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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
I have had this book on my shelf FOREVER and I decided that in 2016, it was finally time to read it. I have no idea why I waited so long because I have had it pretty much since its release, but I guess that it just kept falling back on my TBR. Anyway, this book has a really interesting premise with the inclusion of Japanese culture. I used to have a lot of Japanese friends growing up and my elementary school was actually majority Japanese students, so this book really brought me back to that part of my childhood. From the delicious aspects of the food to the little bits of Japanese language thrown it, it was a great reading experience and from what I can tell, pretty authentic. Reading the acknowledgements shows how much work Sun did into researching this world and that part of this novel pulled off really well.
Katie was our main character and ended up being my only major problem with the book. She is a foreigner in Japan, which of course would be a difficult transition, but I had a problem distinguishing her from any other main character. Sure, she’s brave and smart and has unique powers – but what fantasy lead doesn’t? I really was not a huge fan of her character and just wished that she had been given some unique feature that I could take away from, especially in her personality. Also, she falls in love with Tomohiro, a bad boy. I liked their early relationship with all the back and forth banter, but it developed way too quickly after that and became a lot of insta-love. Especially at the end of the book, that is so obvious. I wanted her to separate herself a little bit from him in her decisions, but that didn’t work out. I hope that their relationship expands some more in the next book and also that Katie really flourishes as a character.
The plot was really amazing and what I enjoyed the most. I was a little confused with the idea at first, but I think that I caught on by the end of the book. Tomohiro has the power of ink and can make drawings come to life. Super cool, right?? I loved reading about all the things that he could draw (being artistically untalented myself) and the consequences of that. There are all types of Japanese mythologies involved here and I liked learning about that too because I don’t really know too much about it. The addition of the Japanese gangsters and the twist at the end also added to lots of enemies for Katie and Tomohiro by the end. With the next book, I am really hoping that there is some more of that involved!
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast-paced read and I loved the inclusion of Japanese culture and mythology. The major downsides that I had were the insta-love romance and the main character, but I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
Katie was our main character and ended up being my only major problem with the book. She is a foreigner in Japan, which of course would be a difficult transition, but I had a problem distinguishing her from any other main character. Sure, she’s brave and smart and has unique powers – but what fantasy lead doesn’t? I really was not a huge fan of her character and just wished that she had been given some unique feature that I could take away from, especially in her personality. Also, she falls in love with Tomohiro, a bad boy. I liked their early relationship with all the back and forth banter, but it developed way too quickly after that and became a lot of insta-love. Especially at the end of the book, that is so obvious. I wanted her to separate herself a little bit from him in her decisions, but that didn’t work out. I hope that their relationship expands some more in the next book and also that Katie really flourishes as a character.
The plot was really amazing and what I enjoyed the most. I was a little confused with the idea at first, but I think that I caught on by the end of the book. Tomohiro has the power of ink and can make drawings come to life. Super cool, right?? I loved reading about all the things that he could draw (being artistically untalented myself) and the consequences of that. There are all types of Japanese mythologies involved here and I liked learning about that too because I don’t really know too much about it. The addition of the Japanese gangsters and the twist at the end also added to lots of enemies for Katie and Tomohiro by the end. With the next book, I am really hoping that there is some more of that involved!
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast-paced read and I loved the inclusion of Japanese culture and mythology. The major downsides that I had were the insta-love romance and the main character, but I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!
2.5 Stars
I was looking for a book to read on Goodreads when I came upon Ink. As soon as I read the word "Japan" on the blurb I said "I MUST HAVE THIS!". Ok, some yelling may have been involved as well as some embarrassing dancing from happiness.
Let's say I'm a sucker for all things japanese and one of my dreams is to go to Japan so you must know that my expectations were really high. Like above the sky high, some airplanes may or may not have been victims of my expectations. So it was with great sadness that I found myself not really liking Ink.
Now, don't start throwing stuff at me, some might love this book, it just wasn't my piece of cake. We have Katie, an american girl who goes to Japan to leave with her aunt after her mother died. One of the things I didn't like about Katie was her interactions with her aunt. While her aunt always tried to make her feel welcomed in Japan and wanted her to try embracing the culture, Katie was always behaving badly with her and having fits.
