The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan is a 320-page middle-grade martial arts action/adventure book available now from Simon & Schuster (Aladdin).
@GoddessFish @AYChanWrites @simonschuster
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan Published by Aladdin, Simon-Schuster on June 4, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Middle-Grade, Self-Esteem
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 320
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsA fast-paced, high-kicking debut that’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Stand Up, Yumi Chung as a young taekwondo artist uses an ancient book to help save her dreams—and her father.
Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Even though her mom disapproves, Mo can always count on her dad, who is her number one fan and biggest supporter. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. Mo can’t even lean on her dad like usual with how distracted he’s been lately.
When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this her chance to prove to her dad, to the world, and to herself that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size. Unfortunately, Dax is auditioning, too. As Mo and her nemesis progress to callbacks, someone attempts to sabotage the movie set and Mo’s dad disappears—and both events seem linked to a mysterious book, the Book of Joy.
The book contains information on a secret dance-like martial art developed by Mo’s ancestral grandmother. Armed with these powerful moves and an unexpected ally, Mo embarks on a high-octane adventure to rescue her father, save the movie, and discover an unexpected joy in being small.
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Excerpt from The Legendary Mo Seto
“You’re so gonna lose,” he says, low enough that only I can hear. “’Cause . . .”
He bends his knees so he’s several inches shorter—though even in this position, he towers over me.
I feel a tiny rip in my chest, like when a balloon is pinched but doesn’t pop, that slow leak of air—hisss.
Dax knows how to hit where it hurts. Junior-level sparring is based on age and belt level, not on size. Even after vitamins, and broccoli, and jumping jacks for a year, I’m still only four-foot-six-and-a-half. Mom says the women in her family are late bloomers, but she’s barely four-foot-nine, so I’m not holding my breath.
Why do I have to be so small? The familiar thought bursts through like a weed after a rainstorm. I used to destroy Dax all the time, but ever since his growth spurt at the end of last summer, he’s beat me in the fall, winter, and spring tournaments.
That’s three. Three tourneys.
Silver is great too. Variety is the spice of life, Dad would say, as if losing gold isn’t a big deal. But in the days and weeks after, he’d be more subdued and make me train twice as long every day. Kick harder, Mouse. You must beat him next time, Mouse. Because being the best really does matter to him. A lot.
It matters to me, too. Today’s tourney, the Dost Valley Cali-wide Mid-Year Tae Kwon Do Championship, takes place right at the start of summer, and it is the biggest one of the year. I’ll show Dax.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for The Legendary Mo Seto
If the above link does not take you to your country’s Amazon page, please let me know, and I’ll gladly get a link for you.
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share. Every penny helps to support this blog.
Purchase from your local bookstore!
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My Thoughts on The Legendary Mo Seto
The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan is an exciting middle-grade adventure filled with martial arts action and lessons on self-esteem. The story follows Mo Seto, a young protagonist, on a journey of self-discovery, during which her martial arts training helps her build confidence, resilience, and inner strength, just not her height.
The action-packed sequences and relatable characters make it a fun read for young readers, while its themes of perseverance and believing in oneself resonate on a deeper level. A great book for kids looking for both inspiration and adventure!
While I am well beyond the target age for this story, I found it entertaining and quite enjoyable. Mo is a very likable character and so easy to root for.
Will she be able to rescue her father, save her favorite action hero’s movie, and learn to appreciate her small stature? Read the book to find out!
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About A.Y. Chan
A.Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, reading all the middle-grade and young-adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres.
After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.
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Giveaway!
The author will award a randomly drawn winner a $25 Amazon/BN gift card.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for The Legendary Mo Seto
Full Tour Schedule:
September 19: Country Mamas With Kids
September 26: China Sorrows
September 26: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 3: One More Exclamation
October 3: The Reading Addict
October 10: The Faerie Review
October 10: Boys’ Mom Reads!
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I wish I had books like this, when I was a kid
Sounds like an interesting story.
Super excited about this book!! Sounds like such a fun, cool, action adventure MG read!! Already added it to my TBR List!!
I liked the excerpt.
Thank you so much for reviewing THE LEGENDARY MO SETO today.