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swirlnswing's review
4.0
Yet another solid offering from Mrs. Sun.
I love the idea of the Kami, and I have done a smidge of research into the lore surrounding the Kami, and I'm looking forward to see how the final book in this series reconciles the good and the bad bits.
And, like I said after Shadow and Ink... I really want to go to Japan now. Somebody donate to a Kickstarter for me to swing the airfare? ;)
Spoiler
I will say that the Shiori subplot seemed unnecessary; to villainize her seemed a bit of a stretch. I also think that making Ikeda into a bit of a nasty thing just before the novel ended seemed silly, but in general, the story moved well, and I liked that it was unclear whether Tomo was good or bad up until the last pages.I love the idea of the Kami, and I have done a smidge of research into the lore surrounding the Kami, and I'm looking forward to see how the final book in this series reconciles the good and the bad bits.
And, like I said after Shadow and Ink... I really want to go to Japan now. Somebody donate to a Kickstarter for me to swing the airfare? ;)
groundedwanderlust's review
4.0
A really great sequel. There were several surprises that left me reeling (I didn't like one of them AT ALL!!!!). Now I can't wait to see what happens next!
loveisnotatriangle's review
3.0
3.5 stars. So much of this series I love. The Japanese culture. The ink mythology. The drawings in the text. Watching Katie struggle to navigate a society that is foreign to hers. A diverse relationship with a Japanese boy. Even the way these two tried to work together despite the odds against them. Although Tomo started the series as a typical mysterious bad boy, I've loved watching his growth even while he fights something much bigger than himself that he doesn't understand.
However the elements I didn't like brought the story down big time. I had trouble connecting with Katie's decisions in this book, and I haven't forgiven her for some of the things she does. This book tries to reintroduce a love triangle with Jun and it was about the most irritating thing ever. It never progresses that far but it's also nowhere near as innocent as Katie keeps claiming. Take some responsibly, girl! There's also some other side characters trying to enact some sort of love pentagon, which made the whole situation worse. Thankfully, Tomo stands strong through it all, but he was way too forgiving of Katie in my opinion.
Thankfully, by the end of the book the relationship drama has been settled (for now. I don't trust that it won't resurge again). However I don want to reiterate that this isn't ever a real love triangle. It's always Katie and Tomo as the main pair, but will annoying obstacles thrown in. Mostly Katie's fault.
As for the mythology, which should be the main event but couldn't stand up to the love situation, we get both exciting and devastating revelations, and I'm eager to see how this all resolves at the end of the final book. (If I can convince myself to read it, after verifying no more triangles).
Love Triangle Factor: In reality, Mild. In emotional aggravation, at least a Medium*
Cliffhanger Scale: Low/Medium. Stops in a settled moment, good breaking point. But includes some revelations that tease their next steps.
*If you are less militant about triangles than I am, you may weight this part of the book far less on the emotional annoyance scale.
See my full review HERE on my blog: Love is not a triangle
However the elements I didn't like brought the story down big time. I had trouble connecting with Katie's decisions in this book, and I haven't forgiven her for some of the things she does. This book tries to reintroduce a love triangle with Jun and it was about the most irritating thing ever. It never progresses that far but it's also nowhere near as innocent as Katie keeps claiming. Take some responsibly, girl!
Spoiler
Be warned. She spent every visit with Jun secretly mooning over him and feeling guilty about it. She also went on about how she wanted to be united with Tomo and then 2 seconds later snuck off to see Jun so she could ask him to 'help' her and Tomo. I wasn't buying it.Thankfully, by the end of the book the relationship drama has been settled (for now. I don't trust that it won't resurge again). However I don want to reiterate that this isn't ever a real love triangle. It's always Katie and Tomo as the main pair, but will annoying obstacles thrown in. Mostly Katie's fault.
As for the mythology, which should be the main event but couldn't stand up to the love situation, we get both exciting and devastating revelations, and I'm eager to see how this all resolves at the end of the final book. (If I can convince myself to read it, after verifying no more triangles).
Love Triangle Factor: In reality, Mild. In emotional aggravation, at least a Medium*
Cliffhanger Scale: Low/Medium. Stops in a settled moment, good breaking point. But includes some revelations that tease their next steps.
*If you are less militant about triangles than I am, you may weight this part of the book far less on the emotional annoyance scale.
