Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - The Sword of Kaigen

Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

23 reviews

cwallace1005's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

This was a tough one to rate. The pacing of this book was... interesting. The first third was a little boring, to be honest. The middle third was exciting, but a little long and repetitive. The last third was emotionally interesting, but a definite drop in action. Definitely a unique structure for a book. This is also considered a standalone book, and while I agree that it does stand on its own, there are a lot of things set up that didn't feel complete by the end of the book. I believe this is sort of a prequel to another series from the author that she's stated she isn't going to continue. But the writing is mostly very good and the characterization is beautiful. I nearly rated this book 4 stars for Misaki alone, I love her story.

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ichinoot's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

Beautifully written story about the tragedies and reality of war, in a world so different from our own, but still so grounded and human. An incredibly emotional story mixed with an amazing power system and very well written action, you will most definitely not want to put this book down.

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lejones1785's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I am conflicted about this book. We all want books that make you feel things. Well this one really hit the spot. I have been so angry at these characters, but I have also shed tears. It was a beautifully written book, but I just can't love it. After years of abuse and being held back from being an amazing warrior, a duel makes everything ok? The love that never was just appeared? And now it's back to house wife and opening a restaurant? There was so much potential in the story that I'm a bit disappointed in the end. Maybe it's setting up for future stories? It's a good book, just not on my top list.

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parasihir's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional 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

Probably the first book in 2024 that makes me spill tears with extra enormous effort to not let out a scream. It hurts me real bad. Everything flows perfectly. Even at the first chapter, I actually had a great time savoring the world-building, the terms, the magic with painstaking effort to go back and forth from the book to the glossary. Yes, I open it on another tab, but it was still a little bit of effort because I wanted to understand everything. It made me that interested and immersed in the story.

Since the very moment I read the way Mamoru jumped to go to his school, I know I love that boy.

And my biggest devastation comes from the way he stayed true to his name. To protect. Nyama to you, the Protector. Nyama to you, Son, Brother, Friend. Nyama to you, Soldier. You did your part. I love you so much.

And I absolutely head over heels for Misaki. My MOTHER.

The way everything unfolds leaves me with hunger. I need more. I need it. So I just read, read, read and then suddenly (not so sudden), everything that was once broken becomes better. Not the best. But better. Life, I suppose, does go that way. A little better than yesterday.

The Sword of Kaigen has every elements you can ask for in a fantasy book. A good world-building, a wonderful magic system (it is actually not that complicated once you take notes of it), a amazing characterization of all characters, a admirable relationship (of all kind, I mean it), a real plot, and the best ending you can ask for. It has been a long time since I actually finish a fantasy book with a new whole concept like this. A new world, though M.L. Wang seems to write it based on East Asian culture. Hard to grasp at first, but perfect when you get to understand it.

If you want a real good book to read to keep you focused in turning the pages as it hooks you in the story, The Sword of Kaigen is the best choice. Trust me. And also, may you will find this book as gorgeous as I find it, if you decide to pick it up, of course. Love you!

Nyama to you, my fellow reader.

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arirs's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Sword of Kaigan was such a joy to read. Right from the beginning I was captivated by the amazing world and characters. The pacing was great and I loved all the action but the most satisfying part for me was the incredible character development. The story was gut-wrenching and it is a heavy read but the author does give the reader some hope within all the bad and ugly which I loved as I think it is relatable to a lot of people to succumb to helplessness but Misaki shows us that despite all the darkness and tragedy you can still find light and happiness. The only reason I am not giving it a full 5 stars is because I felt the ending was slightly rushed but that may have also been me just not wanting it to end.

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bittcr4k's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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

4.75

The pen man ship was like a dance, rhythmic and well articulated. I think I can compliment this book for its deep characters and there are many, by no means the author had a small cast and all characters got brilliant character arcs. For a character driven book the plot was great, to be honest I wish to see some cast again but sadly, the author says this series is discontinued. The author has great skills but they need to get a real editor.

The only issue for me was the ending. Why must you leave us with so many unanswered question, why?

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lifeofchrstnlvly's review against another edition

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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.

My only "complaint" is that while I knew Takeru's transformation spanned a couple of months, it felt quick to me as a reader because it was only shown over a few pages. I wouldn't mind reading an extra 10 pages to ensure a smoother transition for Takeru, from being the character we hated most to someone we can tolerate (and possibly respect).

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?

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calmcozycorner's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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

4.0

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eleonorehilbig's review against another edition

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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.

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lilifane's review against another edition

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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.

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