The Last Fallen Star

By: Graci Kim

Narrated by: Suzie Yeung

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch-clan family.

"Graci Kim does such an amazing job of blending Korean mythology into the modern world, I am now wondering how I ever lived without knowing all this cool information." (New York Times number-one best-selling author Rick Riordan)

Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns 13, she's a saram - a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community. Then Hattie gets an idea: What if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!

Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: Find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it? As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.

"A fun, new magical world that promises more adventures to come." (Kirkus Reviews)

Complete your middle-grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites: Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, Rick Riordan Presents Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia, and The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan

©2021 Graci Kim (P)2021 Disney Hyperion

A Journey of Emotions

EEEE! This book is SO GOOD! I couldn't stop listening and I found myself shedding tears several times. Riley makes so many new discoveries, connections, and breakthroughs. It's such a sad, heartbreaking, and emotional story that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.

SPOILER**** It's so sad and frustrating to see Riley be forgotten by her loving families and friends, she is so brave to have put others before her.

A Stunning Debut

The first book in the Gifted Clans series introduces us to Riley Oh.  Riley was adopted by magic witches and knows of their lives and talents.  Her deepest wish is to be magic like her family including her adopted sister Hattie.  Riley is an amazingly engaging heroine that I look forward to learning more about as the series continues.  I loved the decision points she was given in the first book and the choices she made. 

Both my 9-year old son and I loved this book (definitely five stars). I am looking forward to future releases!

This book is a Rick Riordan Presents book.  Each Rick Riordan Presents takes the successful pattern of the well-loved and successful Percy Jackson books and introduces us to a new universe through the mind and background of a new author.  They never disappoint.   My son and I look forward to each new one that comes out.  As a parent, I regularly recommend the Rick Riordan and Rick Riordan Presents series to anyone asking for books for their children.  As a reader, I make sure my son and I read these together because I absolutely love them. 

Just keep on reading it gets better

When I was reading the book I admit that it got a little boring but keep on reading it get better and if you get lost because of all the weird grammar than this is not your book I’m Korean and that’s what drew me in because I never seen Korean lore put into a book like this but back to the main subject in the end it all comes together can’t wait for the next book😁

Loved this totally recommend

I loved this book

It can be be hard to follow some times so would recommend it to ages 8+

RR Presents knocks it out of the park once again!

The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim is an absolutely amazing book about accepting you’re full identity that also has magical witches. Great stories from Korean mythology to be learned as well! My only qualm is this book takes place in LA, because NYC is superior.

Ancient gods are NO Match

Ancient gods are NO Match for a 21st century pre13 girl protagonist. Especially when they have the “on-a-parent-finding-mission orphan revealed to be the long-lost ‘princess’ with sagacious and perspicuous superpower” thing going for them. Anyone older, just stand back and watch. How do they do it?

Kudos for weaving the legacy of Korean folklore into this LA story together with the principles of inclusion and freedom of choice. And readers of mixed lineage will be especially appreciative of the identity crises and resolution.
However, I always deduct a star for the overused orphan formula as detailed above.

It Gets More Engaging as the Story Unfolds

I got this book because I enjoyed Rick Riordan’s series on Greek, Egyptian, and Norse Gods. I was curious about the books that he endorsed.

This book started a little slow, and I wondered if it was going to be too YA for me, (I’m 35) but it picked up. The plot & plot twists were great. I enjoyed the backdrop of the Korean Gods. I’m looking forward to the next book.

One of the most heartfelt stories I’ve ever read/heard

I actually read this book already but as a speaker of English as a second language, I wanted to listen to the book again. And I’m SO glad I did!! It was such a different emotional experience listening to Riley come to life, and it made me feel like I was going through the adventure in her shoes. I will admit I cried in several parts, and I know this is a book for children, but as an adult, it affected me in a profound way. The story was brilliant, and the voice actor was amazing. For those who are worried about their level of English, I’d highly recommend reading the book at the same time as listening. It was a wonderful experience.

OMG…!!!!

Omg this story literally made me tear up in all of the ways! I’ll say that if you ever questioned why you don’t belong or fit in; it’s because you were made to SHINE Bright! Totally can’t wait for the next adventure of RILEY OH

My Bladder tears were not effected

Overall, this book has great elements. However, the transitions from place to place in the story felt disconnected. I also did not like the last few chapters. It took me forever to get through. I will give props to the mythology aspect, but I am disappointed by the twist that while unpredictable did not make sense to me. It is a great early middle school book as it is not overly complicated, but the overuse of the phrase bladder eyes will forever make me cringe.