Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl is a fun, fast-paced adventure perfect for any fans of races against the clock and Disney parks lore. As a huge Disney nerd, I absolutely loved the reference sprinkled throughout, and the globe-trotting adventure was absolutely perfect for me. If any of this floats your boat, pick up a copy of this book today!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl is a Middle-Grade action-packed fantasy adventure written by YA author Julie Kagawa. It pulls you right in from the beautiful cover art to the opening paragraph of the prologue.

The novel is fast-paced with adventure taking place in a myriad of locations, from the ruthless Hightower Corporation stopping at nothing to gain what they want to the SEA (the Society of Explorers and Adventures) hoping to thwart Hightower and help Shinji return the Coatl to its guardian. This book was the perfect combination of Percy Jackson and Indian Jones all rolled into one! The narrative and blending of Japanese and Mesoamerican mythology was beyond intriguing. 


Adventure, action, magic, mystery and mythology on every page will have you reading till the very end of what I hope is only the first in this brilliant new series.

Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagawa is the newest member of the Rick Riordan Presents line and it was so fast-paced and adventurous! It had so many exciting aspects--a super shady organization out for world domination, a super secret organization called "The Society of Explorers and Adventurers", and of course, some mythology twists running throughout.

I FLEW through this book. I will say, I do wish we had a little more time with Shinji and saw a little more to his character, but that's primarily because I really liked him as a MC. He definitely struggled a lot with trusting others and you do get to the root of it in this story, but I do think there is room for more discussion of this. I hope to see more books! I loved that throughout the book, a huge emphasis was placed on protecting the environment and basically, not taking what doesn't belong to us. I would love to continue to see these themes in more children's/middle-grade books.

If you are a middle-grade fan, or you (or a young person you know) enjoy fast-paced, adventurous stories, this is for you! Also...if you are a Disney/Disney Parks fan, this story is based on "The Society of Explorers and Adventurers" legends/stories that are present throughout the various parks. I was doing some research and it is SO fun. :)

For much of his life, thirteen-year-old Shenji Takahashi has traveled the world with his Aunt Yui, searching for new and interesting trinkets for her to sell in her shop in Miami. Journeying on her ship, the Good Tern, Shenji has the chance to experience myriad cultures around the world every year. When their travels take them to Africa and Shenji is invited to select an object on his own, he finds himself in a shop where one particular artifact catches his eye. Little does he know, this object is more than it seems, and Shenji becomes connected to a centuries-old curse that he must do all he can to reverse before time runs out.

This adventure-driven story fits quite well into the Rick Riordan canon of tales both in its captivating storytelling style and overall global perspective. Instead of focusing on one culture, however, this story does an excellent job connecting several different cultures from around the world into a pulse-pounding narrative. Throughout the novel, Shenji Takashi must determine where the truth is really found while learning how to trust himself in the absence of his family. Despite an innate desire to trust those he encounters, he seeks evidence in each circumstance to prove the loyalty of his companions. Shenji has many people alongside him throughout his journey, but he is the only one who places his needs as the primary focus. As all young teenagers experience the transition from being dependent on others to being self-sufficient, so too does Shenji grow in his capacity to care for himself.

Readers who enjoy global storytelling and a high-stakes mystery will easily fall into Shenji’s story and its myriad destinations. The adrenaline-packed storytelling is deeply immersive, using vivid imagery to bring Shenji’s experiences to life for the reader. Pieces of Mesoamerican history are woven into mentions of Shenji’s Japanese background, African culture, and more, creating a dynamic tapestry that enhances readers’ background knowledge of human history from around the globe. Attentive readers will catch hints throughout the novel about how the story will unfold, but it is nonetheless a riveting ride. This is a superb series debut, and it is one that will keep readers waiting eagerly for the subsequent installments.

