With a hint of whimsy, a dash of adventure, and a plethora of age-appropriate life lessons, Nelson’s fourth novel in the middle grade Pingzi & Benzel mystery (after The Dragon’s Omen) series will be celebrated by young readers and their caregivers. Eleven-year-old Pingzi Po is not only the cousin of the Emperor of the Far East, she’s also the land’s only demon queller, a position she takes quite seriously. She’s accompanied in her duties by her guardian, a Northlander named Benzel of the Wolf, who balances her impulsiveness with a firm, yet gentle hand while she helps him heal the wounds of a lost family—and makes his life more than a little interesting. When word of a new demon queller reaches the Emperor, he sends the pair on a journey to the city of Sheng, in the Feng Shu province, to solve the mystery of the missing dragon’s breath and investigate the newcomer’s claim.Delicately penned details leading to a joyful, gleeful exploration of the Far East culture lay the foundation for a story that’s lush with life lessons presented in an engaging, light-hearted manner. Themes ranging from accountability to tolerance to maturity are brought to life in Pingzi. When she finds herself disobeying explicit instructions, even though she had the best of intentions, Pingzi is quick to admit fault, explain her actions, and accept the consequences. Her chosen-family relationship with Benzel is gently showcased, directly contrasting the lack of relationship she has with her mother and sisters, thanks to assigned gender roles and outdated cultural mores.
Pingzi’s occasional lapses into wise-beyond-her-years maturity may feel disingenuous to some readers. However, that’s far outweighed by the moments of gentle adult humor (particularly in the sweet exasperation of Benzel) and the book’s innocent, sensitive approach to growing up in difficult times. Readers will find themselves utterly captivated by the vividly drawn characters and lush setting.
Takeaway: Captivating mystery of dragons, demons, and Young Adult life lessons.
Comparable Titles: Darcie Little Badger’s Elatsoe, Cindy Lin’s The Twelve.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
