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softrosemint 's review for:
Stormdancer
by Jay Kristoff
Cross-posted on Knizhnitsa
Originally I was intrigued by the steampunk Japan-inspired setting and the gorgeous cover. What I found was one of the most interesting settings in the genre, accompanied by an entertaining plot and characters that I quickly grew attached to. In other words, I did not expect to love “Stormdancer” as much as I did but to be honest, it is now one of my favourite series.
“Stormdancer” is the story of one of the most interesting friendships that fiction has to offer - that of a young girl and the griffin she is sent to hunt down for the Shogun. Yukiko and her father embark on a dangerous mission to capture a creature that is supposed to be extinct. In the process of tracking the griffin, the girl and the beast wound up separated from Yukiko’s father’s crew. On their journey back, they discover a bond that neither of them expected.
The adventures that follow meet them with Kin, one of the Guildsmen of the machine-powered Lotus Guild, and the Kage, an organisation preparing a rebellion against the cruel Shogun ruling Shima. One by one, Yukiko and Buruu uncover the Shogun’s crimes and Shima’s secrets.
The Plot
The plot is a bit slow at the beginning. However, this gives the author the much needed opportunity to fully introduce us to the world of the novel. Once we have enough context to navigate this world on our own, the novel kicks off and turns into an action-packed, interesting and truly engaging page-turner.
The Setting
The setting is definitely one that you don’t see a lot in the genre. Steampunk Shogunate? Sign me up. However, I am aware that this could potentially be culturally appropriative - I, unfortunately, am not educated enough to point any inaccuracies. For what is worth, Kristoff manages to paint an unique, morbid world, where a constant feeling of dread reigns over the characters.
This feeling is emphasized by the amount of blood and gore described in the novel (and it is so gory), as well as Yukiko’s POV. She is a very introverted person, who has experienced a lot of unhappiness; she is guarded and aloof. Her silence and uncommunicativeness serve as a tool to sharpen the morbid atmosphere of the novel.
The Characters
Speaking of Yukiko, I loved her character. She is hands down one of my favourite leading ladies. Her sullenness, her introversion are something I could recognise in myself. She does not need to be bubbly and optimistic in order to pull herself through all the terrible things that happen to her - she is she and she is just doing her best to survive and keep on going.
I think this is what makes her and Buruu’s relationship so interesting and charming. They are two personalities who, due to their circumstances, don’t open up to just anyone. Seeing them gradually grow closer and develop this deep, platonic affection for each other is truly satisfying and one of the novel’s strongest points.
Buruu himself, as a character, is as lovable as Yukiko. He is the most refreshing presence in the novel. His dialogue, his POV, his sarcasm - they always remind us that he is not human, he is otherworldly - a truly masterful navigation of character.
Yukiko’s relationship with her father and his gang is also very interesting to see. I love the found families trope and this is what they are - a giant dysfunctional family that works together and learns to survive together and despite each other. Makes me root for them and for their happiness.
Yukiko’s two main love interests - Hiro and Kin, however, are not particularly interesting on their own. Their respective exchanges with her are nice to read about (as long as their relationships lasted) but they are always secondary to Yukiko’s and Buruu’s relationship which is rightfully the main focus of the novel.
The Verdict
“Stormdancer” is an amazing read that takes an interesting concept and tries to explore it to its full potential. It is interesting and engaging and overall brilliant. Even if it may seem hard for you at the beginning, I would recommend not to skip over those introductory pages - because, in retrospect, you would want to stay in the world of “Stormdancer” as long as possible.
Originally I was intrigued by the steampunk Japan-inspired setting and the gorgeous cover. What I found was one of the most interesting settings in the genre, accompanied by an entertaining plot and characters that I quickly grew attached to. In other words, I did not expect to love “Stormdancer” as much as I did but to be honest, it is now one of my favourite series.
“Stormdancer” is the story of one of the most interesting friendships that fiction has to offer - that of a young girl and the griffin she is sent to hunt down for the Shogun. Yukiko and her father embark on a dangerous mission to capture a creature that is supposed to be extinct. In the process of tracking the griffin, the girl and the beast wound up separated from Yukiko’s father’s crew. On their journey back, they discover a bond that neither of them expected.
The adventures that follow meet them with Kin, one of the Guildsmen of the machine-powered Lotus Guild, and the Kage, an organisation preparing a rebellion against the cruel Shogun ruling Shima. One by one, Yukiko and Buruu uncover the Shogun’s crimes and Shima’s secrets.
The Plot
The plot is a bit slow at the beginning. However, this gives the author the much needed opportunity to fully introduce us to the world of the novel. Once we have enough context to navigate this world on our own, the novel kicks off and turns into an action-packed, interesting and truly engaging page-turner.
The Setting
The setting is definitely one that you don’t see a lot in the genre. Steampunk Shogunate? Sign me up. However, I am aware that this could potentially be culturally appropriative - I, unfortunately, am not educated enough to point any inaccuracies. For what is worth, Kristoff manages to paint an unique, morbid world, where a constant feeling of dread reigns over the characters.
This feeling is emphasized by the amount of blood and gore described in the novel (and it is so gory), as well as Yukiko’s POV. She is a very introverted person, who has experienced a lot of unhappiness; she is guarded and aloof. Her silence and uncommunicativeness serve as a tool to sharpen the morbid atmosphere of the novel.
The Characters
Speaking of Yukiko, I loved her character. She is hands down one of my favourite leading ladies. Her sullenness, her introversion are something I could recognise in myself. She does not need to be bubbly and optimistic in order to pull herself through all the terrible things that happen to her - she is she and she is just doing her best to survive and keep on going.
I think this is what makes her and Buruu’s relationship so interesting and charming. They are two personalities who, due to their circumstances, don’t open up to just anyone. Seeing them gradually grow closer and develop this deep, platonic affection for each other is truly satisfying and one of the novel’s strongest points.
Buruu himself, as a character, is as lovable as Yukiko. He is the most refreshing presence in the novel. His dialogue, his POV, his sarcasm - they always remind us that he is not human, he is otherworldly - a truly masterful navigation of character.
Yukiko’s relationship with her father and his gang is also very interesting to see. I love the found families trope and this is what they are - a giant dysfunctional family that works together and learns to survive together and despite each other. Makes me root for them and for their happiness.
Yukiko’s two main love interests - Hiro and Kin, however, are not particularly interesting on their own. Their respective exchanges with her are nice to read about (as long as their relationships lasted) but they are always secondary to Yukiko’s and Buruu’s relationship which is rightfully the main focus of the novel.
The Verdict
“Stormdancer” is an amazing read that takes an interesting concept and tries to explore it to its full potential. It is interesting and engaging and overall brilliant. Even if it may seem hard for you at the beginning, I would recommend not to skip over those introductory pages - because, in retrospect, you would want to stay in the world of “Stormdancer” as long as possible.