Towards the end of the book that ends but at the beginning I knew right away that Katie and I just weren't going to be great friends, least of all BFFs.
To be honest, she really didn't have a major role in this book at all. All that mattered happened to Tomohiro. He was the victim, he was the hero and, for me, the protagonist. Katie just fell in love with him and was wherever he seemed to be. Oh, and she stalked him several times during the book! That is a big NO NO for me. Me don't like stalkers. *shivers*
The fact that she influenced Tomohiro's condition (no spoilers here guys!) was actually pretty cool and it kind of saved the book a little for me. That and the ending. Yup, cliffhanger! I just love those, I really do. It makes me want to have the next book in my hands right after I finished reading the one before. Sometimes I even try to see if there are invisible pages missing. 'Cause, you know, that is what you do when a book ends in such a way that your jaw almost hits your fit.
Unfortunately, even though the cliffhanger left me wanting more, I don't know if I'll read the next book in the series. I'll have to think about this one a little more to see if I care to read it.
*ARC received by the published via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
Also on my blog Chibi Reader
I was looking for a book to read on Goodreads when I came upon Ink. As soon as I read the word "Japan" on the blurb I said "I MUST HAVE THIS!". Ok, some yelling may have been involved as well as some embarrassing dancing from happiness.
Let's say I'm a sucker for all things japanese and one of my dreams is to go to Japan so you must know that my expectations were really high. Like above the sky high, some airplanes may or may not have been victims of my expectations. So it was with great sadness that I found myself not really liking Ink.
Now, don't start throwing stuff at me, some might love this book, it just wasn't my piece of cake. We have Katie, an american girl who goes to Japan to leave with her aunt after her mother died. One of the things I didn't like about Katie was her interactions with her aunt. While her aunt always tried to make her feel welcomed in Japan and wanted her to try embracing the culture, Katie was always behaving badly with her and having fits.
Towards the end of the book that ends but at the beginning I knew right away that Katie and I just weren't going to be great friends, least of all BFFs.
To be honest, she really didn't have a major role in this book at all. All that mattered happened to Tomohiro. He was the victim, he was the hero and, for me, the protagonist. Katie just fell in love with him and was wherever he seemed to be. Oh, and she stalked him several times during the book! That is a big NO NO for me. Me don't like stalkers. *shivers*
The fact that she influenced Tomohiro's condition (no spoilers here guys!) was actually pretty cool and it kind of saved the book a little for me. That and the ending. Yup, cliffhanger! I just love those, I really do. It makes me want to have the next book in my hands right after I finished reading the one before. Sometimes I even try to see if there are invisible pages missing. 'Cause, you know, that is what you do when a book ends in such a way that your jaw almost hits your fit.
Unfortunately, even though the cliffhanger left me wanting more, I don't know if I'll read the next book in the series. I'll have to think about this one a little more to see if I care to read it.
*ARC received by the published via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
Also on my blog Chibi Reader
La historia empieza con Katie Green, una chica que debido a una tragedia familiar no tiene más remedio que mudarse con su tía que vive en Japón. Siendo extranjera debe aprender el idioma y adaptarse a las costumbres y cultura japonesa.
En el instituto conoce a Tomohiro, un estudiante de último año que practica kendo -una especie de arte marcial, les dejo la foto acá para que vean-. Katie se siente intrigada y asustada a partes iguales. Cuando ellos están juntos pasan cosas raras: las lapiceras explotan, las gotas de tinta surgen de la nada y todos los dibujos cobran vida. Lo que Katie no sabe es que Tomohiro está emparentado -es descendiente- de los Dioses de Japón que antes gobernaban, y que tiene habilidades especiales. Son esas habilidades las que se salen de control cuando ellos dos están juntos. Y claro, en el libro no pueden faltar las personas que quieren usar los dones de Tomohiro para sus propios beneficios. ¿Qué pasará?
