Peasprout Chen: Battle of Champions

Peasprout Chen #2

by Henry Lien

Now in her Second Year at Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword, Peasprout Chen strives to reclaim her place as a champion of wu liu, the sport of martial arts figure skating. But, with the new year comes new competition, and Peasprout's dreams are thwarted by an impressive transfer student.

Yinmei is the heir to the Shinian throne and has fled her country for Pearl. When she excels both academically and socially, Peasprout begins to suspect that Yinmei is not a refugee at all but a spy. When the Empress of Shin threatens to invade the city of Pearl, Peasprout makes a bold decision. To keep her enemy close, Peasprout joins Yinmei's "battleband," a team that executes elaborate skating configurations that are part musical spectacle, part defensive attack.

In Henry Lien's Peasprout Chen: Battle of Champions, Peasprout guides her battleband on a mission to save Pearl, and learns what it truly means to be a leader.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Audiobook, School, LGBT

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 2019

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My time with Chen Peasprout ends here. I love children, and I know they can be annoying and whine a lot while figuring life out. However, in books, I want them to be children who only do a little of that and get on with the figuring out because I want my kids to look up to the people they meet in these books. Peasprout, her brother, her friends, and even the evil adults are too whiny for me to want to share this with my niece.

Also, I really dislike books that ends in cliffhangers as well as books that keep referring to things that happened in the one(s) before it, making you wonder what you missed. Each book in a series, in my opinion, should be strong enough to stand on its own. My quest for my niece marches on without this character or series.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peasprout Chen, now 15, returns for a new year at Pearl Academy. Pearl Academy itself has transformed itself into a training ground for wu liu warriors because Shin is threatening to invade. Peasprout's brother is still around as well as the twins Hisashi and Doi. Also joining them is a Shinian princess, Wu Yinmei, who has fled from her homeland. But the twin's father still has it in for Peasprout and she's faced with having to win every one of the year's challenges or be returned to Shin and death by torture.

This picks up right where the first book left off with Peasprout coming face to face with Hisashi. This book continues with Peasprout's overly competitive character as her main flaw, particularly as she has to step into a leadership role. The new character, Yinmei is disabled and this is well handled. But she's also a bit of a mystery and Peasprout is very suspicious of her and jealous of her easy acceptance in Peasprout's friend group.

This is the middle book of a trilogy and answers a lot of the questions from the first book and sets up an interesting situation for book three.

[lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular and unforgettable. Peasprout Chen is the only series I’ve ever tried to actively push on people in my reviews, and I’m making that exception because I NEED y’all to read these Asian middle grade fantasy books about ice skating as a martial art. They’re unjustly overlooked and utterly brilliant—so delightfully complex in both plot and emotional development, so original. Morally gray girls, queer love, chronically ill main characters, heart-wrenching storylines, hilarious side characters, cool worldbuilding—Peasprout Chen has it all.

And book two blows the first completely out of the water. The plot stakes have rocketed up, with intricate political intrigues and a super compelling storyline with plot twists that made my jaw drop on multiple occasions. The new technology the characters create to enhance wu liu add such cool mechanics to the action scenes. There’s a kickass fantasy wheelchair user!!! There’s lesbian love!!!! And I’m obsessed with every single character in this book.

Chen Peasprout is distinctly unlikable, and I like her so much. She’s brash and headstrong and clashes with her found family often, but she is never shown to be less worthy of love for any of those qualities. (And she undergoes great character development and learns and grows blah blah blah, but I love girls who are irascible little monsters with terrible social skills). The other two female main characters are equally complex and contrary—one is chronically angry, and the other has fascinating morally gray political intentions and tactics. (spoiler: and they’re in love.)

I’m not usually one to be dazzled by quirky side characters, but these ones SLAP. Dappled-Lion Dao, with his DIY frosted tips. Chingu, the oracular monkey, who has now reformed her murderous tendencies. Sensei Madame Yiao, who votes to offer political sanctuary to a foreign fugitive she doesn’t even like because if the pursuing nation invades in response, she’ll “get to use violence.”

Also, I love that these books feel like they were translated from one of the fantasy-Asian languages the characters speak—from the naming conventions of people and groups (ex: the teams for the academic competition name themselves things like Radiant Thousand-Story Very Tall Goddess, which is so fun) to the colloquialisms and turns of phrase. And the audiobook is once again fantastic; Nancy Wu’s voices (especially for the senseis!) are so distinct and entertaining.

