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insomniacsun's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Partiamo col dire che questo libro mi ha fatto singhiozzare miserabilmente. Scoprire che questo era uno spin-off di una serie interrotta mi è un po' dispiaciuto, ma dopo aver letto il motivo, rispetto e ammiro la decisione dell'autrice. Il suo nuovo libro è un'aggiunta sicura alla TBR.
Con il cuore infranto e l'anima in pace, dedico una standing ovation a Wang per la sua capacità di sviluppare i suoi personaggi e i loro rapporti in modo così umano e struggente, senza soffocarli con elementi del worldbuilding tipici dei romanzi epic fantasy, bilanciando con maestria magia e protagonisti accattivanti. Per quanto abbia trovato l'arco narrativo di Takeru un po' più sbrigativo di altri, questo non l'ha reso comunque un personaggio debole, narrativamente parlando.
Per quanto la trama e il suo sviluppo meritino pieni voti, alcune scelte stilistiche mi trattengono dal farlo: la scoperta dei legami di questo libro con una precedente serie ha reso più sensati alcuni miei problemi con la prima parte, quali l'eccessiva esposizione storico-politica in alcuni paragrafi. Suppongo che avrebbero dovuto rappresentare un semplice ripasso o un nuovo POV di una realtà che il lettore aveva già presente, ma da neo-lettrice di questo mondo l'ho trovato un po' ostico.
Con il cuore infranto e l'anima in pace, dedico una standing ovation a Wang per la sua capacità di sviluppare i suoi personaggi e i loro rapporti in modo così umano e struggente, senza soffocarli con elementi del worldbuilding tipici dei romanzi epic fantasy, bilanciando con maestria magia e protagonisti accattivanti. Per quanto abbia trovato l'arco narrativo di Takeru un po' più sbrigativo di altri, questo non l'ha reso comunque un personaggio debole, narrativamente parlando.
Per quanto la trama e il suo sviluppo meritino pieni voti, alcune scelte stilistiche mi trattengono dal farlo: la scoperta dei legami di questo libro con una precedente serie ha reso più sensati alcuni miei problemi con la prima parte, quali l'eccessiva esposizione storico-politica in alcuni paragrafi. Suppongo che avrebbero dovuto rappresentare un semplice ripasso o un nuovo POV di una realtà che il lettore aveva già presente, ma da neo-lettrice di questo mondo l'ho trovato un po' ostico.
L'altro aspetto che ho trovato un po' grezzo, è stato l'approccio alla lingua.
Prima di tutto il modo di rappresentare più dialetti in una stessa conversazione era troppo limitato: finchè si trattava di un'altra lingua solamente, il corsivo andava più che bene. Il problema è partito nell'ultimo terzo del libro, dove più lingue erano parlate simultaneamente. La presenza di traduttori nella mischia poteva essere usato meglio e avrebbe aiutato l'evitare transliterazioni ripetitive con cui l'autrice ha cercato di risolvere la questione.
Inoltre, ho trovato confusionaria la decisione di non tradurre tutto dal giapponese, che era la lingua considerata principale dal libro: è stata una saggia scelta nei numerosi casi di espressioni e suffissi unici alla lingua, ma mi è rimasto impresso come un semplice conto alla rovescia sia stato semplicemente romanizzato invece che tradotto.
Detto questo, the Sword of Kaigen rimarrà uno di quei libri a cui non smetterò mai di pensare per il livello d'intensità e coinvolgimento che ha saputo mantenere fino alla fine, soprattutto considerando il mio grande debole per i rapporti familiari intriganti.
Prima di tutto il modo di rappresentare più dialetti in una stessa conversazione era troppo limitato: finchè si trattava di un'altra lingua solamente, il corsivo andava più che bene. Il problema è partito nell'ultimo terzo del libro, dove più lingue erano parlate simultaneamente. La presenza di traduttori nella mischia poteva essere usato meglio e avrebbe aiutato l'evitare transliterazioni ripetitive con cui l'autrice ha cercato di risolvere la questione.
Inoltre, ho trovato confusionaria la decisione di non tradurre tutto dal giapponese, che era la lingua considerata principale dal libro: è stata una saggia scelta nei numerosi casi di espressioni e suffissi unici alla lingua, ma mi è rimasto impresso come un semplice conto alla rovescia sia stato semplicemente romanizzato invece che tradotto.