Más en: http://lecturas-de-annie.blogspot.com/2018/05/resena-tinta-amanda-sun.html
En el instituto conoce a Tomohiro, un estudiante de último año que practica kendo -una especie de arte marcial, les dejo la foto acá para que vean-. Katie se siente intrigada y asustada a partes iguales. Cuando ellos están juntos pasan cosas raras: las lapiceras explotan, las gotas de tinta surgen de la nada y todos los dibujos cobran vida. Lo que Katie no sabe es que Tomohiro está emparentado -es descendiente- de los Dioses de Japón que antes gobernaban, y que tiene habilidades especiales. Son esas habilidades las que se salen de control cuando ellos dos están juntos. Y claro, en el libro no pueden faltar las personas que quieren usar los dones de Tomohiro para sus propios beneficios. ¿Qué pasará?
Más en: http://lecturas-de-annie.blogspot.com/2018/05/resena-tinta-amanda-sun.html
Originally posted at http://abooksofathomless.blogspot.com.au/
Ever since I saw the amazing cover of this book it has been on my most-wanted list so to say I was a little excited to finally get to this book would be a massive understatement. Once I’d gotten the book I realised I knew almost nothing about the book at all- the only thing I did know was that it’s set in Japan.
I don’t know what I was really expecting but it was different. I was a little bit hesitant with the whole orphaned girl moves somewhere new thing, but I thought it was done really well. A lot of the focus was on Katie adapting to the new society she has found herself in rather than focusing too heavily on the tragedy, which was honestly much more enjoyable. I don’t know a lot about Japanese culture so it was really interesting to learn new things while Katie experienced them. I found some of things more difficult to understand than others- there are actually quite a few Japanese words within the book, though there is also a glossary at the back which I didn’t noticed until I’d finished the book. I had originally given this book five stars but after I started this review and thought about it, I decided to bring it down to four stars.
Character-wise, I didn’t completely hate Katie but there were times when I wasn’t the biggest fan of her. I can’t really explain it but there were times when she did things that seemed a little strange- maybe it’s a situation/culture thing but whatever. Tomohiro was the same sort of situation- I went from thinking he was weird, to loving him, to thinking he was weird again and hating me and then back to loving him. I don’t think there was really any chance for many of the other characters to grow- I would have really liked to see more friends and family dynamics which unfortunately lacked in this book.
The main concept of this book is brilliant and very unique. As I realised what this book was about, I really got interested in Tomo’s abilities and how that was all connected to Katie and whatnot. Without giving too much away, I liked how this was able to let their relationship develop in a more interesting way than it would have without the idea.
Probably my absolute favourite thing about Ink, was the setting. I’ve never read a book set in Japan before and it previously wasn’t really somewhere that captured my attention but after reading this book, I’ve become a little more obsessed with Japan and the Japanese culture. I think Ink did a good job of capturing the beauty- there was a part about the cherry blossoms that just absolutely took my breath away, but there was also this element of darkness and destruction that was just perfect.
Moving away from that, I just want to say before I finish that there’s a high possibility that I may try and steal the sequel before its release date in March next year.
Ever since I saw the amazing cover of this book it has been on my most-wanted list so to say I was a little excited to finally get to this book would be a massive understatement. Once I’d gotten the book I realised I knew almost nothing about the book at all- the only thing I did know was that it’s set in Japan.
I don’t know what I was really expecting but it was different. I was a little bit hesitant with the whole orphaned girl moves somewhere new thing, but I thought it was done really well. A lot of the focus was on Katie adapting to the new society she has found herself in rather than focusing too heavily on the tragedy, which was honestly much more enjoyable. I don’t know a lot about Japanese culture so it was really interesting to learn new things while Katie experienced them. I found some of things more difficult to understand than others- there are actually quite a few Japanese words within the book, though there is also a glossary at the back which I didn’t noticed until I’d finished the book. I had originally given this book five stars but after I started this review and thought about it, I decided to bring it down to four stars.
