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katleap's review
3.0
3 stars
I received an e-ARC copy of A Mortal Song from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book so bad. It had all the elements I liked. It had an interesting plot line and the world building made sense. I was really happy that the setting was in Japan and the cast was all Japanese. It’s also fantasy and the kami culture was interesting, especially because kami’s are real things. I especially thought that the blend of urban fantasy and mythology worked well.
I was really interested in Sora. The feeling of displacement and how does she fit into the only world she knows but is not really a part of. I also really liked Chiyo. She gets hit with the “you are a kami” punch and totally rolls with it. She is not afraid to try this thing and is never whiney about it. Sora and Chiyo are two sides of the same of coin and I liked the idea of how the two of them could be friends and maybe sisters.
The actual worse thing about the book was Kenji. I loathed that character. Every time he opened his mouth I wanted to punch him. He would figure something out and then blab about it. Sora would be unhappy at him and then think he was cute. I just couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t see any real reason for him, except to make Sora feel like the human world could be home because she fell in love with him. I didn’t like Kenji as a character or the romance.
Overall I liked but the book but I didn’t really connect to it. I kinda felt that I was in a Japanese anime and I never lost that feeling. I think that it is a me thing and I because I couldn’t get over it, I wound up coloring the whole book with it. I did enjoy the book but not as much as I could have.
I received an e-ARC copy of A Mortal Song from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book so bad. It had all the elements I liked. It had an interesting plot line and the world building made sense. I was really happy that the setting was in Japan and the cast was all Japanese. It’s also fantasy and the kami culture was interesting, especially because kami’s are real things. I especially thought that the blend of urban fantasy and mythology worked well.
I was really interested in Sora. The feeling of displacement and how does she fit into the only world she knows but is not really a part of. I also really liked Chiyo. She gets hit with the “you are a kami” punch and totally rolls with it. She is not afraid to try this thing and is never whiney about it. Sora and Chiyo are two sides of the same of coin and I liked the idea of how the two of them could be friends and maybe sisters.
The actual worse thing about the book was Kenji. I loathed that character. Every time he opened his mouth I wanted to punch him. He would figure something out and then blab about it. Sora would be unhappy at him and then think he was cute. I just couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t see any real reason for him, except to make Sora feel like the human world could be home because she fell in love with him. I didn’t like Kenji as a character or the romance.
Overall I liked but the book but I didn’t really connect to it. I kinda felt that I was in a Japanese anime and I never lost that feeling. I think that it is a me thing and I because I couldn’t get over it, I wound up coloring the whole book with it. I did enjoy the book but not as much as I could have.
kblincoln's review against another edition
Writing is solid. The kami and Japanese culture richly imagined. There's nothing I can put a finger on specifically that I found wrong with the book, other than....it didn't quite hold my attention. It's a fine girl-centric tale, but Sora, the daughter of Mt Fuji's kami rulers thrust into role of savior when a demon attacks, felt very familiar. Quests were had, plot twists happened about who Sora really is, and there was even some romantic jostling around of partners, but it felt geared towards a much, much younger audience than mother-of-teenagers me. I do read YA so it wasn't that, it was more that the story itself wasn't told in a way I found fresh. So your mileage may vary. For folks interested in straight up younger YA who have no inkling about Japanese culture, this would be great.
drea_design's review
4.0
It was a very interesting concept and original idea. I enjoyed reading this story and easily got invested in the well-being of the characters. Not quite the ending I was expecting. The story was so good that I expected the ending to totally blow me away. Unfortunately, I was left wishing for more. Don't get me wrong! I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was very hard to put down. I was just hoping for an epic battle of wits to finish off such a captivating story.
This was provided to me free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was provided to me free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
kellsway's review against another edition
4.0
Wow!!
What a splendid read. I laughed and cried for my heroine. This was such a refreshing change from the usual troupes. I definitely recommend this one to all.
What a splendid read. I laughed and cried for my heroine. This was such a refreshing change from the usual troupes. I definitely recommend this one to all.
mandygris's review
3.0
Fantasy stories often are focused on regular people who find out they have incredible powers. People who turn out to be inhuman in part, god-touched, or bonded with otherworldly relics.