See my full review HERE on my blog: Love is not a triangle
the_cover_contessa's review
4.0
I want to thank Harlequin Teen for providing me with an early copy of this book to read for an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.
When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.
When I received Ink at BEA last year, I wasn't sure what I would think about it. So I just jumped right in and hoped it would be something I would enjoy. And I'm so glad I did. So you can imagine I've been waiting for this book to be in my hands for a while. I was so excited when I was able to get a copy to read because while the first book did not end in a cliff hanger that had me chomping at the bit, I really needed to know what happened next in the story.
If you haven't read Ink, then stop! This review may contain spoilers. So you've been forewarned!
The story picks up pretty much where Ink left off. Katie is supposed to leave and go back to Canada to live with her grandparents, but she changes her mind and decides Japan is where she needs to be. I'm glad she decided to stay. I needed to see what would happen if she continued to be around Tomor, how the Ink would react, and how he would react to it.
Katie continues to be a strong character. I love that she just can't keep away from Tomo, no matter how much she knows he may be a danger to her. Her bond to him is too strong to break. But that doesn't mean she's not somewhat scared of him. She's very curious about her own link to the Ink, though, and Tomo seems to be her connection to that. And Katie has so much more on her plate, now. She's been through so much with the Kami. And every thing she does in Rain puts her in more and more danger. But she is determined to get to the bottom of her connection with the Ink.
Tomo, he's so broken and hopeless. He knows he is Kami and there is nothing he can do about it. He knows he is not good for Katie, but he can't keep himself from loving her and wanting to be with her. No matter how much he pushes her away, they always end up back together. But the ink is taking over and he's becoming more and more erratic. He's also losing himself to it and it's affecting his relationship with everyone around him. He can't decide if he should draw or not draw, which would help him counter his reaction to the ink?
Enter Jun, who obviously has his own thing for Katie. But she is not sure if she should trust him with her secrets, even though he seems to be genuine about his concern for her and Tomo. Honestly, I didn't now whether or not to trust him and I still don't! He seems to have a good heart, with good intentions, but there's something missing in the way he goes about interacting with Katie.
Finally we have Shiori. I can honestly say I'm just not a fan. And I'm sure Sun meant for me to feel that way. She's very selfish and obviously in love with Tomo. He does everything to help her feel wanted, but he is honest in telling her that he doesn't want anymore with her. But she can't accept this and taunts Katie with the fact that she believes she's not good for Tomo, that she can't give Tomo what he needs because she is American and doesn't understand him culturally. I wanted to slap her most of the book (even though she's pregnant) and had absolutely NO sympathy for her whatsoever.
As with Ink, Sun's writing is, well, WOW. I really enjoyed how she was able to describe Japan. I've never been there, but I can really picture the places she describes in my mind. And the romantic moments and action moments and all other moments in the book had me running right along with the characters. I could feel their emotions: their fear, their love, their confusion.
I think my favorite part of the book was Jun's development. You see so much more of him in this book. And the twist you learn about his character makes you understand all his actions during the first and the second books. Some people who read this did not like the re-introduction of the love triangle we saw in the first book. Personally, I saw it as a necessary evil. When Jun's intentions are finally revealed in the end, it makes sense that Sun needed to have him close to Kate.
Like Ink, I really enjoyed this book. I have to say that the beginning was fast but it did have a dip of action and slowing down of pace in the middle. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, though. Sun is able to infuse Japanese culture in a way that makes you understand it and doesn't overwhelm you. The romance is nice as it's not overdone. The interactions between Katie and Tomo are real and genuine. The paranormal element, like in Ink, is so different than any other paranormal you might read. Overall a great sequel to the story which left me wanting more!
Blurb from Goodreads:
American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.
When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.
When I received Ink at BEA last year, I wasn't sure what I would think about it. So I just jumped right in and hoped it would be something I would enjoy. And I'm so glad I did. So you can imagine I've been waiting for this book to be in my hands for a while. I was so excited when I was able to get a copy to read because while the first book did not end in a cliff hanger that had me chomping at the bit, I really needed to know what happened next in the story.
If you haven't read Ink, then stop! This review may contain spoilers. So you've been forewarned!
The story picks up pretty much where Ink left off. Katie is supposed to leave and go back to Canada to live with her grandparents, but she changes her mind and decides Japan is where she needs to be. I'm glad she decided to stay. I needed to see what would happen if she continued to be around Tomor, how the Ink would react, and how he would react to it.