[Anne O'Brien Carelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: The only way I can review this book is to provide a series of words that capture the excitement of this delightful book. It's fun, charming, intriguing, creative, memorable, and fast-paced! If middle grade children read the first Peasprout Chen they will be thrilled with the sequel, but if they haven't met the main character before, they will zoom through Battle of Champions and then rush to find a copy of the first book, Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword. My favorite parts are the descriptions of the skating maneuvers on a land of ice -- and wonderful writing like a dragon with "...black fluid squirting everywhere - like an octopus spinning on a potter's wheel in a storm." Highly recommended! (Now I'm going to go fix my hair so that my braid encircles my head in a staircase royal phoenix crown.)

[Georgina Kamsika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was so good I went into this with super high expectations and yet Henry still smashed it out of the park. It's so exceptionally bright and witty and charming you'll love every second of being pulled along with the characters at a frenetic pace. Peasprout, Cricket, Doi, and Hisashi have all new troubles to keep them occupied, skating, battling and using their wits to survive.

Peasprout is still the bossy and opinionated but kind-hearted girl of book one, but her ongoing growth is beautiful. Doi is still a genius and we finally meet the real Hisashi who isn't quite the same as he was before. Cricket is still the best of them.

Eagerly awaiting book three!

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah this still had some weird stuff in it but overall super fun. I liked Peasprout a lot more this time around. And the battle band stuff was SO FUN.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

In this book, Peasprout suddenly finds herself training for battle when the heir to the Shinian throne appears at her school and an invasion of Pearl seems imminent. Peasprout has to figure out whether or not to trust this new student while also sorting through her feelings for Hisashi—which is … complicated. Just like in the first book, Peasprout has a hard time trusting other people and tends to lean on her own abilities and judgment, but she does learn to put a bit more faith in Cricket when he proves invaluable. This book leans a bit more heavily on battle strategy than my personal tastes, but the creativity of the worldbuilding (wu liu is so incredibly unique!) makes it all a whole lot more interesting. And the ending of the book adds a twist that is absolutely compelling—I can’t wait to see where it all leads!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[Christina Pilkington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fast-paced, zany adventure with Peasprout Chen and her band of friends. In this book the stakes are even higher when Yenmei, a refugee (or is she?) from Shin shows up and becomes Pesprout's new nemesis. But when the Empress of Shin threatens to invade Shin, Peasprout needs to decide whether Yenmei should join her battle band on a mission to save Pearl.

Like the first book, I initially found Peasprout an annoying character. She's constantly making bad decisions and doesn't seem to understand anyone's motivations. But as the story unfolds, she does learn from her mistakes and grow as a character. I also liked how Peasprout's brother, Cricket, grows more independent and adds to the story.

Although I found the first Peasprout book a fun read, I didn't feel compelled to continue in this series. But when this second book was nominated for a Nebula, it pushed me to continue. I'm glad I did! I'm invested enough in the story now that I'm sure I'll pick up the last book in this trilogy whenever it comes out even if it isn't up for any awards.

[Bryan Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already thought the first book was stunning, but this one is even better. Loved it through and through.

[Carlie St. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: this is my friend's book. Also, it's awesome, a sequel that doesn't disappoint. The world and the characters are as wonderful as ever. I really love the relationship between Peasprout and Doi, as well as between Peasprout and Sensei Madame Liao. Yinmei is a very exciting addition to our cast of characters, too. And that ending! NEED MOAR, PLS.

[charlotte, · Rating 4 out of 5]

so there's a book #3 right? haha

Rep: East Asian coded (Chinese & Japanese?) cast and settings, sapphic characters, mlm side characters

[JLD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peasprout 2 picks up where the first book left off. Peasprout, Cricket, Doi and Hisashi continue their exploits in Pearl. Fast paced and entertaining, filled with action and adventure, book 2 has surpassed my expectations. Those who became fans of Peasprout in book 1 are in for a treat! Long live Peasprout!!

[charlotte ☆]

Eh-

[insy]

I could be safe. I could learn to live with unanswered questions, like everyone else does. I could come to accept that knowing the truth is often a luxury, that most people live lives shrouded in parts by mist. That most people learn to breathe mist.