Written by international best-selling author Julie Kagawa, this is the first book in a new middle-grade series, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Fast-paced and exciting, look for it in April 2022 from publisher Disney Hyperion. Video review at https://youtu.be/LAVgo5fOxPI

On a trip with his aunt who deals in exotic exports Shinji's life is turned upside down when he becomes possessed by a magic guardian who imbeds itself into Shinji in the form of a tattoo. He and his new friend Lucy join forces with the Society of Explorers and Adventurers to bring the Coatl back to its rightful home. This sounds easy except there is a big bad corporation who wants the magic idol for themselves and is hot on their trail. Thrill a minute adventure with an Indiana Jones vibe and a robotic mouse as well as smart tech savvy kids and a good portion of magic. This is the first book in a new series that is sure to delight those fans who cut their teeth on Rick Riordan and love global myths, legends and plenty of adrenaline. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Has you by the edge of your seat from the first chapter, but once a reader meets Shinji they will never forget him because he’s: sarcastically funny, mischievous, and extremely bright.
Kagawa has created a genuine and unique tweenage character, all while amazing settings like Morocco and New York, will keep the reader jumping. The intrigue, danger, and excitement are blended well into the wild journey this story takes a reader on. Ideal for advanced young readers and adults alike. definitely recommended for fans of Percy Jackson.

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline that went with it. The writing felt like a Rick Riordan style book, meaning that it was fast-paced, reader-friendly, and the story was humorous while still filled with action. Learning about the story behind the Coatl was fascinating and made me want to learn even more about it. I'm excited for the next book in this series and will be adding it to my classroom bookshelves!

This was a great middle grade adventure! Shinji Takahashi has been traveling with his aunt since the death of his parents in a fire. She travels to find native arts and crafts for her shop in Miami. Thirteen-year-old Shinji would rather spend his time playing adventure video games.

One day he is given some money and told to find a treasure at a market in Abenge, near the Zambezi River, in Africa. He wanders into a shop he's never seen before and discovers a statuette of the Coatl which seems to be calling to him. He doesn't know that purchase will lead to great adventure.

Pursued by employees of the Hightower Corporation who want the figure, Shinji is kidnapped and threatened when he won't give the statue up. In fact, the statue has become a tattoo on his arm and he doesn't know how to give it up even if he wanted to. Aided by a girl named Lucy who is able to combine magic and technology, the two go off to find the Society of Explorers and Adventurers to help them find a way to get the Hightower Corporation off his back and get the statue back to its correct location.

There are lots of adventures as the explore jungles, almost fall through a swinging bridge over a bottomless canyon, and battle snake warriors and Hightower minions. The story has a strong environmental message about the need to save the Earth and preserve its wonders.

Fans of action and adventure will enjoy this fast-paced story,

An exciting adventure for fans of Rick Riordan. I love the folklore, travels, and magic of this book. I hope more are to come!

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide through NetGalley.
The first book in a new series by Kagawa. Readers meet Shinji as a baby in the Prologue and then as young teen as the story begins. He lives with his aunt and has since the tragedy described in the Prologue. They live an adventurous life together as they travel the world. While stopped at one port, Shinji ventures into a small shop and purchases an interesting statue. Thus, the full story is launched. It has the classic elements - mythological beings, evil henchmen, flawed heroes, and a true friend who proves themselves. Kagawa spins these elements into an entertaining story for middle grade readers with a few twists that a bit predictable but work. Shinji and his new friend Lucy escape from the Hightower Corporation and are rescued by the Society of Explorers and Adventurers - an organization striving to change their past flaws and work toward conservation and preservation of antiquities. Readers who are familiar with Disney theme parks will pick up on the connection to certain attractions. Plus, there are some interesting references to some of the attractions as the story unfolds.
In the end, all is temporarily well but huge hints are offered that more adventures are to come.

Thank you to Disney-Hyperion Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Shinji Takahashi was orphaned as a toddler and raised by his Aunt Yui, traveling the world looking for strange and unusual items. When their travels brought them to the Zambezi river in Africa, Shinji was restless, longing for air conditioning and video games. Aunt Yui gave Shinji some money to get him out of her hair, encouraging him to purchase something. Soon the 13 -year-old finds a strange idol in one of the market stalls and makes a physical connection. It isn’t long before hired goons corner him to get the idol from him. A fight ensues and the ancient guardian in the idol physically bonds with Shinji, marking him with a large tattoo of Quetzalcoatl, an ancient Meso-American entity that looks like a feathered serpent. The hired goons work for Hightower Corporation and take Shinji to their headquarters in New York where he meets Lucy who helps him escape. The kids travel across the country to find the Society for Explorers and Adventurers who could help Shinji return the idol to its rightful place. But Hightower Corp is still after him – will Shinji be able return the idol and save himself?
This was a fun and exciting story although formulaic – which is played upon throughout the story. A little something for everyone – magic, adventure, mythology. It was nice to see an Asian male protagonist especially since there aren’t that many in this type of book and we have had a few requests at our library. There were some nice twists and turns as well. I would definitely recommend for grades 5 and up.
#ShinjiTakahashiAndThe MarkOfTheCoatl #NetGalley #DisneyHyperion