Character-wise, I didn’t completely hate Katie but there were times when I wasn’t the biggest fan of her. I can’t really explain it but there were times when she did things that seemed a little strange- maybe it’s a situation/culture thing but whatever. Tomohiro was the same sort of situation- I went from thinking he was weird, to loving him, to thinking he was weird again and hating me and then back to loving him. I don’t think there was really any chance for many of the other characters to grow- I would have really liked to see more friends and family dynamics which unfortunately lacked in this book.
The main concept of this book is brilliant and very unique. As I realised what this book was about, I really got interested in Tomo’s abilities and how that was all connected to Katie and whatnot. Without giving too much away, I liked how this was able to let their relationship develop in a more interesting way than it would have without the idea.
Probably my absolute favourite thing about Ink, was the setting. I’ve never read a book set in Japan before and it previously wasn’t really somewhere that captured my attention but after reading this book, I’ve become a little more obsessed with Japan and the Japanese culture. I think Ink did a good job of capturing the beauty- there was a part about the cherry blossoms that just absolutely took my breath away, but there was also this element of darkness and destruction that was just perfect.
Moving away from that, I just want to say before I finish that there’s a high possibility that I may try and steal the sequel before its release date in March next year.
Initially, I was hesitant. The plot sounded like one I had read many times before, but I went for it because of Shinto, the unique setting, and the admittedly gorgeous cover. The book was what I expected, I mean mysterious "I'm too dangerous for you" guy, confused new girl. It's basically Twilight, except it's written better and the supernatural aspect was much better.
I enjoyed the integration of Japanese and English, seeing the character develop, and all of the Japanese aspects. The plot wasn't fantastic, and Katie is not one I shall be adding to my favourite female characters list, but it was alright. Unlike twilight, I could understand why Katie needed to be around Tomo, because basically he could destroy Japan or get kidnapped by the Yakuza at any moment.
She was unhealthily in love with him though, because who in their right mind would actually return to Japan knowing that they're presence might set off an extremely powerful Kami as well as get them killed!
The plot stripped down is nothing new or exciting, and Katie isn't the best character. But with all the decorations and mythology, it was actually enjoyable. I didn't have high hopes, considering the synopsis, and I wasn't really let down. I've read this type of story many, many times, it didn't exceed or fail my expectations. It was just what I thought it'd be.
I enjoyed the integration of Japanese and English, seeing the character develop, and all of the Japanese aspects. The plot wasn't fantastic, and Katie is not one I shall be adding to my favourite female characters list, but it was alright. Unlike twilight, I could understand why Katie needed to be around Tomo, because basically he could destroy Japan or get kidnapped by the Yakuza at any moment.
The plot stripped down is nothing new or exciting, and Katie isn't the best character. But with all the decorations and mythology, it was actually enjoyable. I didn't have high hopes, considering the synopsis, and I wasn't really let down. I've read this type of story many, many times, it didn't exceed or fail my expectations. It was just what I thought it'd be.
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO FREAKIN' MUCH!
Different. Lovable characters. Perfect pace.
10000/10
Tomohiroooo <3
Different. Lovable characters. Perfect pace.
10000/10
Tomohiroooo <3
Sorcery! This was so good. I loved the setting and Tomohiro and Katie. I need the sequel. I needed more though. More explination as to why Tomo's drawings come to life and to Katie's role.
~* First and foremost, a huge thank you to Harlequin UK for providing me with an ARC of this novel! It is very much appreciated! *~
I was browsing NetGalley a couple of weeks ago, searching for something that would catch my eye - and it was here that I came across Amanda Sun's YA romance, Ink. I was blown away by the gorgeous cover, with its beautiful colours and unique look, and hoped that the synopsis would be just as attractive. It was.
Let's get straight to the point - a YA romance set in Japan is pretty much a dream come true for me. I've been obsessed with everything Japanese for as long as I can remember. I find the culture and etiquette incredibly fascinating, and I feel that not enough Western books try to divulge into Japanese culture. Amanda Sun - an author after my own heart - lived in Osaka on exchange when she was at high school. Because of this, she began to develop an interest in not only Japanese culture, but the mythology of the country too. It makes sense, then, that she went on to write a novel that embraces the YA adult genre as well as Japanese mythology and culture - and I feel that the combination of the two worked very well. Sun's love for the culture shines through in her novel, making the story one which is instantly captivating.
