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pip94's review
3.0
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
While I did end up quite liking this book, I definitely had a few issues with it. So I will start with the stuff I enjoyed. Firstly I appreciated the premise of this book - it is a kind of role reversal of the trope of the main character finding out they are part of a mythical race and must save the day. In this book the main character has been living as this magical being but she finds out that she is actually a human. I thought this was really intriguing and it is what first drew me to this book. Generally I though the characters were good, but I would have liked a bit more depth to all of them. I loved the setting and culture included in this book - it's characters are all Japanese and it is set in Tokyo. I have not been exposed to this kind of setting much before, especially in terms of fantasy, so I very much enjoyed it in this book. The magic system was also quite well developed. Now onto things I didn't like. The romance was not my thing at all. There is a vague love triangle, but the main character (Sora) is honest with her feelings so it doesn't last long, which is probably the only good thing about it. I didn't care about the romance or the two guys. I felt that it was more of necessity than any actual feelings between the characters. It just did not work for me, and would have been better without it in my opinion. Another thing I didn't like was the ending. I felt that it was kind of anticlimactic and happened too fast. Overall I liked it but I didn't love it.
While I did end up quite liking this book, I definitely had a few issues with it. So I will start with the stuff I enjoyed. Firstly I appreciated the premise of this book - it is a kind of role reversal of the trope of the main character finding out they are part of a mythical race and must save the day. In this book the main character has been living as this magical being but she finds out that she is actually a human. I thought this was really intriguing and it is what first drew me to this book. Generally I though the characters were good, but I would have liked a bit more depth to all of them. I loved the setting and culture included in this book - it's characters are all Japanese and it is set in Tokyo. I have not been exposed to this kind of setting much before, especially in terms of fantasy, so I very much enjoyed it in this book. The magic system was also quite well developed. Now onto things I didn't like. The romance was not my thing at all. There is a vague love triangle, but the main character (Sora) is honest with her feelings so it doesn't last long, which is probably the only good thing about it. I didn't care about the romance or the two guys. I felt that it was more of necessity than any actual feelings between the characters. It just did not work for me, and would have been better without it in my opinion. Another thing I didn't like was the ending. I felt that it was kind of anticlimactic and happened too fast. Overall I liked it but I didn't love it.
shinimegami23's review against another edition
3.0
It was a fun, easy read. Sora, the main character, has to come to terms with who she is and accept her place in the world. The story was fun and different from anything I've read before, a new take on the Kami (or gods) of Japan. Even though the story was set in Japan and was supposed to be about Japanese Kami, I sort of felt that it could have taken place anywhere in the world. If I hadn't known so much about Japan and visited twice myself, I don't know that I would have been able to envision some of the settings of the story, there wasn't enough description to allow someone with no knowledge of Japan to see the setting. I don't agree with the decision that Sora makes at the end, but then, I'm not her. However, it was nice to see that the author wasn't just glorifying the kami in the book, it took all types of beings to defeat the enemy.
lenoreo's review against another edition
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2017/02/02/a-mortal-song-by-megan-crewe/
4.5 stars -- I'm a day late, but I started reading this book to fulfill the January theme for one of my Diversity challenges, which was "Stories based on/ inspired by diverse folktales/culture/mythology." This book fit that theme PERFECTLY and I'm so glad I picked it up with this challenge in mind, b/c I was thoroughly entertained by Sora's story! This is not a book that typically piques my interest, as I tend to go for either contemporary or more modern paranormal/sci-fi. But after reading a review from Lillian @Mom With a Reading Problem, it sort of just stuck with me. So when I saw it go on sale, and noticed it matched the diversity theme, I snatched it up.
So after that long-winded explanation...ahem. I really loved that this one introduced me to some mythology from Japan. It was all so enchanting, and I loved the blending of the world of the Kami with the modern world in Japan. I'm not really a huge fantasy reader b/c I enjoy the linking back to the real world, so I loved that this was both...I guess kind of urban fantasy then, eh? If you couldn't tell, I'm really not that familiar with the genre.
