A review by teaand_tomes
Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

3.0

Thank you to Poppy Kuroki, HarperCollins, and Harper Perennial for the free book!

Gate to Kagoshima is an intriguing tale that transports readers to late 1800s Japan during the era of the last samurai. The historical setting is vividly described, and the premise of a young Scottish woman, Isla, being swept back in time to confront her ancestry and a star-crossed romance with a samurai is captivating.

While the story offers a fascinating blend of history, magic, and romance, I found it lacked the emotional depth needed to fully connect with the characters. The writing leaned more factual than emotive, which made it difficult to feel fully immersed in Isla and Kei's journey or to deeply invest in their romance.

That said, the setting and historical backdrop were standout elements, and the concept of grappling with fate versus free will added intriguing layers to the plot. With a bit more emotional resonance, this story could have been truly exceptional.

If you love historical fantasy with a unique setting and are intrigued by stories of love that transcends time, Gate to Kagoshima is worth exploring.
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