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Amaranthine Saga #2
Одаренный
Им поклонялись словно богам, их страшились как демонов. Веками они жили бок о бок с людьми, но лишь наблюдатели знали об их существовании.
АМАРАНТЫ.
Таинственная раса полулюдей-полузверей, скрывавшаяся в тени. Но однажды они вышли на свет — и привычный мир изменился навсегда.
С незапамятных времен десятое дитя из клана амарантов рождается с особым талантом. Элоквент, сын главы могущественного клана Стармарков, необычайно одарен, но обречен на одиночество. Волей случая его судьба оказывается в руках Кимико Миябэ из семьи потомственных наблюдателей. Сможет ли их неожиданный союз изменить будущее для всех людей и амарантов?
АМАРАНТЫ.
Таинственная раса полулюдей-полузверей, скрывавшаяся в тени. Но однажды они вышли на свет — и привычный мир изменился навсегда.
С незапамятных времен десятое дитя из клана амарантов рождается с особым талантом. Элоквент, сын главы могущественного клана Стармарков, необычайно одарен, но обречен на одиночество. Волей случая его судьба оказывается в руках Кимико Миябэ из семьи потомственных наблюдателей. Сможет ли их неожиданный союз изменить будущее для всех людей и амарантов?
Hardcover
First published October 22, 2018
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About the author
Forthright .
38 books551 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 2, 2018
The world created in this series is so unique and interesting, but unfortunately the plot not so much. Set in a Japanese culture this book creates a world where shapeshifters (Amaranthine), humans with some innate magical powers (Reavers), and regular humans (muggles, haha j/k) all live together but not necessarily in harmony. The supernaturals have only recently come out publicly and in this book a new school was created so that children of all races can learn more about/from each other. That's where things start to go wrong with this book - nothing happens. I mean, there is an accidental proposal, as the title states, but even that isn't all that interesting and doesn't go very far in regards to the relationship.
This feels very much like a setup book used to help introduce us to future books for all these new characters, which maybe would have been fine if there was some central story line that kept the reader interested. That didn't happen. Also unfortunately, the new characters that were set up in this book aren't all that interesting either (with the very big exception of Akira/Suuzu) so I don't think I will continue on with future books *sad trombone*. Unless there is an Akira/Suuzu book, that I would read without a doubt!
This feels very much like a setup book used to help introduce us to future books for all these new characters, which maybe would have been fine if there was some central story line that kept the reader interested. That didn't happen. Also unfortunately, the new characters that were set up in this book aren't all that interesting either (with the very big exception of Akira/Suuzu) so I don't think I will continue on with future books *sad trombone*. Unless there is an Akira/Suuzu book, that I would read without a doubt!
October 28, 2018
I had to split the difference between a 4 and a 2 star rating and ended up with a 3 star rating overall.
The 4 star rating: Let me preface by saying I love this world the author created. I love reading their struggles and triumphs. The relationship between Akira and Suuzu was ambiguous in Book 1, but develops beautifully in Book 2. The author does a phenomenal job doing emotional scenes. Gah! So good! We get a few scenes with Argent and Tsumiko, so life is good.
The 2 star rating: someone needed to be a plot editor and machete the heck out of this book. There was so much going on, it was spinning off into too many directions. Book 1 had 2 points of view (POVs: Tsumiko and Argent) and 3 basic goals: free the Fox, form a relationship, and learn about the rogue dragon. Book 2 had so many I can’t even count them all! There were 5 POVs, 1/10 of the book was a POV of a character who could have been cut completely. While Tenma is an interesting character, his chapters were confusing and left plot holes all over the place (lonely boy gets roommate then loses roommate, human is terrified and lonely then becomes skittish and multiple clans want to adopt him, a broken dragon becomes unbroken, a crazy fox chases a monkey, and nobody knows the why or how to any of these situations b/c nothing is explained). I wish more time had been spent on the courtship (There are 12 pledges, we saw 1 and there was a cut-scene right before pledge #2...WHY? Why stop at #2?). There were other extras that, while interesting interrupted the story and pacing (the sister’s proposal, the sword and the maiden who may or may not have confronted a dragon, how the kith came about)
Will definitely read the next book, but if all that extra info is needed to complete the series it might be better to either lengthen the series or to consider spin-offs.
The 4 star rating: Let me preface by saying I love this world the author created. I love reading their struggles and triumphs. The relationship between Akira and Suuzu was ambiguous in Book 1, but develops beautifully in Book 2. The author does a phenomenal job doing emotional scenes. Gah! So good! We get a few scenes with Argent and Tsumiko, so life is good.
The 2 star rating: someone needed to be a plot editor and machete the heck out of this book. There was so much going on, it was spinning off into too many directions. Book 1 had 2 points of view (POVs: Tsumiko and Argent) and 3 basic goals: free the Fox, form a relationship, and learn about the rogue dragon. Book 2 had so many I can’t even count them all! There were 5 POVs, 1/10 of the book was a POV of a character who could have been cut completely. While Tenma is an interesting character, his chapters were confusing and left plot holes all over the place (lonely boy gets roommate then loses roommate, human is terrified and lonely then becomes skittish and multiple clans want to adopt him, a broken dragon becomes unbroken, a crazy fox chases a monkey, and nobody knows the why or how to any of these situations b/c nothing is explained). I wish more time had been spent on the courtship (There are 12 pledges, we saw 1 and there was a cut-scene right before pledge #2...WHY? Why stop at #2?). There were other extras that, while interesting interrupted the story and pacing (the sister’s proposal, the sword and the maiden who may or may not have confronted a dragon, how the kith came about)
Will definitely read the next book, but if all that extra info is needed to complete the series it might be better to either lengthen the series or to consider spin-offs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2019
Personally, this was a let down from the first book. Forthright needs to either fire her editor or listen to them for the next book. There were a few plots going on (Kimiko/Eloquence) (Akira/Suuzu) (Tenma/Lapis? Inti? who knows?) and none of them came to a conclusion. Honestly, I think about 20% of the book was about Kimiko, the character from the actual title. I think that summaries what I want to say on that lol. I get that this is the second book in the series and was meant to world build, but come on, it just introduced half of three more storylines to continue on the series without resolving anything.
