction and cultural elements with tremendous appeal. (pronunciation guide) (Science fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This companion novel to Lee's Dragon Pearl (2012) follows a nonbinary tiger spirit named Sebin whose dream is to join the Space Forces and become the captain of a ship like their uncle. When Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, so, too, does the news that Uncle Hwan has been stripped of his title as a captain after being declared a traitor in his pursuit of the legendary Dragon Pearl. Sebin quickly realizes that this obvious misunderstanding will greatly hinder their chance to achieve their dream as their family comes under scrutiny. Determined to make a good impression and clear their family name, Sebin climbs aboard the Haetae battle cruiser on their first day as a space cadet, but their plans very quickly go awry. With a delightful mix of Korean mythology and science fiction, Lee expands on the intriguing world of his previous novel to create another exhilarating adventure with a new precocious protagonist. Fans of Dragon Pearl will enjoy this dive back into the Thousand Worlds universe.
