The Captain’s Log – dragon pearl (Yoon Ha Lee)

Ahoy there me mateys!  I have been meaning to read more of this author’s work ever since I read the odd but interesting short story called the starship and the temple cat.  It can be found for free at the beneath ceasless skies website by clicking here.  I do own the first book in his machineries of the empire series but haven’t yet read it.  I decided to tackle this young adult title first.

The story follows a young fox spirit named Min who is biding her time until she can join the Space Forces like her older brother Jun.  Then her family is visited by a government representative who is looking for answers regarding Jun’s desertion from the Force.  Min is convinced that her brother is innocent and runs away to rescue her brother, clear his name, and bring him home.

Ah how I loved this one.  First of all its a coming-of-age story with a feisty, intelligent protagonist.  I adored Min and her trickery.  Secondly it combines Korean folklore and space travels.  Who doesn’t want space battles, lasers, magic, dragons, ghosts, and much more.  Thirdly, it showcases a loving, stable family.  Jun and Min’s relationship is lovely.   Fourthly, the ending is divine.  Fifthly . . . oh I don’t want to spoil anything.  The tale is magical and engaging and diverse and wonderful.  It was beautifully written and I am so glad I read it.  Go and get a copy and enjoy!

I am definately going to have to read more of his work.  Arrr!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times. Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.

When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.

Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.

To visit the author’s website go to:

Yoon Ha Lee – Author

To buy the novel please visit:

dragon pearl – Book

To add to Goodreads go to:

Yer Ports for Plunder Lis