The reason why I like A Mortal Song is because it reminds us that humans can be heroes because of their humanity and not despite their humanity.
It is a good conversation and reminder to consider that no power comes without an entrance price, and that this responsibility changes you.
The reason why I like A Mortal Song is because it reminds us that humans can be heroes because of their humanity and not despite their humanity.
It is a good conversation and reminder to consider that no power comes without an entrance price, and that this responsibility changes you.
writingwwolves's review
4.0
I was sent a Kindle copy of A Mortal Song from Megan herself to read and review before it's release. I'd been really excited about this book and I'm definitely not disappointed with what I've read.
It was really refreshing to read a book that wasn't set in England or America, as a lot of the books I read are, so being taken to another part of the world (one I'm curious about) and being immersed in its mythology was really fun.
I really like that the main character in the book wasn't 'the chosen one' as I don't believe I've read a book with this character layout before - it was interesting to see a story like this from the perspective of a character that wasn't expected to save the day (or to do much else to be honest). I enjoyed all of the characters, even the bad ones, and none of them were over- or under-complicated. At times it would have been nice to know how Chiyo felt about what was happening, as she seemed to adapt quite easily to what was happening around her, but Sora's perspective worked well enough (and I'm glad the story wasn't told from Chiyo's perspective).
The story itself was original and the mythology behind it was different from anything I've read before. None of it was over-explained or over-complicated, and there wasn't a single time when I was confused about what something meant or what someone was supposed to be. The pace worked really well for me and there was never a time when I felt bored or tired of the book.
Although I've only given this 4 stars I will place this under my favourites list. That one star has only been lost because part of me feels there could have been a little more to this book - maybe the writing could have been less simplistic OR maybe the same plot could have been made into more than one book; this would have meant more detail and I would LOVE to know that I was going to be reading another book at some point in the same 'world'.... any chance of some novellas Megan? I've definitely been left wanting MORE.
The awarded four stars come from the fact that I loved the original plot, loved that 'the chosen one' wasn't the main focus of the story, loved the setting and connected with Sora. I did shed a tear in the final chapter and so much of me wants to know MORE about what happens next. I might have to read it again immediately.
A massive thank you to Megan for sending me a copy of the book, I am unbelievably grateful and honoured to have had the privilege (and I will definitely be buying a physical copy of the book at some point).
It was really refreshing to read a book that wasn't set in England or America, as a lot of the books I read are, so being taken to another part of the world (one I'm curious about) and being immersed in its mythology was really fun.
I really like that the main character in the book wasn't 'the chosen one' as I don't believe I've read a book with this character layout before - it was interesting to see a story like this from the perspective of a character that wasn't expected to save the day (or to do much else to be honest). I enjoyed all of the characters, even the bad ones, and none of them were over- or under-complicated. At times it would have been nice to know how Chiyo felt about what was happening, as she seemed to adapt quite easily to what was happening around her, but Sora's perspective worked well enough (and I'm glad the story wasn't told from Chiyo's perspective).
The story itself was original and the mythology behind it was different from anything I've read before. None of it was over-explained or over-complicated, and there wasn't a single time when I was confused about what something meant or what someone was supposed to be. The pace worked really well for me and there was never a time when I felt bored or tired of the book.
Although I've only given this 4 stars I will place this under my favourites list. That one star has only been lost because part of me feels there could have been a little more to this book - maybe the writing could have been less simplistic OR maybe the same plot could have been made into more than one book; this would have meant more detail and I would LOVE to know that I was going to be reading another book at some point in the same 'world'.... any chance of some novellas Megan? I've definitely been left wanting MORE.
The awarded four stars come from the fact that I loved the original plot, loved that 'the chosen one' wasn't the main focus of the story, loved the setting and connected with Sora. I did shed a tear in the final chapter and so much of me wants to know MORE about what happens next. I might have to read it again immediately.
