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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
I feel like ive read this book before??????
will read again to make sure cause been trying to find this book if this is the book i did read yuhh
will read again to make sure cause been trying to find this book if this is the book i did read yuhh
Fell asleep and lost my place. Worth starting over someday.
This book is the first one I've ever read that truly captured that anime feeling. The story has all the hallmarks of this anime genre: The seamless blending of technology and magic. The emphasis on physical touch that occasionally veers on truly weird and a little uncomfortable. World-building that mostly happens in the background of the character relationships. The gradual addition of colourful side characters. A found family.
(And like most anime, it sometimes steers a little too close to irking your feminist sensibilities)
But it's not only the story that's clearly anime-inspired, it's also the way scenes and characters are written, and even the gestures that are described and emphasised. If you've watched enough anime, you can actually see this book play out in your mind.
And it's a good anime.
It's the kind of anime that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The kind that you binge-watch not necessarily because of the story, though that's good too, but mostly because you just want to spend more time with the characters. More importantly, you want to see them spend more time with each other.
(And like most anime, it sometimes steers a little too close to irking your feminist sensibilities)
But it's not only the story that's clearly anime-inspired, it's also the way scenes and characters are written, and even the gestures that are described and emphasised. If you've watched enough anime, you can actually see this book play out in your mind.
And it's a good anime.
It's the kind of anime that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The kind that you binge-watch not necessarily because of the story, though that's good too, but mostly because you just want to spend more time with the characters. More importantly, you want to see them spend more time with each other.
The whole baby thing just turned my stomach. As a pro choice person. Her cousin having to go through with that, was just not something I was comfortable reading so I stopped.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Honestly, this book was odd. But I've got to admit - Ilona Andrews had it right. I liked it.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Yesterday I bought "Tsumiko and the enslaved fox" and I read it in a single day.
https://media.tenor.co/images/379faefe7d906603844c3c073b290814/raw
Forthright's writing style is captivating.
She was able to talk about difficult themes without gore or terrible detail, portraying them and their effect with delicacy yet without downplaying them and the role they had in the lives of those that were personally affected by these events.
The romance was a sweet slow-burn. It didn't feel forced for even one single moment, but it was built carefully with every action and word. It was natural and all the more sweet for it.
All the characters were well rounded.
Tsumiko was sweet and gentle. Kind and patient. She isn't a kick ass heroine that fights the bad guys but that doesn't make her weak. Some may call her a pushover but that's not how I see her. Her strength is her patience and her heart. And while this mean that she may not be appreciated by everyone, I definetely loved her and her inner strength.
Argent was a peculiar hero. He was the perfect fox. Mercurial, sometimes petty with his tricks and with words that seem to mean one thing but that hide an altogether different meaning. He is strong but he favors the use of illusion more than the use of pure strength.
The secondary characters were essential to the story, not just adornments to it. They were able to give "flavor" to the story, enriching the book and every interaction. From Michael with his calm and loving nature, to Sansa with her strength and determination. Akira and Suuzu, with their affection for one another, Gingko with his quirky personality and his complex relationship with Argent. All the secondary characters were essential for the story in their own way, not necessarily because they drove the plot (even if usually they all had their own importance, even if small), but because the book witouth them wouldn't be the same.
And the way the author developed the Amaranthine's culture was, as a far as I am concerned, excellent. One we came across slowly, we learn piece by piece, sometimes only glimpsing it. And I'm sure we still haven't seen it all. Still, I definetely appreciated all the different nuances Forthright gave to intimacy. Things that for human may be romantic, may be simply a show of affection & friendship for the Amaranthines or have a completely different meaning. On the other hand, acts that for humans may be more affectionate than romantic could be indication of courtship. Amaranthine loves to touch and to be touched and, for this reason, in this book there is lots of intimacy. But it has its reason, its explanation and it was sweet. Not saccharine but warm and soft.
Yet, if you aren't comfortable with intimacy this is not the book for you.
https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6ZtlExls2GZQD5oQ/giphy.gif
There are even scenes that show intimacy between people of the same sex, and while it didn't necessarily indicate a romantic relationship, it could make some people a bit uncomfortable. Maybe even more BECAUSE it has no romantic meaning. Personally I had no problem with it.
SPOILER (not really, but better safe than sorry) :
I loved the relationship between Akira and Suuzu that, while it wasn't showed as much as others, was still hinted as strongly intimate. RIGHT Now the guys are only friends because, as I said, Amaranthines have different interpretations for intimacy, but there have been hints of a more romantic future. I admit that I usually don't read F/F or M/M books but if there was one of them in the future I wouldn't esitate to buy it for one single second. I love their relationship and I'm going to love it no matter what. If they remain friends no problem. If they become a couple there is still no problem. I still hope they do tough
https://media.tenor.co/images/e4f15f84061aaf45bbcea4d9a1d57ed3/raw
END OF SPOILERS
I already said it but the intimacy was sweet,not nauseating but it resembled more a warm hug. Overall, it is the feeling I received by the book. A warm hug, delicate but engulfing. A sweet caress you can't forget. It's compelling yet quiet.
