Origin Curse

Dynasty Codes #1

by Sarah Kate Ishii

A curse placed on a noble family in the east has unraveled the fragile dynasty codes across the world. Yoshiko, daughter of the daimyō of Hié, has inherited an ancient consuming power-the burning dragon's spirit, Kiyohimé. After an act of betrayal collapses the world around her, Yoshiko and her mother are forced to flee their castle home. The council are hunting them down, fear and misfortune are plaguing the people of Hié, and people keep going missing, including Yoshiko's best friend. Gora, a jack-of-all-trades foreigner who came to Hié to hide from his past and live a new life, is recruited by Yoshiko to help the desperate noble to return to her castle home and bring peace and safety to the people. But neither of them knows who their enemy is or how to control Yoshiko's increasing mysterious powers, and Gora must help her while watching her try to control the searing heat that threatens to release an ancient magical beast and destroy everything around her. Are Yoshiko's powers a blessing to help bring peace to her people, or, like Kiyohimé in the folk tales of old, is she cursed to seek vengeance and watch the world burn?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

510 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2023

Reviews

[Leslie ☆︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exciting, immersive debut from a promising new author! "Origin Curse" is a seamless blend of culture and fantasy, complete with some of the most detailed, expansive worldbuilding I've read in a long time.

I appreciate that feminism is ingrained in this story right from the start. It's nice to read about a society where women are trained as warriors and taught as scholars without question or prejudice.

"Origin Curse" took me a little time to get into because of the exposition that makes up most of the beginning. If Yoshiko prefers art and philosophy to physical combat, I'd like to be shown through her actions rather than told through narration.

Also worth noting, the first physical description of the main character includes the phrase “almond-shaped eyes” (page 1). I’m personally uncomfortable reading food-centric descriptions of POC characters — saying a black character has “chocolate-colored skin,” etc. It’s something the literary community has mostly done away with, so I was surprised to see it included.

These little issues weren't consistent throughout the entire novel, and once I got past the first few chapters, the story flowed cinematically.

I'd recommend "Origin Curse" to fans of Samantha Shannon and R.F. Kuang!

**The only people I love more than writers are writers who are also editors. From one to another, thank you, Sarah Kate, for providing me with an advanced copy of your debut novel in exchange for an honest review.**

[Meredith Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written debut novel that kept me reading into the early hours of the morning!

Yoshiko’s idyllic life comes crashing down quickly, thrusting her into danger and discovering a power she must learn to control if she is to save not only herself, but her people. It is stunning to see how she grows through the story. I loved that she enjoyed art, poetry, and did not yearn to be a fighter though she was trained, but instead rose to the challenge when it was thrust upon her. When things happen, they happen fast. Even during moments of fear and grief, Yoshiko finds the strength to keep going all while coming to terms with a power that could destroy her.

Gora is also a fantastic character with his own past trauma. He’s searching for peace, but can’t turn away when Yoshiko gives him the opportunity to help save the people of the village that have accepted him. Throughout he provides enough humor to be endearing and respects Yoshiko as a person as well as a warrior, looking to her for help and following her lead. The interactions between these two characters from very different worlds is incredibly enjoyable.

The action, characters, and atmosphere are described in a way that provides for wonderful imagery and a story that kept me wanting to know what happened next with every turn of the page. If you are looking for a story with a strong female protagonist, excellent world-building complete with legends and magic, all wrapped in beautiful storytelling, you should pick up this book.

A big thank you to Sarah Kate Ishii for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. It was a wonderful read and I am looking forward to the next installment, as well as any other works you publish!

[M.T. DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this, but once I did, I was hooked. Such an expansive world with real-life inspirations and a very epic feel. I loved the evolution of the two main characters--their growth felt real, and I could feel their backtracking as the past crept up on them. And of course, dragons! A great ending full of hope and the promise of future excitement. Excited for the next installment and more from Ishii.

I received this book free from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Brooke Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin Curse opens in Hié where we meet Yoshiko, daughter of the daimyō of her province. Yoshiko is a 17-year-old noble with a warrior mother, a diplomat father, and a hereditary curse that brings incredible power at a potentially devastating cost. When her familiar world crumbles around her, Yoshiko is forced into the outside world in a way she could never have expected – or wanted.