I loved the uniqueness of Sora's journey. So often we read about a seemingly ordinary girl who actually has extraordinary powers and saves everyone. In some ways Sora's story was kind of opposite. She grew up thinking she was a being of extraordinary powers, but in the end she was a normal human. But it was her normal humanness that helped save everyone (sort of). I really LOVED that. I loved seeing her struggle with the lies she had been told, and how she would deal with her new reality, eventually coming to embrace what it meant. I enjoyed Sora as a narrator, I thought her struggles were relatable and she grew in a reasonable way.
And the plot kept me hooked!! I enjoyed the journey the whole group went on to fulfill the prophecy and defeat the bad guys. There was exciting fight scenes and intriguing plot twists. I was up til 3am reading this bad boy, before I had to finally put it down.
I'm not a fan of love triangles, but this one only bugged me a little since it was pretty shallow, though I will admit that I fell for the first boy and didn't give the second boy nearly enough of a chance, so I didn't really get totally on board with the romance. It's funny, b/c I tend to require romance in the books I read, but I wasn't super invested in this one. It had some great butterfly moments, but I wasn't always convinced of the feelings involved. Perhaps I didn't get what was drawing them together outside of attraction.
As for the side characters, I really enjoyed them and loved that they all had some depth, with both admirable qualities and flaws. I thought Chiyo would annoy me, but I actually came to enjoy her and root for her (and I loved her romance with Haru). I felt similarly about Haru, but he really surprised me, and I kind of loved that. I almost wished I knew more about Takeo, b/c I really enjoyed him, and I felt like there could be more there. And then there's Keiji. I had a harder time forgiving his flaws, but I also enjoyed his redeeming moments (and they made me bawl). I also really liked that he was a bit of a nerd and beta boy. I even kind of enjoyed the bad guy and the story surrounding him.
One of the things that has me rounding down instead of up is that I found I guessed a few major plot twists, and how to defeat the bad guy, quite early on, and so it was frustrating to wait around while Sora (or the others) figured it out. Sometimes I get giddy when I figure things out, but this was just quite obvious so it wasn't quite as fun.
Regardless of all that, I was fully invested in this story, and I LOVED that this was a standalone novel, and I felt like the story got everything it deserved in just one book. And Sora is definitely one of my favourite YA characters, she deals with so much and I admire how she navigated her journey.
4.5 stars -- I'm a day late, but I started reading this book to fulfill the January theme for one of my Diversity challenges, which was "Stories based on/ inspired by diverse folktales/culture/mythology." This book fit that theme PERFECTLY and I'm so glad I picked it up with this challenge in mind, b/c I was thoroughly entertained by Sora's story! This is not a book that typically piques my interest, as I tend to go for either contemporary or more modern paranormal/sci-fi. But after reading a review from Lillian @Mom With a Reading Problem, it sort of just stuck with me. So when I saw it go on sale, and noticed it matched the diversity theme, I snatched it up.
So after that long-winded explanation...ahem. I really loved that this one introduced me to some mythology from Japan. It was all so enchanting, and I loved the blending of the world of the Kami with the modern world in Japan. I'm not really a huge fantasy reader b/c I enjoy the linking back to the real world, so I loved that this was both...I guess kind of urban fantasy then, eh? If you couldn't tell, I'm really not that familiar with the genre.
I loved the uniqueness of Sora's journey. So often we read about a seemingly ordinary girl who actually has extraordinary powers and saves everyone. In some ways Sora's story was kind of opposite. She grew up thinking she was a being of extraordinary powers, but in the end she was a normal human. But it was her normal humanness that helped save everyone (sort of). I really LOVED that. I loved seeing her struggle with the lies she had been told, and how she would deal with her new reality, eventually coming to embrace what it meant. I enjoyed Sora as a narrator, I thought her struggles were relatable and she grew in a reasonable way.