But I am Chen Peasprout. And I need to know the truth like I need to breathe air.

OHHHHH this was even better than the first book and that's saying a lot!!!! book 2 was even more action packed, plots twisting and turning just like the wu liu skaters from book 1 with a few extra friends.

This book picks up literally right where book 1 ended, where Peasprout meets the real Hisashi and it's not a meet-cute because they go on a wild goose chase immediately. We are introduced to Doi's twin brother Hisashi, who is as charming and even more unserious than the fake one, as well as Yinmei, who claims to be the great great granddaughter of Empress Dowager of Shin. Obviously Peasprout distrusts her from the start, and there's an ongoing frenemy vibe going on between them throughout the story.

I love that we get to see Cricket (sorry, Crick) shine in this one with his intellect and sharp thinking about basically anything. Doi my favourite little lesbian ice skater !!!! All she wants is someone to care for and for them to reciprocate and no one should fault her for that. Hisashi is just a good spirit to have in the group. And Peasprout will hate what I'm about to say, but her and Yinmei are literally two sides of the same coin. They're both equally stubborn and will risk anything to protect their loved ones. And I love that about them.

BUT AAHHHHH THE ENDING. I desperately need the third book in my hands now!!!! What happens next??? What will Peasprout decide??? I am on the edge of my seat and nervous as heck but I know I can't wait to see my darling Peasprout in action along with her friends in the next one.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm delighted that so many other readers are falling in love with Peasprout Chen and that her story will continue for at least one more installment. Having relished every word of the first book, Peasprout Chen: Future Legend of Skate and Sword, I worried that this second one would not be as pleasing. But I need not have been concerned. It has all the freshness and worldbuilding of the first book and then some. Peasprout is in her second year at the Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword, and she's determined to make the most of her opportunities. Her friendhsip with Doi, her former adversary, is on her firm footing, and she continues to have romantic feelings toward Doi's brother, Hisashi. But when he arrives in Pearl with Yinmei, the heir to the Shinian throne, who is seeking asylum in Pearl, things get more complicated. Not only is she jealous of the possible relationship between the two, but Peasprout simply doesn't trust the girl. As her new homeland faces attacks from without, Peasprout and the other students are sorted in battlebands, who practice skating and defensive maneuvers. Even though Peasprout becomes captain of her group, she sometimes struggles with making decisions and with her own self-pride and impulsivity. There is much to enjoy in this book as readers thrill to the various skating scenes and inventions as well as having a chance to watch Peasprout develop as a human being. I loved the interactions between her and Yinmei. Henry Lien has created a safe place where readers can get lost and indulge in their own fantasies even while recognizing the behavior of some of the characters as akin to that of some of those around them. Because of all the intrigue and the layers of betrayal, I for one didn't want to leave this place or come back to Earth.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first Peasprout Chen book, I couldn’t wait for the second one to come out. And now, after reading PEASPROUT CHEN: BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS, I can’t wait for the next one. BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS still centers around Peasprout’s life at Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword but behind the scenes, political intrigue is escalating the rivalries between student teams, bringing true danger to the Academy. There is more history of the this enchanting world as Henry Lien’s delightful prose swoops through the adventures of Peasprout, Cricket, Doi and Hisashi – and the mysterious new girl student Yinmei.
Peasprout is a wonderfully flawed and feisty character, and anyone who suffered through teenage-hood will relate whenever her impulsive, judgemental, stubborn actions contradict her good intentions. Although the furiously-paced action of school life and battle band competitions drive the narrative, at heart this is a story about acceptance, friendship and family. Highly recommended.

[Kristine Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the best part about this series is how unlikeable Peasprout can be at times. I appreciate the bad choices she often makes, which was a theme in the previous book and I was happy to see continued here. In this installment, she is more self-aware and actively challenges her initial reactions to people and things, especially in the beginning, and as the story progresses, it gets harder and harder for her to fight her less savory impulses and opinions of people. Growth is not a linear journey. It's something you have to work at every day, and I think it's important for kids to see that and to know that sometimes you're going to mess up and make bad choices, but you've to pick yourself up and keep at it in order to see lasting change.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books have great promise. They take place in an academy in the tiny city-state of Pearl where earnest young people learn how to do martial arts on ice skates. There is wonderful absurdity and some great word play.