This definitely read like a younger middle grade novel. I really enjoyed it for what it was. The characters lacked a lot of depth and the author clearly signposted most of the reveals. However, she kept a fast-paced narrative moving forward in a believable fashion requiring only the suspension of disbelief for the fantastical elements. While not my favorite middle grades book, Kagawa created a read that many young middle grade readers 5th-7th grade likely, will definitely enjoy.

If you're looking for a great new adventure series look no further than Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new series by YA author Julie Kagawa. It offers magic, legend, adventure, and technology all rolled into one entertaining tale. Although it was over 300 pages, the story moved along quickly without any lags in pacing. There was a bit of mystery as Shinji, helped by Lucy and the Society of Explorers and Advetures, try to return the Coatl to it's temple, and a surprising twist at the end of the story. Shinji and Lucy were both entertaining characters, and I can't wait for their next adventure.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for allowing me the opportunity to read Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagaway. This middle grade mythology inspired fantasy novel will be published in April 2022. All opinions are my own.

Shinji Takahashi travels the world with his aunt aboard her trawler the Good Tern. They visit remote locations seeking goods to sell at her store in Florida. While in a remote village in Africa, Shinji stumbles upon an idol of a coatl in a market. After purchasing the idol, he's chased down by a group of thugs. He refuses to hand over the idol and the thugs end up chasing down his aunt's boat and kidnapping Shinji after the idol transfers its powers to him. The Hightower Corporation is determined to use the power of the idol for themselves. With a little help from a girl named Lucy and her AI mouse, Shinji escapes Hightower and seeks the help of the Society of Explorers and Adventures (SEA). Shinji hopes that SEA will be able to help him return the power of the idol to the guardian and prevent it from falling into Hightower's greedy hands.

This was a fast-paced and fun adventure novel. The novel had a great narrative voice that is inviting and captivating. The story had me from page one. This book brings the Society of Explorers and Adventurers from Disney's parks into the 21st-century and combines it with some awesome mythology. The story of the coatl is from Mesoamerica. It was a lot of fun to learn about a culture I hadn't previous known about. I really enjoyed the adventure elements of the story. This book was kind of like a combination of a Rick Riordan novel and The Explorers series by Adrienne Kress. There was a cool mixture of magic and modern technology. I also loved the focus of leaving things better than you found them and not taking things that don't belong to you. Just because you "discover" something, doesn't mean you have a right to take it. This story was a fun and quick read. I'm really hoping this will become a series.

I am an elementary teach who highly recommends SHINJI TAKAHASHI AND THE MARK OF THE COATL. I work with gifted readers and it's a pleasure to find a book that enthralls and captures the imagination from the very first page. The vocabulary and content is robust enough to challenge a gifted reader; while scaffolding comprehension with vivid visual imagery for those growing their reading skills. I loved the blend of Japanese and Aztec mythology, a stroke of genius on the part of the author, Julie Kagawa. This book is one that will linger in a child's imagination long after the last word has been read.

What a fun, action packed story of Shinji and the SEA! I was able to connect to Shinji from the beginning questioning his choices, and by the end came to really love the character. Magic, adventure, and mystery are all tied into the pages. I think the readers of Rick Riordan will really love this story of bravery and overcoming the evil Hightower!

I greatly enjoyed Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl. It began with an interesting concept and continued to move at a good pace. I did not feel like it was a slow read, and I finished the book in about a day. I was pleasantly surprised that it was Meso-American mythos instead of Asian mythos that I expected because of the name. I appreciated the multicultural representation with the characters and the adventure.

Easy four stars for middle grade readers if the book continues as the first 10% did. We will look forward to sharing with our library patrons.