And the plot kept me hooked!! I enjoyed the journey the whole group went on to fulfill the prophecy and defeat the bad guys. There was exciting fight scenes and intriguing plot twists. I was up til 3am reading this bad boy, before I had to finally put it down.
I'm not a fan of love triangles, but this one only bugged me a little since it was pretty shallow, though I will admit that I fell for the first boy and didn't give the second boy nearly enough of a chance, so I didn't really get totally on board with the romance. It's funny, b/c I tend to require romance in the books I read, but I wasn't super invested in this one. It had some great butterfly moments, but I wasn't always convinced of the feelings involved. Perhaps I didn't get what was drawing them together outside of attraction.
As for the side characters, I really enjoyed them and loved that they all had some depth, with both admirable qualities and flaws. I thought Chiyo would annoy me, but I actually came to enjoy her and root for her (and I loved her romance with Haru). I felt similarly about Haru, but he really surprised me, and I kind of loved that. I almost wished I knew more about Takeo, b/c I really enjoyed him, and I felt like there could be more there. And then there's Keiji. I had a harder time forgiving his flaws, but I also enjoyed his redeeming moments (and they made me bawl). I also really liked that he was a bit of a nerd and beta boy. I even kind of enjoyed the bad guy and the story surrounding him.
One of the things that has me rounding down instead of up is that I found I guessed a few major plot twists, and how to defeat the bad guy, quite early on, and so it was frustrating to wait around while Sora (or the others) figured it out. Sometimes I get giddy when I figure things out, but this was just quite obvious so it wasn't quite as fun.
Regardless of all that, I was fully invested in this story, and I LOVED that this was a standalone novel, and I felt like the story got everything it deserved in just one book. And Sora is definitely one of my favourite YA characters, she deals with so much and I admire how she navigated her journey.
theycallmehoops's review
4.0
On the eve of Sora’s 17th birthday, Mount Fuji, her home, is attacked by an army of ghosts. Sora narrowly escapes the mountain where her parents, the king and queen of the kami, and many of the other kami are now trapped. Along with her protector, Takeo, and dragonfly friend, Midori, Sora makes her way to Sage Rin where she learns that the life she’s lead for 17 years was not her life at all. Sora is a human changeling. Her parent’s switched their child for a human child when they learned of a prophecy that the mountain would come under attack and their child would be the one to save them all.
For the first 17 years of her life, Sora believed she was kami, one of Mount Fuji’s protectors, but now she must find the true chosen one and train her so that she can be the hero the kami need to save the mountain.
I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of Megan Crewe’s latest novel. It’s rich with Japanese culture that shows the depth of time and research Crewe spent to make sure this tale came to life. Sora’s story was also really refreshing as a reader, so often in today’s YA we’re shown heroes, but with Sora we’re shown the other side of it, the girl who’s not the chosen one. Of course, she’s still a hero, but in a different way that’s more relatable to us as regular people.
A great choice for fantasy lovers, people interested in Japanese culture, and anyone who wants to read about kick-butt girls.
For the first 17 years of her life, Sora believed she was kami, one of Mount Fuji’s protectors, but now she must find the true chosen one and train her so that she can be the hero the kami need to save the mountain.
I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of Megan Crewe’s latest novel. It’s rich with Japanese culture that shows the depth of time and research Crewe spent to make sure this tale came to life. Sora’s story was also really refreshing as a reader, so often in today’s YA we’re shown heroes, but with Sora we’re shown the other side of it, the girl who’s not the chosen one. Of course, she’s still a hero, but in a different way that’s more relatable to us as regular people.
A great choice for fantasy lovers, people interested in Japanese culture, and anyone who wants to read about kick-butt girls.
simonaisbooked's review
4.0
Sora is living her happy life with her family on Mt. Fuji and the only thing that would make her birthday even better is if her parents let her take on the sacred kami duties. But the day of her birthday her home is attacked by ghosts and with the help of Takeo, she runs away. And that’s when Sora’s live starts to take different direction. She finds out that her powers are just borrowed and that in reality she’s just a human. Oh and let’s not forget that Mt. Fuji has been taken over by the vicious ghosts and that it will influence the whole world. Who’s going to save the day?