The first thing I will say about this novel is that I loved Hié. It felt so genuine, real, and rich. From the descriptions of palace grounds to the depiction of it’s culture, I was sucked into Hié and didn’t want to leave (I was actually quite sad when Yoshiko inevitably departed her home!). This is where Ishii shines – creating a real, genuine setting and culture that exudes such warmth and reality. As we take this journey with Yoshiko, she falls in love with her homeland, and so do we. From the people to the landscape to the food, Ishii write Hié as a place that, at its heart (if all were at rights), is so warm, joyful, and welcoming. I loved it.

I also loved the way mythology was interwoven in the story – particularly when it comes to Yoshiko’s curse. The depth mythology brings to fantasy stories is undeniable. The mythology and history of Hié brings so much to the story and roots it in a past that feels real and believable.

I really enjoyed Yoshiko. Right off the bat, it’s refreshing to see a young character who has healthy relationships with her parents. Seeing the way Yoshiko thinks of and looks up to both of her parents was deeply heartwarming; while the way she still relies on and looks to them for advice and support felt familiar and realistic.

But there’s more to Yoshiko than her lovely family. She is, in some ways, quite naïve to the world beyond her palace complex, but that lack of knowledge never comes across as annoying. Instead, Yoshiko’s generally hopeful outlook is tempered by her experiences throughout the novel. What results is an optimism (though it is shaken almost to breaking point on more than one occasion) that is gentle, stubborn, and determined. Then, of course, there is the curse. Yoshiko’s internal struggle throughout the novel in many ways comes down to an inner battle as she fights with the curse within her – and it’s potential for destruction.

Gora is perhaps my favourite character. He’s a complex young man (though not as young as Yoshiko) with an equally intricate backstory. A foul-mouthed drinker with a heart of gold, we meet Gora living a simple life in Hié. Over time as we learn more about him, his behaviours and decisions all fall into place to craft a deeply sympathetic character you want to see succeed. He’s, by far, not the near-impossible-to-deal-with grizzled grump we sometimes see in fantasy; instead, he’s a genuine person who cares enough about the people around him to not only want to do the right thing, but to put himself in harm’s way to do it.

Dragon daimyo Asumi seems like a force of nature – wild, powerful, and almost unstoppable. Right from the beginning we see the strength held within her, and we see it through the eyes of her admiring daughter, Yoshiko. It’s easy to understand how she has maintained hold of the title of daimyō despite the constant political tensions with Hié’s neighbours, and her actions spur the story forward and leave permanent ramifications.

Haruki is Yoshiko’s maid, and her presence pervades Origin Curse. Though she’s only physically present for part of the novel, her importance to Yoshiko exerts a powerful force that, in part, helps drive Yoshiko forward (though she is certainly not the only driving force!). Haruki’s sweetness, kindness, and genuine friendship is not only touching, but almost a relief to Yoshiko – and therefore us as the reader – who is constantly surrounded by respect for her position that seems almost unyielding to the potential for genuine friendship and honesty.

Nubia is introduced part way through Origin Curse, and immediately I warmed to her. I love a capable character, and not only is Nubia capable, but she’s determined, strong, and loyal. I really, really felt for her and what she had gone through to come into contact with Yoshiko.

Reflecting on the shape and progression of the story, I think it was paced excellently. The story was always moving forward with time for character growth and quiet moments in between scenes of greater action.

The plot itself I found quite unusual in a great way. For much of the novel I wasn’t entirely sure where it was going, where it would end up, and what the consequences would be for our characters along the way. Which is exactly what you want in a book! I love that sense of being along for the ride with no real idea of where it will take me. Part of this was because I knew it was the first book in a trilogy (which naturally made me wonder what plot threads would or wouldn’t be resolved by the end of book one), but a lot of it was due to the unique plot line. I’ve not read a book quite like Origin Curse, and that’s a good thing! It’s one of the things I love about indie books – authors have so much freedom to write their own unique tales, and it really pays off when you come across a book so refreshingly different – yet nonetheless very well constructed, as Origin Curse.

There are several big themes that stand out as I reflect on Origin Curse. First is the theme of slavery. The depiction of slavery (in multiple forms) was very well done – the brutality, the mass kidnapping, the breaking of wills. There’s a lot I could (and would love to) say on this, but I’ll just say it’s a big theme, and I think it was done well.

Another theme that stood out is the importance of community – close friendships, wider support networks, and your overall ‘village’. From the beginning of the novel when Yoshiko’s life is mostly confined to a small area and small group of people, as her circle widens and she interacts with others, she learns the value of having others around her who care, who can support her, and whom she can draw on for strength and determination.