Major spoilers to come but I think they are needed to explain my concerns. This review makes a lot more sense if you have read the book. That being said I'm not sure if I recommend it, read on to see why.
First, wth is up with the bestiality stuff and the underage kids sleeping with grown adults and "tickling fighting" when they all wake up? These huge power differences, whether it's between seemingly immortal highly intelligent beings having sex with dogs or these same beings clinging to children, without their parents anywhere near, is personally highly disturbing. They aren't just doing this once or don't condone the practice anymore either. They continually have sex with domestic animals, all types, enough that there is an entirely different species, the kith, and they have people in these cultures to actively continue this. They also have kids who are apparently able to "tend", an activity that was described as even more pleasurable than sex in the first book, taken from their parents at age 3 and put in an environment where they do this all the time. ???????? Is anyone else concerned about this or getting Michael Jackson pedo vides? Anyone? What exactly is tending? Forthright makes it seem like a physical exchange but only with emotions. How does it result in "the broken" and why is it ok for children to be participating in this?
Similarly, where are the healthy amaranthine relationships in this book? I haven't seen one health romantic couple in the entire book, beside maybe Kimiko's parent's, and they are human. Oh a lot of the characters are apparently bonded, the equivalence of married, but these couples are never seen interacting. The first book characters Argent and Tsumiko are mentioned but Tsumiko is not seen in this book at all. Eloquences mother Anne is mentioned in the book but only seen once. First off with that, why is she not in charge of her two-year-olds care??? She was just ok with him sleeping with unknown people every night as it seems like Eloquences home is a halfway house? Secondly, if these relationships are so intense why are the spouses never around? Like ANYWHERE??? Continuing with this, where are the female amaranthine relationships? All we see are males from age 5 to 1,000+? sleeping together. Married men like Harmonious also come to sleep here too. Are the women just hidden away?
Also, what is up with Akira and Suuzu? Are they suuuuuuper close friends? They sleep together every night and the birds apparently agreed to Suuzu's "choice" wording that in the first book meant they were a couple but has been thrown around enough in this one that it could mean anything. Are they together? Are they in the process of getting together? They keep stressing that there can be platonic love but every relationship seems to have a romantic edge.
This is especially seen in Tenma's affairs. He immediately gets attached to a monkey crosser then is in negotiations to become the "East Bride" in Lapis' harem. Lapis who is centuries older than this teenager (17? 18?).
I also have a problem with Isla. She is apparently a prodigy with the maturity of a 25-year-old and none of the hormones. Where did she get all this life experience? Why was she taken to see "matings" of sentient beings when she was younger than 12?? I've met a few "mature" 12-year-olds but even they made hormonal mistakes and have behavioral issues.
Lastly, for a story that is continually warning of conflict where in the world is it? The kidnapping happens in the background by an "unknown character" that everyone knows who it is, then there is a chase with a new mysterious character in the last 15% of the book.
I believe I've said enough to explain my concerns. Maybe I'm crazy because the majority loves this book. I do have to say the wording is poetic and interesting. Forthright did a great job with the wording, I just have other concerns.
Major spoilers to come but I think they are needed to explain my concerns. This review makes a lot more sense if you have read the book. That being said I'm not sure if I recommend it, read on to see why.
First, wth is up with the bestiality stuff and the underage kids sleeping with grown adults and "tickling fighting" when they all wake up? These huge power differences, whether it's between seemingly immortal highly intelligent beings having sex with dogs or these same beings clinging to children, without their parents anywhere near, is personally highly disturbing. They aren't just doing this once or don't condone the practice anymore either. They continually have sex with domestic animals, all types, enough that there is an entirely different species, the kith, and they have people in these cultures to actively continue this. They also have kids who are apparently able to "tend", an activity that was described as even more pleasurable than sex in the first book, taken from their parents at age 3 and put in an environment where they do this all the time. ???????? Is anyone else concerned about this or getting Michael Jackson pedo vides? Anyone? What exactly is tending? Forthright makes it seem like a physical exchange but only with emotions. How does it result in "the broken" and why is it ok for children to be participating in this?
Similarly, where are the healthy amaranthine relationships in this book? I haven't seen one health romantic couple in the entire book, beside maybe Kimiko's parent's, and they are human. Oh a lot of the characters are apparently bonded, the equivalence of married, but these couples are never seen interacting. The first book characters Argent and Tsumiko are mentioned but Tsumiko is not seen in this book at all. Eloquences mother Anne is mentioned in the book but only seen once. First off with that, why is she not in charge of her two-year-olds care??? She was just ok with him sleeping with unknown people every night as it seems like Eloquences home is a halfway house? Secondly, if these relationships are so intense why are the spouses never around? Like ANYWHERE??? Continuing with this, where are the female amaranthine relationships? All we see are males from age 5 to 1,000+? sleeping together. Married men like Harmonious also come to sleep here too. Are the women just hidden away?
Also, what is up with Akira and Suuzu? Are they suuuuuuper close friends? They sleep together every night and the birds apparently agreed to Suuzu's "choice" wording that in the first book meant they were a couple but has been thrown around enough in this one that it could mean anything. Are they together? Are they in the process of getting together? They keep stressing that there can be platonic love but every relationship seems to have a romantic edge.
This is especially seen in Tenma's affairs. He immediately gets attached to a monkey crosser then is in negotiations to become the "East Bride" in Lapis' harem. Lapis who is centuries older than this teenager (17? 18?).
I also have a problem with Isla. She is apparently a prodigy with the maturity of a 25-year-old and none of the hormones. Where did she get all this life experience? Why was she taken to see "matings" of sentient beings when she was younger than 12?? I've met a few "mature" 12-year-olds but even they made hormonal mistakes and have behavioral issues.