Let’s focus on Sora, for a while. She is young kami who finds out she’s not a kami but a human. Her whole life falls apart. She doesn’t believe it, obviously, I wouldn’t either but there’s a seed of doubt in her. Though when she finally admits to herself that yes, she’s a human, she doesn’t become weak. Kami are stronger than humans, they are less likely to be hurt than humans and Takeo keeps treating Sora this way. He tries to keep her safe and all, but he doesn’t realize that she can take care of herself. She knows how to handle a sword and in many cases, it was Sora who saved them. I think she was a real badass even though she was just a human.
Another thing I loved was the setting. The story takes place in Japan which is amazing because I haven’t read a lot of YA fantasy novels based in Asia. If was quite refreshing to be in this part of world, to have these foreign names and elements of different culture and I just really liked it. On top of that, the author threw there a little bit of japan mythology because the main focus of the novel is on kami and again this was really cool because I learned something new. Definitely need more of that.
Ok, now let’s talk about the story. It was packed with action! I swear the characters were jumping from one fight to another and I quite liked it because it was a crazy ride but sometimes it was too much I think. Yes, the characters rested a little but near the end it seemed like they did nothing else then just fighting the ghosts and finding the treasures. And I know this is probably because it is a stand-alone book but thanks to this, I think I didn’t have a real time to connect with the characters and so everything they did was amazing but it didn’t affect me on an emotional level.
Also, ghosts! There aren’t many ghosts in novels anymore and I missed them. I loved the ghost army and I loved the villain and his background, his motivation, his reasons for the things he did. It was all believable and I totally got him though it wasn’t nice. The only thing is, I would like to see him more and have him more present in the story.
All in all, it was amazing story and I had fun. If you like ghosts, danger and lot of fights, go for it. Those of you who like different cultures in novels and mythology, I think you’ll like it too. I was surprised that it’s not a series but it was a good change from all those long series I’m constantly waiting for. This was quick and fun read.
Let’s focus on Sora, for a while. She is young kami who finds out she’s not a kami but a human. Her whole life falls apart. She doesn’t believe it, obviously, I wouldn’t either but there’s a seed of doubt in her. Though when she finally admits to herself that yes, she’s a human, she doesn’t become weak. Kami are stronger than humans, they are less likely to be hurt than humans and Takeo keeps treating Sora this way. He tries to keep her safe and all, but he doesn’t realize that she can take care of herself. She knows how to handle a sword and in many cases, it was Sora who saved them. I think she was a real badass even though she was just a human.
Another thing I loved was the setting. The story takes place in Japan which is amazing because I haven’t read a lot of YA fantasy novels based in Asia. If was quite refreshing to be in this part of world, to have these foreign names and elements of different culture and I just really liked it. On top of that, the author threw there a little bit of japan mythology because the main focus of the novel is on kami and again this was really cool because I learned something new. Definitely need more of that.
Ok, now let’s talk about the story. It was packed with action! I swear the characters were jumping from one fight to another and I quite liked it because it was a crazy ride but sometimes it was too much I think. Yes, the characters rested a little but near the end it seemed like they did nothing else then just fighting the ghosts and finding the treasures. And I know this is probably because it is a stand-alone book but thanks to this, I think I didn’t have a real time to connect with the characters and so everything they did was amazing but it didn’t affect me on an emotional level.
Also, ghosts! There aren’t many ghosts in novels anymore and I missed them. I loved the ghost army and I loved the villain and his background, his motivation, his reasons for the things he did. It was all believable and I totally got him though it wasn’t nice. The only thing is, I would like to see him more and have him more present in the story.