Detto questo, the Sword of Kaigen rimarrà uno di quei libri a cui non smetterò mai di pensare per il livello d'intensità e coinvolgimento che ha saputo mantenere fino alla fine, soprattutto considerando il mio grande debole per i rapporti familiari intriganti.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Body horror, Suicide, Miscarriage, Grief, Rape, Violence, and War
chaoticbookgremlin_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Sword of Kaigen is a gripping, emotional, action-packed tale of the struggles of being stuck in the past while simultaneously finding yourself trapped in a life you didn't ask for. It is a story of discovering your own independence and identity within a society that wishes for you to fit into a mold that has been crafted for you. Above all, it is a story of speaking up against those who wish to silence you, and making your voice echo off the stone of a snowy mountain.
Everything about this book I find utterly enthralling. The characters, the cold atmosphere, the action scenes... I don't think I've ever been this emotional while reading a book. From about the halfway point straight through to the end, my eyes were never dry. While I alternated between a single tear or full-on sobbing, my own emotions were tuned to those of the book in a way that's only happened a handful of times before. I was within the minds of the characters, feeling everything they felt, and it was... a lot.
The character work in the book is what truly makes it so phenomenal. Most of the characters, particularly Misaki, Mamoru, and Takeru, have a sort of depth and growth added to their characters that feels like a masterclass on character work. The way the novel explores their struggles with overcoming the past, and fighting against an oppressive world that tries to force them into a mold that they don't quite fit into truly articulates the emphasis this story places on discovering your own identity in a society that views you as a mere tool. The character development was amazing, especially the way Misaki grabbles with being stuck in her past and forces her way out of the mold expected for women to fit neatly into - it's iconic. I adore her.
The magic system and worldbuilding are very immersive. While a lot of the political shit was kind of lost on me, I found myself feeling Misaki's - and Mamoru's - anger towards a government that truly does not give a shit about the little people. The ones who grow and gather their food, protect their lands, manufacture their commodities - they are truly nothing but tools. The magic system felt a lot like the one depicted in "The Last Airbender," with the elemental manipulation (especially the bloodbending of the Tsusano family), but many aspects of it, particularly with the jijaka, are given a depth that feels like a fresh and original take on the concept.
Five stars. I cannot fully describe how much I loved this book. I had that rare experience within the first couple of pages when I knew that this book was going to be somehow different from other five stars, an experience I've only had three other times. I was actually unsure if this was truly a five star read at first, but what really sold me was how I could not stop thinking about this book, even days later, and how I kept falling back into the emotions I was feeling while reading the book.
Everything about this book I find utterly enthralling. The characters, the cold atmosphere, the action scenes... I don't think I've ever been this emotional while reading a book. From about the halfway point straight through to the end, my eyes were never dry. While I alternated between a single tear or full-on sobbing, my own emotions were tuned to those of the book in a way that's only happened a handful of times before. I was within the minds of the characters, feeling everything they felt, and it was... a lot.
The character work in the book is what truly makes it so phenomenal. Most of the characters, particularly Misaki, Mamoru, and Takeru, have a sort of depth and growth added to their characters that feels like a masterclass on character work. The way the novel explores their struggles with overcoming the past, and fighting against an oppressive world that tries to force them into a mold that they don't quite fit into truly articulates the emphasis this story places on discovering your own identity in a society that views you as a mere tool. The character development was amazing, especially the way Misaki grabbles with being stuck in her past and forces her way out of the mold expected for women to fit neatly into - it's iconic. I adore her.
The magic system and worldbuilding are very immersive. While a lot of the political shit was kind of lost on me, I found myself feeling Misaki's - and Mamoru's - anger towards a government that truly does not give a shit about the little people. The ones who grow and gather their food, protect their lands, manufacture their commodities - they are truly nothing but tools. The magic system felt a lot like the one depicted in "The Last Airbender," with the elemental manipulation (especially the bloodbending of the Tsusano family), but many aspects of it, particularly with the jijaka, are given a depth that feels like a fresh and original take on the concept.
Five stars. I cannot fully describe how much I loved this book. I had that rare experience within the first couple of pages when I knew that this book was going to be somehow different from other five stars, an experience I've only had three other times. I was actually unsure if this was truly a five star read at first, but what really sold me was how I could not stop thinking about this book, even days later, and how I kept falling back into the emotions I was feeling while reading the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Rape
perseusj4ckson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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: Blood, Child death, War, Violence, Grief, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Child abuse and Suicide
story_goblin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Very few fantasy authors can write books this big and complex and still maintain a good pace. Even fewer can do that while writing such vivid prose that even I feel like I’m watching what I’m reading. Wang’s character building is absolutely phenomenal, and her world building is almost equally strong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, War, Violence, and Child death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicide, Rape, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
errie's review against another edition
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, Blood, Emotional abuse, Child death, Death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Rape, Child abuse, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury
writingcaia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
The only flaw in this book is shifting the story’s plot midway not that I complain, but especially leaving so many plot strings upended, particularly after finding out the author does not wish to continue the story.
