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eleonorehilbig's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
the story, the characters and their development, the resolution of the story as nearly a third of the book deals with what comes after were handsdown a 5 star read for me. i also absolutely loved how the women were written. i mean the duel at the end was an absolute masterpiece
however - i absolutely HATE infodumps. pages upon pages of it. we're reading through an actual history lesson that one of the main characters attends ffs.
however - i absolutely HATE infodumps. pages upon pages of it. we're reading through an actual history lesson that one of the main characters attends ffs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Suicide, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Murder, and War
lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I expected an epic fantasy adventure. What I got instead was emotional damage.
Because I ignored the subtitle of the book. "A Theonite War Story" should have prepared me for... an actual war story. With all the gruesome horrors of war. Yeah, that's on me. Probably not the best time to read the book given the current global situation, either.
But! I really really really loved it. I hated it, but I loved it. It hurt, but it was SO good.
The character work is exceptional. It's fantastic, maybe even the best I've ever encountered. The main characters and points of view are a mother and her firstborn son. And I loooooove them both with all my heart. But all the side characters are amazing as well. All of them are flawed, which makes them so real.
But since this is such a character-driven story, the plot and action take a very long time to develop. Even then, I would say the climax of the story is in the middle of the book, with epic and creative magic/battle sequences. The second half mainly deals with the aftermath. And it's so impactful and painful. Because you care so much for these characters, it physically hurts to see them suffer and process the trauma. But the character arks, their development, the way relationships and dynamics change are worth it in the end, at least they were for me.
I can't say I enjoyed the direction the plot took. I wish it had gone in 10 different directions tbh. But I realize that this wasn't about the plot, but about the effects that war has on the individuals who have to live through it. It's also about love and duty, about community and survival, family and friendships.
Although the characters are what makes this book so special, I really enjoyed the world building and atmosphere. The mix of fantasy elements, magic and traditional values with advanced technology reminded me a little of Studio Ghibli movies, especially the ones that have war as a theme as well. And the action sequences are actually really good. I usually don't care for action unless it's interesting and can hold my attention. Which is the case here.
I don't know if I can recommend this book to anyone. But definitely to people who value character-driven stories and like to suffer. Just check trigger and content warnings beforehand, please.
Because I ignored the subtitle of the book. "A Theonite War Story" should have prepared me for... an actual war story. With all the gruesome horrors of war. Yeah, that's on me. Probably not the best time to read the book given the current global situation, either.
But! I really really really loved it. I hated it, but I loved it. It hurt, but it was SO good.
The character work is exceptional. It's fantastic, maybe even the best I've ever encountered. The main characters and points of view are a mother and her firstborn son. And I loooooove them both with all my heart. But all the side characters are amazing as well. All of them are flawed, which makes them so real.
But since this is such a character-driven story, the plot and action take a very long time to develop. Even then, I would say the climax of the story is in the middle of the book, with epic and creative magic/battle sequences. The second half mainly deals with the aftermath. And it's so impactful and painful. Because you care so much for these characters, it physically hurts to see them suffer and process the trauma. But the character arks, their development, the way relationships and dynamics change are worth it in the end, at least they were for me.
I can't say I enjoyed the direction the plot took. I wish it had gone in 10 different directions tbh. But I realize that this wasn't about the plot, but about the effects that war has on the individuals who have to live through it. It's also about love and duty, about community and survival, family and friendships.
Although the characters are what makes this book so special, I really enjoyed the world building and atmosphere. The mix of fantasy elements, magic and traditional values with advanced technology reminded me a little of Studio Ghibli movies, especially the ones that have war as a theme as well. And the action sequences are actually really good. I usually don't care for action unless it's interesting and can hold my attention. Which is the case here.
I don't know if I can recommend this book to anyone. But definitely to people who value character-driven stories and like to suffer. Just check trigger and content warnings beforehand, please.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Blood, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Infertility, Medical content, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Violence, War, Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Kidnapping, Homophobia, Racism, and Rape
cgn's review against another edition
5.0
Wow this was fantastic. I got so immersed into the world and the characters, and I cried three or four separate times, which I don’t think I’ve ever done with a book before. The fight scenes were spectacular, but the characters were what drew me in the most. I can’t wait to get my own copy for my shelves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexism, Grief, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Suicide, Child abuse, and War
maira_h's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
4.5 stars 🌟
I love how this book reminded me so much of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto. For ATLA, it's because of the use of elemental powers in this world. For Naruto, it's probably the whole clan hierarchy thing and the use of 'bloodline technique'. Those two pieces of pop culture are phenomenal in their own right, but this book in itself is also damn excellent.
At first, it took me a while to set a pace while reading this book, mostly because of the language used. I kept flipping back to the glossary to find out the meanings of multiple words. Kaigen/ Takayubi is heavily influenced by Japanese language and cultures. Some words I was familiar with while others I was not sure whether they were made up or what. However, after a while, everything slowly clicked into place.
The writing was probably one of the best things about this book, specifically the battle scenes. I thought Fonda Lee's battle scenes from The Green Bone Saga were incredible, but ML Wang's was downright poetic at times.
The characters are also beautifully written and so well developed. They have multiple layers to them, which I absolutely love. I love Misaki, I love Mamoru and damn it, I love Takeru too. His character development is probably my favourite. Because, despite being seen as this formidable character, he is still human.
I also really love how this book tackled motherhood and womanhood. Misaki had this internal conflict about having to choose between being a wife/ mother and being a warrior. But I loved how, in the end, she realized she could be both. I cried a bit reading about Misaki and his son, Mamoru. I want more of Mamoru, if I'm being honest.