I discovered the book thanks to Ilona Andrew's review. I remember her saying it was lovely. And my interpretation of the word was "nice but not necessarily impressing, the book was enjoyable but not whoa". And maybe that's how she felt, maybe not. But LOVELY does describe this book. Not because it's not great, but because it describe it's nature.
https://media.giphy.com/media/224NKXmu23A8U/giphy.gif
I loved this book and I recommend it for anyone in search for a well written romance. Again, I found the review of Ilona perfect when she recommend this books to those that like anime/manga and to the fans of "The Others" by Anne Bishop. The two are vastly different, but there are common points that make me believe that those that enjoyed The Others would enjoy this one as well.
-----------------------
So... I wrote the review above just after I finished the book, still hyped by the way it made me feel. With a clearer mind I can say that the review makes this book seem flawless. It isn't.
https://media.giphy.com/media/TR8wiHX8zV09G/giphy.gif
Some moments, the ending in particular, altough not the last chapter (because that last chapter is pure perfection ) but the ones before, were rushed. There aren't many elements that give us an idea of Kimiko's phisique and it wasn't very clear why Beacons are so powerful (apart from eliciting awe in Amaranthines) and how can souls be used to block or harm an Amaranthine. In this case I think it was due to Kimiko inexperience and that in future books it will better explained but still, it wasn't explained much if at all.
https://media.giphy.com/media/uY0zZnQqZD8Jy/giphy.gif
Some elements of Amaranthines' culture haven't been explained yet. I think it makes sense, considering that some will be revealed in future books and some changes between the different kind of Amaranthines. But if you expect to finish the book already understanding and knowing all of their tradition then that's not going to happen. Personally, as I already stated, I loved the way she was able to portray the different outlook and need of intimacy between Amaranthines and humans, which I think is in itself, a major cultural difference.
The book is not flawless but I still love it. And I'm not going to change my rating due to these imperfections. I still think it deserves my 5 stars because I was captivated by it.
https://media.giphy.com/media/lCP95tGSbMmWI/giphy.gif
When I was reading I didn't care of any of those little flaws, I didn't notice them (the only exception being chapter 65, honestly, it was too rushed!! ).
I finished the book giddy and happy, wanting to share my enthusiasm with someone else. I recommended this book and wrote a review about it because I was so giddy and happy that I couldn't stop myself from doing it. I am a shitty reader, because I don't write that many reviews (and I should) so the fact that I ended up writing one, that I felt the NEED to write one, says a lot on how I felt about this book.
So I'm not going to change my rating because when I read this book (I actually reread it after 1 day) I don't think about any of those flaws. But I'm not the kind of reader that analyze everything.
The things I notice the most in a book (when I'm reading it) are the characterization (personality wise) and the writing style. Sometimes the world building, but that's either when I love it with all my heart or when it suck so bad that it ruins the book.
However, if you are the kind of reader that analizes a book than you are probably going to notice these flaws and they may influence your opinion.
https://media.tenor.co/images/379faefe7d906603844c3c073b290814/raw
Forthright's writing style is captivating.
She was able to talk about difficult themes without gore or terrible detail, portraying them and their effect with delicacy yet without downplaying them and the role they had in the lives of those that were personally affected by these events.
The romance was a sweet slow-burn. It didn't feel forced for even one single moment, but it was built carefully with every action and word. It was natural and all the more sweet for it.
All the characters were well rounded.
Tsumiko was sweet and gentle. Kind and patient. She isn't a kick ass heroine that fights the bad guys but that doesn't make her weak. Some may call her a pushover but that's not how I see her. Her strength is her patience and her heart. And while this mean that she may not be appreciated by everyone, I definetely loved her and her inner strength.
Argent was a peculiar hero. He was the perfect fox. Mercurial, sometimes petty with his tricks and with words that seem to mean one thing but that hide an altogether different meaning. He is strong but he favors the use of illusion more than the use of pure strength.
The secondary characters were essential to the story, not just adornments to it. They were able to give "flavor" to the story, enriching the book and every interaction. From Michael with his calm and loving nature, to Sansa with her strength and determination. Akira and Suuzu, with their affection for one another, Gingko with his quirky personality and his complex relationship with Argent. All the secondary characters were essential for the story in their own way, not necessarily because they drove the plot (even if usually they all had their own importance, even if small), but because the book witouth them wouldn't be the same.
And the way the author developed the Amaranthine's culture was, as a far as I am concerned, excellent. One we came across slowly, we learn piece by piece, sometimes only glimpsing it. And I'm sure we still haven't seen it all. Still, I definetely appreciated all the different nuances Forthright gave to intimacy. Things that for human may be romantic, may be simply a show of affection & friendship for the Amaranthines or have a completely different meaning. On the other hand, acts that for humans may be more affectionate than romantic could be indication of courtship. Amaranthine loves to touch and to be touched and, for this reason, in this book there is lots of intimacy. But it has its reason, its explanation and it was sweet. Not saccharine but warm and soft.