All in all, it was amazing story and I had fun. If you like ghosts, danger and lot of fights, go for it. Those of you who like different cultures in novels and mythology, I think you’ll like it too. I was surprised that it’s not a series but it was a good change from all those long series I’m constantly waiting for. This was quick and fun read.
biblioholicbeth's review
3.0
The whole story in A Mortal Song took place in modern-day Japan, and it was fun to follow the characters as they dealt with both the modern and the mythical. One minute they’re riding in a car, the next they are staying in a shrine that is surrounded by ogres or ghosts. Crewe did a great job melding the two—it could have been extremely clunky, but it flowed well from one to the other. And sometimes both at the same time!
Read the rest of the review at http://vampirebookclub.net/review-a-mortal-song-by-megan-crewe/
Read the rest of the review at http://vampirebookclub.net/review-a-mortal-song-by-megan-crewe/
skelleycat's review against another edition
4.0
I requested this book on a whim, but the Japanese setting and the kami lore intrigued me enough to dive right in. I've noticed a trend in my YA taste these days, and it's for books that steer away from the trends and norms we see so much of in YA lit. This might be the very first book I've read that's set in Japan, and it was such a welcome change.
Crewe has a wonderful way of introducing you to the kami and ghost lore, allowing you to feel a familiarity and comfort with it very early on. The way that ki (energy) is used, consumed, and shared was a different sort of magic system than you'd typically read in a fantasy novel.
I think one of my favorite parts about A Mortal Song, though, is the way Crewe challenges — or maybe breaks — the tropes. Sora starts out thinking she's The Chosen One, the one about which prophecies have been spoken, the one who will someday have to save the world. But when the truth is revealed and she realizes she's NOT the important one, she has to deal with so much introspection and struggle that's refreshing to see teen lit. I very much enjoyed her journey of growth and self acceptance throughout this book, and I like that she was definitely not the only one who had to face personal challenges — they all did!
I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers, but I do recommend this book! Whether you read it for the lore, for the setting, for the story, or for the character growth, it's going to be an enjoyable experience.
Crewe has a wonderful way of introducing you to the kami and ghost lore, allowing you to feel a familiarity and comfort with it very early on. The way that ki (energy) is used, consumed, and shared was a different sort of magic system than you'd typically read in a fantasy novel.
I think one of my favorite parts about A Mortal Song, though, is the way Crewe challenges — or maybe breaks — the tropes. Sora starts out thinking she's The Chosen One, the one about which prophecies have been spoken, the one who will someday have to save the world. But when the truth is revealed and she realizes she's NOT the important one, she has to deal with so much introspection and struggle that's refreshing to see teen lit. I very much enjoyed her journey of growth and self acceptance throughout this book, and I like that she was definitely not the only one who had to face personal challenges — they all did!
I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers, but I do recommend this book! Whether you read it for the lore, for the setting, for the story, or for the character growth, it's going to be an enjoyable experience.
trishajennreads's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not impact my review in any way.
My rating: 4 stars out of 5
Megan Crewe's A Mortal Song heaps the stakes toweringly high–identity crises, kidnapping, tortured parents, the potential end of the world, first love...and second love, betrayal, and supernatural battles. Whew! This novel is action-packed, full of twists, and super cool magical battles.
The blend of contemporary YA with the fantastical Kami of Japan was intriguing. Megan does a great job of exploring how to accept emotions, analyze the, and use that understanding to make decisions. My only complaint, is that in the climactic battle the resolution felt too easy. I wanted one more big twist.
I really enjoyed this book! Contemporary plus a bit of fantasy and some epic battles makes for a fun read.
Full review to be posted at http://trishajennreads.com
My rating: 4 stars out of 5
Megan Crewe's A Mortal Song heaps the stakes toweringly high–identity crises, kidnapping, tortured parents, the potential end of the world, first love...and second love, betrayal, and supernatural battles. Whew! This novel is action-packed, full of twists, and super cool magical battles.
The blend of contemporary YA with the fantastical Kami of Japan was intriguing. Megan does a great job of exploring how to accept emotions, analyze the, and use that understanding to make decisions. My only complaint, is that in the climactic battle the resolution felt too easy. I wanted one more big twist.
I really enjoyed this book! Contemporary plus a bit of fantasy and some epic battles makes for a fun read.
