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A review by abooknomad
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
dark
emotional
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
4.5
"Wholeness, she had learned, was not the absence of pain but the ability to hold it."
More than a Japanese-inspired standalone fantasy novel seating at a crossroads between military and political fantasy, The Sword of Kaigen is a journey through grief, past regrets, failed relationships, and most importantly motherhood.
How often does a badass female MC, who also happens to be a mother, get to be the star of an epic tale alongside her warrior son? That in and of itself was a breath of fresh air. What awed me, though, was M.L. Wang’s raw and honest depiction of a flawed mother who is trying to reconcile the freedom she had in the past with the restraints of her present life, which is steeped in patriarchal values.
Beyond featuring some of the best-written character arcs that I’ve read, the battle scenes present in this book are also undeniably well-written. Although I’m not a big fan of long fighting scenes, and there were some of those in this book, the way they were paired with the elemental-based magic system made them exponentially more interesting. Another thing I appreciated was the focus on the aftermath of war and the rebuilding process.
Writing a cohesive standalone fantasy with compelling characters, a detailed magic system, high stakes and rich worldbuilding to back it all up is not an easy endeavour. Somehow, M.L. Wang made it look easy, but I wouldn’t say it was perfect either.
The way the author chose to build the world was not always up my alley: most of it happened through long conversations, which didn’t flow naturally to me and felt more like an imposed lecture than a smooth transition in the storytelling. It grated on me enough that I can’t say the first 100-150 pages were enjoyable. However, it did get better and as soon as I switched to the audiobook the ride became even smoother (wonderful narration, by the way, but I wouldn’t advise going into the audiobook without being familiar with the specific terminology of this world, or equipped with the glossary at the end of the book).
All in all, this was a great read. The fantasy elements are amazing, but the shining light is the characterisation. If you’re looking for adult fantasy with adult themes look no further. Do check the trigger warnings though, a lot of dark stuff happens.
Misaki will stay with me for a long time. A friend described her to me as “the mother of all mothers” and I wholeheartedly agree. She became one of my favourite female MCs ever.
More than a Japanese-inspired standalone fantasy novel seating at a crossroads between military and political fantasy, The Sword of Kaigen is a journey through grief, past regrets, failed relationships, and most importantly motherhood.
How often does a badass female MC, who also happens to be a mother, get to be the star of an epic tale alongside her warrior son? That in and of itself was a breath of fresh air. What awed me, though, was M.L. Wang’s raw and honest depiction of a flawed mother who is trying to reconcile the freedom she had in the past with the restraints of her present life, which is steeped in patriarchal values.
Beyond featuring some of the best-written character arcs that I’ve read, the battle scenes present in this book are also undeniably well-written. Although I’m not a big fan of long fighting scenes, and there were some of those in this book, the way they were paired with the elemental-based magic system made them exponentially more interesting. Another thing I appreciated was the focus on the aftermath of war and the rebuilding process.
Writing a cohesive standalone fantasy with compelling characters, a detailed magic system, high stakes and rich worldbuilding to back it all up is not an easy endeavour. Somehow, M.L. Wang made it look easy, but I wouldn’t say it was perfect either.
The way the author chose to build the world was not always up my alley: most of it happened through long conversations, which didn’t flow naturally to me and felt more like an imposed lecture than a smooth transition in the storytelling. It grated on me enough that I can’t say the first 100-150 pages were enjoyable. However, it did get better and as soon as I switched to the audiobook the ride became even smoother (wonderful narration, by the way, but I wouldn’t advise going into the audiobook without being familiar with the specific terminology of this world, or equipped with the glossary at the end of the book).
All in all, this was a great read. The fantasy elements are amazing, but the shining light is the characterisation. If you’re looking for adult fantasy with adult themes look no further. Do check the trigger warnings though, a lot of dark stuff happens.
Misaki will stay with me for a long time. A friend described her to me as “the mother of all mothers” and I wholeheartedly agree. She became one of my favourite female MCs ever.