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magicineverybook 's review for:
Stormdancer
by Jay Kristoff
Well, this was a huge disappointment. I was really excited about this book, because I've been in love with Japan and its culture and history since I was 12 and seeing it in a YA novel mixed with steam punk sounded AWESOME! But instead it was a lot of misuse and poorly done research of Japan and it's history/culture/language. The application of the language and culture just felt very awkward, sometimes lazy, and frequently just not correct. It didn't really feel like Kristoff worked very hard, and he name drops a ton of words with Japanese origins (like weapon names or clothing) but he doesn't always explain what it is, so most people would be like wtf?? Even I had to flip to the back for the glossary a few times like "what are you talking about?". And man, geishas and prostitutes are mentioned so often. I get it, geisha/prostitutes because it's based on Japanese culture. You're sooooo clever. Stop. Just stop.
I did really like Buruu, the Arashitora. His character was literally the best part of the whole novel. I also liked the idea of the bond between Yukiko and Buruu and I feel like this book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL if the use of Japanese culture had been used with more respect and more research.
I did really like Buruu, the Arashitora. His character was literally the best part of the whole novel. I also liked the idea of the bond between Yukiko and Buruu and I feel like this book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL if the use of Japanese culture had been used with more respect and more research.