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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
I have always loved Japanese culture and reading a YA novel set in Japan had me grinning from ear to ear with each page turn. I absolutely loved all the Japanese references in this book and it really feels like you are plunge into Japan as a gaijin through the eyes of our protagonist Katie. While this story was pretty cliche with the whole outcast gril falling for the dangerous bad boy, i actually found myself connecting with the characters and caring for them on some level. There were times in the story where Katie and Tomo would act idiotic that I want to punch them in the faces, but, the conflict of the story and they're teasing relationship made up for that. After reading a copy from my local library, I want to get my own copy for my bookshelf. I honestly can't wait for the second book in this series.
Interesting premise and I enjoyed being immersed in Japanese culture; however, I didn't click with the characters. And because I didn't click, I don't feel compelled to read the rest of the series.
“The notebook exploded with pages as it trailed down, the papers catching in the air and filling the room like rain. They twirled and twisted as they came down, white edges framing thick lines of black ink and charcoal.”
Ink is one of my most anticipated releases for 2013. Ever since I saw the cover and read the synopsis last year I was eagerly awaiting its release, and when I was approved for the eGalley I was so excited! The concept is so original and the idea of Japanese mythology, art and cherry blossoms really had me hooked as I’m quite interested in Japanese culture. Sadly, Ink wasn’t as good as I was hoping it to be. I was so looking forward to it. I really wanted to love it. I really wanted to give it 4 or even 5 hearts/stars. But alas I just couldn’t. Ink was still an overall enjoying read (hence 3 hearts) and I’ll definitely be buying the physical copy.
My biggest issue was with the female protagonist, Katie Greene. She was one of the most annoying main characters I have ever read. I like a character who questions thing, but Katie was borderline stalking! She just wouldn’t stop following Tomohiro around, even when it nearly got her killed. And in such situations she was utterly useless, all she would do was scream and cower in fear. Also, holy crap the amount of times this girl cries. I really wanted to slap Katie and tell her to grow up – she’s 16 not 5 for Pete’s sake! I don’t want to use the word cry baby but I think she came close to it. As female MCs go, Katie was one of the most infuriating ever. I understood that she was really sad and lonely about moving to Japan, especially with the reasons behind it – but I also thought she was a bit ungrateful to her aunt Diane who was doing everything in her power to make her feel welcome. Katie spent a lot of time moping and not enough appreciating what was around her!
“It was too awful. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I stood to leave.”
Secondary characters wise, I thought they were very reminiscent of those in J-dramas. There’s the hyperactive best friend who’s all kawaii and then there’s the two love interests. Both of which are insanely good looking and of course one of them starts off as a friend and it’s obvious he likes her but she doesn’t see him that way even though he’s kind to her and rescues her more often than not. Can I just say I really like Jun?
I generally liked Tomohiro. He’s the troubled teen who is extremely talented but because of some dark secret in his past he’s distanced himself from others and stopped doing what he loves. I could sort of understand his moodiness and brooding nature with the burden he had and I generally liked his protectiveness of Katie. It was really cute and I think Sun actually captured the Japanese teenage culture really well with the way the characters acted around their crushes. I could really see the difference in Tomo-kun’s demeanour as opposed to someone of Western culture when he tried to express his feelings.
“Ore sa… Kimi no koto ga…” (I, you know… About you, I…)
I really couldn’t handle the insta-love in Ink. The speed at which Katie’s feelings developed for Tomohiro (I think this is partly attributed to her stalker-like nature) was unbelievable and their relationship from there was just happening too fast. It was cute and sweet at times but I thought the romance should have been slowed down a bit. Insta-love is what really ruins the reading experience for me and I have to say that in this case, a lot of my hopes of the story died when I realised that Katie was falling for Tomohiro way too quickly. There was also a near co-dependence in the way the two couldn’t stay away from each other – more so Katie (again… stalker-ish nature).
“I knew that I couldn’t live without him, even when he was infuriating.”
“… and then the softness of his lips pressed against mine and the world caught fire, everything light and flame and burning.”
The pace was a bit unsettling at times with the way Katie just rushed into things and believed everything instantly. I mean, if I started seeing my sketches moving, I would 1) think I’m hella tired 2) think I’ve been staring at the paper too long 3) have let my imagination run wild 4) have gone nuts. And yet Katie, despite questioning her sanity once, instantly thinks it’s Tomohiro that’s doing it. This left me really sceptical because nobody in their right mind should be jumping to the conclusion that moving sketches are the result of others… so of course I thought Katie wasn’t really in her right mind – JOKES. Maybe. I could see Sun trying to take a step back sometimes and have Katie question herself, but it wasn’t enough with the way the story was progressing.
