FICTION

An Arrow to the Moon

by Emily X.R Pan
Hachette Audio. Apr. 2022. 824p. $22.98. ISBN 9781549184246.
COPY ISBN
Gr 9 Up–Pan melds east and west in a hybrid fantasy/reality novel inspired by two sets of star-crossed lovers: China’s Houyi and Chang’e (the Archer and the Moon Goddess) and Romeo and Juliet. In 1991, Hunter Yee and Luna Chang are 17-year-old seniors at Fairbridge High. Both are children of Taiwanese immigrants, their families hiding a vitriolic rivalry unknown to the teens as sparks fly. Both families have elevated expectations: Hunter’s unforgivably expect perfection; Luna’s (just) presume Stanford. Love isn’t allowed. Secrets revealed will explain—but also devastate. The unbalanced cast take uneven turns: Natalie Naudus as Luna is too often overwrought, Shawn K. Jain as Hunter is more convincing, David Shih reliably moonlights as parents and strangers.
VERDICT Following the bestselling success of Pan’s The Astonishing Color of After debut, demand will be high for her sophomore effort. Libraries will want multiple formats.
Reviewed by Terry Hong , Aug 01, 2022

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