Full review to be posted at http://trishajennreads.com
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so awesome! I loved the world of the kami and ghosts and ki, and yeah, really awesome story! So enjoyable!
brokebybooks's review against another edition
3.0
Mortal Song hooked me with the interesting premise, following an Unchosen One in Japan. There were a lot of ups and downs, never sinking below “Okay” or rising above “Better”, leaving it an average 3 stars.
It was an easy and quick read, but I was never fully immersed. I was aware that I was reading and of what I was reading the whole time. There’s plenty of action and problems to keep it moving, but I think I’d liked it if that was sacrificed to flesh it out more.
I will say though, only some issues were felt while reading. The rest came in when I sat down to write this review and the more I thought, the more I realized.
After it all, Mortal Song was worth reading for me but I wouldn’t call it satisfying. It’s complete and I’m moving on. What I really have a hankering for now though is something more authentic and immersive. I don’t think I’ll find another quite like Mortal Song though, so it’s too bad I didn’t like it more. I certainly wanted to.
The beginning was interesting but had rough spots. Mostly tied to characters who should know this shit acting dumb so someone can explain it to the readers and repetition. Did you guys know The Seer’s prophecies are vague and obscure? Like really? And she hasn’t changed! OMG!
It got better once they were around humans to play the audience substitute.
Unfortunately, there is one glaring plot hole I caught right away, one “Uh, when was this decided?” missing piece, and a “why didn’t they think of or mention that?” misstep. It is possible to ignore it but it sticks out memorably after reading. Of course, I wasn’t immersed either so it didn’t kill my enjoyment as much as usual.
What kept me going throughout it all was Sora and her Unchosen One story line. But that didn’t last all the way through. It became a sort of mish-mash of Chosen One sub-tropes which ends up being kinda-sorta-not-really different. This along with more rushing and logic leaps like the beginning is what really brought the ending down.
While I enjoyed the action in between, it was a bit much. A Mortal Song could’ve used less of that and more depth to bring it to life. I wanted to get lost in this world, but couldn’t, like music that’s out of tune.
I know this sounds allll negative and I hate that because it was enjoyable. I liked how they thought their way through the myriad of problems and obstacles. I loved Sora and Keiji, separate and together. There was a twist I didn’t see coming, which I obviously can’t reveal. The reasons behind the ghostly invasion and its leader were perfect that again, I can’t discuss. Music was important to Sora and the kami with it being laced throughout and was rather touching. It was great meeting the different kinds of kami and mythological creatures.
World Building:
I don’t want to call it shallow, but it didn’t go deep enough for me. It focuses on action and isn’t very descriptive. I wasn’t immersed; I was aware that I was reading and of what I was reading the whole time.
Wouldn’t there be more to it? What about the origin stories and famous kami? No thoughts on how wrong the modern depiction is of kami? Or is it right? Wouldn’t the humans ask questions like “How true are the legends? The animes?”
Crew did her research. It does show throughout the novel and in her author's note but I still felt something was missing.
It’s interesting for those that aren’t familiar with Shinto and kami but doesn’t have the same soul.
Characters:
A Mortal Song focuses on Sora’s character progression and inner turmoil amid the action. I liked Sora and the issues she was grappling with. It was a great journey from beginning to end. I appreciated her romantic problems and thoughts on the matter. However, she’s marred by plot twists that make her another special snowflake and ruin the initial premise I loved.
Keiji was a loveable, adorable geek. Behind Sora, he was my favorite. However, that’s hardly surprising given how one-dimensional the kami were, which was on purpose but disappointing.
Chiyo was a major disappointment. She seemed really human at first and became the Chosen Magical girl stereotype. She should’ve been fleshed out more. Not only would it have been enjoyable, but it’s add balance and reinforce the themes of A Mortal Song. Takeo was kami too, but didn't have the same characterization issues as her.
Decent read I don’t regret but it wasn’t what I was expecting or ultimately looking for.