Lastly, for a story that is continually warning of conflict where in the world is it? The kidnapping happens in the background by an "unknown character" that everyone knows who it is, then there is a chase with a new mysterious character in the last 15% of the book.
I believe I've said enough to explain my concerns. Maybe I'm crazy because the majority loves this book. I do have to say the wording is poetic and interesting. Forthright did a great job with the wording, I just have other concerns.
October 24, 2018
(I think I might prefer Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox over this book)
Forthright does a lot more worldbuilding and exploration in this story. As a result, the point of views will be switched from Quen and Kimiko to other characters. It's not bad, but it's not something I prefer. There's a lot of new character introductions since I think the author is trying to set it up for her next couple of stories, but it is a little overwhelming at times. I would have preferred if the author focused more on Kimiko and Quen.
I did enjoy her exploration of the Amaranthine's culture and world and how Kimiko was learning Quen's culture and customs. Just like the romance in the first book, this would be considered a slow burn in my opinion, but it's a sweet build up of trust and getting to know each other that leads to love and bonding. Overall, I did enjoy the story and the world exploration.
Forthright does a lot more worldbuilding and exploration in this story. As a result, the point of views will be switched from Quen and Kimiko to other characters. It's not bad, but it's not something I prefer. There's a lot of new character introductions since I think the author is trying to set it up for her next couple of stories, but it is a little overwhelming at times. I would have preferred if the author focused more on Kimiko and Quen.
I did enjoy her exploration of the Amaranthine's culture and world and how Kimiko was learning Quen's culture and customs. Just like the romance in the first book, this would be considered a slow burn in my opinion, but it's a sweet build up of trust and getting to know each other that leads to love and bonding. Overall, I did enjoy the story and the world exploration.
Read
May 2, 20193.5 stars
November 13, 2018
Well this was. A read. I can't say I was ever bored and it's competently written, but honestly? This was a let down from the previous book.
Let's start with issues I had previously. The Reaver culture. Now this book stars a character that grew up at least knowing she was a Reaver, but still somewhat an outcast to traditional Reaver upbringing. Yet still, we don't learn much about Reavers or the In-between aside from the fact Reavers have arranged marriages and marrying for love is frowned-upon.
The Amaranthine also don't have much culture. Sure, they're definitely different from the human characters, but what really separates them all from each other? Nothing except some happen to have token animal parts that others don't.
The Starmarks have stupid names, and I mean really stupid. I guess they're all named after a virtue, but their names are so pretentious. And for that matter, what language are they in within the story? Relatively early on there is a joke made about Eloquence's name and some human classmates laugh, but they're in Japan, and generally normal japanese high school students aren't going to know the meaning of 'eloquence' enough to understand a pun made with it.
This book also makes a big deal about what's essentially Amaranthine sign-language, because our main, Kimiko, happens to be fluent in many kinds of Amaranthine signs. Unfortunately, the author is very bad at describing these signs and usually sticks to something like "they made the sign for patience" without actually going into what movement or stance the character actually did. It's a huge let down, and I'd expect something that takes up so much of a book's interactions to actually get real-life equivalency research by the author, but it's very obvious the author never bothered to even look up basic sign language.
The plot also takes forever to take off. This book is 54 chapters long, and the main pairing do not even interact until chapter 21. That's 31% of the way through the book! So much time is wasted that could have been spent on them developing a relationship, and instead we get like 5 scenes of them together before Quen tells Kimiko's dad he loves her. When did their relationship happen?
Another problem is this book barely has a conflict, and when it does (for two scenes) the conflict doesn't even happen to our main two characters. The ones in peril are side-characters, and the peril lasts mere paragraphs before they're safe again.
There's a big reveal about another side-character in the last few chapters too, and it looks like we're finally gearing up to something happening, but all we see is her ride off to deal with the trouble off screen and that's the end of it.
This book was just a very long ramble of character drabbles with no actual conflict or development, especially on the part of our main couple, Kimiko and Eloquence. It's a time waster, but at least it wasn't an offense one.
Well, not to me at least. I'm sure plenty of people will be horrified and disgusted by
Let's start with issues I had previously. The Reaver culture. Now this book stars a character that grew up at least knowing she was a Reaver, but still somewhat an outcast to traditional Reaver upbringing. Yet still, we don't learn much about Reavers or the In-between aside from the fact Reavers have arranged marriages and marrying for love is frowned-upon.
The Amaranthine also don't have much culture. Sure, they're definitely different from the human characters, but what really separates them all from each other? Nothing except some happen to have token animal parts that others don't.
The Starmarks have stupid names, and I mean really stupid. I guess they're all named after a virtue, but their names are so pretentious. And for that matter, what language are they in within the story? Relatively early on there is a joke made about Eloquence's name and some human classmates laugh, but they're in Japan, and generally normal japanese high school students aren't going to know the meaning of 'eloquence' enough to understand a pun made with it.
This book also makes a big deal about what's essentially Amaranthine sign-language, because our main, Kimiko, happens to be fluent in many kinds of Amaranthine signs. Unfortunately, the author is very bad at describing these signs and usually sticks to something like "they made the sign for patience" without actually going into what movement or stance the character actually did. It's a huge let down, and I'd expect something that takes up so much of a book's interactions to actually get real-life equivalency research by the author, but it's very obvious the author never bothered to even look up basic sign language.
The plot also takes forever to take off. This book is 54 chapters long, and the main pairing do not even interact until chapter 21. That's 31% of the way through the book! So much time is wasted that could have been spent on them developing a relationship, and instead we get like 5 scenes of them together before Quen tells Kimiko's dad he loves her. When did their relationship happen?
Another problem is this book barely has a conflict, and when it does (for two scenes) the conflict doesn't even happen to our main two characters. The ones in peril are side-characters, and the peril lasts mere paragraphs before they're safe again.
