Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2021 Gr 4–8—This latest installment of "Rick Riordan Presents" features Korean-inspired mythology filled with goddesses, witch clans, ghosts, and fantastical creatures. Despite her family's attempts at inclusion, 12-year-old Riley Oh has always felt invisible, like an outsider. They are Gom, one of six secret clans of gifted witches. Riley's adopted and doesn't possess the magical healing powers they all do. Driven by her need to belong, she hatches a plan with her sister Hattie to cast a spell that would share Hattie's magic with Riley. When the spell backfires, Riley must step up to save Hattie and confront the truth of her heritage. During her quest, Riley learns to challenge her biases and that every story contains more than one perspective. The most important lesson, though, is one of self-acceptance as she finds strength and belonging with those who love her. While most tweens aren't tasked with impossible missions to save the world, many can relate to Riley's feelings of insecurity and need for validation. She is a heroine whose flaws make her relatable in this highly imaginative and original story. Many Korean terms and authentic cultural references enrich the action-packed plot, including crave-inducing food descriptions. VERDICT Full of humor and thrills, this bewitching fantasy blends Korean mythology into an empowering adventure.—Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2021 *Starred Review* This opening installment in the Gifted Clans series interweaves Korean mythology and modern times to create a wholly unique world worthy of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Debut author Kim spins a fascinating tale of six witch clans, all of which hearken to their own respective patron gods and special powers, with readers following Riley Oh, a saram (nonmagical person) who more than anything desires to find her place in both the magical world and within her own adoptive family. After Riley’s sister, Hattie, suggests that they concoct a spell to share her magic with Riley, that forbidden magic goes badly awry, and Riley must find a way to use her own strengths to set things right and rectify the past the present and assure the future of everything she holds dear. From a compelling and endearing supporting cast to the rich and tantalizing Korean cuisine explored in its pages, this pays homage to traditional Korean magic and mythos while infusing it with a contemporary story line and characters readers will fall in love with in an instant. Riley’s unmistakable voice and her relatable search for and exploration of her identity will connect with readers at their cores, offering a truly promising start to a fantastical series. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.