A massive thank you to Megan for sending me a copy of the book, I am unbelievably grateful and honoured to have had the privilege (and I will definitely be buying a physical copy of the book at some point).
momwithareadingproblem's review
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
A Mortal Song by Megan Crewe is an impressive tale that blends Japanese mythology with that of the urban world. Sora is the daughter of the kami rulers at Mt. Fuji. She’s been sheltered, loved and immersed in their beliefs. When a demon with an army of ghosts overruns the palace on Sora’s 17th birthday, she escapes with her best friend and loyal guard Takeo, but as she leaves Mt. Fuji behind her powers dissipate and she finds out the world she loves is not the world she belongs to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve always enjoyed a good urban fantasy, but Crewe blends her story with Japanese mythology and I LOVED this element. It brought a magical quality to the story that many urban fantasies lack. Sora is a character that is easily relatable and my heart broke for her over and over again. She’s strong, dedicated, and loyal yet flawed and insecure tying the human world with that of the kami’s perfectly.
The plot is fairly simple. Sora with Takeo and some new found friends must find a way to save the kami from the demon before Fuji erupts. I liked that the plot was easy to follow as I’m unfamiliar with the mythology present in the story. I decided to spend some time on my own researching while I read, though this is NOT necessary, the author just peaked my interest. There is plenty of action and problems along the way to move the story forward. The fight scenes with the ghosts were particularly interesting. They are well written and it was easy to picture it in my mind as a fluid scene while reading.
Overall I really enjoyed Sora’s story. It’s a standalone, which is hard to find these days. Featuring plenty of action, suspense with each rumble from Fuji, and even a little romance, I highly recommend it!
A Mortal Song by Megan Crewe is an impressive tale that blends Japanese mythology with that of the urban world. Sora is the daughter of the kami rulers at Mt. Fuji. She’s been sheltered, loved and immersed in their beliefs. When a demon with an army of ghosts overruns the palace on Sora’s 17th birthday, she escapes with her best friend and loyal guard Takeo, but as she leaves Mt. Fuji behind her powers dissipate and she finds out the world she loves is not the world she belongs to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve always enjoyed a good urban fantasy, but Crewe blends her story with Japanese mythology and I LOVED this element. It brought a magical quality to the story that many urban fantasies lack. Sora is a character that is easily relatable and my heart broke for her over and over again. She’s strong, dedicated, and loyal yet flawed and insecure tying the human world with that of the kami’s perfectly.
The plot is fairly simple. Sora with Takeo and some new found friends must find a way to save the kami from the demon before Fuji erupts. I liked that the plot was easy to follow as I’m unfamiliar with the mythology present in the story. I decided to spend some time on my own researching while I read, though this is NOT necessary, the author just peaked my interest. There is plenty of action and problems along the way to move the story forward. The fight scenes with the ghosts were particularly interesting. They are well written and it was easy to picture it in my mind as a fluid scene while reading.
Overall I really enjoyed Sora’s story. It’s a standalone, which is hard to find these days. Featuring plenty of action, suspense with each rumble from Fuji, and even a little romance, I highly recommend it!
meaganmarie's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This book was definitely interesting and unique. Sora is an extremely likable character who was strong but humble through all of the adversities thrown her way. Keiji and Chiyo were other characters that were really fleshed out and I loved them. But some other characters, like Takeo, fell a little flat for me. I really wanted to like Takeo but he didn't end up standing out enough. Keiji was a great flawed character who you were silently rooting for, and Chiyo was peppy and positive so she was enjoyable to read about. The kami mythology was very represented and well researched. At times I felt a little disappointed with the Japanese cultural elements feelings too stereotypical but that's mostly a personal preference on my end. I definitely got the feel that I was in a Japan setting while reading this and that made me happy. There aren't many widely known or talked about books set in Japan and I think this book does do the culture justice. I REALLY really would have loved some simple phrases used in the text to make the culture stand out even more. This book did have a lot of cultural elements though. The character names, the setting, the basis the plot was set on, the way the kami dressed, the importance of shrines and well being spiritual Japanese populations believe. It was great to see a book include a culture other than western culture.
Kami are invisible deities who can heal unhealthy people, but also help dying people pass their souls on to the next world or sometimes transfer them temporary to something they enjoyed in life before passing on. They get their power from energy that's called ki; and some Kami have more than others. Main character, Sora, is a Kami.
The setting was on Mt. Fuji where Kami (a myth to the humans who live nearby). They act as guardians to the world. Humans, if they believe in the Kami, can pray to them for well being. Modern day Tokyo was a setting as well. I also thought it was cool that the shrines provide a safe haven for Kami. They were a place where ghosts and demon influence couldn't touch.
