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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
So, this was cute. I will say that I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped--the book suffers hugely from a pacing issue that's never really resolved--but I did enjoy it once I managed to force myself past the halfway point. It does very much read like a fairytale or a Ghibli movie with a hint of darker tones. It's just the pacing is... not great. This is largely due to the chapters being short and cutting off when they don't really need to. It makes the book feel much longer than it is, which dragged my enjoyment down by a lot. Also, Miuko felt... uneven(?) as a character. Like, her transformation didn't feel entirely earned and I think it's due to the pacing. Places where I wish the plot would have slowed down sped through and places where I wished they'd speed up seemed to take forever.
Overall, not bad, but I don't think I'll be keeping this one on my shelves.
Spoiler
I will say that the twist towards the ending was interesting, but also felt off? I both liked it and didn't, if that makes any sense. Like, I liked seeing how Miuko made changes to the timeline she was currently in, but it also made things drag out exponentially in a way I could have done without.Overall, not bad, but I don't think I'll be keeping this one on my shelves.
This book was a fantastic read, brimming with magic, whimsy, & adventure - everything you want in a good fairytale! It felt like a studio Ghibli movie & it was great
The Japanese-inspired realm of Awara was fascinating & vividly described. The highlight of the entire book for me was the variety of spirits that Miuko encountered; their diverse personalities were incredible, & I found myself wishing I could meet some of them
Although it's classified as YA, it never felt like a book for a younger audience only. It was a wonderfully addictive magical adventure that can be enjoyed at any age
I was concerned about the shift in part two, but ended up really enjoying how it allowed us to explore more of the realm
My only criticism is that I felt the story could have ended on the bank when Muiko returned. It felt like it stretched on a little unnecessary afterwards & the conclusion seemed a bit anticlimactic, although I liked the very end & knowing what happened to everyone afterwards, as well as the open ending that leaves us wondering what Muiko will get up to next
I enjoyed this story a lot & it’s a book I know one day I’ll want my children to read
The Japanese-inspired realm of Awara was fascinating & vividly described. The highlight of the entire book for me was the variety of spirits that Miuko encountered; their diverse personalities were incredible, & I found myself wishing I could meet some of them
Although it's classified as YA, it never felt like a book for a younger audience only. It was a wonderfully addictive magical adventure that can be enjoyed at any age
I was concerned about the shift in part two, but ended up really enjoying how it allowed us to explore more of the realm
My only criticism is that I felt the story could have ended on the bank when Muiko returned. It felt like it stretched on a little unnecessary afterwards & the conclusion seemed a bit anticlimactic, although I liked the very end & knowing what happened to everyone afterwards, as well as the open ending that leaves us wondering what Muiko will get up to next
I enjoyed this story a lot & it’s a book I know one day I’ll want my children to read
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
this was...one hell of a roller coaster ride. i can't say i loved this book, but it was entertaining for sure. the storytelling has a certain charm to it, but i wasn't really able to emotionally connect with the characters so i ended up not having strong feelings about the book in general. however, it is still worth the read if you're looking for a book filled with twists and adventures.
This was my third time picking this up since I bought it back in 2022 and I just couldn't get into it. Finally did, and it was unfortunately extremely boring. It's a shame.
A fantastical fairy tale with Japanese cultural elements infused throughout. Could easily be a studio Ghibli project. But what I loved most about this story was the internal transformation of the main character. You see her grow strong, powerful and self-assured. She rescues others, she offers a new life to some, and ultimately returns to her village changed for the better. A true hero’s journey. Some time travel elements. Lots of folklore and spirits that had me wishing for a reference in the back.
Something about the story felt a bit disjointed… as if plot points didn’t flow naturally but we’re instead forced in. Like ‘Spirited Away’, you just have to go with it and you’ll enjoy the ride.
Something about the story felt a bit disjointed… as if plot points didn’t flow naturally but we’re instead forced in. Like ‘Spirited Away’, you just have to go with it and you’ll enjoy the ride.
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
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