Kids’ Book Review: Junior Review: For No Mortal Creature
The novel For No Mortal Creature follows
Jia Yi through her adventures in both the real world and the afterlife. Having
lived her whole life believing she has no magic, she discovers her ability to
travel between the living world and the multi-layered death realm after her own
death when she learns her power of resurrection.
The protagonist is forced to
uncover the truth of her powers to save her beloved grandmother, driven into a
quest involving ghostly realms, a legendary weapon and allies she trusts, yet
remains cautious of, including a deceased childhood friend and a rival prince.
Inspired
by Chinese folklore and Western fantasy tropes, the novel blends gothic fantasy,
romance and myth to build a legendary world.
Through its characters and plot, For No Mortal
Creature explores themes of life, death and resurrection through the rich
setting of the afterlife’s many levels, but specifically the idea of coming
back from the dead and what it means to live and die. Jia’s fractured past and
complicated relationships explore betrayal and the challenge of rebuilding
trust while knowing hidden secrets. Her newfound power challenges how she sees
herself, her heritage and the magic around her.
Jia Yi is portrayed as a determined, yet flawed
character whose evolving growth drives the narrative. She begins by seeing
herself as nothing, an ‘Empty’, but ultimately faces her immense power with
courage, learning to accept both its weights and the emotional complexity it
holds. Her ghost-friend Lin and the rival Prince Essien are Jia’s romantic
options through the story, but their past actions, motive and transformations
add layers in the book.
For No Mortal Creature is created through a rich, atmospheric world with a striking setting
of the real world and afterlife that are memorable to readers. It is a fresh
take on Young Adult fantasy, mixing ghosts, resurrection, romance and myth in a
creative and bold way. This high stakes novel lingers on readers minds, its
emotional intensity and the gothic mood displaying a masterful blend of
suspense, heart, and moral complexity that keeps readers captivated long after
the final page.
This standout fantasy novel is emotionally
charged and built on an inventive concept with a richly imagined setting.
Perfect for fans of gothic romance, it offers layered emotional arcs and myth
inspired fantasy that is much to admire. The mix of romance, supernatural
elements and epic stakes is handled with flair, leaving a lasting impression on
readers long after the final page.
Title: For No Mortal Creature
Author: Keshe Chow
Publisher: Penguin, $19.99
Publication Date: 2 September 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241772492
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction
