The Crossbow of Destiny, Brandon Hoang
The Crossbow of Destiny, Brandon Hoang
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The Crossbow of Destiny

Author: Brandon Hoang

Narrator: Elyse Dinh

Unabridged: 7 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/06/2024


Synopsis

Author Brandon Hoang takes listeners on a high-stakes adventure through Vietnam in search of an ancient magical crossbow with the power to decimate entire armies. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson!When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she's not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes; she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese; and she can't help but feel like she just isn't Vietnamese enough. Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai -- or grandfather -- who is receiving a big award.That's when Ong ngoai reveals his secret: He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow, one with the power to decimate armies -- and he's hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil. But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it's up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands.In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, listeners will travel through Vietnam -- from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang -- as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Mai on March 31, 2025

3/31/25 - re-reading and annotating -- Sophomore book slump? We don't know her. Freddie is a Vietnamese American growing up in the US. On a return visit to Vietnam, she is retold the legend of the Crossbow of Destiny. But surely, legends aren't real? It turns out this one is, and her Ông Ngoại has a fe......more

Goodreads review by Bookishrealm on December 23, 2024

A great middle grade fantasy that is perfect for those that are just getting started with the genre. It introduced me to a aspect of Vietnamese folklore that I wasn't familiar with prior to my read. I highly recommend listening to this one on audio. If you're interested in hearing more of my thought......more

Goodreads review by Peter on August 24, 2024

Vietnamese Raiders of the Lost Arc is apt but still doesn’t quite do it justice. Knowing next to nothing about Vietnam and its legends, I felt I got a beautifully painted picture of the country and its culture, particularly the family life. The characters are as lovingly portrayed as the rich world......more

Goodreads review by Caitlin on August 12, 2024

An action-packed, sentimental tale for anyone who loves/d getting into epic shenanigans with their cousins. We get to see smartypants cousins Freddie and Lien develop bravery and grit and learn to believe in and trust themselves. Rich, sensory descriptions of Vietnamese landscapes and culture create......more