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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
I could not put INK down. So much detail went into the descriptions and world. The way Japanese culture was described and utilized made me feel like I was in Japan. Cannot WAIT for book 2.
What a magical and whimsical world Amanda Sun has created! I absolutely adored the setting of this book. American Katie Greene is sent to live with her aunt in Japan after her mother passes away, and at first she’s very reluctant. Japanese culture is very different from what she’s used to, but it quickly grows on her. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a cute boy in her class that might just have magical powers.
I absolutely loved how the author really immerses the reader in Japanese culture. She uses many Japanese terms, including common slang, which are linked to the glossary with definitions. The book is told through the perspective of Katie, an American, which means that she’s experiencing a lot of this culture herself for the first time, which makes her relatable, and makes me, as the reader, feel appreciative of the natural way in which everything is explained to me.
The fantastical components of this book are very well done, though I did find myself a little confused about the way the magic works--particularly what its limitations are. This is the first book in the series, however, so it makes sense that Katie and Tomohiro won’t have all the answers.
There was one little thing that bothered me about this book. My major spoiler-free and possibly nonsensical explanation: The men surrounding Katie are powerful, but she herself has no magical abilities. However, her presence around these men makes them lose control. Ugh this is too hard to explain without spoilers. Spoilers ahead!
While this troubling message affected my enjoyment of this book, I am hoping that the next book in the series will clear this up.
I absolutely loved how the author really immerses the reader in Japanese culture. She uses many Japanese terms, including common slang, which are linked to the glossary with definitions. The book is told through the perspective of Katie, an American, which means that she’s experiencing a lot of this culture herself for the first time, which makes her relatable, and makes me, as the reader, feel appreciative of the natural way in which everything is explained to me.
The fantastical components of this book are very well done, though I did find myself a little confused about the way the magic works--particularly what its limitations are. This is the first book in the series, however, so it makes sense that Katie and Tomohiro won’t have all the answers.
There was one little thing that bothered me about this book. My major spoiler-free and possibly nonsensical explanation: The men surrounding Katie are powerful, but she herself has no magical abilities. However, her presence around these men makes them lose control. Ugh this is too hard to explain without spoilers. Spoilers ahead!
Spoiler
Tomohiro has powers and so does Jun, and Katie is special only in the sense that she attracts the ink. She makes Tomohiro stronger and weaker almost simultaneously. Her only power is in her ability to influence the men around her, though she has no control over this. A few times, Tomohiro becomes out of control, harming himself and nearly harming Katie, and it’s implied that it’s Katie’s fault. Her presence there made him lose control. I know I maybe shouldn’t be reading between the lines, but fantasy is often used as a metaphor for reality, and if this is the case, this isn’t a good message to be sending. We shouldn’t be blaming Katie for something that Tomohiro does.While this troubling message affected my enjoyment of this book, I am hoping that the next book in the series will clear this up.
This cover is absolutely stunning! I love a good mythology retelling and the synopsis piqued my interest. Once I got into this, it opened the door to a new world for me. This introduction to Japanese mythology was completely new to me. Now that I have had my taste of Far East deities, I aim to seek out more. My only qualm for not rating this higher was the romance elements that I did not find wholly believable. The characters pitched the instant-love concept with the mystical tie in to explain the chemical connection, yet I was not completely sold. Meh, that could have been omitted and it still would have been an entertaining story.
3.5 rating.
I loved that this was set in Japan, and encourperated Japanese. It really spiked my interest in Japanese culture. I mean, the Kami sounds so interesting to learn about and... ahh.. i now i just really want to go to Japan!
As far as plot goes, I loved how Amanda Sun took an idea that's been used a few times, and added a cultural spin to it, because for me, that made the story unique and interesting.
But (and i mentioned this in one of my updates) i found Katie so annoying sometimes. How she'd always demand answers, where she was lying to practically everyone. And especially when she demanded to know about Tomohiro's (i don't know if i spelt that right) relationship with Myu, and his pregnant sister, because she just "needed" to know. I found that a bit annoying, further still when she followed him around, getting all suspicious.
And I know, I'd be curious too if i saw drawings move, but i dunno, her behaviour just irked me sometimes, and i found some of her decisions a bit rash.
But i really did enjoy the story. I kind of wish it'd been a stand alone, but when the second book comes out, i'll probably pick it up.
I loved that this was set in Japan, and encourperated Japanese. It really spiked my interest in Japanese culture. I mean, the Kami sounds so interesting to learn about and... ahh.. i now i just really want to go to Japan!
As far as plot goes, I loved how Amanda Sun took an idea that's been used a few times, and added a cultural spin to it, because for me, that made the story unique and interesting.
But (and i mentioned this in one of my updates) i found Katie so annoying sometimes. How she'd always demand answers, where she was lying to practically everyone. And especially when she demanded to know about Tomohiro's (i don't know if i spelt that right) relationship with Myu, and his pregnant sister, because she just "needed" to know. I found that a bit annoying, further still when she followed him around, getting all suspicious.
And I know, I'd be curious too if i saw drawings move, but i dunno, her behaviour just irked me sometimes, and i found some of her decisions a bit rash.
But i really did enjoy the story. I kind of wish it'd been a stand alone, but when the second book comes out, i'll probably pick it up.
I got this in the mail so its always a surprise what I am going to receive. Therefore, I won't always like what I get sent. What really caught me was the cover. The cover is gorgeous and I absolutely love it. I could creepily stare at it all the time. Like, I don't see many covers beautifully done and it actually stands out from many of the other YA covers. Also, the feel of the cover too is like art paper in a way, almost like one of the types of watercolor paper I've used in art classes. The cover me is 5 stars all the way. The novel also has some drawings inside that go along with the story (not much but its still cool to look at).
Overall, the story was interesting. I was turned off by the summary and I didn't think it would be any good because of the whole "blablah girl meets blahblah hot guy". Yet, that is probably due to the fact that I am older than the age so there obviously is a difference there. Regardless, the story was able to capture my attention. There was the constant 'what the heck is going on' 'what is this mystery' 'what is going to happen next'. I would have more to say, but I didn't really take notes on this.
Overall, the story was interesting. I was turned off by the summary and I didn't think it would be any good because of the whole "blablah girl meets blahblah hot guy". Yet, that is probably due to the fact that I am older than the age so there obviously is a difference there. Regardless, the story was able to capture my attention. There was the constant 'what the heck is going on' 'what is this mystery' 'what is going to happen next'. I would have more to say, but I didn't really take notes on this.
I friggin love this book. Love revisiting Japan through this story.
I really, really liked this! It felt very much like reading - not a manga, but a skillfully written novelisation of a beloved anime. It made me feel homesick for Japan and I've never even lived there. Some beautiful messages about grief and love, and a suitably dark, angsty streak that appealed to my emo side, plus great writing and characters. Good stuff. Recommended.