The plot took me for a turn as well. I thought it was the typical chosen one trope. The chosen one who is oblivious to a prophecy and then one day after trouble arises, they find out they have to fulfill some prophecy is a stereotype I am finding more and more and I don't really enjoy it. This book feels like it's going in that direction and then it took a 360 turn around. It's not a chosen one stereotype at all, so that it definitely something to keep in mind. I think it's something that makes this book appealing as well if you are not wanting that stereotype.
Favorite quote:
"If you give enough to the Earth, it gives you joy in return"
This book was definitely interesting and unique. Sora is an extremely likable character who was strong but humble through all of the adversities thrown her way. Keiji and Chiyo were other characters that were really fleshed out and I loved them. But some other characters, like Takeo, fell a little flat for me. I really wanted to like Takeo but he didn't end up standing out enough. Keiji was a great flawed character who you were silently rooting for, and Chiyo was peppy and positive so she was enjoyable to read about. The kami mythology was very represented and well researched. At times I felt a little disappointed with the Japanese cultural elements feelings too stereotypical but that's mostly a personal preference on my end. I definitely got the feel that I was in a Japan setting while reading this and that made me happy. There aren't many widely known or talked about books set in Japan and I think this book does do the culture justice. I REALLY really would have loved some simple phrases used in the text to make the culture stand out even more. This book did have a lot of cultural elements though. The character names, the setting, the basis the plot was set on, the way the kami dressed, the importance of shrines and well being spiritual Japanese populations believe. It was great to see a book include a culture other than western culture.
Kami are invisible deities who can heal unhealthy people, but also help dying people pass their souls on to the next world or sometimes transfer them temporary to something they enjoyed in life before passing on. They get their power from energy that's called ki; and some Kami have more than others. Main character, Sora, is a Kami.
The setting was on Mt. Fuji where Kami (a myth to the humans who live nearby). They act as guardians to the world. Humans, if they believe in the Kami, can pray to them for well being. Modern day Tokyo was a setting as well. I also thought it was cool that the shrines provide a safe haven for Kami. They were a place where ghosts and demon influence couldn't touch.
The plot took me for a turn as well. I thought it was the typical chosen one trope. The chosen one who is oblivious to a prophecy and then one day after trouble arises, they find out they have to fulfill some prophecy is a stereotype I am finding more and more and I don't really enjoy it. This book feels like it's going in that direction and then it took a 360 turn around. It's not a chosen one stereotype at all, so that it definitely something to keep in mind. I think it's something that makes this book appealing as well if you are not wanting that stereotype.
Favorite quote:
"If you give enough to the Earth, it gives you joy in return"
aziz_reads's review
3.0
Likes:
1. Sora, and Sora's Cahracter, and her dedication to help the people who lied to and betrayed her.
2. Chosen one finds out she's not so Chosen, but tries her best anyway.
3. ASIAN Representation, yo!
Dislikes:
1. Chiyo: Come on. Like really, come on. She got on my nerves more than a few times.
2. Takeo: Clingy, much?
Overall: I liked the plot, the worldbuilding, and the writing itself. But a lot of things (Chiyo and Takeo and almost everything they did or said) annoyed me. And the Dragonfly! The dragonfly wasn't annoying, but deserved better.
I can't say it's my favorite book on my shelf right now, but I will say I wouldn't hesitate to gift it to someone else. My sister, maybe.
1. Sora, and Sora's Cahracter, and her dedication to help the people who lied to and betrayed her.
2. Chosen one finds out she's not so Chosen, but tries her best anyway.
3. ASIAN Representation, yo!
Dislikes:
1. Chiyo: Come on. Like really, come on. She got on my nerves more than a few times.
2. Takeo: Clingy, much?
Overall: I liked the plot, the worldbuilding, and the writing itself. But a lot of things (Chiyo and Takeo and almost everything they did or said) annoyed me. And the Dragonfly! The dragonfly wasn't annoying, but deserved better.
I can't say it's my favorite book on my shelf right now, but I will say I wouldn't hesitate to gift it to someone else. My sister, maybe.