There's a big reveal about another side-character in the last few chapters too, and it looks like we're finally gearing up to something happening, but all we see is her ride off to deal with the trouble off screen and that's the end of it.
This book was just a very long ramble of character drabbles with no actual conflict or development, especially on the part of our main couple, Kimiko and Eloquence. It's a time waster, but at least it wasn't an offense one.
Well, not to me at least. I'm sure plenty of people will be horrified and disgusted by
October 25, 2018
So... This book isn't out yet but there are already negative ratings. How can people be so petty?
May 5, 2020
I'm in pain. I blazed through reading this book in one sitting -- Forthright's work never fails to make me feel giddy. I will say that the romance in Tsumiko's book feels more complete, and the number of characters that was introduced was a little overwhelming, but Kimiko's story is just as satisfying as the first book in the series. I love the world of the Amaranthine Saga, and I especially enjoyed the way Kimiko is shown to be someone who isn't a remarkable Reaver but has unique strengths and unexpected charm.
When's the next book going to be out??? I need more!!
(4.5/5 stars, rounded up.)
When's the next book going to be out??? I need more!!
(4.5/5 stars, rounded up.)
October 23, 2018
While I enjoyed the story slightly more than Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, the number of characters was a bit overwhelming, and some of the relationship aspects felt uncomfortably fetishistic to me.
Kimiko is a likable and interesting character, and I wish the story had focused more-so on her and her interactions with everyone / the world around her - I didn't mind the inclusion of the other perspectives/relationships, but it did feel somewhat like the author couldn't decide what story they wanted to tell.
Kimiko is a likable and interesting character, and I wish the story had focused more-so on her and her interactions with everyone / the world around her - I didn't mind the inclusion of the other perspectives/relationships, but it did feel somewhat like the author couldn't decide what story they wanted to tell.
March 8, 2019
Let me start by saying that I love the world that Forthright has created with this series, I find the Amaranthine character fascinating and I'm enjoying seeing the bond that forms between them and the not quite human Reavers who have compatible magical abilities. It's also interesting seeing how humans are reacting to their recent discovery that the Amaranthine exist, of course they've been around for centuries, but they were hiding in plain sight until fairly recently so it's all come as quite a shock to the human population.
In order to build relations between the three groups the Reavers and Amaranthine have created a new school where the students will be able to mix and learn from each other. I was absolutely thrilled to discover that Tsumiko's brother Akira and his roommate Suuzu were going to be main characters here and I loved every minute of they were on page. Within class the students have been split into triads containing one human, one Reaver and one Amaranthine per group. Akira and Suuzu make up the human and Amaranthine sides of their triangle and Kimiko is the Reaver who joins them. As a Reaver Kimiko grew up knowing about the Amaranthine and is familiar with the culture so it's her job to help build connections between the human and Amaranthine students.
I really enjoyed spending time with the students, the three I've mentioned are only a small part of the class, we also have some half human / half Amaranthine students and members of each of the Amaranthine clans, including Eloquence Starmark whose father we met in the previous book. Oh and we mustn't forget Michael and Sansa's daughter Isla who was a lot of fun.
It was absolutely hilarious when Kimiko accidentally ended up proposing to Eloquence, the whole misunderstanding was really well written and I was able to understand why both of them decided to give their potential relationship a chance. I was really enjoying learning about Amaranthine courting protocol and seeing Kimiko figure out how she was going to pursue the relationship on her own terms but I have to admit I was a little disappointed we didn't get to see more of that. That side of the story started so well but it ended up getting lost amid too many other plot threads and I was just left wanting more.
There are lots of interesting things happening in this world though and I'm definitely planning on continuing the series when Tamiko and the Two Janitors releases later this year. I hope we get to see more of the students we've already met and I'm REALLY hoping that we'll get a book staring Akira and Suuzu at some point in the series.
In order to build relations between the three groups the Reavers and Amaranthine have created a new school where the students will be able to mix and learn from each other. I was absolutely thrilled to discover that Tsumiko's brother Akira and his roommate Suuzu were going to be main characters here and I loved every minute of they were on page. Within class the students have been split into triads containing one human, one Reaver and one Amaranthine per group. Akira and Suuzu make up the human and Amaranthine sides of their triangle and Kimiko is the Reaver who joins them. As a Reaver Kimiko grew up knowing about the Amaranthine and is familiar with the culture so it's her job to help build connections between the human and Amaranthine students.
I really enjoyed spending time with the students, the three I've mentioned are only a small part of the class, we also have some half human / half Amaranthine students and members of each of the Amaranthine clans, including Eloquence Starmark whose father we met in the previous book. Oh and we mustn't forget Michael and Sansa's daughter Isla who was a lot of fun.
It was absolutely hilarious when Kimiko accidentally ended up proposing to Eloquence, the whole misunderstanding was really well written and I was able to understand why both of them decided to give their potential relationship a chance. I was really enjoying learning about Amaranthine courting protocol and seeing Kimiko figure out how she was going to pursue the relationship on her own terms but I have to admit I was a little disappointed we didn't get to see more of that. That side of the story started so well but it ended up getting lost amid too many other plot threads and I was just left wanting more.
There are lots of interesting things happening in this world though and I'm definitely planning on continuing the series when Tamiko and the Two Janitors releases later this year. I hope we get to see more of the students we've already met and I'm REALLY hoping that we'll get a book staring Akira and Suuzu at some point in the series.
March 22, 2024
Kimiko is barely a reaver, she doesn't have much power. But she has spent years studying the interactions of the inhuman races so that she can be a bridgemaker and go-between. When she brings a festival gift for an absent classmate, she accidentally starts a courtship with worldwide consequences.
Why I started this book: I liked the first book and was eager to revisit the world.
Why I finished it: Gently mixing magic and Japanese culture this was a fun story about sharing traditions and forging friendships.
2019: Going to bump this up a star since I keep rereading it.