Our point of view character is Peasprout Chen, an unlikeable heroine. She was an emissary of the giant empire next door, sent by the dowager empress Shin ostensibly as a good will gesture. Peasprout and her brother are essentially orphans. She is prickly, proud, slightly delusional, and paranoid. And she's absolutely critical to the fate of both the empire and the city. For reasons.

I enjoyed reading it, but taken as a whole it doesn't quite shine. I think it needed one more editing pass.

[Katie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't overly enjoy book one, but after I finished it I came to feel fond of it. Perhaps because of how much the wig snatching scene made me laugh, perhaps because I loved the Pearlian New Year's Song, perhaps because of how ridiculously arrogant and fierce Peasprout was (so unlikeable you begin to like her for her sheer audacity).

Book two really focuses on the battles, and it seemed we got to the end without much development in the character's relationships. Then it ends on a big cliffhanger and there seems to be no other books in the series (and as it was published in 2019 I assume there won't be a third).

Overall a creative and decently fun duo of books. I do wish there was a third to tie up the ends and finish the series.

[AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 was even better than book 1 - with clever nuances of psychology, war strategy, and scientific principles. The stunning visuals & action choreography again made me wish for a film adaptation. Book 2 ended on a cliffhanger. I had correctly guessed the secret identity of one of the main characters (close reading). In an interview, the author said that he was unsure about whether the publisher would give him a contract for book 3! How can the future of book 3 possibly be in question with such an exciting, highly original, & engaging series?

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

After enjoying the world-building in the first Peasprout Chen book, this second in the series seemed to drag. Peasprout's unwillingness to see the strengths of others, including her own brother, became annoying, and I disliked both the surprise reveal and the cliff-hanger ending. I will probably read the final volume, but I'm not necessarily eagerly awaiting it. Review based on an ARC through NetGalley.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

High quality fantasy for younger readers. First in the series nominate recently for Andre Norton award. The martial art of Wu Liu is based in ice skating and the story is centred once again at the Pearl Famous school for teaching Wu Liu. Friendships and family are at the centre of this story, with water dragons, international relations, immigration, a touch of romance, and battles of skill and ingenuity on skates.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Author Henry Lien has all of the talents. The Peasprout Chen series provides everything a reader could want - action! adventure! secrets! crazy-good humor! relationship drama! battles! music that helps ice skaters fight!

Definitely read Future Legend of Skate and Sword first so you'll know exactly what's happening, and come and join the Peasprout and her battleband in this next exciting installment.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constantly imaginative with a rocketing plot, the 2nd volume of Peasprout's adventures at Pearl Famous Academy is even bigger and wilder than the first, with unexpected pot twists, new characters, and unstoppable protagonist Peasprout Chen. With her new friends around her, Peasprout must face a series of team challenges and place first-or be extradited into the Empress Dowager's hands. Nancy Wu as the narrator is incredible, and absolutely brings the book to life.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it for all the same reasons I enjoyed the first book. Answered some of the burning questions I had from book one, but I didn't quite love it the same way for some reason. Maybe just the fact it was exactly the same setting meant that the novelty and wonder wasn't quite there to the same extent. Loved book one, didn't need to read it all over again. But as with book one; fantastic light teen fiction.

[JustAButterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to give this a four star rating originally, but I just can't. There is less focus on worldbuilding, but that time goes into giving some slow but ultimately well-deserved character development for our protagonist. (What a novel concept.) Honestly, this book is just so cool. If you liked the first one, you'll like what goes on here as well.

[Yaroslav Barsukov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to Herny Lien's Andre Norton Award-nominated novel. Second parts of trilogies are rarely on par with first outings and almost never outdo them, but as much as I liked Peasprout Chen I, this one blows it out of the water. A beautiful & sad book, its final cliffhanger will leave you biting your nails down to the flesh.

That is, after you've wiped away the tears.

[Lirael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for the sequel and this doesn't disappoint: You finally get to find out what the Pearl actually is!!! And it's so thoroughly original and clever, though of course, I won't spoil it. Now I can't wait for the final book of the trilogy!

[Kat Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 will review at www.fantasyliterature.com.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! It was better than the first one, but the first one was still really good. The ending was a cliff hanger even though I can kind of guess the answer. A 3rd book would be awesome!