Katie continues to be a strong character. I love that she just can't keep away from Tomo, no matter how much she knows he may be a danger to her. Her bond to him is too strong to break. But that doesn't mean she's not somewhat scared of him. She's very curious about her own link to the Ink, though, and Tomo seems to be her connection to that. And Katie has so much more on her plate, now. She's been through so much with the Kami. And every thing she does in Rain puts her in more and more danger. But she is determined to get to the bottom of her connection with the Ink.
Tomo, he's so broken and hopeless. He knows he is Kami and there is nothing he can do about it. He knows he is not good for Katie, but he can't keep himself from loving her and wanting to be with her. No matter how much he pushes her away, they always end up back together. But the ink is taking over and he's becoming more and more erratic. He's also losing himself to it and it's affecting his relationship with everyone around him. He can't decide if he should draw or not draw, which would help him counter his reaction to the ink?
Enter Jun, who obviously has his own thing for Katie. But she is not sure if she should trust him with her secrets, even though he seems to be genuine about his concern for her and Tomo. Honestly, I didn't now whether or not to trust him and I still don't! He seems to have a good heart, with good intentions, but there's something missing in the way he goes about interacting with Katie.
Finally we have Shiori. I can honestly say I'm just not a fan. And I'm sure Sun meant for me to feel that way. She's very selfish and obviously in love with Tomo. He does everything to help her feel wanted, but he is honest in telling her that he doesn't want anymore with her. But she can't accept this and taunts Katie with the fact that she believes she's not good for Tomo, that she can't give Tomo what he needs because she is American and doesn't understand him culturally. I wanted to slap her most of the book (even though she's pregnant) and had absolutely NO sympathy for her whatsoever.
As with Ink, Sun's writing is, well, WOW. I really enjoyed how she was able to describe Japan. I've never been there, but I can really picture the places she describes in my mind. And the romantic moments and action moments and all other moments in the book had me running right along with the characters. I could feel their emotions: their fear, their love, their confusion.
I think my favorite part of the book was Jun's development. You see so much more of him in this book. And the twist you learn about his character makes you understand all his actions during the first and the second books. Some people who read this did not like the re-introduction of the love triangle we saw in the first book. Personally, I saw it as a necessary evil. When Jun's intentions are finally revealed in the end, it makes sense that Sun needed to have him close to Kate.
Like Ink, I really enjoyed this book. I have to say that the beginning was fast but it did have a dip of action and slowing down of pace in the middle. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, though. Sun is able to infuse Japanese culture in a way that makes you understand it and doesn't overwhelm you. The romance is nice as it's not overdone. The interactions between Katie and Tomo are real and genuine. The paranormal element, like in Ink, is so different than any other paranormal you might read. Overall a great sequel to the story which left me wanting more!
wampus's review
3.0
A little too much love triangle for me (even if it was pretty well integrated into the mythological side of the plot), and a little too consistently dark.
morjo's review
5.0
I loved this sequel. Some sequels don't make sense, and feel like a forced continuation of the story. This one did not. I loved the flow of the book and the introduction to more of the world of the kami. I enjoyed how all of the character's developed or took turns, Jun's character especially.
I am excited to read the third book now!
I am excited to read the third book now!
kassy25's review
3.0
What fun! However I did feel that not much happened in this book! I felt that there was way too muchc angst in this book with Tomo and Katie. Also what was up with Tomos friend. She was so rude to Katie! I didn't even think she would have had feeling for Tomo it was never implied in the first book! But Amanda Sun probably added it for more drama to the story. But I hope I have a good resolution for the last book!
bibliosini's review
5.0
This. Was. AMAZING!!!
Throughout the story, I was totally with the characters! I felt what they felt, feared what they feared, and that was an amazing feeling! I love Katie and Tomohiro and even Jun, regardless of what he is (*wink*).
I was a lot like embarking on an amazing journey and Sun gave her world so much more substance in RAIN! This was so amazing and I'm so glad that it didn't dissapoint after how amazing INK was!
You've got amazing talent, Amanda Sun, and we're so lucky that we got to experience some of it! Goddamn amazing piece of writing!
Throughout the story, I was totally with the characters! I felt what they felt, feared what they feared, and that was an amazing feeling! I love Katie and Tomohiro and even Jun, regardless of what he is (*wink*).
