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4.67 AVERAGE
4.67 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
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
I was always inconsistent with when I would tell people what my favorite book series of all time is until I read this trilogy. I haven't had too much experience with reading Japanese fantasy but I've always been interested in the mythology as I love mythology in general so I was pretty stoked when I randomly found this in the kindle store. But, even then, I truly did not expect it to be as good as it was. Everything was superb, the world building, the characters, the plot, oh and goodness the romance! It's not easy to get me to really immersed into romances but gosh I was SO invested. It had just the right amount of angsty goodness!
I'm not in the habit of rereading books but I've genuinely thought about rereading all three books relatively soon, which prompted me to belatedly write this review. Easily 5 stars!
I'm not in the habit of rereading books but I've genuinely thought about rereading all three books relatively soon, which prompted me to belatedly write this review. Easily 5 stars!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So amazing! Could not put it down. Wishing the author would write more for these characters future.
It took a while for me to get into this trilogy. Around chapter 9, when we get to fully meet Shiro, I was starting to get hooked and steadily fell deeper in love with the characters. I recommend reading the sample of the omnibus version to give you a better idea of what to expect, because it's longer than the one of book 1. If you're not interested in the story by then, this trilogy is probably not for you.
This was a wonderful young adult, contemporary fantasy story inspired by Japanese mythology full of adventure, action, loveable characters, a star-crossed lovers kind of romantic subplot with delicious bittersweet yearning, where two lonely souls find something beautiful in each other.
The writing slows down the pacing unnecessarily by losing itself in over-explaining and repetitive thought processes sometimes. I loved the vivid descriptions, though. The plot and some of the twists are a bit predictable, but it didn't bother me much.
The art is stunning. You don't need to buy the omnibus for it because it's also in the solo books.
Even though they aren't that similar, I still got InuYasha vibes and nostalgia from this story, and I loved it.
Emi has grown up sheltered, and hasn't really experienced life outside the shrines and her duties to her goddess. It definitely shows in her naivety and insecurities. She does grow more into herself, and she shows strength in her own ways. I could have done without the purity bit connected to virginity, but it is believable why she would believe this considering the way she has grown up.
I adored the friendship that has developed between Emi, Shiro, the cunning, flirty fox man, and Yumei, the mysterious, grumpy raven man, over time. I adore these three, full stop.
Characters: 8/10 x4 (Great)
Relationships: 9/10 x4 (Excellent)
Atmosphere/Vibes: 10/10 (Outstanding)
World-building/Setting: 8/10 x2 (Great)
Writing: 6/10 x4 (Okay)
Plot/Pacing: 7/10 x3 (Good)
Art: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Enjoyment: 9/10 x5 (Excellent)
Total: ~8.08 = 4*
This was a wonderful young adult, contemporary fantasy story inspired by Japanese mythology full of adventure, action, loveable characters, a star-crossed lovers kind of romantic subplot with delicious bittersweet yearning, where two lonely souls find something beautiful in each other.
The writing slows down the pacing unnecessarily by losing itself in over-explaining and repetitive thought processes sometimes. I loved the vivid descriptions, though. The plot and some of the twists are a bit predictable, but it didn't bother me much.
The art is stunning. You don't need to buy the omnibus for it because it's also in the solo books.
Even though they aren't that similar, I still got InuYasha vibes and nostalgia from this story, and I loved it.
Emi has grown up sheltered, and hasn't really experienced life outside the shrines and her duties to her goddess. It definitely shows in her naivety and insecurities. She does grow more into herself, and she shows strength in her own ways. I could have done without the purity bit connected to virginity, but it is believable why she would believe this considering the way she has grown up.
I adored the friendship that has developed between Emi, Shiro, the cunning, flirty fox man, and Yumei, the mysterious, grumpy raven man, over time. I adore these three, full stop.
Characters: 8/10 x4 (Great)
Relationships: 9/10 x4 (Excellent)
Atmosphere/Vibes: 10/10 (Outstanding)
World-building/Setting: 8/10 x2 (Great)
Writing: 6/10 x4 (Okay)
Plot/Pacing: 7/10 x3 (Good)
Art: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Enjoyment: 9/10 x5 (Excellent)
Total: ~8.08 = 4*
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Why should YOU read this series? There's…
• a female lead character who demonstrates unwavering determination, courage despite feeling afraid/incapable and a fierce dedication to her beliefs
• a swoon-worthy and forbidden romance with a teasing kitsune
• a wonderful group of secondary characters who develop believable alliances/friendships
• a villain whose motivations actually make sense and who isn't just evil for the sake of being evil
• incredible action scenes featuring elemental magic
• touching moments of emotion and vulnerability
• themes of identity, loneliness, sacrifice, strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and belief in one's self and choices
• a fascinating blending of urban fantasy with traditional Japanese elements*
• the absolutely GORGEOUS artwork:
• a swoon-worthy and forbidden romance with a teasing kitsune
• a wonderful group of secondary characters who develop believable alliances/friendships
• a villain whose motivations actually make sense and who isn't just evil for the sake of being evil
• incredible action scenes featuring elemental magic
• touching moments of emotion and vulnerability
• themes of identity, loneliness, sacrifice, strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and belief in one's self and choices
• a fascinating blending of urban fantasy with traditional Japanese elements*
• the absolutely GORGEOUS artwork:
Ugh, this series gives me ALL the FEELS and I cannot understand why it continues to be overlooked - especially with the current inundation of subpar romantasy books. If you're looking for a romantasy that excels at both romance and fantasy elements...
Fangirling aside, I have two disclaimers:
1) As much as I do like the inclusion of certain aspects of Japanese culture, this really is more Japanese mythology fanfiction than an accurate retelling of traditional stories. There are definitely authentic components - such as food, dress, cultural practices - but a lot of liberty was taken with the various kami and yokai featured in the story.
2) I've seen some less favorable reviews that focus on the pacing of this series. I'll admit that all three books start off rather slow. Between exposition, backstories, and less high-stakes plot points, the early chapters can seem rather dull. However, I promise the action and excitement are coming if you stick with it. Do not give up on this series until you've at least reached 25%.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I waited a week to post my review because I needed to compose my thoughts. I loved this book and it is highly underrated. I loved the slow burn between the main characters and the plot was different to what I have read before but I enjoyed every part of it. I immediately knew that I had to buy a physical copy of this book and I was happy when I realized the author had it available. I can't wait to display it.
I mainly listened to this book on audible but I also bought the kindle version and the artwork inside is as beautiful as the cover. I gave this 5 ⭐️ and 1 🌶️ I loved the banter between the main characters although there was not much spice there was a lot of tension.
I highly recommend this book. I have already convinced people to start it and I will try to convince you. If you like a good romantasy with a good plot and a slow burn this is perfect for you.
Happy reading everyone 📚
I mainly listened to this book on audible but I also bought the kindle version and the artwork inside is as beautiful as the cover. I gave this 5 ⭐️ and 1 🌶️ I loved the banter between the main characters although there was not much spice there was a lot of tension.
I highly recommend this book. I have already convinced people to start it and I will try to convince you. If you like a good romantasy with a good plot and a slow burn this is perfect for you.
Happy reading everyone 📚
A great adventure!
Definitely a must read. I wish the series had more than three books. I finished all three in two days.
Definitely a must read. I wish the series had more than three books. I finished all three in two days.