Tessa Miyata is so unlucky

Tessa and Jin are called to partake in a battle against the gods in this follow-up to Tessa Miyata Is No Hero (2023). It's been two months since Tessa fought an evil samurai god in Tokyo. She's finally getting to enjoy her summer in Japan, attending festivals and hanging out with bestie Jin. Tessa never expected to encounter their friend Kit, the Unlucky God, or anything else magical again. But on the night of Obon Matsuri, the friends receive invitations to the Academy of Gods in the last magical city, where they'll have to fight immortals. If they win, they'll save Kit and will become immortals themselves. Losing means Kit will be turned into ether, and they'll be banished from the City. Tessa and Jin must survive one-on-one battles and race through the four magical arenas. Being mortal puts them at a severe disadvantage, but with the help of Kit and some new friends, they muster all their strength and determination to protect those they love. This sequel offers readers another exciting underdog tale as the misfits struggle with disappointments, failure, being looked down upon, and meeting familial expectations. Along the way, they learn about true strength and resilience. Real Japanese cultural elements are incorporated into the beautifully crafted fantasy world. Final art not seen. A magical underdog story, full of grit and heart. (map, glossary, list of gods) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.