JULY 2018 - AudioFile
This audio folktale collection is not one of damsels in distress or princes to the rescue. Whether set in countries of ancient Asia, in present-day America, or straddling the two, these stories retain elements of traditional Asian folktales but feature self-determining characters. “The Land of the Morning Calm” is a particularly noteworthy mix of past and present. The narrator of these works varies depending on each story's main character. Vikas Adam delivers only three stories but does so with an impressive range of emotions—from the lovelorn agony of the soldier in "Bullet, Butterfly" to the pensive uncertainty of an unwilling soldier in "Spear Carrier." In other stories Kim Mai Guest creates emotions for a wide variety of characters including snarky New York teens and a vengeful mountain goddess. L.T. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Contrary to our Disney-fied expectations, not every story has a happy ending — yet another facet to this fine compilation that enhances its ability to surprise, intrigue and delight.” — Chicago Tribune
“This collection fills a gap in modern retellings of fairy tales and myths by presenting non-European myths. ...Give to fans of Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles” or Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. An excellent first purchase for all libraries.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Outstanding...Each story is followed by a missive from its author, sharing inspiration and background on creative choices and changes. Thoughtfully compiled and written, this compendium is a must-read.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A collection of Asian myths and legends in which beloved stories of spirits, magic, family, love, and heartbreak are combined with elements from modern teens’ lives….With such a variety of emotion and experiences to explore, nearly any teen can find something to relate to...An incredible anthology that will keep readers on the edges of their seats, wanting more.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Authors Oh and Chapman have created this much-needed anthology of Asian myths and folktales. ...It’s a wonderful concept, and the styles and subjects are as diverse as the countries and cultures represented. ...these stories are for everyone.” — Booklist
“Oh and Chapman bring together fifteen authors with Asian roots to reinterpret stories from throughout Asia, creating a collection that...explores the traditional folktale motifs of fate, vengeance, goodness, and love. ...an inventiveness on par with Bardugo’s folktale revisions in The Language of Thorns.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“All of these stories achieve emotional depth and connection while showcasing each storyteller’s unique literary voice.” — The Horn Book
“Fifteen acclaimed Asian and Asian-American authors breathe fresh life into 15 popular Asian folktales and myths, elevating this anthology to a higher level...Oh and Chapman have created a work that celebrates Asian storytelling. It should fill...the reader with wonder.” — BookPage
Booklist
Authors Oh and Chapman have created this much-needed anthology of Asian myths and folktales. ...It’s a wonderful concept, and the styles and subjects are as diverse as the countries and cultures represented. ...these stories are for everyone.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Oh and Chapman bring together fifteen authors with Asian roots to reinterpret stories from throughout Asia, creating a collection that...explores the traditional folktale motifs of fate, vengeance, goodness, and love. ...an inventiveness on par with Bardugo’s folktale revisions in The Language of Thorns.
The Horn Book
All of these stories achieve emotional depth and connection while showcasing each storyteller’s unique literary voice.
BookPage
Fifteen acclaimed Asian and Asian-American authors breathe fresh life into 15 popular Asian folktales and myths, elevating this anthology to a higher level...Oh and Chapman have created a work that celebrates Asian storytelling. It should fill...the reader with wonder.
Chicago Tribune
Contrary to our Disney-fied expectations, not every story has a happy ending — yet another facet to this fine compilation that enhances its ability to surprise, intrigue and delight.
Booklist
Authors Oh and Chapman have created this much-needed anthology of Asian myths and folktales. ...It’s a wonderful concept, and the styles and subjects are as diverse as the countries and cultures represented. ...these stories are for everyone.
Chicago Tribune
Contrary to our Disney-fied expectations, not every story has a happy ending — yet another facet to this fine compilation that enhances its ability to surprise, intrigue and delight.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Oh and Chapman bring together fifteen authors with Asian roots to reinterpret stories from throughout Asia, creating a collection that...explores the traditional folktale motifs of fate, vengeance, goodness, and love. ...an inventiveness on par with Bardugo’s folktale revisions in The Language of Thorns.
JULY 2018 - AudioFile
This audio folktale collection is not one of damsels in distress or princes to the rescue. Whether set in countries of ancient Asia, in present-day America, or straddling the two, these stories retain elements of traditional Asian folktales but feature self-determining characters. “The Land of the Morning Calm” is a particularly noteworthy mix of past and present. The narrator of these works varies depending on each story's main character. Vikas Adam delivers only three stories but does so with an impressive range of emotions—from the lovelorn agony of the soldier in "Bullet, Butterfly" to the pensive uncertainty of an unwilling soldier in "Spear Carrier." In other stories Kim Mai Guest creates emotions for a wide variety of characters including snarky New York teens and a vengeful mountain goddess. L.T. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
