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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Third Moon Passing by Rina Olsen is set in a mythical world inhabited by gods, shamans, and creatures. Daseul, a reluctant shaman, and Wolhwa, a dokkaebi, join forces to find Daseul's father in the underworld and break a curse on Wolhwa's family, seeking guidance at the Yongwang's palace. With Moonsoo, a shape-shifting imoogi, as their guide, they encounter Gildal, a dokkaebi master, and learn of celestial celebrations at the palace. As court ladies, they meet Solip, who reveals a painting with a peculiar signature and an unusual depiction of a sea god. A deity, Hyeolgu-Sanshin, advises caution on their quest and directs them to the god of death, Gangnim. Unfolding politics from within and pressing from abroad, coupled with their discovery of connections to their own pasts and an encounter with a manipulative character named Seokga, set the course for the girls to attempt reaching their goals with danger and impending conflict haunting each step of the way.
Rina Olsen paints a visually stunning world in Third Moon Passing and the coexistence of all who inhabit it. I love a story with strong, young female leads who, by their own choosing or not, take on the responsibility of their families to set everything right. The characters of Daseul and Wolhwa are fully developed and their strengths and weaknesses complement each other to form a team and to bond in ways that would not have brought them together under any other circumstances. As an Asian 'girl dad' reading Olsen's book, it so heartening to come across young Asian women who resemble my daughter, and who she will identify and connect with, in a genre where Asian characters are usually just ancillary. The writing is clean, descriptive, and immersive, especially with multiple points of view perspectives. Olsen displays genuine skill in her writing and is able to weave together prose that merges combinations of description and tension, often in the same breath. “...his brow was furrowed, weighted down with worry. In the gray mist of the day he could see, in the distance, the tall masts of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron spiking the clouds.” Very highly recommended.