Lastly, I’ll mention feminism. What I found refreshing about Origin Curse was that it was, absolutely, a feminist novel – but a feminist novel in what I think of as a healthy sense. Origin Curse is filled with strong female characters who aren’t just strong in the ‘I’m as good as a man’ sense, but strong in a feminine sense. By that I mean they were women who built strong friendships, drew community about them, cared for others and desired peace – and were willing to do all they could for it. And yes, Yoshiko also really knows how to handle a weapon. It would have been easy for Ishii to leave all the talent and capability to the women, but instead she also crafts intelligent, compassionate, brave, and protective men (like Yoshiko’s father and Gora) who have shaped and supported Yoshiko and are crucial to her achieving her goals. It’s a wonderful group of characters with their own unique traits and abilities, that lift each other up in their efforts to accomplish what seems like the impossible.

Content/Trigger Warnings
For those who are sensitive to strong language, swearing is present throughout the novel. Personally it didn’t bother me because it made sense. For me, I only really get frustrated at swearing when it seems (1) unnecessary, (2) excessive and/or (3) unrealistic. This is not the case in Origin Curse. Here, only specific characters swear, and it makes perfect sense for them. Other characters don’t, or, if they do, they do so rarely. The way a character speaks is fundamental to understanding their backstory, their position in society, their personality, and I think the decisions Ishii made here enriched the characters and even demonstrated their character growth as their dialogue reflects their journeys.

As I mentioned earlier, one of the key themes of Origin Curse is the impact of slavery. Along with such a theme, it’s natural the novel contains instances of violence, assault, and sexual assault. I believe the novel falls into the upper YA category, and I think the depictions of these events are appropriate for that minimum of an upper teenage maturity level. They’re described of course, but not in a way that seems excessive or unnecessarily graphic. I think it’s utterly crucial to depict these events (albeit in an age/genre appropriate way) when they’re important to the story. To not depict them would be to shy away from the reality of (in this case) slavery and what it has meant throughout history for countless people. That said, it would absolutely be a trigger for some, which is why I feel it is important to mention here.

[Once Upon a Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin Curse is an adventurous, fantasy and historical fiction with so many lovely elements woven into the novel. There's a lot of Japanese culture woven in, later on in the book also different cultures and language barriers which was pulled off so well and such an interesting thing to read in a book!

I refuse to give any spoilers, though I'll give you something to decide if it's for you: dragon spirits, the Shogun, Sumerai, Ninjas, dying magic and (inherited) curses, traitors, family, found family, friends, adventure, secrets, slaves and slave cruelty, rebellions and pirates - sums it up pretty well.

The reasoning of the main character at some points frustrated me slightly, but it also showed her growth from a sheltered and safe life to the real world in the end.

There's a lot of character growth in this book, a lot of amazing main- and side characters, and such an interesting world that's been created that I honestly can't wait for more. It could be read as a standalone but I feel once you've read the book, you'll want more of these characters and see what journey will spawn next.

[Sjoerd Tobias ter Haar · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5⭐

Writing a book, I’d guess, is not an easy task. So, as much as it pains me to write something negative about a work someone poured their heart and soul into, it seems that most critiques on Goodreads are written from a biased perspective. Hopefully, I can offer a perspective from a different angle.

Show, don’t tell

A huge cliché, I know, but when it applies, it applies. We’re told that Yoshiko—our main female character—takes after her father, an art and poetry lover, rather than her mother, a kick-ass, don’t-mess-with-me warrior and leader. We’re told what the city of Hié looks and feels like before certain events happen. We’re told that Asumi, Yoshiko’s maid, is her only friend.

Now, I know not everyone likes a slow start, but I’d take a slice-of-life introduction that lets us get to know the characters and world—like in The Dragonbone Chair or Malice—any day over this. It feels like Ishii might have been afraid to let the story breathe at the beginning, resulting in a narrative that feels lifeless and lacks emotional investment. The introduction of the male lead, Gora, is slower, but even here, most aspects about him are simply told to us.

Split personality

There’s a strange disconnect between some of the content and the book’s tone. Initially, I considered giving a slightly higher score because it felt like the book might be aimed at a younger audience. While it seems a bit lazy to just apply the YA label—which suggests certain tropes that aren’t present—the tone does feel like it’s targeted at that age range. Or possibly aimed at an even younger audience, yet there’s a significant amount of violence, both gory and sexual in nature, which likely wouldn’t be appreciated by that age group.

Yet Yoshiko, who I guess is in her early 20s, reads as though she’s around age 15-17.

