Middle grade fantasies are my go-to books when I want a break from the usual books that I’m reading. They’re light-hearted, yes, but somehow manage to perfectly capture the essence of growing up.

So I was quite excite when I was offered a chance to post a review for Tessa Miyata Is No Hero by Julie Abe. Coincidentally sometime around now last year I reviewed Alliana Girl of Dragons for a blog tour and needless to say, I was mesmerised by the author’s writing and couldn’t wait to read more from her. So here I am now with a review and five favourite quotes to share with you.

synopsis

A thrilling and inventive middle-grade fantasy steeped in Japanese lore and mythology.

Tessa Miyata has never fit in. When she and her two sisters are told they will be staying with their grandparents in Japan, Tessa is thrilled. A summer in Japan could be her chance to go on an adventure worthy of impressing her classmates back home.

Her hopes are quickly dashed when she realizes her sisters are old enough to go into Tokyo, while she can’t even go to the corner store by herself. Plus, her grandparents want her to stay home with the neighbor kid, thirteen-year-old Jin Uehara, who’s made it clear he’s too cool to spend time with a weirdo like her.

When Tessa is finally allowed to go to Tokyo, it’s only to join her grandpa’s retiree aerobic class with none other than Jin. Their disastrous forced hangout comes crashing to a halt when Tessa and Jin break the Miyata family’s precious heirloom—accidentally releasing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and discovering a hidden part of the city where gods and mythological creatures walk among humans—including their new companion, a mythical nine-tailed fox who may be more trouble than he is help.

Tessa and Jin must now work together to stop Taira Masakado before he traps them—and the rest of Tokyo—under his command, forever.

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review

Rating – 4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley, TBR and Beyond Tours and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for presenting me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. All quotes in this post are from an Advanced Copy and are subjected to change.

Percy Jackson meets Zachary Ying in this action-packed fantasy about Japanese myths and belonging. Julie Abe has done it again—get ready for another book that will have you cheering through the characters’ journeys. There is a very wonderful thing about all of Julie Abe’s books. Her stories are so uniquely crafted that it seems like the pages are brimming with magic. And Tessa Miyata Is No Hero was no exception.

Thirteen-year-old Tessa Miyata is in Japan with her sisters and grandparents to spend her summer. And she’s pretty excited about it. Think of all the things she could experience—from the capital city’s marvel’s to the countryside’s nature. But all her plans take a turn when she accidentally unleashes an ancient spirit that was stored in her family’s heirloom…

Think of all the things that could go wrong. But also about the things that would be for the better. From stoic but friendly Jin Uehara to the mysterious fox spirit Kit, she makes new friends along the way to fight the dangerous spirit that’s wreaking havoc in modern day Tokyo. Now it’s up to Tessa and her friends to save the day. But it is easier said than done, is it not?

If you know me, you know I love middle grade fantasies. They’re charming, and humorously dark at the same time. I loved the crew. And the way the plot unravelled in steps. The lore about Japanese mythology was so interesting and I daresay, I was practically inhaling the book and refused to stop till I finished. Tessa Miyata Is No Hero was insanely fast-paced and had just the perfect amounts of humour, sarcasm, wit and charm to have reading by your bed lamp throughout the night.

The ending was quite the finishing touch to this beautiful novel. Tessa learns to understand herself and her place where she will be loved. She finds her home and hearth. And Jin? He was the best supporting character ever alongside Kit. The trio was so fun to read through. I know that I am probably rambling but that is how this book made me feel—so joyous and so full. And no spoilers but that epilogue was truly something and I can’t wait for Book 2!

On an ending note, you will love this if you loved books like Percy Jackson, Aru Shah and Zachary Ying. I’ve read and loved all those and here I am. Fantasy novels with protagonists that aren’t plain old boring white will have a special place reserved in my heart. I hope you liked my review and hope you enjoy the book too.

about the author

Julie Abe writes magical adventures for readers of all ages, including EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH, which was listed as a Best Middle Grade Book by Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and Book Riot; ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and TESSA MIYATA IS NO HERO, as well as the young adult novels THE CHARMED LIST and OUR CURSED LOVE. Keep up with Julie’s latest books and adventures on instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.