There were actually some really good things about Ink, I like to get the bad out of the way first and then concentrate on the good!
The plot itself was extremely original and I did really enjoy reading about an entirely different world and culture. Sun described Japan so vibrantly I want to go back there again. Her incorporation of Japanese mythology was also really nicely done. I liked her take on the story of the gods and the way this was weaved into the present.
And the world building, woah! Such gorgeous descriptions, everything was really picturesque and I could feel the oriental touch through her writing. The use of kendo, mentions of food and especially cherry blossoms, really made me feel like I was in Japan. Sun’s use of Japanese further enhanced this and I loved it – she never overused words, and when she used phrases it was never telling, but rather, showing what they meant which I really thought was an achievement!
“The entire park was bathed in pink, thousands of petals floating on the breeze as if it were raining sakura… Cherry blossoms littered the gravel paths, the bright green grass and the sluggish moats that pulled the petals from the park.”
I think I should also have a special mention to the formatting of the book. I’ve seen pictures of the physical copy and it’s gorgeous! Heck even my eARC was so pretty! There are elegant sketches throughout, chapter headings have intricate ink drop patterns, page corners have adorable little sketches and cherry blossom petals add a refreshing touch throughout the book.
Despite some setbacks, Ink is a commendable debut by Amanda Sun. A unique story that blends modern Japan with myths of their Gods, amidst a brilliantly built world filled with delectable foods and falling cherry blossoms.
“行ってらっしゃい” itterasshai (Go and return safely)
Ink is one of my most anticipated releases for 2013. Ever since I saw the cover and read the synopsis last year I was eagerly awaiting its release, and when I was approved for the eGalley I was so excited! The concept is so original and the idea of Japanese mythology, art and cherry blossoms really had me hooked as I’m quite interested in Japanese culture. Sadly, Ink wasn’t as good as I was hoping it to be. I was so looking forward to it. I really wanted to love it. I really wanted to give it 4 or even 5 hearts/stars. But alas I just couldn’t. Ink was still an overall enjoying read (hence 3 hearts) and I’ll definitely be buying the physical copy.
My biggest issue was with the female protagonist, Katie Greene. She was one of the most annoying main characters I have ever read. I like a character who questions thing, but Katie was borderline stalking! She just wouldn’t stop following Tomohiro around, even when it nearly got her killed. And in such situations she was utterly useless, all she would do was scream and cower in fear. Also, holy crap the amount of times this girl cries. I really wanted to slap Katie and tell her to grow up – she’s 16 not 5 for Pete’s sake! I don’t want to use the word cry baby but I think she came close to it. As female MCs go, Katie was one of the most infuriating ever. I understood that she was really sad and lonely about moving to Japan, especially with the reasons behind it – but I also thought she was a bit ungrateful to her aunt Diane who was doing everything in her power to make her feel welcome. Katie spent a lot of time moping and not enough appreciating what was around her!
“It was too awful. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I stood to leave.”
Secondary characters wise, I thought they were very reminiscent of those in J-dramas. There’s the hyperactive best friend who’s all kawaii and then there’s the two love interests. Both of which are insanely good looking and of course one of them starts off as a friend and it’s obvious he likes her but she doesn’t see him that way even though he’s kind to her and rescues her more often than not. Can I just say I really like Jun?
I generally liked Tomohiro. He’s the troubled teen who is extremely talented but because of some dark secret in his past he’s distanced himself from others and stopped doing what he loves. I could sort of understand his moodiness and brooding nature with the burden he had and I generally liked his protectiveness of Katie. It was really cute and I think Sun actually captured the Japanese teenage culture really well with the way the characters acted around their crushes. I could really see the difference in Tomo-kun’s demeanour as opposed to someone of Western culture when he tried to express his feelings.
“Ore sa… Kimi no koto ga…” (I, you know… About you, I…)
I really couldn’t handle the insta-love in Ink. The speed at which Katie’s feelings developed for Tomohiro (I think this is partly attributed to her stalker-like nature) was unbelievable and their relationship from there was just happening too fast. It was cute and sweet at times but I thought the romance should have been slowed down a bit. Insta-love is what really ruins the reading experience for me and I have to say that in this case, a lot of my hopes of the story died when I realised that Katie was falling for Tomohiro way too quickly. There was also a near co-dependence in the way the two couldn’t stay away from each other – more so Katie (again… stalker-ish nature).
