A CLASH OF STEEL: A Treasure Island Remix, September 7, 2021
Two intrepid girls hunt for a legendary treasure on the deadly high seas in this YA remix of the classic adventure novel Treasure Island.
1826. The sun is setting on the golden age of piracy, and the legendary Dragon Fleet, the scourge of the South China Sea, is no more. Its ruthless leader, a woman known only as the Head of the Dragon, is now only a story, like the ones Xiang has grown up with all her life. She desperately wants to prove her worth, especially to her mother, a shrewd business woman who never seems to have enough time for Xiang. Her father is also only a story, dead at sea before Xiang was born. Her only memento of him is a pendant she always wears, a simple but plain piece of gold jewelry.
But the pendant’s true nature is revealed when a mysterious girl named Anh steals it, only to return it to Xiang in exchange for her help in decoding the tiny map scroll hidden inside. The revelation that Xiang’s father sailed with the Dragon Fleet and tucked away this secret changes everything. Rumor has it that the legendary Head of the Dragon had one last treasure—the plunder of a thousand ports — that for decades has only been a myth, a fool’s journey.
Xiang is convinced this map could lead to the fabled treasure. Captivated with the thrill of adventure, she joins Anh and her motley crew off in pursuit of the island. But the girls soon find that the sea—and especially those who sail it—are far more dangerous than the legends led them to believe.
x
How To Buy:
Signed Copies from the Ripped Bodice Bookstore
Order independent from:
Mysterious Galaxy | Porter Square Books
Macmillan | Bookshop | Indiebound | Barnes and Noble |
Lee (the Sidekick Squad series) elegantly situates Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1882 Treasure Island against a richly embroidered Qing dynasty backdrop in this carefully crafted queer interpretation… Inspired by female pirate Zheng Yi Sao, this deeply immersive adventure features deftly interwoven Chinese and Vietnamese, luscious culinary descriptions, and well-rendered explorations of imperialism, treasure, found family, and love.
Publishers Weekly
In this work inspired by but also completely unique from Treasure Island, Lee introduces readers to an enthralling adventure story filled with twists and turns. Xiang and Anh have very different life experiences and their blossoming relationship will keep readers invested and engaged. The well-researched narrative with vivid descriptions of food, clothing, and markets of the era will transport readers. VERDICT: A great addition to all libraries.
School Library Journal
x
x
Featured In:
Feiwel Series to Put New Faces and Spins on Classics, Publishers Weekly, April 14, 2020
Exclusive Cover Reveal + Author Interview, The Quiet Pond, January 8, 2021
18 Great 2021 YA Books by AAPI Authors To Watch Out For, Book Riot, March 15, 2021
Five SFF Books That Set Sail For Adventure, Tor, June 11, 2021
28 New LGBTQ+ Young Adult Novels To Add Sunshine To Your Summer, Buzzfeed, June 16, 2021
Remixed Road Trip Virtual Event Series, Fierce Reads, August 10 2021
Discover the Remixed Classics Trailer, Fierce Reads, August 13 2021
If You Love Books that Reimagine Classics and Fairy Tales, Read These 15 Novels, Buzzfeed, August 15 2021
Most Anticipated Releases of September 2021, Birdie’s Booktopia, August 16, 2021
Read an Excerpt from A Clash of Steel, Tor, August 17, 2021
New Book Releases 2021, Hypable, October 4 2021
Best of YA 2021, Cosmopolitan, October 1, 2021
Twice Told Tales For Teens, Publishers Weekly, October 15, 2021
x
CB Lee 