School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-It's 1826 and Xiang dreams of leaving her small village on the river. She lives and breathes the stories of distant lands filled with music, food, and adventure. She wants to experience it all, but her mother, a successful merchant who is often away at sea, wants Xiang to remain safe in the village. When Xiang finally convinces her mother to let her go to Canton, she meets Anh, a young woman who steals the pendant Xiang always wears around her neck. It was the only thing left from her father, who died before she was born. Anh returns it to Xiang explaining that the pendant hid a map with a secret code to a hidden pirate treasure. Xiang realizes her father must have been a part of the Dragon Fleet, pirates who used to roam the seas led by the Head of the Dragon, Zheng Yi Sao. She hid the treasure and went into hiding after the Dragon Fleet was disbanded. Xiang joins Anh's ship, which is run by a motley crew who grow to feel like family. In this work inspired by but also completely unique from Treasure Island, Lee introduces readers to an enthralling adventure story filled with twists and turns. Xiang and Anh have very different life experiences and their blossoming relationship will keep readers invested and engaged. The well-researched narrative with vivid descriptions of food, clothing, and markets of the era will transport readers. VERDICT A great addition to all libraries.-Kristyn Dorfman, Friends Academy, Locust Valley, NY