This Golden State

(Paperback)

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Description

A Chinese American boy and his snarky fox spirit face down demon kings as they race against time to be reunited with his brother's spirit in Theo Tan and the Iron Fan, Jesse Q. Sutanto's magical, action-packed sequel to Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. Theo Tan and his fox spirit, Kai, are willing to go to hell and back for their family. Literally. After exposing the corruption at Reapling Corporation and trapping the demon king Niu Mo Wang, they learn that Jamie (Theo's beloved brother and Kai's first human master) was not allowed to move on after death, and is now trapped in a waiting room in Diyu. If they can reach his soul before it faces judgement on the solstice, they might be able to convince King Qingguang to send his soul back to earth! Still, a trip to Diyu is no easy matter, and Theo and Kai can't do it alone. Fortunately, they have good friends who are happy to help. But even with Namita's knowledge and Danny's powerful dragon familiar, the odds are stacked against them. Can Theo and Kai's new bond hold up against lying demons with grudges, impatient Kings of Hell, and the wrath of the demon king's powerful wife, Princess Iron Fan

Reviews

Named to YALSA's Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers List

"This Golden State's mashup of gorgeously drawn coming of age and utterly gripping mystery had me magnetized to the page. A propulsive tale full of crystalline insights, told with such delicate ferocity."
--Melissa Albert, author of The Hazel Wood

"This Golden State is a luminous and gripping novel about family, identity, and what it means to love and to let go. I couldn't put it down."
--Jennifer Mathieu, author of Moxie

"This Golden State is that rarest combination of a page-turning, gripping plot that will keep you enthralled for hours, and a soul-stirring, coming-of-age story that will set your heart aflame."
--Jeff Zentner, author of The Serpent King

"Marit Weisenberg hits the ball out of the park in This Golden State. The book transforms as you read, revealing layers that include a twisting, high-wire crime thriller, a sensual teen romance and, most significantly, a story about finding your place in your family. A Rapunzel-esque tale about breaking free, finding out who you are and where you can go, This Golden State shines."
--BookPage

"Weisenberg creates page-turning suspense surrounding a criminal mystery full of family secrets as the reader follows Poppy on her journey of self-discovery as well as unearthing her family's past. This coming-of-age mystery is perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus who enjoy a -romantic subplot."
--School Library Journal

"Captivating."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Combines a pulse-pounding mystery with a moving portrayal of the conflict between a young woman yearning for independence and her close-knit family. . . . Marit Weisenberg creates a suspenseful and surprising mystery. She also portrays messy family relationships with compassion and nuance. . . . Readers looking for an uncommon take on the classic coming-of-age story will enjoy following Poppy on her journey."
--Shelf Awareness

"Weisenberg delivers a compelling coming-of-age novel that explores personal responsibility and what we do for love and for family loyalty. Fans of crime stories, romances, and psychological thrillers will be fully invested."
--The Horn Book

Author Bio

Marit Weisenberg graduated from Bowdoin College and has a master's degree from UCLA in Cinema and Media Studies, working as a film and television executive for a number of years. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two daughters.