*Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Let’s jump right into this shall we? Because this book doesn’t waste any breath throwing you into the mysterious and immersive world of Japanese myths. With an ominous tone, which foreshadows some of the darker themes, the scene is set. As someone who is fascinated by legends of kitsune, I found this more than lived up to any conception I had of it. I adored how distinctive stories, embedded in a rich culture, were threaded through the narrative to create an exquisite reading experience.
One of the most effective ways this was achieved was through the fantastic characterisation of the main character- the girl who is half human, half mythical fox. Her voice was strong and had a wonderful comedic edge, which made the mood feel as perfectly balanced as a sword in the hand of a Samarai. Yumeko’s way of talking had a unique sense of innocence, while maintaining a humorous edge. Though she felt reminiscent of Puck from Kagawa’s Iron Fey series, she was also entirely distinctive and it felt great to have such a joyful character in the starring role for a change.
In case that wasn’t enough, comic relief came through in many of the other characters and really bounced off the more serious figures in the story. Through this contrast, the more murky personalities had a greater chance to shine. There were times when it did feel a bit headhoppy for me, but I also appreciated how every character- from Okame to the Kage warrior- had such strong and individual voices that this didn’t matter.
In terms of the rest of the writing, there was plenty of stunning imagery to maintain the illusion of this fantastical world. I especially appreciated how some images were cast against others in dichotomous harmony. Some descriptions were a tad samey- particularly since I saw exact words and images repeated on the same page- which, may seem like a nitpicky point (cos it is), made some parts feel repetitive. All in all, though, there were some standout lines in the book and the prose had a life of its own.
Though at times the story felt somewhat generic, the tension did climb towards the end. As much as I liked the way it started, the conclusion was even better. In a sensational finale, the book both closed a lot of chapters, but also opened up a path for new adventures. I for one can’t wait for the sequel!
I’ll admit, I’ve had my ups and downs with Kagawa over the years- but one can’t argue that any of her books are ever the same. Sure, she plays to some of her strengths here, and that works a charm. Yet what’s really remarkable here is what she does differently. For all the teeny tiny flaws, this was a definite return to form for an excellent author. So all that’s left to say is I WANT MORE!
Rating: 4/5 bananas
Okey dokes, before I go, I wanted to add an update for the lovely Mim Inkling’s bookish bingo (cos this is for that and there’s still time to play!). I’ve kind of focused on this for the beginning of this month, so here’s some additions to add to what I’ve read: Comedy of Errors, Academic Curveball, Secret Countess, Twits, Warriors: Into the Wild.
Alrighty- who else has read this? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments!
You open my eyes to so many books I’ve never heard of. Thank you so much. ❤️ x
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Aww I’m so glad! You’re welcome ❤ x
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I’m currently reading this though I must say I’m not really loving it so far! But I’ll push through given the positive review you’ve given it 😮
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Ah that’s a pity- but I get why it’s not for everything. For another reader, it’s really easy to see how my niggling complaints might end up being much bigger issues. Hope you end up liking the rest of it though!
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I haven’t read a book by this author yet, but I’ve seen them around. It’s good to know they’re kind of up or down for you. I don’t think I will read this one, but it sounds like it was a decent read for you. I hope her next book is even better for you. Nice review!
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Yeah I’m not into all of them- but there are ones I do love 🙂 Fair enough! Thank you!
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Ooooh I LOVE Japanese myths (and tbh, most myths, but Japan holds a special place because I lived there for a while). I’ll have to check this out, thank you!
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Ah that’s wonderful!! Brilliant- I’m so glad to hear it!
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I think the author should be totally castigated for cultural appropriation with intent of crass commercialization and trying to “cash in”.
Ok, I think that about covers all the virtue signalling I need to do this year 😉
That box is now CHECKED!
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hahahaha!! Unfortunately the author’s of Japanese descent (and according to the bizarre and fashionable diktats of PC that means she’s allowed to write about whatever topics she likes 😉 ) Which means your end of year report for virtue signalling has to read something like: nice try at creating an online hate mob directed at a poor and unsuspecting author, must try harder 😉
Also, coincidentally, I just watched this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq74bZqbOqA
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Dang it, I had ONE JOB. I just needed ONE measly little virtue signal to show how woke I was and I couldn’t even do that.
Well, back to being a Proud Barbarian then I guess 🙂
Man, I read some of the comments under that vid. Phraaaaaaack, what a bunch of messed up idiots inhabit this planet. And they get to vote too. * cries *
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hahahaha!!
Oh dear you read the comments section on youtube… never read the comments section on youtube 😉
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Yeah, what a morass. I left before I wrote anything though. I”m pretty proud of myself…
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hehehe! Yeah it’s pretty easy to get goaded by stupidity into a comment war 😉
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Like Old Benjamin used to say “Better to be quiet and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”.
