Scan barcode
A review by abookandchai
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
after seeing friends rave about this book i knew it was something right up my alley and i had to check it out. m.l. wang does not disappoint, for the sword of kaigen is a devastatingly honest japanese military fantasy. it explores a number of themes: war, patriarchy, propaganda, grief, the crippling after effects and at the center of it all, a strong sense of family. there's so much i loved about it, the main characters misaki and mamoru to start with. misaki is definitely one of my favourite characters ever, its so nuanced and real, the writing brings out her loneliness, regret, smartness and effort beautifully. as she juggles the role of a meek housewife, motherhood and the brutal attack on her home, her journey is so profound. mamoru, my precious child, i was so proud to see him absorb the harsh truths that came to light and fight for his cause.
the sword of kaigen took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. i was either reading through tears in my eyes or with my breath held. the fact that even secondary characters' stories are highlighted and given developments is commendable. the action scenes were SO vivid i could visualise the urgency and brilliance of them all. even the worldbuilding and the working of ice, fire and air magic is so well thought. while the last chapter caught me off guard, i understood its importance for the build up to the follow up series. gosh, m.l. wang has crafted an epic book, equally heartbreaking and hopeful.
the sword of kaigen took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. i was either reading through tears in my eyes or with my breath held. the fact that even secondary characters' stories are highlighted and given developments is commendable. the action scenes were SO vivid i could visualise the urgency and brilliance of them all. even the worldbuilding and the working of ice, fire and air magic is so well thought. while the last chapter caught me off guard, i understood its importance for the build up to the follow up series. gosh, m.l. wang has crafted an epic book, equally heartbreaking and hopeful.