Unbelievable

(I’ll keep this section abstract, but it could still be considered spoilery.) When reading fantasy, we expect some wondrous things to happen, so when I talk about “unbelievable,” I mean within the context of the story. We’re to believe there’s an entire city beneath the main city, with exits everywhere, yet nobody knows about it. We’re to believe Yoshiko can walk into a castle unnoticed—not once, but twice! We’re to believe Gora is simply handed a ship. We’re to believe that in her 20 or so years, Yoshiko has never been into the city. We’re to believe that a nation who just lost its sovereign leader can immediately launch a retaliatory invasion—and when they do, they don’t use their ships to fire cannons; they just send their men to slaughter. We’re to believe a hidden natural harbor exists, large enough to fit a big ship, yet somehow nobody knows about it. The list goes on.

Perhaps a younger audience might shrug off some of these points, but even then, the story seems overly convenient at times.

I saw the prose compared to Robin Hobb’s. Now, I haven’t read anything by Hobb yet, but from what I’ve heard, her prose is descriptive, immersive, and rich. Ishii’s prose, however, is quite literal and straightforward, as though she were playing it safe—more akin to Sanderson’s style, though not as forcefully “accessible.” Yet I felt there’s potential for more depth if she took a few more risks with her writing.

In the end, Origin Curse felt like it had the foundation of an intriguing story with strong thematic elements, but it ultimately fell short in execution. Between the “tell, don’t show” approach, plot conveniences, and safe prose, I found it hard to fully immerse myself in the world and connect with the characters. There’s potential here, and I hope Ishii’s future works will embrace a more daring style that allows the story and its characters to resonate more deeply. For now, though, this one missed the mark for me.

[Ellaura Shoop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was immersive and the plotline captivating. The way the author merged the magic of world-building into the novel was streamlined and succinct. Origin Curse is one of those books that the closer I got to the end the more I forgot I was reading. The world swept me up and away, I was caught in a current of Yoshiko's emotions. I loved how centric feminism is in this work. Yoshiko's struggle to hold the remains of her family together and rise above grief in the face of ancient, powerful forces and her own battle to understand the world and her place within it was portrayed through the use of beautiful exposition which I appreciate.

I will admit that the book was a bit slow to enthrall at first. The language and exposition is stunning and magnificent but the lack of distinct action at the very beginning and heavy descriptions are somewhat tough to read through. But it was certainly worth it. The author obviously did their research and I was soon engrained and entrapped in this world, reading until my eyes stung and then still yearning for more. Well worth the read.

[kiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

in all honesty, i fail at not judging a book by its cover. i went into reading origin curse thinking it would be your classic fantasy story about a girl discovering she has magic, training to use it, & inevitably using it in a collection of fights by the end of the book. i'm not going to say that NONE of that happens, but mc yoshiko isn't deemed The Chosen One just because of her powers, & she uses them sparingly throughout the book in only the most dire of situations, which is all refreshing in the current fantasy novel landscape.

i really liked the focus this book had on community, especially considering it was all done without romance. we actually get to see a female mc & the primary side character not end up together (also EXTREMELY refreshing - you don't need characters to be in love for them to have a good dynamic!).

yoshiko experiences hardship after hardship in this book & manages to push through. this is where i wanted more - i wish we got to see even more sadness & despair from yoshiko as she dealt with all her trauma - but i've always personally been one for drama.

don't get me wrong though - there's no doubt that the characters are feeling sadness & despair cos this book deals with plenty of heavy things, & you can tell ishii put effort into the research rather than conjuring details from her own mind when it came to the parts of the story that were based on actual historical events (this is what you should be doing children).

personally, i think that the book really started to pick up once these events were introduced - & the characters along with them. the side characters were my favourites, & i'm very glad to hear the second book is based on one of them (& yes he's a pirate, so of course).

[Kelly Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how Sarah weaved her themes into the text:
The burden of duty entreating both highborn and commoner ...
The burden of great power and coming to terms with the consequences while mastering one's 'burden' ...
The struggle (we all face) with identity ...
The pros/cons of technology and how we adapt ...
In particular I enjoyed how Sarah questioned perception through characterisation and setting ... Our frame of reference is set by what we see and experience every day ... but is this perception accurate? Perhaps we should re-examine what we take for granted?

