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A review by alexalala
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
WOW guys I've never been drawn into a book so much in a long time. I read this 651 page book in just 2 days.
Misaki has put down her sword to become a housewife in the greatest warrior family in Kaigen. Her son is trying to live up to the shadow of his older relatives and facing the fact that his worldview may be propaganda. When everything in their Japan-inspired world changes, they all must grow and face the challenges that come with finding out your world isn't what you thought it was.
The good: I INHALED this book in just two days, which for me was very fast for a 651-page book. The characters sucked me right in and I was rooting for them throughout. Misaki especially stood out as an incredible character who grows, leads, and teaches with grace throughout the book. Given that about half this book is a battle scene, I was amazed with the author's ability to keep the narrative going and keep the reader on their toes with everything that happens. I've never read a better battle sequence in any other fantasy book. The worldbuilding is subtle and easy to pick up. The writing is also beautiful and its take on relationships, motherhood, and family duty to your community was very beautiful as well.
The meh: THIS SERIES IS DISCONTINUED! The author has decided to table the universe so some threads that are left open at the end of the book likely won't be answered. There are a few short stories that should be emailed to me soon, but for now, I haven't gotten anything. I want more of this universe or a standalone that doesn't leave you with questions unanswered. The last 100 pages felt like a lead-up to something that is never coming. I was sure this would be a 5-star read until this ending.
The verdict: This is an incredible, immersive, experience that centers on relationships and duty - you will enjoy it if you like themes of motherhood, battle and war, state propaganda, powerful warriors, and family.
Misaki has put down her sword to become a housewife in the greatest warrior family in Kaigen. Her son is trying to live up to the shadow of his older relatives and facing the fact that his worldview may be propaganda. When everything in their Japan-inspired world changes, they all must grow and face the challenges that come with finding out your world isn't what you thought it was.
The good: I INHALED this book in just two days, which for me was very fast for a 651-page book. The characters sucked me right in and I was rooting for them throughout. Misaki especially stood out as an incredible character who grows, leads, and teaches with grace throughout the book. Given that about half this book is a battle scene, I was amazed with the author's ability to keep the narrative going and keep the reader on their toes with everything that happens. I've never read a better battle sequence in any other fantasy book. The worldbuilding is subtle and easy to pick up. The writing is also beautiful and its take on relationships, motherhood, and family duty to your community was very beautiful as well.
The meh: THIS SERIES IS DISCONTINUED! The author has decided to table the universe so some threads that are left open at the end of the book likely won't be answered. There are a few short stories that should be emailed to me soon, but for now, I haven't gotten anything. I want more of this universe or a standalone that doesn't leave you with questions unanswered. The last 100 pages felt like a lead-up to something that is never coming. I was sure this would be a 5-star read until this ending.
The verdict: This is an incredible, immersive, experience that centers on relationships and duty - you will enjoy it if you like themes of motherhood, battle and war, state propaganda, powerful warriors, and family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Violence, War, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Sexual violence, Genocide, and Sexual assault