“I knew that I couldn’t live without him, even when he was infuriating.”
“… and then the softness of his lips pressed against mine and the world caught fire, everything light and flame and burning.”
The pace was a bit unsettling at times with the way Katie just rushed into things and believed everything instantly. I mean, if I started seeing my sketches moving, I would 1) think I’m hella tired 2) think I’ve been staring at the paper too long 3) have let my imagination run wild 4) have gone nuts. And yet Katie, despite questioning her sanity once, instantly thinks it’s Tomohiro that’s doing it. This left me really sceptical because nobody in their right mind should be jumping to the conclusion that moving sketches are the result of others… so of course I thought Katie wasn’t really in her right mind – JOKES. Maybe. I could see Sun trying to take a step back sometimes and have Katie question herself, but it wasn’t enough with the way the story was progressing.
There were actually some really good things about Ink, I like to get the bad out of the way first and then concentrate on the good!
The plot itself was extremely original and I did really enjoy reading about an entirely different world and culture. Sun described Japan so vibrantly I want to go back there again. Her incorporation of Japanese mythology was also really nicely done. I liked her take on the story of the gods and the way this was weaved into the present.
And the world building, woah! Such gorgeous descriptions, everything was really picturesque and I could feel the oriental touch through her writing. The use of kendo, mentions of food and especially cherry blossoms, really made me feel like I was in Japan. Sun’s use of Japanese further enhanced this and I loved it – she never overused words, and when she used phrases it was never telling, but rather, showing what they meant which I really thought was an achievement!
“The entire park was bathed in pink, thousands of petals floating on the breeze as if it were raining sakura… Cherry blossoms littered the gravel paths, the bright green grass and the sluggish moats that pulled the petals from the park.”
I think I should also have a special mention to the formatting of the book. I’ve seen pictures of the physical copy and it’s gorgeous! Heck even my eARC was so pretty! There are elegant sketches throughout, chapter headings have intricate ink drop patterns, page corners have adorable little sketches and cherry blossom petals add a refreshing touch throughout the book.
Despite some setbacks, Ink is a commendable debut by Amanda Sun. A unique story that blends modern Japan with myths of their Gods, amidst a brilliantly built world filled with delectable foods and falling cherry blossoms.
“行ってらっしゃい” itterasshai (Go and return safely)
Katie is a gaijin, an outsider, living in Shizouka, Japan with her aunt. She barely knows the language, there’s a lot of weird food around that she hasn’t gotten used to, and she’s stumbled upon a secret that has to do with Japanese gods. Tomohiro, the school’s bad boy and star of the kendo team, is more than your average mysterious guy. When he’s around two things happen: Katie can’t stop the rush of feelings that course through her and drawings come to life!
Amanda Sun’s INK is Asian drama come to life in book form and I loved every single page of it!
Those of you who follow my blog and read it often, you know I’m a big kdrama fan. So, when I heard of INK I immediately wanted to read it and expected all the things that dramas have. Amanda Sun delivered all I expected and more! I mean the basis of Asian dramas are pretty much the same, but Sun really made her novel unique.
INK also cover many of the classic scenes that appear in all dramas, like the scene where the girl has had it and demands answers in a huge angry display, a bike ride with the boy the girl likes, praying at the temple for good grades, the failed kiss, the first kiss and the embarrassment after, the back hug, etc. Yes, they might be a bit cheesy at time, but hey! I love me some cheese with my dramas and Amanda Sun certainly gives the scenes the necessary emotional impulse.
Another thing about Asian dramas is that misunderstandings and unsaid things are the order of the day. It is very frustrating, but it’s expected. And that brings me to the characters. In dramas, the heroine is always either a bit crazy about a boy or completely ignores him. Katie is the former, so while I wished she’d been a less ‘stalker-crazy’ girl and ‘I’m willing to die for love’ girl, I sort of expected it. Luckily, Katie quickly realizes what she’s doing wrong and tries to do better (unlike in the dramas *sigh*). Though we still get that ‘dying for love’ thing in the end…hmm. Probably my only issue with the story.