Why I started this book: I liked the first book and was eager to revisit the world.
Why I finished it: Gently mixing magic and Japanese culture this was a fun story about sharing traditions and forging friendships.
2019: Going to bump this up a star since I keep rereading it.
November 11, 2018
Boring
I loved the first book. I was so excited to see a second one. 30% into the book nothing happened. 6 character were introduced. 5 of them suffer from social anxiety disorder. They are outsiders, they are overlooked, they are too similar to be interesting. The author cannot supply any rational or irrational reason why they are liked, so she doesn't bother. It is explained as something beyond human understanding. And all they do up to this point is sleep all together. Yes 30% in there are 3 scenes where a bunch of people sleep in groups, and find a lot of comfort in that, just in case you missed how important it is to these characters they also reminisce the good old times when they did that before and how good it felt. +3 very important conversations, that are really mysterious and should not be understood yet.
That is it. Nothing else. I can't even spoil anything. This is a very large disappointment.
In the end I forced myself to finish the book. I really enjoyed the main couple, but I'm really upset they have like 20% of the book devoted to them. It makes their relationship rushed and underdeveloped. You can see that they had a lot to overcome and needed to fall in love. It could have been a magical story. But instead: day one - they are accidentally betrothed, day two - they are kissing and trusting each other for no reason. Day 3- they are in love.
In meantime two other relationships are slowly developing and growing. These are male to male relationships, they are supposed to be secondary, but both are given more time than Kimono and Еloquence.
Over all this book reads as a place holder. Like the author needed to write something, had no idea were they want the plot to go, so it has no plot. It lays the foundation to several other stories, but has no point and no other purpose than to meet a deadline.
I loved the first book. I was so excited to see a second one. 30% into the book nothing happened. 6 character were introduced. 5 of them suffer from social anxiety disorder. They are outsiders, they are overlooked, they are too similar to be interesting. The author cannot supply any rational or irrational reason why they are liked, so she doesn't bother. It is explained as something beyond human understanding. And all they do up to this point is sleep all together. Yes 30% in there are 3 scenes where a bunch of people sleep in groups, and find a lot of comfort in that, just in case you missed how important it is to these characters they also reminisce the good old times when they did that before and how good it felt. +3 very important conversations, that are really mysterious and should not be understood yet.
That is it. Nothing else. I can't even spoil anything. This is a very large disappointment.
In the end I forced myself to finish the book. I really enjoyed the main couple, but I'm really upset they have like 20% of the book devoted to them. It makes their relationship rushed and underdeveloped. You can see that they had a lot to overcome and needed to fall in love. It could have been a magical story. But instead: day one - they are accidentally betrothed, day two - they are kissing and trusting each other for no reason. Day 3- they are in love.
In meantime two other relationships are slowly developing and growing. These are male to male relationships, they are supposed to be secondary, but both are given more time than Kimono and Еloquence.
Over all this book reads as a place holder. Like the author needed to write something, had no idea were they want the plot to go, so it has no plot. It lays the foundation to several other stories, but has no point and no other purpose than to meet a deadline.
August 11, 2019
This author is wonderful. The tone of her books is that of a fairy tale, and the detail of the fantasy elements is imaginative and beautiful. There's a little too much focus on how great the shifters are at respectful communication, but since that's the gift of the main character, I can let it slide.
This has many of the characters from book 1, which is welcome. Some new ones too. It's a story about a Japanese high school that has been set up to integrate the newly outed shifters, magic humans, and mundane humans. There are also human-shifter and animal-shifter cross breeds that play a part. A magic human (Kimiko) with just a hint of magic befriends a shifter (Quen) who is not allowed to pursue a mate due to his role in his society. He's also the runt of his pack, not a desirable match from the perspective of his species. Then a strange accident happens where the human woman returns an item to the shifter without understanding that to hand that item to a person of the opposite sex is a proposal of marriage. She has so little magic that she never expected a proposal herself, and since they live in a culture with arranged marriage, they are both invested in the courtship.
On the side, there's a bad shifter hiding and kidnapping young women, then raping them. And they a mysterious other bad guy is about for a short time.
There is also the continuation of Akira and Suzzu's relationship. And a new relationship between a seemingly ordinary human who turns out to have a rare magical ability that indebts a powerful dragon to him and a half breed monkey shifter-human boy.
Yeah, complicated. But I'm hooked. Love the tone. And the underlying gentleness of the characters is intriguing.
I don't completely recall all of the details of book one, and I'm suspicious that perhaps a short story might have been written that would fill in some blanks for me, but it's been a while, so maybe I forgot some details.
This has many of the characters from book 1, which is welcome. Some new ones too. It's a story about a Japanese high school that has been set up to integrate the newly outed shifters, magic humans, and mundane humans. There are also human-shifter and animal-shifter cross breeds that play a part. A magic human (Kimiko) with just a hint of magic befriends a shifter (Quen) who is not allowed to pursue a mate due to his role in his society. He's also the runt of his pack, not a desirable match from the perspective of his species. Then a strange accident happens where the human woman returns an item to the shifter without understanding that to hand that item to a person of the opposite sex is a proposal of marriage. She has so little magic that she never expected a proposal herself, and since they live in a culture with arranged marriage, they are both invested in the courtship.
On the side, there's a bad shifter hiding and kidnapping young women, then raping them. And they a mysterious other bad guy is about for a short time.
There is also the continuation of Akira and Suzzu's relationship. And a new relationship between a seemingly ordinary human who turns out to have a rare magical ability that indebts a powerful dragon to him and a half breed monkey shifter-human boy.
Yeah, complicated. But I'm hooked. Love the tone. And the underlying gentleness of the characters is intriguing.
I don't completely recall all of the details of book one, and I'm suspicious that perhaps a short story might have been written that would fill in some blanks for me, but it's been a while, so maybe I forgot some details.
