Mo travels to Hong Kong to shoot her movie and unexpectedly comes across another ancient book of martial arts secrets in this fast-paced, high-kicking sequel to The Legendary Mo Seto.
After rescuing her dad, along with martial arts film star Cody Kwok and the ancient Book of Joy from a big player in the notorious Five Claw crime organization, Mo is on to her next challenge: filming a movie with Cody! Mo and Dax are whisked away to Hong Kong to start work on The Protégés. It’s Mo’s first overseas trip, and she is awestruck by the glitz and glamour of the international film experience.
Soon after they arrive, they attend a party at Cody’s house, where Mo and Dax meet Cody’s younger sister, Fiona, who appears snobby and cold. Mo is shocked when Cody’s father gives Cody a familiar-looking book: the Book of Sorrow, a piece in the trilogy of books that holds ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. She is even more shocked when a thief steals it while the party is in full swing and not even her martial arts skills can stop them!
With no leads on the identity of the mysterious thief, Mo recruits the help of a reluctant Fiona, dons her detective hat, and, in between filming, sets out on a mission to find her ancient ancestors’ Book of Sorrow. Can she find and protect the book and make her martial arts movie dreams come true?
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"This book is a delight to read and I like the development of the story. Love the characters and their relationship, the handling of sorrow and joy. I gained insight in the meaning of home and change."
— Evaee (5/5)
Mo is back & packs a BIG punch!
"Mo Seto is back and she packs an exciting punch! Martial Arts Star picks up right after The Legendary Mo Seto, the first book in this new middle-grade series. Fans will enjoy reconnecting with Mo, her family and her friends as we watch 13-year-old Mo live her dream as she takes on a role in a new martial arts movie! But it's not all martial arts moves and camera angles! Dark forces continue to follow Mo on the hunt for missing relics! Set in the beauty of Hong Kong, this is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with mystery and humour that had me chuckling to myself. I loved the themes of family and change and how Mo continues to be a strong female main character for young readers. The sweet, budding romance was also a nice touch. Martial Arts Star is a great addition to this middle grade series, and I will be wholeheartedly recommending it to my young library customers. I'm hoping with a third mysterious relic still missing that we can anticipate another book in this series. Note: I'd recommend reading the first book since there are elements and plot points that continue into this book. Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author and Aladdin books for the complimentary finished hardcover copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review."
— Baking B. (4/5)
A Fierce and Fun Sequel
"A. Y. Chan’s Martial Arts Star, the thrilling follow-up to The Legendary Mo Seto, takes readers on an unforgettable journey to Hong Kong—complete with movie sets, martial arts secrets, and power‑packed adventure. In this fast-paced second installment, 12‑year‑old Mo Seto is whisked overseas to begin filming her first martial arts movie. Between takes, she discovers the legendary Book of Sorrow, part of the ancient trilogy of martial arts tomes. But when that sacred tome is stolen at a high‑profile family party, Mo must dive into detective mode—and martial artist mode—to help retrieve it. Alongside her loyal friend Dax, her star dad Cody Kwok, and even the typically standoffish Fiona (Cody’s sister), Mo faces off against the notorious Five Claw Society to protect her legacy and her family’s secrets. What makes this book shine: • Movie‑set excitement: Chan masterfully captures the energy and glamour of a Hong Kong film production—complete with glitzy parties, on‑set drama, and behind‑the‑scenes camaraderie (). • Martial arts magic: Drawing on her own Taekwondo, Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai background, Chan delivers thrilling, authentic fight scenes that make every punch and kick come alive (). • Strong themes of friendship and trust: As Mo and Fiona grow closer, we see the power of teamwork—and the courage needed to face betrayal. • Global and cultural richness: Chan adds depth with family dynamics, the allure of Hong Kong, and ancestral martial arts lore. Suitable for ages 8–12, this middle‑grade novel offers about 320 pages of edge‑of‑your‑seat action, heartwarming moments, and character growth. Whether your child is a martial arts enthusiast or simply loves an empowering adventure with strong female leads, Martial Arts Star delivers. Recommended for: • Fans of Mo Seto’s original adventure (you’ll love seeing her back in action!). • Readers looking for a blend of action, mystery, and heartfelt character development. • Young martial arts fans ready for a globetrotting sequel with real kick."
— Jw99 (5/5)
My son loved it!
"My son loved this sequel even more than the first! He was up early reading it and kept going all day. Any book that gets him reading without me having to nudge him? That’s a win."
— M. T. (5/5)
Q&A
Appropriate for: Ages 9-12 Years
Published date: May 12, 2026
Language: English
No. of Pages: 336
Publisher: Aladdin
ISBN: 9781665937368
Dimensions:
5.125" W x
0.7" L x
7.625" H
A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.
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