Before I discuss the characters and the plot, I'd like to look a little at the featuring of Japanese life in Ink. I felt that Sun includes just the right amount of Japanese language, etiquette and mythology in her novel. It provides an introduction to, and slight insight, into the culture without being too overbearing. The mythology of the Kami was incredibly interesting to learn about, and was used wonderfully within the novel. There's also a very helpful glossary of the Japanese terms at the back of the book, which is not entirely necessary, as the language is generally used in context, but is a lovely addition for those who are curious about the language. I enjoyed how Katie - the protagonist - slowly grows into the culture and begins to understand it more, and that the reader is able to do so right along with her.
Katie is a 16 year old girl, thrown into a completely different culture after a family tragedy. She finds it difficult to find her place in the world around her - an experience often found in YA literature, but emphasised in Ink by the contrasts between Katie and her surroundings. Her culture shock is emphasised further when she begins to feel that she's losing her mind after witnessing several strange, supernatural events at the hands of fellow schoolmate, Yuu Tomohiro - and that's when both the romance and the action of the story truly begin.
Tomohiro is the mysterious bad-boy of the school. At the very beginning of the novel, Katie witnesses him cruelly break up with his then girlfriend, Myu, and witnesses one of his many drawings apparently move on the page. It is the strange, double-sided personality that she sees in him during this break-up, as well as the possibility that his drawing did actually move, that results in Katie becoming completely fascinated by him. Now, this is where I have noticed that several people have been put off whilst reading the novel - this notion of "insta-love". Although, personally, I am not generally a fan of it myself in novels, Ink was an exception, for me. I couldn't help but think of the insta-love and some what obsessive nature of romance in shoujo manga, and relate it to the blossoming love between Katie and Tomo. I found that, in doing so, the insta-love aspect became far more bearable.
Aside from the extreme initial attraction, I found that the relationship between Katie and Tomo developed in a beautiful manner. I thought it was sweet and genuine - from the emotional connection, to the friendship, to the small physical aspects. I really rooted for them both the whole way through. Katie is a wonderful protagonist, and I found it very easy to connect with her. She's strong and determined and real, and I love that in a character. Tomo is probably my dream boy - with the exception of all of (or at least so much of) the danger - but let's not go too far into that... Let's just say that he is a wonderfully thought out character; deep and tortured, yet incredibly kind and loving towards those he cares about.
I also found the action in the novel very enjoyable. I loved the twists and turns and the little clues here and there. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but there's definitely a good few surprises in there. The only problem with the action in this novel, for me, was the cliffhanger at the end. Although I understand why authors include them, I hate, hate, hate cliffhangers - so personally, I was a little disappointed with that.
As a final (positive) point, I found Amanda Sun's writing style to be very enjoyable, and rather captivating. She creates a completely immersive world, and really provides the reader with a wonderful insight into a culture outside of their own. Not for one moment was I bored during this novel. Sun simultaneously keeps you on your toes and develops wonderful, realistic and relatable characters, whilst beautifully illustrating the world that surrounds them.
All in all, I loved this book as much as I hoped it would, and am really looking forward to more from Amanda Sun. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing YA fantasy novel, as well as to those with in interest in Japanese culture.
I was browsing NetGalley a couple of weeks ago, searching for something that would catch my eye - and it was here that I came across Amanda Sun's YA romance, Ink. I was blown away by the gorgeous cover, with its beautiful colours and unique look, and hoped that the synopsis would be just as attractive. It was.
Let's get straight to the point - a YA romance set in Japan is pretty much a dream come true for me. I've been obsessed with everything Japanese for as long as I can remember. I find the culture and etiquette incredibly fascinating, and I feel that not enough Western books try to divulge into Japanese culture. Amanda Sun - an author after my own heart - lived in Osaka on exchange when she was at high school. Because of this, she began to develop an interest in not only Japanese culture, but the mythology of the country too. It makes sense, then, that she went on to write a novel that embraces the YA adult genre as well as Japanese mythology and culture - and I feel that the combination of the two worked very well. Sun's love for the culture shines through in her novel, making the story one which is instantly captivating.