August 2, 2019
Loved it. I read the first one a bit ago, and it took me a few chapters to get with the world again. I still loved it, and want more of these characters.
October 26, 2018
I knew going in that this was a longer series but I expected Kimiko's story to feel more self-contained and be completed in the one book. Now to wait for the next installment...
I like the first book better but I'm hoping to revise this rating once the next installment is out.
I like the first book better but I'm hoping to revise this rating once the next installment is out.
October 26, 2018
Enjoyed it
I originally found this series because one of my favorite authors mentioned how much she'd enjoyed it. It reminds me a bit of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters, a bit of Anne Bishop's Others, and a lot of Inuyasha all rolled into one. I enjoyed the first book, but overall I think I like the second even better.
If you're looking for complex plots that twist and turn or characters that struggle with inner demons, this may not be what you're looking for. This is a fun, light read with an enjoyable plot and unique characters (which honestly I think everyone needs from time to time). That's not to imply the book or writing is subpar, it's just not that kind of story.
The first book was mostly an introduction to the world with a focus on the two main characters. In the second book, the world is already established so it focuses more on the different clans and adding characters. While I liked the story and characters, there were a few times I had to backtrack to figure out "wait, how did we get here" or "who is this character again". It was just a lot of new people, customs, and story lines to keep track of at times.
The only thing I really didn't like about this book was that nothing really got resolved in it, which made the end feel like a cliff hanger. I hate cliff hangers. In the first book Tsumiko and Argent have a rocky beginning that leads to love. They free Argent, they save a baby and resolve to help others like him, then they get married. They didn't resolve everything, but that particular story had a conclusion. Nothing was really accomplished in this story. Kimiko and Quen get engaged and are still engaged at the end, there's a possible continuation of story lines from the first book but nothing is confirmed and they don't learn anything new, you get to know Akira and Suuzu better and you get glimpses of what the future may hold but nothing significant changes, you meet a bunch of new characters but it's mostly just introducing them to the series. It feels like a book of beginnings. That being said, I still liked it enough to continue with the series and add it to the books I re-read periodically.
I originally found this series because one of my favorite authors mentioned how much she'd enjoyed it. It reminds me a bit of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters, a bit of Anne Bishop's Others, and a lot of Inuyasha all rolled into one. I enjoyed the first book, but overall I think I like the second even better.
If you're looking for complex plots that twist and turn or characters that struggle with inner demons, this may not be what you're looking for. This is a fun, light read with an enjoyable plot and unique characters (which honestly I think everyone needs from time to time). That's not to imply the book or writing is subpar, it's just not that kind of story.
The first book was mostly an introduction to the world with a focus on the two main characters. In the second book, the world is already established so it focuses more on the different clans and adding characters. While I liked the story and characters, there were a few times I had to backtrack to figure out "wait, how did we get here" or "who is this character again". It was just a lot of new people, customs, and story lines to keep track of at times.
The only thing I really didn't like about this book was that nothing really got resolved in it, which made the end feel like a cliff hanger. I hate cliff hangers. In the first book Tsumiko and Argent have a rocky beginning that leads to love. They free Argent, they save a baby and resolve to help others like him, then they get married. They didn't resolve everything, but that particular story had a conclusion. Nothing was really accomplished in this story. Kimiko and Quen get engaged and are still engaged at the end, there's a possible continuation of story lines from the first book but nothing is confirmed and they don't learn anything new, you get to know Akira and Suuzu better and you get glimpses of what the future may hold but nothing significant changes, you meet a bunch of new characters but it's mostly just introducing them to the series. It feels like a book of beginnings. That being said, I still liked it enough to continue with the series and add it to the books I re-read periodically.
November 12, 2018
While I really enjoyed several of the characters and the way men were allowed to be nurturing, the plot in this book was *everywhere*. it was really frustrating and I lost interest several times. If I hadn't enjoyed book 1 so much I wouldn't have finished it.
May 8, 2025
To be completely honest, until the 40% mark when the titular accidental proposal happened, I'd completely forgotten this was a "romance" and was just vibing with all the friendships. (Literally could not have told you who the main couple were going to be if you asked me at any point before that. They never interacted.)
Unfortunately, that was the point where the book went downhill as well. There is a huge cast, and until then, the author managed to balance them surprisingly well. To the point where I cared about all the individual storylines, which is rare.
However, after the courtship started, I cared about all but one. I'll give you a guess which.
Let's just say, it's a bit ironic when the main couple have literally the only relationship in the whole book that lacks depth. What sucked even more was that both of them were interesting characters on their own and in their relationship with others, but somehow lost all of that when they were together. Talk about rubbing salt to injury.
On another note, there really isn't much of a plot to this book. There are some kidnappings happening in the background and we barely know anything more about them in the end of the book than we know in the beginning. But honestly, I didn't care much. I was there for the vibes, and disappointing and unnecessary main couple aside, the vibes were still pretty good. This series still makes me feel all warm and cosy like I'm watching Shoujo. I'm willing to look past a lot for that.
(I could have lived without the Amaranthine X animals revelation).
Unfortunately, that was the point where the book went downhill as well. There is a huge cast, and until then, the author managed to balance them surprisingly well. To the point where I cared about all the individual storylines, which is rare.
However, after the courtship started, I cared about all but one. I'll give you a guess which.
Let's just say, it's a bit ironic when the main couple have literally the only relationship in the whole book that lacks depth. What sucked even more was that both of them were interesting characters on their own and in their relationship with others, but somehow lost all of that when they were together. Talk about rubbing salt to injury.
On another note, there really isn't much of a plot to this book. There are some kidnappings happening in the background and we barely know anything more about them in the end of the book than we know in the beginning. But honestly, I didn't care much. I was there for the vibes, and disappointing and unnecessary main couple aside, the vibes were still pretty good. This series still makes me feel all warm and cosy like I'm watching Shoujo. I'm willing to look past a lot for that.
(I could have lived without the Amaranthine X animals revelation).
