Junior Review: For No Mortal Creature

The novel For No Mortal Creature follows Jia Yi through her adventures in both the real world and the afterlife. Having lived her whole life believing she has no magic, she discovers her ability to travel between the living world and the multi-layered death realm after her own death when she learns her power of resurrection. 

The protagonist is forced to uncover the truth of her powers to save her beloved grandmother, driven into a quest involving ghostly realms, a legendary weapon and allies she trusts, yet remains cautious of, including a deceased childhood friend and a rival prince. 

Inspired by Chinese folklore and Western fantasy tropes, the novel blends gothic fantasy, romance and myth to build a legendary world.

Through its characters and plot, For No Mortal Creature explores themes of life, death and resurrection through the rich setting of the afterlife’s many levels, but specifically the idea of coming back from the dead and what it means to live and die. Jia’s fractured past and complicated relationships explore betrayal and the challenge of rebuilding trust while knowing hidden secrets. Her newfound power challenges how she sees herself, her heritage and the magic around her.

Jia Yi is portrayed as a determined, yet flawed character whose evolving growth drives the narrative. She begins by seeing herself as nothing, an ‘Empty’, but ultimately faces her immense power with courage, learning to accept both its weights and the emotional complexity it holds. Her ghost-friend Lin and the rival Prince Essien are Jia’s romantic options through the story, but their past actions, motive and transformations add layers in the book.

For No Mortal Creature is created through a rich, atmospheric world with a striking setting of the real world and afterlife that are memorable to readers. It is a fresh take on Young Adult fantasy, mixing ghosts, resurrection, romance and myth in a creative and bold way. This high stakes novel lingers on readers minds, its emotional intensity and the gothic mood displaying a masterful blend of suspense, heart, and moral complexity that keeps readers captivated long after the final page.

This standout fantasy novel is emotionally charged and built on an inventive concept with a richly imagined setting. Perfect for fans of gothic romance, it offers layered emotional arcs and myth inspired fantasy that is much to admire. The mix of romance, supernatural elements and epic stakes is handled with flair, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page.

Title: For No Mortal Creature
Author: Keshe Chow
Publisher: Penguin, $19.99
Publication Date: 2 September 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241772492
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction