The Last Fallen Realm

The third instalment in the Gifted Clans series, Graci Kim’s ‘The Last Fallen Realm’, is brimming with magic.

This novel is a fantastic introduction to the folklore and legends of Korea as Kim leans into a very Rick Riordan style with a uniquely Eastern twist. This opened up a whole new world for me and I am not ashamed to admit that I was sent scrambling to Google more than once on a mission to find out more about the marvellous creatures and the legends from which they and their divine creators hail. Entertaining and educational, my expectations of this book were well exceeded after the first couple of chapters.

The subtle hand with which Kim manages to touch on many philosophical subjects, such as questions of morality and equality was another pleasant surprise for me. Throughout, characters face moments where they must ask if it is ever okay to sacrifice for the greater good, to unravel what truly makes a hero and even ponder what elements of revolution are right and wrong. Yet, somehow, the book also manages to remain a young reader’s fantasy, combining elements of the unlikely heroine trope that currently dominates the YA shelves with a gentle sense of connection and family. Infused throughout is the message that the "ultimate power of the universe...is love" and that magic can be found everywhere, and in everyone, every day.

A great series of books for any young reader, this manages to be a heartwarming and easy read without losing its message or the ability to stop and make you think.