I was a lot like embarking on an amazing journey and Sun gave her world so much more substance in RAIN! This was so amazing and I'm so glad that it didn't dissapoint after how amazing INK was!
You've got amazing talent, Amanda Sun, and we're so lucky that we got to experience some of it! Goddamn amazing piece of writing!
camelle's review
5.0
This review can also be viewed on my blog Home of a Book Lover
If you haven't read this book yet or the first book Ink , you're missing the fun! I suggest every one should try to read this, and if you're an anime fan? I swear you'll enjoy this. I personally had fun reading the first book and this second book, still it looks like a manga to me without no photos on every pages, but I could imagine everything. It is so much fun to read and it was like I am watching a movie (Oh how I wish this is a movie! PLEASE!). The story is straight forward with some touch of Japanese history on it and the way it was written is not a boring one. I just found myself turning the page over and over until I reached the end. Plus! You'll learn some Japanese words. LOL.
Of course, a book without romance is not complete, but this one is kind of challenging, it is because the two persons involved contains a power that are dangerous when they're near each other. But!!!! I seriously like Tomohiro, I'll give you a hint, he is one of the strongest Kami. I see him as a sweet, easy going type of boyfriend. He is in a relationship with Katie, the american girl (read the book one please!). Anyway, I love their relationship always trying and always protecting each other's back. Not just that, their relationship has been put to a test so many times and yet, they're still together. There's another hindrance on their relationship, another guy... I won't say the name, but Tomohiro doesn't like him since they met on the first book. I guess he is his mortal enemy and yet, Katie is close to this guy. The three of them has a hidden secrets that were revealed here on the second book. It was really awesome and mind twisting.
Is it obvious that I've enjoyed reading the book? Well.. honestly.. it was worth my time, it was a great read. I like it so much! and I can't wait for the third book! so far, it is a cliff hanger the story doesn't end there because the author revealed another Katie secret. Well.. I guess.. the next book will focus on Katie? There are questions in my head now.. like what's Katie's power? How can she affect Tomohiro's power now? When will the Kami war ends? I am really excited for everything hopefully the wait is not that long!
And before I end the review... I want to praise the cover of the book! Look at that, Japanese themed yeah? very pretty!!! I love it so much! The first book was a pink cover book, now purple... I wonder what's the next one? I seriously can't wait!!! And hopefully, this turned in to a movie!
If you haven't read this book yet or the first book Ink , you're missing the fun! I suggest every one should try to read this, and if you're an anime fan? I swear you'll enjoy this. I personally had fun reading the first book and this second book, still it looks like a manga to me without no photos on every pages, but I could imagine everything. It is so much fun to read and it was like I am watching a movie (Oh how I wish this is a movie! PLEASE!). The story is straight forward with some touch of Japanese history on it and the way it was written is not a boring one. I just found myself turning the page over and over until I reached the end. Plus! You'll learn some Japanese words. LOL.
Of course, a book without romance is not complete, but this one is kind of challenging, it is because the two persons involved contains a power that are dangerous when they're near each other. But!!!! I seriously like Tomohiro, I'll give you a hint, he is one of the strongest Kami. I see him as a sweet, easy going type of boyfriend. He is in a relationship with Katie, the american girl (read the book one please!). Anyway, I love their relationship always trying and always protecting each other's back. Not just that, their relationship has been put to a test so many times and yet, they're still together. There's another hindrance on their relationship, another guy... I won't say the name, but Tomohiro doesn't like him since they met on the first book. I guess he is his mortal enemy and yet, Katie is close to this guy. The three of them has a hidden secrets that were revealed here on the second book. It was really awesome and mind twisting.
Is it obvious that I've enjoyed reading the book? Well.. honestly.. it was worth my time, it was a great read. I like it so much! and I can't wait for the third book! so far, it is a cliff hanger the story doesn't end there because the author revealed another Katie secret. Well.. I guess.. the next book will focus on Katie? There are questions in my head now.. like what's Katie's power? How can she affect Tomohiro's power now? When will the Kami war ends? I am really excited for everything hopefully the wait is not that long!
And before I end the review... I want to praise the cover of the book! Look at that, Japanese themed yeah? very pretty!!! I love it so much! The first book was a pink cover book, now purple... I wonder what's the next one? I seriously can't wait!!! And hopefully, this turned in to a movie!