August 26, 2020
I LOVED the writing, and the world-building, and the dreamy Japanese mythology feel to the story in general.
However... I'm super unclear on what was going on, or even whose story this was. Seriously. Was it Kimiko's and Eloquence's? Why was Kimiko so calm and accepting of accidental betrothal to a stranger? Why was so little of Kimiko and Eloquence's courtship shown? Only 2 of 12 pledges?
We also had Tenma, and his incomplete story line. We had Akira and Suuzu. Hisoka. Michael. Argent. Inti. Isla. Hanoo, Ploom and Yootah. Boon. Juuyu. Sinder. Lapis. Harmonious. Anna. Kyrie, Ever, Gingko, Rise, etc etc etc etc. Every one of these characters has sizeable amounts of actual storyline which shoves Kimi and Quen to the back at least 2/3 of the book. I'm not even opposed to any of those characters and their storylines, it just felt like something of a disservice to Quen and Kimi.
However... I'm super unclear on what was going on, or even whose story this was. Seriously. Was it Kimiko's and Eloquence's? Why was Kimiko so calm and accepting of accidental betrothal to a stranger? Why was so little of Kimiko and Eloquence's courtship shown? Only 2 of 12 pledges?
We also had Tenma, and his incomplete story line. We had Akira and Suuzu. Hisoka. Michael. Argent. Inti. Isla. Hanoo, Ploom and Yootah. Boon. Juuyu. Sinder. Lapis. Harmonious. Anna. Kyrie, Ever, Gingko, Rise, etc etc etc etc. Every one of these characters has sizeable amounts of actual storyline which shoves Kimi and Quen to the back at least 2/3 of the book. I'm not even opposed to any of those characters and their storylines, it just felt like something of a disservice to Quen and Kimi.
January 22, 2020
5 stars
I was only going to give this book 4 stars, but then I realised how hard it was to put this story down and I would read this book/series again, which in my book means a 5 star book.
I do wish I had reread the first book. I found I didn't remember all the characters and events that popped up from the first story.
I will start book 3 now.
I was only going to give this book 4 stars, but then I realised how hard it was to put this story down and I would read this book/series again, which in my book means a 5 star book.
I do wish I had reread the first book. I found I didn't remember all the characters and events that popped up from the first story.
I will start book 3 now.
June 3, 2019
חמוד ביותר. מחכה להבא.
August 16, 2020
3.75 stars. Odd pacing that undermines the need for urgency when the plot calls for it. I’m starting to suspect that cultural differences are affecting my personal perceptions about the plot choices.
October 27, 2018
Lots of good, continuing mythology, different characters. Irritatingly ended without resolution.
May 29, 2019
I liked this even better than the first one! I think the author did a good job of building onto the world she built in the first book, so the story felt richer and more complex. The characters are so so adorable and unique; it's a very fun read.
January 31, 2020
Oh no. Another sequel that went wrong.
In one word? Boring. Nothing happened. I was scammed by the title. This proposal doesn't happen until halfway through the book. And in what universe were Kimiko and Eloquence getting together?
Let me explain. For the majority of the book, Kimiko is friends with Akira and Suuzu (if they are not together together, I’m going to rage!). In the meantime, Eloquence is being busy showing Tenma around his clan and making sure that his new friend (I was so not getting the just friends vibe) was okay and not as anxious as in the beginning. Eloquence and Kimiko don't even interact until there's this weird course of action where they're just both there and kind of betrothed all of a sudden? I wasn't buying it, therefore, I lost interest.
Also, there are so many subplots and unimportant details that just got me reeling. I came into this really excited. Loving the first book I wanted more of the Amaranthine. Kimiko and Eloquence seemed to be the major protagonists of this sequel. There are, of course, Suuzu, Akira and Isla. And two new characters, Tenma and Inti, who later claims Tenma as his own. In the start, these storylines, make sense to some degree. But then Tenma had one storyline and Kimiko had another that overlapped with Eloquence’s and Akira’s, and everything was just all over the place.
There is essentially no plot, no villains, and the story just takes a lot of chapters to take off. There’s this issue with the rogue dragon and the rapings, which was introduced in the first book and I was looking forward to solving this case. I found it was pretty marginalised in favour of this supposed brilliant accidental proposal, though. Honestly, I enjoyed the first pages the best. I was still enjoying this brand new world and the dynamic between Tenma and Quen got me really cheering for them. Then I got extremely annoyed at the pacing and how everything was progressing in ways that didn’t make really sense. The last chapters were ultimately saved by Argent and Gingko making an appearance and it was so good for my heart to see them.
Already while reading the first book I noticed that the storytelling really reminded me that of reading manga. A lot of characters are introduced, so quite a number of different points of view can be included. Also, the way the emotions and the character's inner thoughts were conveyed was familiar. In Tsumiko’s story, I found this approach really refreshing—a fellow manga-lover merging features from a manga with those from a novel. Considering it now, however, I found it somewhat bothersome, like it wasn’t implemented successfully. Or rather, it would have been awesome if there had been a plot.
And now, what really got me sputtering. What’s all this about having intercourse with animals? Starmark had sex with a reaver, a fellow dog amaranthine and an actual female dog?? I'm sorry, but how is this okay? I’m really really shocked that this was added because only two days ago I was studying psychopathology and one of the many disorders was also having sexual intercourse with animals. So I found this so not okay. Even if they are part animals and it is fantasy, I’m overly disturbed by this.
In one word? Boring. Nothing happened. I was scammed by the title. This proposal doesn't happen until halfway through the book. And in what universe were Kimiko and Eloquence getting together?
Let me explain. For the majority of the book, Kimiko is friends with Akira and Suuzu (if they are not together together, I’m going to rage!). In the meantime, Eloquence is being busy showing Tenma around his clan and making sure that his new friend (I was so not getting the just friends vibe) was okay and not as anxious as in the beginning. Eloquence and Kimiko don't even interact until there's this weird course of action where they're just both there and kind of betrothed all of a sudden? I wasn't buying it, therefore, I lost interest.
