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cyrus_nguyen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Xenophobia, Child death, War, and Death
Minor: Rape, Miscarriage, Child death, Suicide, and Death
aksmith92's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Setup: Mamoru is a Matsuda. Meaning he was born into a line of people resembling gods. Matsudas possess a unique magic form called jijaka, someone able to control water. Well, those in Kaigen can all be jijakalu, but Matsudas have the unique ability to take their control of water even further and take water molecules to make something called a Whispering Blade, a sword of ice that can cut through literally anything. Matsuda boys and men are trained early as warriors, serving the Kaigen empire wholeheartedly and rigidly. They live and train on the Kusanagi Peninsula, known as the Sword of Kaigen, and are the first to defend the Empire's enemies. Mamoru is fourteen, in school, and is one of the best warriors of his age. Thankfully, "warrior" is more of a title than anything; Kaigen and the rest of Danu, the world everyone lives in, have maintained peaceful relations, and there hasn't been a war since the Keleba, the only war that occurred in Danu's history. Mamoru is going to school, hanging out with his friends, trying not to fall asleep in history class, and, of course, training. He is determined to master the Whispering Blade and be the youngest to do so. Therefore, much of his time is spent mastering his jiya and trying to prove to his father that he is focused and talented.
In tandem, Misaki, Mamoru's mother, is battling fifteen years of, for lack of better words, boredom and anger. Misaki was also a warrior, as she spent her teenage years at a school in Carytha, another country in Danu, mastering her jiya and another magic: Blood Needle, the ability to control a small amount of the blood inside their victim's body and freezes it in the shape of a needle. This jijaka technique is specific to the Tsusano family, Misaki's bloodline before she married a Matsuda. She spent time at this school mastering her sword skills and even partnered with a crew of kids her age to fight crime. However, Misaki is from Ishihama, a town in Kaigen, meaning that she knew that her main role in life would be to marry into a powerful bloodline and bear his children, specifically sons. She made the incredibly challenging choice once she was of age to stay back on Kaigen and marry Takeru Matsuda. But life is not easy, and she struggles without a sword on her hip.
The narrative delves into the emotional journeys of both Mamoru and Misaki, revealing Mamoru's battles with new revelations about his assumptions and preconceptions of the Kaigen empire, and Misaki's life as a housewife and a mother, with glimpses of her past at school. The story then weaves in Duna unrest, suggesting that peace may soon become a distant memory.
What made this six stars? I'm having a hard time explaining what made this a phenomenal book. It was NOT a good time, I can tell you that! I cried MULTIPLE times in this book, which generally does not happen to me and hasn't happened since The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. M.L. Wang is clearly a powerful and amazingly talented writer - her prose isn't fluffy; it's straight to the point and makes you feel like you are living at the Sword of Kaigen with the small community. I would not suggest picking this up if you want atmospheric or whimsical writing. Wang is literal yet still poignant and dives into challenging topics like misogyny, classism, and war. It was beautiful, yet sharp and harsh, and I loved it so much.
So, I generally prioritize character layers and development over everything else. Do not get me wrong, the plot and world-building must be there! However, there is something so beautiful about connecting with characters, regardless of whether they are the protagonists, antagonists, or morally gray folks. This book did that so well. Mamoru and Misaki are beautifully written characters with many layers, conflicts, and flaws. The other characters, specifically Setsuko, Takashi, Hyori, Chul-Hee, and Robin, were also fantastically written. Additionally, I could write multiple paragraphs about Takeru Matsuda - Mamoru's father and Misaki's husband - what a character! Everyone was their own character, and I love nothing more than relating to many characters and seeing them go on their journeys.
Now, technically, Wang's 100-page (or so) action scene was unbelievable. Actually, unbelievable. I've never read an action scene like this one before. I was immersed, captivated, and absolutely DEVASTATED during it. I honestly couldn't put my book down. This gruesome portrayal of battle was incredibly done, even though it was hard to read.
Lastly, this was such a well-done magic system, world, and plot. It takes a slightly different approach to war, combining some politics, war potential, and the aftermath of battle.
