Scan barcode
A review by maira_h
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5 stars ๐
I love how this book reminded me so much of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto. For ATLA, it's because of the use of elemental powers in this world. For Naruto, it's probably the whole clan hierarchy thing and the use of 'bloodline technique'. Those two pieces of pop culture are phenomenal in their own right, but this book in itself is also damn excellent.
At first, it took me a while to set a pace while reading this book, mostly because of the language used. I kept flipping back to the glossary to find out the meanings of multiple words. Kaigen/ Takayubi is heavily influenced by Japanese language and cultures. Some words I was familiar with while others I was not sure whether they were made up or what. However, after a while, everything slowly clicked into place.
The writing was probably one of the best things about this book, specifically the battle scenes. I thought Fonda Lee's battle scenes from The Green Bone Saga were incredible, but ML Wang's was downright poetic at times.
The characters are also beautifully written and so well developed. They have multiple layers to them, which I absolutely love. I love Misaki, I love Mamoru and damn it, I love Takeru too. His character development is probably my favourite. Because, despite being seen as this formidable character, he is still human.
I also really love how this book tackled motherhood and womanhood. Misaki had this internal conflict about having to choose between being a wife/ mother and being a warrior. But I loved how, in the end, she realized she could be both. I cried a bit reading about Misaki and his son, Mamoru. I want more of Mamoru, if I'm being honest.
This is going into my list of favourites now. I need more books like thisโ where the reading experience felt like watching a freaking anime.
I love how this book reminded me so much of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto. For ATLA, it's because of the use of elemental powers in this world. For Naruto, it's probably the whole clan hierarchy thing and the use of 'bloodline technique'. Those two pieces of pop culture are phenomenal in their own right, but this book in itself is also damn excellent.
At first, it took me a while to set a pace while reading this book, mostly because of the language used. I kept flipping back to the glossary to find out the meanings of multiple words. Kaigen/ Takayubi is heavily influenced by Japanese language and cultures. Some words I was familiar with while others I was not sure whether they were made up or what. However, after a while, everything slowly clicked into place.
The writing was probably one of the best things about this book, specifically the battle scenes. I thought Fonda Lee's battle scenes from The Green Bone Saga were incredible, but ML Wang's was downright poetic at times.
The characters are also beautifully written and so well developed. They have multiple layers to them, which I absolutely love. I love Misaki, I love Mamoru and damn it, I love Takeru too. His character development is probably my favourite. Because, despite being seen as this formidable character, he is still human.
I also really love how this book tackled motherhood and womanhood. Misaki had this internal conflict about having to choose between being a wife/ mother and being a warrior. But I loved how, in the end, she realized she could be both. I cried a bit reading about Misaki and his son, Mamoru. I want more of Mamoru, if I'm being honest.
This is going into my list of favourites now. I need more books like thisโ where the reading experience felt like watching a freaking anime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Child death, War, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Misogyny, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Gore, and Rape
Minor: Miscarriage