A determined young woman in 1950s Los Angeles walks a darker city than she ever imagined in a creepy, breathtakingly original novel about the power to make dreams come true―whatever the sacrifice.
“THE MONSTROUS MISSES MAI’s theme exemplifies the old saying be careful what you wish for… Each character and their world is expertly drawn. The reader will identify with the young women as they face their dilemmas. This book fits the bill for those who value stories about friendship and dangers overcome.” –Authorlink
“Middle grade author Hoang (Girl Giant and the Jade War) makes her adult debut with this entertaining cautionary tale about ambition that doubles as a probe into privilege.” –Publishers Weekly
“Told from Cordi’s naive but perceptive point of view, this bittersweet tale of greed, betrayal, and sacrifice has enough body horror to honor its dark roots but focuses on the love among its complicated characters for an almost-happy ending.” –Booklist
“A clever, dark fairy tale about sisterhood and sacrifice and the price of finally going after what you want. Cordi is a heroine to root for: she makes mistakes, of course she does, but you would do the same. And once you read it you will never settle for a dress without pockets again. I loved it!” –Yume Kitasei, author of The Stardust Grail
A beguiling story of love and friendship that turns every trope on its head. THE MONSTROUS MISSES MAI leads you through a world of glamour and fame, then pulls you beneath its surface and tangles you in the sinister workings of a city fueled by impossible dreams.” –Kylee Lee Baker, author of The Scarlet Alchemist
The Witches of Eastwick and The Craft meets Don’t Worry Darling in THE MONSTROUS MISSES MAI (47 North; April 1, 2024), the spellbinding adult debut from celebrated Vietnamese-American middle grade author Van Hoang.
Los Angeles brims with opportunity in 1959―though not for aspiring fashion designer Cordelia Mai Yin, the first-generation child of Vietnamese immigrants, who finds the city unkind to outsiders and as dispirited as her own family. When Cordi rents a cheap loft in an old apartment building, she quickly warms to kindred souls Tessa, Audrey, and Silly. They also want better things and have pasts they’d rather forget. That they all share the same middle name makes their friendship seem like destiny.
As supportive as they are of each other, it’s a struggle just to eke out a living, let alone hope to see their wishes for success come true. Until an ever-present and uncannily charming acquaintance of the landlord’s offers a solution to their problems. He promises to fulfill their every dream. All it takes is a little magic. And a small sacrifice.
As one surprisingly effective spell leads to another, their wishes get bigger. But so does the price they must pay. Amid the damaged seams of her life so far, Cordi must realize her own power in order to rip free, without losing everything she’s worked so hard to achieve.
In THE MONSTROUS MISSES MAI, Van Hoang has created a darkly imaginative novel that introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of characters who hunger for fame, fortune, and prestige, no matter what the cost.
Check out this marvelous lineup of bloggers who will post reviews, features, and giveaways as part of our virtual tour. Follow along!
Monday, April 1 – Nurse Bookie
Tuesday, April 2 – Kera’s Always Reading
Wednesday, April 3 – Amy’s Book Nook
Thursday, April 4 – Aimee Dars Reads
Friday, April 5 – Sarah and Her Bookshelves
Sunday, April 7 – Purrfect Pages
Monday, April 8 – We Love Big Books And We Cannot Lie
Tuesday, April 9 – Lilacs and Literature
Wednesday, April 10 – Love My Books 2020
Thursday, April 11 – Totahly Booked
Friday, April 12 – Dreaming In Pages
Saturday, April 13 – Reading With Nicole
Sunday, April 14 – We Break For Books
Monday, April 15 – Dive Into A Good Book
Tuesday, April 16 – Celia McMahon Reads
Wednesday, April 17 – Reading For The Seasons
Thursday, April 18 – Amber Shelf
Friday, April 19 – Monika’s Book Blog
Monday, April 22 – A Collective Of Books
Monday, April 22 – Bookphile Belle
Monday, April 22 – Lauren’s Book Vibes
Tuesday, April 23 – Read With Viv
Wednesday, April 24 – Suzy Approved Book Reviews
Thursday, April 25 – Secret Reading Life
Friday, April 26 – Subakka Book Stuff
Monday, April 29 – Jen’s Towering TBR
Monday, April 29 – Lexijava
Tuesday, April 30 – Gloriana Wong
Tuesday, April 30 – Elena Luo
Leave a Reply