Man, I love that statement ….
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haha brilliant!
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“Flashes of brilliance” – I would definitely agree with that! I liked that it was in essence a generic quest narrative, but there were moments that really impressed me!
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Glad you agree!! Yeah me too!
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Great review. I had a lot of fun with this book, definitely think Kagawa is onto something good with this one.
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Thank you!! Definitely!
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Great review. Some of your sentences were quite lyrical as well when talking about the kitsune and the balanced samurai sword. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the book!
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Thank you so much!! ❤
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Admittedly I don’t know much about Japanese mythology but this sounds like an amazing read! Great review!
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Fair enough- I don’t know that much, only what I’ve randomly researched (kitsunes just really interested me at one point 😉 ) But it was awesome regardless of how much you know about the topic 🙂 Thank you!
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I’d love to learn more about Japanese myths, so it sounds like I need to check this author out! Wonderful review!
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Awesome! Thank you!
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So happy to see that you enjoyed this one too!! I thought this book was such a fun ride and can’t wait for the sequel! ❤️
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Thank you!! I’m glad!! 😀 ❤
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Ohh this looks so interesting 🤔 especially the Japanese culture and Mythology part! I’ve always been hooked on those things 😍
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Ah yeah it definitely hooked me too!! 🙂
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Great review! I have no experience in reading Kagawa’s books so I have no reference, but my sister might like this. I love the way you write and your rating system! New follower here!
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Thank you! Well that’s great to hear 🙂
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I’m currently reading the book and really liking it!
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Awesome!!
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The cover is so cool and the story seems pretty exciting!!
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It really is!
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I’ve never read anything like this before, but now I really want to! Great review!
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That’s brilliant! Thank you!
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Great review! I got this one in a book box and have been up in the air about starting it. Now it’s going to my next read!
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Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that!
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I definitely think, aside from the mythology, character is her strong point. Yumeko would probably have annoyed me in other hands but I thought she was so well written and balanced that it worked really well! Hopefully the series only goes up!
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Yeah I really agree with you there! That’s very true! Hopefully!! 🙂
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I’m really glad you enjoyed this book, especially considering you’ve had your ups and downs with Kagawa’s work in the past. I read her The Immortal Rules series a long time ago now and really enjoyed it, plus I loved her addition to the A Thousand Beginnings and Endings anthology which I think was actually a short story featuring kitsune so this one is definitely on my TBR list, though I’m not sure when exactly I’ll get around to it!
Great review. 🙂 ❤
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Thank you! Ah that’s cool- that’s the one I haven’t checked out (I’ve considered it, but I’m less and less interested in vampires these days 😉 ) That’s great to hear! Thank you! 🙂 ❤
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I know the feeling. I’m less and less interested in vampires still. I read that series ages ago now and likely wouldn’t pick it up again today.
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️
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Yeah totally relate to that.
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A wonderful book review. I love mims inkling concept also. Cheers!
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Thank you! Great!
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This book sounds very interesting to me. I love reading about Japanese myths and legends and the premise for this book sounds amazing! 🙂 I haven’t read many books that contain Japanese mythology, rather I have read quite a few manga that deal with it. This is a book that I definitely plan to check out in the future. Amazing review! 😀
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Awesome! It is!! 🙂 I get what you mean there. That’s great to hear! Thank you 🙂
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What a great review, I’m so with you regarding those ups and downs with Kagawa but as you said, her books are so different. They always pull me in. 😊 I have this book on my shelf and can not wait to read it soon.
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Thank you 🙂 Ah I’m glad I’m not the only one there!! Awesome!! Hope you enjoy!
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Julie Kagawa is one of my favorite authors! I haven’t read this book yet but i’m planning to pick it up in next year. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much! Great review! 🙂
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Ah great!! Awesome! Thank you 🙂
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I picked one by Julie a while back…. the iron fae? but i wasn’t into it, so i put it aside. I don’t mind generic themes as long as it manages to catch – and keep – my attention.
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Oh that’s a pity, but fair enough.
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Well, this sounds right up my street. I’ve not read anything by this author but they’re definitely someone that I’d like to check out. Fantastic review! 😊
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I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one! I agree that Yumeko truly was such an amusing character. I think she is one of my new favorite book characters! Thanks for such a wonderful review!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it too- I really agree with you about Yumeko 🙂
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It does sound like it has its ups and downs, but you suddenly awoke an interest in all that legends of kitsune stuff. I need to look into that now hahah Awesome review as always! 😀
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Oh that’s brilliant haha! Aww thank you 🙂
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I personally like the book but it was just a tad different from the usual Ya fantasy ❤
Great review as always 😍
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Ah I really agree!! Thank you so much!! ❤
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