Katie is such a brave and strong heroine. She’s in a foreign country where she barely knows the language, yet she doesn’t give up no matter how dire the situation she gets herself in (she gets into a lot of trouble) and she doesn’t take any crap from Tomohiro (she calls him on it every single time!). I loved when she went all snappy on him. It showed she had spark and I hope that as she grows, she shows more of it. I did wish she had a stronger reason to be tangled up and nosy with him, not just her curiosity. Though it looks like instalove with Tomo, in reality it’s not. A lot of time passes in the novel, like we go from early spring to full on spring to summer. The problem is we don’t see the characters grow close because of these time skips. So it makes sense the characters would grow closer, but as we’re not shown many scenes then it feels like it’s only been a short time.
Tomohiro. The guy with the copper hair with long bangs he keeps brushing away, intense gaze, and a sexy smirk. Tomo-kun comes off as a big jerk at first, but as Katie gets to know him and unravels his secret, we learn that he’s quite the opposite. He’s caring, always helping friends in need even at the cost of his reputation and at the risk of his own life. His powers are incredible, but he still has a long way to go to control them, instead of letting the power control him. I’m really excited to see him work on this for the next book. Tomo is way too adorable! He blushes a lot and is quite cheeky with Katie. It’s not only the chemistry, but the way he and Katie work calling each other out when they’re wrong. Good communication is the key to any healthy relationship and these two have a lot to work on!
Jun. The guy with black hair with two blond highlights around his ears and bangs that trail diagonally across his forehead, and a silver earring on his left ear. He’s such a darling to Katie, saving her a couple of times and just being so freaking adorable. He had me swooning every time he made an appearance and I literally screamed when Jun’s role was revealed. I hope he plays a bigger part in the second book.
The biggest thing about INK is Amanda Sun’s amazing job of incorporating the cultural aspects seamlessly into the narrative. It never reads like a travel brochure, yet you’re still learning about Japanese customs and traditions. I loved that she used Japanese words and didn’t immediately explain them, leaving it to us to figure out. There’s a glossary of words at the end too if one ever forgets the meaning of a word. I loved the sayings (Dumplings over flowers, meaning value needs over wants), Katie joining the Kendo team (Japanese fencing), the sakura tree festival, and tying yellow ribbons to a tree as a wish. Of course, there are also paranormal elements which meant including Japanese myths about the kami, Amaterasu and the other gods.
If you’re wondering why I’m going on and on about in this review, it’s because I’m so freaking fangirling over it all right now! Just one more thing…Sun’s descriptions are off the charts. The kendo sessions, the sakura festival, and especially in the parts where the ink comes alive, the whole world comes alive with her descriptions.
My reaction at the end went something like this…
ARrrrrhhGGDHhhghahsfdhTEF!!!
WHY!? WHY DO CLIFFHANGERS EXIST!
*flails around the room*
*realizes there’s still 10% to go after the end*
*sees the preview of book 2*
*weeps*
I will be counting down the days until book two.
*Arc copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley*
Amanda Sun’s INK is Asian drama come to life in book form and I loved every single page of it!
Those of you who follow my blog and read it often, you know I’m a big kdrama fan. So, when I heard of INK I immediately wanted to read it and expected all the things that dramas have. Amanda Sun delivered all I expected and more! I mean the basis of Asian dramas are pretty much the same, but Sun really made her novel unique.
INK also cover many of the classic scenes that appear in all dramas, like the scene where the girl has had it and demands answers in a huge angry display, a bike ride with the boy the girl likes, praying at the temple for good grades, the failed kiss, the first kiss and the embarrassment after, the back hug, etc. Yes, they might be a bit cheesy at time, but hey! I love me some cheese with my dramas and Amanda Sun certainly gives the scenes the necessary emotional impulse.
Another thing about Asian dramas is that misunderstandings and unsaid things are the order of the day. It is very frustrating, but it’s expected. And that brings me to the characters. In dramas, the heroine is always either a bit crazy about a boy or completely ignores him. Katie is the former, so while I wished she’d been a less ‘stalker-crazy’ girl and ‘I’m willing to die for love’ girl, I sort of expected it. Luckily, Katie quickly realizes what she’s doing wrong and tries to do better (unlike in the dramas *sigh*). Though we still get that ‘dying for love’ thing in the end…hmm. Probably my only issue with the story.