This tale has everything a high fantasy lover could wish for and more. Brave self-venderes heroes, grey characters, an immense and complex world-building and magic system associated with Gods and family trees, that then mixes with the simple yet complex story of Misaki and her family living in the province known as the Sword of Kaigen, Kaigen being their empire.
In a empire of massive and false propaganda it’s hard to trust, and Misaki having schooled outside her village, learning languages and peoples, fighting, and even having joined a unique crime fighting gang with a boy she loves and is forced to relinquish for the sake of tradition, she’s unlike any of her fellows and feels like a stranger when she’s forced to marry into the strongest family ever, the Matsudas as she returns home.
But, through the worse imaginable not only will Misaki learn if she’s still the fighter she was in her youth, she’ll learn much about the man she married and the people she now belongs to.
Misaki is a heroine like none I’ve ever read before, her age (30’s), a mother of four, and with a cunning and ferocity to rival the best heroes. I can’t say she’s my favourite because she was too hard due to her upbringing and imposed circumstances, but she did grow on me.
Her son Mamoru however was such a beautiful boy, with the greatest heart and the greatest power.
I have also, learned to love his father and her husband Tekeru, even with his misogynistic beginning.
Again, this was an astonishingly brilliant story that only lacks by feeling incomplete when the book ends, even though there’s closure for Misagi, a lot of plot lines where left incomplete. I will keep hoping the author chooses to return to the Theonite world one day.
This tale has everything a high fantasy lover could wish for and more. Brave self-venderes heroes, grey characters, an immense and complex world-building and magic system associated with Gods and family trees, that then mixes with the simple yet complex story of Misaki and her family living in the province known as the Sword of Kaigen, Kaigen being their empire.
In a empire of massive and false propaganda it’s hard to trust, and Misaki having schooled outside her village, learning languages and peoples, fighting, and even having joined a unique crime fighting gang with a boy she loves and is forced to relinquish for the sake of tradition, she’s unlike any of her fellows and feels like a stranger when she’s forced to marry into the strongest family ever, the Matsudas as she returns home.
But, through the worse imaginable not only will Misaki learn if she’s still the fighter she was in her youth, she’ll learn much about the man she married and the people she now belongs to.
Misaki is a heroine like none I’ve ever read before, her age (30’s), a mother of four, and with a cunning and ferocity to rival the best heroes. I can’t say she’s my favourite because she was too hard due to her upbringing and imposed circumstances, but she did grow on me.
Her son Mamoru however was such a beautiful boy, with the greatest heart and the greatest power.
I have also, learned to love his father and her husband Tekeru, even with his misogynistic beginning.
Again, this was an astonishingly brilliant story that only lacks by feeling incomplete when the book ends, even though there’s closure for Misagi, a lot of plot lines where left incomplete. I will keep hoping the author chooses to return to the Theonite world one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Miscarriage, and Rape
jodiemitch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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
This is easily the best book I have ever read. For this to be a debut novel for ML Wang is incredible. She is brilliant. The characters are so complex and deep. You fall in love with the chat here, and you hate others. You feel the raw emotions that Misaki feels and you share her reactions all throughout the book. I have a feeling I will never read anything like this book again. This is a true masterpiece.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Grief, Violence, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and War
lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
…a person’s tragedy doesn’t define them or cancel all the good in their life.
Wow! This book has one of the greatest character arcs I've ever read. It's so much more than a story about a war mixed with martial arts. I was surprised by how emotional it made me and how much it left me wanting more.
This book is about survival, motherhood, family, regrets, choices, bravery, responsibility, emotions, communication, and love.
Wholeness, she had learned, was not the absence of pain but the ability to hold it.
The writing in this book is beautiful. M.L. Wang has a talent for writing wonderful battle scenes, with vivid descriptions and lush world-building. Additionally, Wang is able to evoke deep-seated emotions in the reader.
Despite this small issue, I give this book 5 stars. I read it on my Kindle, but I plan to order a physical copy as well. If you haven't read The Sword of Kaigen yet, what are you waiting for?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Rape, War, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual violence, Miscarriage, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Suicide, and Gaslighting
readandfindout's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.75
I know virtually everyone I've seen read this didn't read the original Theonite books first, but I definitely think it's the way to go! The story connected with me more than it might have without the context of the Theonite series.
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Gore, Death, Violence, Murder, Child death, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Grief, Misogyny, Blood, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism and Miscarriage
toni_k's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Grief, Miscarriage, Suicide, Blood, Child death, Death, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, and Rape