If it sounds interesting, I’d preview it to check it out. Buying an e-copy, reading it on Kindle Unlimited, or borrowing it would be a great idea if we’re similar readers, though the cover is gorgeous.
I also think if you don’t like Sora, you won’t like A Mortal Song.
It was an easy and quick read, but I was never fully immersed. I was aware that I was reading and of what I was reading the whole time. There’s plenty of action and problems to keep it moving, but I think I’d liked it if that was sacrificed to flesh it out more.
I will say though, only some issues were felt while reading. The rest came in when I sat down to write this review and the more I thought, the more I realized.
After it all, Mortal Song was worth reading for me but I wouldn’t call it satisfying. It’s complete and I’m moving on. What I really have a hankering for now though is something more authentic and immersive. I don’t think I’ll find another quite like Mortal Song though, so it’s too bad I didn’t like it more. I certainly wanted to.
The beginning was interesting but had rough spots. Mostly tied to characters who should know this shit acting dumb so someone can explain it to the readers and repetition. Did you guys know The Seer’s prophecies are vague and obscure? Like really? And she hasn’t changed! OMG!
It got better once they were around humans to play the audience substitute.
Unfortunately, there is one glaring plot hole I caught right away, one “Uh, when was this decided?” missing piece, and a “why didn’t they think of or mention that?” misstep. It is possible to ignore it but it sticks out memorably after reading. Of course, I wasn’t immersed either so it didn’t kill my enjoyment as much as usual.
What kept me going throughout it all was Sora and her Unchosen One story line. But that didn’t last all the way through. It became a sort of mish-mash of Chosen One sub-tropes which ends up being kinda-sorta-not-really different. This along with more rushing and logic leaps like the beginning is what really brought the ending down.
While I enjoyed the action in between, it was a bit much. A Mortal Song could’ve used less of that and more depth to bring it to life. I wanted to get lost in this world, but couldn’t, like music that’s out of tune.
I know this sounds allll negative and I hate that because it was enjoyable. I liked how they thought their way through the myriad of problems and obstacles. I loved Sora and Keiji, separate and together. There was a twist I didn’t see coming, which I obviously can’t reveal. The reasons behind the ghostly invasion and its leader were perfect that again, I can’t discuss. Music was important to Sora and the kami with it being laced throughout and was rather touching. It was great meeting the different kinds of kami and mythological creatures.
World Building:
I don’t want to call it shallow, but it didn’t go deep enough for me. It focuses on action and isn’t very descriptive. I wasn’t immersed; I was aware that I was reading and of what I was reading the whole time.
Wouldn’t there be more to it? What about the origin stories and famous kami? No thoughts on how wrong the modern depiction is of kami? Or is it right? Wouldn’t the humans ask questions like “How true are the legends? The animes?”
Crew did her research. It does show throughout the novel and in her author's note but I still felt something was missing.
It’s interesting for those that aren’t familiar with Shinto and kami but doesn’t have the same soul.
Characters:
A Mortal Song focuses on Sora’s character progression and inner turmoil amid the action. I liked Sora and the issues she was grappling with. It was a great journey from beginning to end. I appreciated her romantic problems and thoughts on the matter. However, she’s marred by plot twists that make her another special snowflake and ruin the initial premise I loved.
Keiji was a loveable, adorable geek. Behind Sora, he was my favorite. However, that’s hardly surprising given how one-dimensional the kami were, which was on purpose but disappointing.
Chiyo was a major disappointment. She seemed really human at first and became the Chosen Magical girl stereotype. She should’ve been fleshed out more. Not only would it have been enjoyable, but it’s add balance and reinforce the themes of A Mortal Song. Takeo was kami too, but didn't have the same characterization issues as her.
Decent read I don’t regret but it wasn’t what I was expecting or ultimately looking for.
If it sounds interesting, I’d preview it to check it out. Buying an e-copy, reading it on Kindle Unlimited, or borrowing it would be a great idea if we’re similar readers, though the cover is gorgeous.
I also think if you don’t like Sora, you won’t like A Mortal Song.