While this book was incredible, please know you will be angry. Kaigen was awfully sexist and misogynistic - it was a patriarchal society where women had to watch what they said to their husbands, let alone fight in battle. It can be challenging to read, but it made you appreciate Misaki and her wonderful friends even more. The balance Misaki portrayed as a mother and a warrior was unique, and her relationship with her husband, Takeru, was incredibly layered. However, unlike other fantasy novels with a main female protagonist, this one doesn't have the nice, neat power ending we're used to, and it may frustrate you. As someone who cares deeply about feminism, this should have angered me, but Wang portrayed all of this in an incredibly realistic way and therefore didn't make the story seem to go into a 180 abruptly.
I have no criticism. At all. You may and I get that, but I don't. What an incredible ride - Wang will be an auto-buy author for me. I've read Blood Over Bright Haven, which I LOVED, and I can't wait to see what else Wang comes out with. I am so thankful for this novel, yet now it is time for a fluffy and light book where I shed no tears.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexism, Blood, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, War, Death, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Classism, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Genocide, Gaslighting, and Confinement
Minor: Cursing
Please, please, please take some of these triggers seriously. M.L. Wang does a phenomenal job with action scenes, but they involve lots of detail about injuries and death, including for literal children. Please take care.maucha's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Gore, Blood, Child death, War, Misogyny, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Miscarriage and Suicide
Minor: Sexism and Rape
theredhead210's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Death
eloisereading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Pregnancy, War, Grief, Misogyny, Violence, Death, Rape, Self harm, and Child death
Moderate: Suicide
mikaylamarie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Misaki is a 34 year old mom of four. She gave up a life with her sword to marry and have children, but she finds that she doesn't really know who she is or what her purpose in life has become. Her oldest son Mamaru is 14, he is incredibly powerful and yet he struggles with having to live up to his peoples' expectations, and later on with what it really means to protect what you care about. An outside war is gaining on them as things start to fall apart, and when it does, it is heartbreaking.
This book has the same vibes as Avatar the Last Airbender, both in the incredible displays of power through the elements, but in the heart of people wanting to do the right things and protect their people.
It's just so good, and I cannot recommend it enough. Although be prepared to be angry, confused, heartbroken, sad, angry again, and then at peace.
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Child death, Miscarriage, Death, Grief, War, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape
andrew_corduroy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Admittedly there are some interesting stylistic choices like:
However, despite these choices I found the book engrossing and didn’t feel like my attention was being whipped about too much. I highly recommend reading this.
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Death, Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Sexism, Miscarriage, and War
Minor: Racism, Rape, Physical abuse, and Suicide
ellenisntcool's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Technically this is a DNF, but I’m giving it one star anyway as I did read a lot of it and honestly would still give it that rating if I ever finished it.
At first I was genuinely enjoying myself, I liked Misaki but Mamoru was the character I really wanted the focus to be on or I wanted them both to work together as a mother and son duo! They both have their different strengths and character that would have worked if we saw more of Mamoru
My other issue is the formatting as well. It confused me when the dialogue was written with italics as I genuinely thought that was how the whole book would be written, thankfully it wasn’t (for the most part) but it was jarring and a bit too confusing.
Overall, I do wish I could finish this book but it would be a slog and not worth it when I have other books I could enjoy.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Miscarriage, Sexism, Death, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Medical trauma
erinnicolecreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Suicide, War, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Death, and Misogyny
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Gore
ceco_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The first arc felt slow, almost mindless, but in the overall scheme of things, it's critical. It sets the characters up for the rest of the book. I'd encourage anyone struggling here to push past it. Through sword lessons and roof-cleaning escapades, we see Mamoru's mammoth skill and even bigger heart. Through the daily life of housewives, and flashbacks to her days at Daybreak Academy, we get to know Misaki's inner turmoils and fighting spirit. M L Wang carefully crafts nuanced and flawed characters that feel real, that resonate with you after you put the book down.
Personally, I think the characterisation is too heavy handedness at times (how often did Misaki lament her selfishness?) but it's nothing that affects the broader story.
The second arc is where shit really hits the fan. The fighting scenes and action sequences were unreal. I genuinely couldn't tear myself away. And the final climax? Devastating. (SPOILER INCOMING)
The final arc devotes its attention to the aftermath of battle. We see so much character growth, even in the midst of (and partially spurred by) immense grief. I won't say anything more here save to shout out chapter 27 (iykyk).
In terms of criticism, my main quibble is the way it's marketed to new readers. Yes, it's technically a standalone fantasy but the final chapters gesture to unresolved plot points and a sequel.
So, if you love character-driven stories that pack a punch, don't give this a miss.
Moderate: Child death, Death, Rape, and War