This is going into my list of favourites now. I need more books like this— where the reading experience felt like watching a freaking anime.
I love how this book reminded me so much of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto. For ATLA, it's because of the use of elemental powers in this world. For Naruto, it's probably the whole clan hierarchy thing and the use of 'bloodline technique'. Those two pieces of pop culture are phenomenal in their own right, but this book in itself is also damn excellent.
At first, it took me a while to set a pace while reading this book, mostly because of the language used. I kept flipping back to the glossary to find out the meanings of multiple words. Kaigen/ Takayubi is heavily influenced by Japanese language and cultures. Some words I was familiar with while others I was not sure whether they were made up or what. However, after a while, everything slowly clicked into place.
The writing was probably one of the best things about this book, specifically the battle scenes. I thought Fonda Lee's battle scenes from The Green Bone Saga were incredible, but ML Wang's was downright poetic at times.
The characters are also beautifully written and so well developed. They have multiple layers to them, which I absolutely love. I love Misaki, I love Mamoru and damn it, I love Takeru too. His character development is probably my favourite. Because, despite being seen as this formidable character, he is still human.
I also really love how this book tackled motherhood and womanhood. Misaki had this internal conflict about having to choose between being a wife/ mother and being a warrior. But I loved how, in the end, she realized she could be both. I cried a bit reading about Misaki and his son, Mamoru. I want more of Mamoru, if I'm being honest.
This is going into my list of favourites now. I need more books like this— where the reading experience felt like watching a freaking anime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Child death, War, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Misogyny, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Gore, and Rape
Minor: Miscarriage
annailles's review against another edition
dark
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Sexism, War, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Gore, Rape, Child death, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Miscarriage
poetry_shaman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, War, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Blood, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Violence, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Miscarriage
_malikka's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Grief
Minor: Rape and Miscarriage
danielleor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Xenophobia, Suicide, Sexual assault, Sexism, Rape, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Murder, Miscarriage, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Grief, Genocide, Death, and Child death
lectora_nocturna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual violence, Child death, Violence, Suicide, Miscarriage, and War
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
absolutely fantastic; the sword of kaigen is one of the best books ive ever read and has now joined the few ranks of my top fav books ever. i had quite high expectations going into this but the book still exceeded them. it's actually mind-boggling how this book manages to be so many things all at once, yet it excels in all of them. this is an amazing high fantasy filled w/ thrilling action (one of the best written action-heavy books ive ever read, idk if the author's martial artist bg is a factor here); great characters who are complex, w/ some of the best arcs ive ever read; emotionally charged, heartrending, and bittersweet moments; and important (and relatable) themes of regret, duty, openmindedness, among others.
it's also a phenomenal character study whose main character and her struggles--as a woman, a mother, a lover, a wife--are rarely seen in fiction, let alone in the traditionally male-dominated domain of fantasy. misaki is unto herself, but is also a symbol for countless women even in modern times; her struggles once again remind me of the repressive, stifling, soul-crushing impact of the patriarchy and sexism. and in the greatest reversal of my feelings towards a fictional character, takeru def takes the cake; how wang made me come to like an alpha male--the very paragon of the patriarchy--who i profoundly loathed and wanted to throttle for at least 60% of the book is beyond me. a miraculous feat, rly, and a testament to the author's ability to fully render her characters as complex, multidimensional humans w/ backstory and fears.
now, despite the myriad of the book's awesomeness, my absolute fav thing abt it is how emotionally charged it is w/o ever veering into being overdramatic. the post-battle misaki-mamoru and duel scenes are one-of-a-kind, id never read anything like them, and they tore at me, and i loved it. the last chapter is also a revelation; robin and misaki's relationship--w/ its fraught history and all things unspoken yet known--is bittersweet, w/ the taste of life, w/ the complexity of the world and its reality, and how, despite not being textbook HEA, we can still be ok, to care and to be hopeful. also highly relate to and appreciate the book's msg of not letting regret overtake us, to instead do our best and appreciate everyday bc we can truly never know when it will be our last this is one of my top reads ever; i just cant stop gushing abt this book and it's honestly a crime more ppl havent read it!!!
it's also a phenomenal character study whose main character and her struggles--as a woman, a mother, a lover, a wife--are rarely seen in fiction, let alone in the traditionally male-dominated domain of fantasy. misaki is unto herself, but is also a symbol for countless women even in modern times; her struggles once again remind me of the repressive, stifling, soul-crushing impact of the patriarchy and sexism. and in the greatest reversal of my feelings towards a fictional character, takeru def takes the cake; how wang made me come to like an alpha male--the very paragon of the patriarchy--who i profoundly loathed and wanted to throttle for at least 60% of the book is beyond me. a miraculous feat, rly, and a testament to the author's ability to fully render her characters as complex, multidimensional humans w/ backstory and fears.
now, despite the myriad of the book's awesomeness, my absolute fav thing abt it is how emotionally charged it is w/o ever veering into being overdramatic. the post-battle misaki-mamoru and duel scenes are one-of-a-kind, id never read anything like them, and they tore at me, and i loved it. the last chapter is also a revelation; robin and misaki's relationship--w/ its fraught history and all things unspoken yet known--is bittersweet, w/ the taste of life, w/ the complexity of the world and its reality, and how, despite not being textbook HEA, we can still be ok, to care and to be hopeful. also highly relate to and appreciate the book's msg of not letting regret overtake us, to instead do our best and appreciate everyday bc we can truly never know when it will be our last this is one of my top reads ever; i just cant stop gushing abt this book and it's honestly a crime more ppl havent read it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, War, Misogyny, Grief, Rape, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Child death, Colonisation, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Racial slurs, Racism, and Toxic relationship
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