Before I discuss the characters and the plot, I'd like to look a little at the featuring of Japanese life in Ink. I felt that Sun includes just the right amount of Japanese language, etiquette and mythology in her novel. It provides an introduction to, and slight insight, into the culture without being too overbearing. The mythology of the Kami was incredibly interesting to learn about, and was used wonderfully within the novel. There's also a very helpful glossary of the Japanese terms at the back of the book, which is not entirely necessary, as the language is generally used in context, but is a lovely addition for those who are curious about the language. I enjoyed how Katie - the protagonist - slowly grows into the culture and begins to understand it more, and that the reader is able to do so right along with her.
Katie is a 16 year old girl, thrown into a completely different culture after a family tragedy. She finds it difficult to find her place in the world around her - an experience often found in YA literature, but emphasised in Ink by the contrasts between Katie and her surroundings. Her culture shock is emphasised further when she begins to feel that she's losing her mind after witnessing several strange, supernatural events at the hands of fellow schoolmate, Yuu Tomohiro - and that's when both the romance and the action of the story truly begin.
Tomohiro is the mysterious bad-boy of the school. At the very beginning of the novel, Katie witnesses him cruelly break up with his then girlfriend, Myu, and witnesses one of his many drawings apparently move on the page. It is the strange, double-sided personality that she sees in him during this break-up, as well as the possibility that his drawing did actually move, that results in Katie becoming completely fascinated by him. Now, this is where I have noticed that several people have been put off whilst reading the novel - this notion of "insta-love". Although, personally, I am not generally a fan of it myself in novels, Ink was an exception, for me. I couldn't help but think of the insta-love and some what obsessive nature of romance in shoujo manga, and relate it to the blossoming love between Katie and Tomo. I found that, in doing so, the insta-love aspect became far more bearable.
Aside from the extreme initial attraction, I found that the relationship between Katie and Tomo developed in a beautiful manner. I thought it was sweet and genuine - from the emotional connection, to the friendship, to the small physical aspects. I really rooted for them both the whole way through. Katie is a wonderful protagonist, and I found it very easy to connect with her. She's strong and determined and real, and I love that in a character. Tomo is probably my dream boy - with the exception of all of (or at least so much of) the danger - but let's not go too far into that... Let's just say that he is a wonderfully thought out character; deep and tortured, yet incredibly kind and loving towards those he cares about.
I also found the action in the novel very enjoyable. I loved the twists and turns and the little clues here and there. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but there's definitely a good few surprises in there. The only problem with the action in this novel, for me, was the cliffhanger at the end. Although I understand why authors include them, I hate, hate, hate cliffhangers - so personally, I was a little disappointed with that.
As a final (positive) point, I found Amanda Sun's writing style to be very enjoyable, and rather captivating. She creates a completely immersive world, and really provides the reader with a wonderful insight into a culture outside of their own. Not for one moment was I bored during this novel. Sun simultaneously keeps you on your toes and develops wonderful, realistic and relatable characters, whilst beautifully illustrating the world that surrounds them.
All in all, I loved this book as much as I hoped it would, and am really looking forward to more from Amanda Sun. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing YA fantasy novel, as well as to those with in interest in Japanese culture.
Disappointment... I was so excited to read this- I mean a YA book set in Japan with Japanese mythology?! Come on, you don't get that very often. However, i unfortunately hated the characters- they had no personality and were basically hot cardboard cutouts, Katie continuously making irrational decisions-.-.
I do admit it was a very easy read which was a nice change, but probs won't be continuing with the series.
I do admit it was a very easy read which was a nice change, but probs won't be continuing with the series.
Review on my Blog link below:
http://thedairyofabookholic.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-ink.html
http://thedairyofabookholic.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-ink.html