Peasprout Chen

Henry Lien
Juvenile Fantasy
Cover image for Peasprout Chen series
Juvenile Fantasy

Summary

Deep within the bustling markets and tranquil bamboo groves, Peasprout Chen’s story unfolds as she climbs the ranks of martial arts mastery. Her journey is marked by fiery competitions, quiet moments of introspection, and the bonds she forms with friends and rivals alike. As she strives to excel, she confronts the weight of tradition and the desire to redefine her future, all while staying true to the core values passed down by her ancestors. Her daring spirit and heartfelt struggles embody the hopes of a young martial artist eager to carve her name into the legends of her land.

Henry Lien's 'Peasprout Chen' series stands out for its vibrant blend of traditional martial arts and imaginative fantasy, creating a compelling fusion that appeals strongly to a young adult audience. The series has garnered praise for its inventive worldbuilding and lively characters, earning several awards including the California Book Award for Young Adult Literature. Critics often highlight the series’ engaging storytelling and cultural depth, though some note that its rich setting and numerous characters might be overwhelming for casual readers. Overall, it is viewed as an innovative contribution to the contemporary fantasy landscape, broadening the scope of cultural influences in YA fantasy.

Main Titles

1
Future Legend of Skate and Sword
Book cover for Future Legend of Skate and Sword
Peasprout Chen is small, brave, and determined to become a champion skater in a city where blades and honor define a person. When she earns a place at the prestigious Scholastic Wheel, she must...
Peasprout Chen is small, brave, and determined to become a champion skater in a city where blades and honor define a person. When she earns a place at the prestigious Scholastic Wheel, she must master both daring skate techniques and the rigid code of martial discipline. Wrestling with her size, her family's expectations, and the weight of a hidden past, Peasprout forges unlikely friendships and faces rivals who test her skill and heart. Training becomes a crucible that refines more than talent: it forces Peasprout to reconcile the playful joy that drew her to skating with the grim politics embedded in competition. As she pushes the boundaries of speed and grace, a dangerous conspiracy looms on the edges of the arena, threatening everyone she cares about. Peasprout must choose what kind of legend she will become—one who wins trophies, or one who protects the people she loves.
2018 Year
4 Publications
Buy on Amazon View Details
2
Battle of Champions
Book cover for Battle of Champions
Peasprout returns to a world where the stakes have grown sharper and the rink is no longer merely a place of performance but a battlefield for ideals. Now recognized but not yet secure, she...
Peasprout returns to a world where the stakes have grown sharper and the rink is no longer merely a place of performance but a battlefield for ideals. Now recognized but not yet secure, she navigates the pressure of expectation while confronting new champions whose strengths mirror darker ambitions. Friendships are tested as alliances shift, and Peasprout must learn to read more than blades and ice: she must read intentions. A high-stakes tournament draws competitors from distant schools, bringing with it old rivalries and secrets that threaten to upend everything Peasprout worked for. As she faces opponents who force her to adapt her style and strategy, she also discovers how leadership and sacrifice shape a true champion. The outcome will determine not just winners and losers but the future of the sport itself—and Peasprout must decide what she is willing to risk to protect that future.
2019 Year
2 Publications
Buy on Amazon View Details