Katie is such a brave and strong heroine. She’s in a foreign country where she barely knows the language, yet she doesn’t give up no matter how dire the situation she gets herself in (she gets into a lot of trouble) and she doesn’t take any crap from Tomohiro (she calls him on it every single time!). I loved when she went all snappy on him. It showed she had spark and I hope that as she grows, she shows more of it. I did wish she had a stronger reason to be tangled up and nosy with him, not just her curiosity. Though it looks like instalove with Tomo, in reality it’s not. A lot of time passes in the novel, like we go from early spring to full on spring to summer. The problem is we don’t see the characters grow close because of these time skips. So it makes sense the characters would grow closer, but as we’re not shown many scenes then it feels like it’s only been a short time.
Tomohiro. The guy with the copper hair with long bangs he keeps brushing away, intense gaze, and a sexy smirk. Tomo-kun comes off as a big jerk at first, but as Katie gets to know him and unravels his secret, we learn that he’s quite the opposite. He’s caring, always helping friends in need even at the cost of his reputation and at the risk of his own life. His powers are incredible, but he still has a long way to go to control them, instead of letting the power control him. I’m really excited to see him work on this for the next book. Tomo is way too adorable! He blushes a lot and is quite cheeky with Katie. It’s not only the chemistry, but the way he and Katie work calling each other out when they’re wrong. Good communication is the key to any healthy relationship and these two have a lot to work on!
Jun. The guy with black hair with two blond highlights around his ears and bangs that trail diagonally across his forehead, and a silver earring on his left ear. He’s such a darling to Katie, saving her a couple of times and just being so freaking adorable. He had me swooning every time he made an appearance and I literally screamed when Jun’s role was revealed. I hope he plays a bigger part in the second book.
The biggest thing about INK is Amanda Sun’s amazing job of incorporating the cultural aspects seamlessly into the narrative. It never reads like a travel brochure, yet you’re still learning about Japanese customs and traditions. I loved that she used Japanese words and didn’t immediately explain them, leaving it to us to figure out. There’s a glossary of words at the end too if one ever forgets the meaning of a word. I loved the sayings (Dumplings over flowers, meaning value needs over wants), Katie joining the Kendo team (Japanese fencing), the sakura tree festival, and tying yellow ribbons to a tree as a wish. Of course, there are also paranormal elements which meant including Japanese myths about the kami, Amaterasu and the other gods.
If you’re wondering why I’m going on and on about in this review, it’s because I’m so freaking fangirling over it all right now! Just one more thing…Sun’s descriptions are off the charts. The kendo sessions, the sakura festival, and especially in the parts where the ink comes alive, the whole world comes alive with her descriptions.
My reaction at the end went something like this…
ARrrrrhhGGDHhhghahsfdhTEF!!!
WHY!? WHY DO CLIFFHANGERS EXIST!
*flails around the room*
*realizes there’s still 10% to go after the end*
*sees the preview of book 2*
*weeps*
I will be counting down the days until book two.
*Arc copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley*
I seriously loved this book, looking forward to the next one~! :)
The Japanese was interesting, but there were some parts that seemed very "American" to me. And some cliche parts. But that's just about every YA fiction novel.
I love the story tail of it! It you really learn Japaneses from all the different words she used while you read the story. And I must say that I couldn't put down the book because I needed to know if they were going to be able to fight what is inside of him. >.<
I don't understand why this book has such a low rating, I really enjoyed it. I found it very entertaining and imaginative. I was hooked from the beginning, thinking of it as an anime the whole time. It was a fun read and I'm excited to read the next one.
4.5
Yeah, so I'm biased, what of it? I really love Japan and this book is my crhistmas come early. So naturally the expectations I had we're high, I've been waiting a while go read.. Most of my expectations we're filled. What stopped me from giving this book a full five stars were small minor irks and surprises. It's safe to say the mythological aspect took me by surprise and left me wondering, and I really really really love Tomohiro. I know the book has mixed rating and again, I know I am biased in this subject, but I would really recommend this book for those who love Japanese culture and wish they were actually there experiencing it.
Yeah, so I'm biased, what of it? I really love Japan and this book is my crhistmas come early. So naturally the expectations I had we're high, I've been waiting a while go read.. Most of my expectations we're filled. What stopped me from giving this book a full five stars were small minor irks and surprises. It's safe to say the mythological aspect took me by surprise and left me wondering, and I really really really love Tomohiro. I know the book has mixed rating and again, I know I am biased in this subject, but I would really recommend this book for those who love Japanese culture and wish they were actually there experiencing it.
The protagonist is sooooo angsty, honestly all of the characters are, it was annoying. I can't tell if I'm too old for this or if it's just bad, lol, but I didn't like it. The only parts I enjoyed were the descriptions of Japan and Japanese life.