Clever writing and an enjoyable read.
Well done, Sarah Kate Ishii

[Michael Cronk · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! Set in a fantasy version of Japan, this has beautiful worldbuilding with an eye for the finer details of Japanese culture. I truly felt transported there.
Bit of a slower Act 1. Then the plot gripped me and wouldn't let go. Ended up reading the book in a frenzy! Couldn't put it down.
Every line of prose is perfection. Powerful lines of dialogue, shocking twists, and wonderful character work. Just note I thought this was a little grim-dark in places, but in all the best ways.
Sarah Kate Ishii is the next Robin Hobb. Can't wait for more of this fantastic series!

[Brittany Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! For someone who reads a lot of romantasy, I actually really admired a story that had no stereotypical enemy to lover trope, cliche moments and the fantasy aspect was fresh and creative. I also am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I loved all the Japanese culture and words.

In some places, I felt like certain words were used really repetitively and there could have been better ways to phrase things but ultimately I really liked it. Big thanks to my mum for buying this and to Sarah for signing the copy ☺️

[Adam Scholte · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say about this novel is WOW, as a lover of fantasy and an author, I love reading different aspects of the fantasy genre.
It took me to ancient Japan in the feudal era of the Samurai and really immersed you into the lives of the main characters. There were a few moments where I was pleasantly surprised with twists and turns, and the saving grace was the growth of the characters, which had you cheering for them.
This is a journey that I am glad to have taken.

[Niki Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. I purchased the ‘origin curse’ from Comic-con and started it as soon as I could. The characters are the main reason I fell in love with this book. Yoshiko, a head strong leader how is lead by her emotions. Gora, a man running from his past with a laid back attitude with a sense of adventure. Both world-building and writing style were very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Christine Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good read. It is different to books I would normally read. At times I did find the book pulled me in that I didn't want to put it down I wanted to keep reading. I would definitely recommend this book if you're into a bit of blood shed, war, fantasy and exploring new connections. I look forward to reading book two as if it's anything like the first one it will be great.

[Matthew Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an absolute delight to read! It was so easy to get lost in such an immersive world blending Japanese culture with fantasy touches and HUGE wallops of emotion all packed into a heart wrenching adventure of a young girl learning how to ensure the safety of her people. Prepare to be hooked into a long journey!

[Kinan Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. The characters were amazing, they felt believable and the growth of their friendship was incredible. The plot was great and went in unexpected ways that were welcomed. The themes were touching and complemented the plot. I loved the use of community in the book. I would highly recommend this book and it deserves more attention. 5/5 I love this book.

[Mikayla Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first fantasy book I have ever read and, wow, what a way to start to be introduced to the genre! Every single page of this book had me hooked and I have certainly grown very fond of all the characters as they have grown throughout the duration of the book. Bring on book 2!

[An Phú · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0* Heavy Japanese-inspired culture.

Pirate
Slave
Dragon

[Lys · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled, and I lost.

[Melody Penn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to pick up this book. I love a good fantasy story, especially one that promises dragons. The action begins immediately with suspicious deaths and missing people, drawing Yoshiko out of her comfortable life, where she is forced to make dangerous decisions in order to save her people. Throughout the story, Yoshiko wrestles with her latent powers, trying not to add violence to more violence. The author creates some really interesting side characters such as Nubia, Natsuki, and Kipp. In the last 150 pages there are many twists and turns that keep you reading. The book ends with a peek at the sequel.

[Books and Blossoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Origin Curse by Sarah Kate Ishii—it’s such a strong debut! The story of Yoshiko, with her dragon spirit and dangerous powers, had me hooked from the start. I loved how the book blends tension with beautiful, sensory descriptions, making the world feel vivid without ever being overwhelming.

As a first fiction book, it’s impressive how well the author captures Japanese culture and mixes it seamlessly with magic, betrayal, and adventure. The characters are compelling, especially Yoshiko and Gora, and I felt invested in their journey all the way.

I’m excited to continue the series with Dark Tides—the style and pacing really drew me in, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. The storyline was interesting, the main character was likable and well-developed, and I appreciated the Japanese culture throughout the book. My only complaints are that parts of the book felt very slow and drawn out, and although the main character was likable, I did not connect with her all that well. Overall, it was an enjoyable book!

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first indy published book I've read.

I really enjoyed the story. The main characters were well fleshed out, the pacing was very well done. I enjoyed the pirates and the found family/friends.
There are some darker themes, but they are not there to be just dark, but to depict reality, that has happened in history and still happens to this day.

Highly reccommend!

[Anna Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good story

The characters felt flat to me. I didn't really get to know them.
Also the book could do with some proofreading.