Yet, if you aren't comfortable with intimacy this is not the book for you.
https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6ZtlExls2GZQD5oQ/giphy.gif
There are even scenes that show intimacy between people of the same sex, and while it didn't necessarily indicate a romantic relationship, it could make some people a bit uncomfortable. Maybe even more BECAUSE it has no romantic meaning. Personally I had no problem with it.
SPOILER (not really, but better safe than sorry) :
I loved the relationship between Akira and Suuzu that, while it wasn't showed as much as others, was still hinted as strongly intimate. RIGHT Now the guys are only friends because, as I said, Amaranthines have different interpretations for intimacy, but there have been hints of a more romantic future. I admit that I usually don't read F/F or M/M books but if there was one of them in the future I wouldn't esitate to buy it for one single second. I love their relationship and I'm going to love it no matter what. If they remain friends no problem. If they become a couple there is still no problem. I still hope they do tough
https://media.tenor.co/images/e4f15f84061aaf45bbcea4d9a1d57ed3/raw
END OF SPOILERS
I already said it but the intimacy was sweet,not nauseating but it resembled more a warm hug. Overall, it is the feeling I received by the book. A warm hug, delicate but engulfing. A sweet caress you can't forget. It's compelling yet quiet.
I discovered the book thanks to Ilona Andrew's review. I remember her saying it was lovely. And my interpretation of the word was "nice but not necessarily impressing, the book was enjoyable but not whoa". And maybe that's how she felt, maybe not. But LOVELY does describe this book. Not because it's not great, but because it describe it's nature.
https://media.giphy.com/media/224NKXmu23A8U/giphy.gif
I loved this book and I recommend it for anyone in search for a well written romance. Again, I found the review of Ilona perfect when she recommend this books to those that like anime/manga and to the fans of "The Others" by Anne Bishop. The two are vastly different, but there are common points that make me believe that those that enjoyed The Others would enjoy this one as well.
-----------------------
So... I wrote the review above just after I finished the book, still hyped by the way it made me feel. With a clearer mind I can say that the review makes this book seem flawless. It isn't.
https://media.giphy.com/media/TR8wiHX8zV09G/giphy.gif
Some moments, the ending in particular, altough not the last chapter (because that last chapter is pure perfection ) but the ones before, were rushed. There aren't many elements that give us an idea of Kimiko's phisique and it wasn't very clear why Beacons are so powerful (apart from eliciting awe in Amaranthines) and how can souls be used to block or harm an Amaranthine. In this case I think it was due to Kimiko inexperience and that in future books it will better explained but still, it wasn't explained much if at all.
https://media.giphy.com/media/uY0zZnQqZD8Jy/giphy.gif
Some elements of Amaranthines' culture haven't been explained yet. I think it makes sense, considering that some will be revealed in future books and some changes between the different kind of Amaranthines. But if you expect to finish the book already understanding and knowing all of their tradition then that's not going to happen. Personally, as I already stated, I loved the way she was able to portray the different outlook and need of intimacy between Amaranthines and humans, which I think is in itself, a major cultural difference.
The book is not flawless but I still love it. And I'm not going to change my rating due to these imperfections. I still think it deserves my 5 stars because I was captivated by it.
https://media.giphy.com/media/lCP95tGSbMmWI/giphy.gif
When I was reading I didn't care of any of those little flaws, I didn't notice them (the only exception being chapter 65, honestly, it was too rushed!! ).
I finished the book giddy and happy, wanting to share my enthusiasm with someone else. I recommended this book and wrote a review about it because I was so giddy and happy that I couldn't stop myself from doing it. I am a shitty reader, because I don't write that many reviews (and I should) so the fact that I ended up writing one, that I felt the NEED to write one, says a lot on how I felt about this book.
So I'm not going to change my rating because when I read this book (I actually reread it after 1 day) I don't think about any of those flaws. But I'm not the kind of reader that analyze everything.
The things I notice the most in a book (when I'm reading it) are the characterization (personality wise) and the writing style. Sometimes the world building, but that's either when I love it with all my heart or when it suck so bad that it ruins the book.
However, if you are the kind of reader that analizes a book than you are probably going to notice these flaws and they may influence your opinion.
Fantastic!!!!
What a wonderful, magical, fantastic story! I stayed up until the wee morning hours to finish it, I couldn't put it down! Very cool, new concepts imagined into the old myths creating a fascinating, creative modern-day world. Great main characters, side characters, plot, depth, loved the hate-to-love relationship, the strong, compassionate heroine, and the devotedness of the hero. Love, love, loved this and cannot WAIT to read more as soon as they are out!! Thank you for such a wonderful, enjoyable, creative story, Forthright.
What a wonderful, magical, fantastic story! I stayed up until the wee morning hours to finish it, I couldn't put it down! Very cool, new concepts imagined into the old myths creating a fascinating, creative modern-day world. Great main characters, side characters, plot, depth, loved the hate-to-love relationship, the strong, compassionate heroine, and the devotedness of the hero. Love, love, loved this and cannot WAIT to read more as soon as they are out!! Thank you for such a wonderful, enjoyable, creative story, Forthright.