In the enchanting space opera by Yoon Ha Lee, Dragon Pearl, we meet thirteen-year-old Min, a girl from a lineage of fox spirits striving to blend in with humans. Set against the backdrop of the impoverished planet Jinju, Min's life unfolds under the strict rules imposed by her mother, who bans the use of fox magic, such as charm and shape-shifting. Despite her mundane chores and the constant scrutiny from judgmental relatives, Min harbors dreams of adventure beyond her dusty home.
When distressing news reaches Min that her older brother, Jun, may have deserted his post in the Space Forces to pursue the legendary Dragon Pearl, she senses something is amiss. Understanding her brother would never abandon his duty for mere rumors, Min decides to steal away on a perilous journey to rescue him and redeem his reputation.
This thrilling escapade contains all the hallmarks of an extraordinary journey: meetings with dangerous gamblers, ruthless pirates, and even vengeful ghosts. As Min embarks on her quest, she finds that she will need to embrace her fox magic more than ever before. With cleverness and bravery as her allies, she'll face a world filled with deception, lies, and sabotage. The path she forges might lead to unexpected outcomes, perhaps greater than her wildest dreams.
Dragon Pearl is not just a tale of adventure but also a rich tapestry woven with the threads of Korean mythology that will captivate readers and transport them to realms beyond their imagination. Dive into this cosmic quest and join Min on her journey to uncover truth, bravery, and the strength within herself.