Also, there are so many subplots and unimportant details that just got me reeling. I came into this really excited. Loving the first book I wanted more of the Amaranthine. Kimiko and Eloquence seemed to be the major protagonists of this sequel. There are, of course, Suuzu, Akira and Isla. And two new characters, Tenma and Inti, who later claims Tenma as his own. In the start, these storylines, make sense to some degree. But then Tenma had one storyline and Kimiko had another that overlapped with Eloquence’s and Akira’s, and everything was just all over the place.
There is essentially no plot, no villains, and the story just takes a lot of chapters to take off. There’s this issue with the rogue dragon and the rapings, which was introduced in the first book and I was looking forward to solving this case. I found it was pretty marginalised in favour of this supposed brilliant accidental proposal, though. Honestly, I enjoyed the first pages the best. I was still enjoying this brand new world and the dynamic between Tenma and Quen got me really cheering for them. Then I got extremely annoyed at the pacing and how everything was progressing in ways that didn’t make really sense. The last chapters were ultimately saved by Argent and Gingko making an appearance and it was so good for my heart to see them.
Already while reading the first book I noticed that the storytelling really reminded me that of reading manga. A lot of characters are introduced, so quite a number of different points of view can be included. Also, the way the emotions and the character's inner thoughts were conveyed was familiar. In Tsumiko’s story, I found this approach really refreshing—a fellow manga-lover merging features from a manga with those from a novel. Considering it now, however, I found it somewhat bothersome, like it wasn’t implemented successfully. Or rather, it would have been awesome if there had been a plot.
And now, what really got me sputtering. What’s all this about having intercourse with animals? Starmark had sex with a reaver, a fellow dog amaranthine and an actual female dog?? I'm sorry, but how is this okay? I’m really really shocked that this was added because only two days ago I was studying psychopathology and one of the many disorders was also having sexual intercourse with animals. So I found this so not okay. Even if they are part animals and it is fantasy, I’m overly disturbed by this.
October 6, 2020
Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. I loved this. Sad that it ended where it did, but completely head over heels with the world building and plot.
Kimiko is the middle child of a family of reavers that have fallen almost to obscurity. Thanks to her youngest sister's calculated meddling Kimiko has been accepted into a prestigious new school where reavers, humans, and Amaranthine are mixing to change the future. While not the brightest soul in the class, her unusual upbringing and understanding of the Amaranthine subtle body language has brought her to the attention of her rather impressive classmates. Amongst those classmates is Eloquence Starmark the runt of his clan and charged with such responsibilities that make his future not his own. His famous little half-brother is his to raise and foster much as his uncle did for him. That task is made harder by the fact that he must join this new mixed school, but Quen finds that there is more to be found in his new triad than he expected. Then Kimiko's kindness and warmth, plus an impish pup, leads her to accidentally propose to Quin. Through a twist of fate, Quin wants her actually pursue him and though other humans often mistake her for a boy, Kimiko feels very unprepared for her new role, because as crazy as it seems she's decided to accept. Thankfully the rest of her triad is more than willing to step up and help her through these new steps. Admist all of this, something is stalking Reaver females and their hometown has just become its newest hunting grounds.
I adore seeing this world through the different characters' eyes. A world seen through those who had no knowledge of the Amananthine before the emergence, those bonded even more than one of them knows, a Reaver fearing for her future, and a dog that craves what he thinks he'll never gain. I laughed, got teary, pissed off, and basically ran the gauntlet of emotions, all the hallmarks of an amazing book. While I am annoyed at where this book leaves off and that we're changing continents in the next book so it's unlikely I'll get to see as much as I'd like of this couple's continued courtship.
Basically if you need a recommendation, read book one then continue on to this one immediately, because it's more than totally worth it. On to the novella!
Kimiko is the middle child of a family of reavers that have fallen almost to obscurity. Thanks to her youngest sister's calculated meddling Kimiko has been accepted into a prestigious new school where reavers, humans, and Amaranthine are mixing to change the future. While not the brightest soul in the class, her unusual upbringing and understanding of the Amaranthine subtle body language has brought her to the attention of her rather impressive classmates. Amongst those classmates is Eloquence Starmark the runt of his clan and charged with such responsibilities that make his future not his own. His famous little half-brother is his to raise and foster much as his uncle did for him. That task is made harder by the fact that he must join this new mixed school, but Quen finds that there is more to be found in his new triad than he expected. Then Kimiko's kindness and warmth, plus an impish pup, leads her to accidentally propose to Quin. Through a twist of fate, Quin wants her actually pursue him and though other humans often mistake her for a boy, Kimiko feels very unprepared for her new role, because as crazy as it seems she's decided to accept. Thankfully the rest of her triad is more than willing to step up and help her through these new steps. Admist all of this, something is stalking Reaver females and their hometown has just become its newest hunting grounds.
I adore seeing this world through the different characters' eyes. A world seen through those who had no knowledge of the Amananthine before the emergence, those bonded even more than one of them knows, a Reaver fearing for her future, and a dog that craves what he thinks he'll never gain. I laughed, got teary, pissed off, and basically ran the gauntlet of emotions, all the hallmarks of an amazing book. While I am annoyed at where this book leaves off and that we're changing continents in the next book so it's unlikely I'll get to see as much as I'd like of this couple's continued courtship.
Basically if you need a recommendation, read book one then continue on to this one immediately, because it's more than totally worth it. On to the novella!
October 26, 2018
KatAP is a semi-sequel to "Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox". (It takes place a few years later, and some of the major characters of the first book are peripheral characters in this one.) The milieu is the same: A world like ours in which supernatural beings have revealed themselves.
The revelation that there are shape-changers with magical talents has been received with nervous acceptance: The public response is generally positive, but integration will continue to be hard to sell. In one corner of this world, part of that public-relations effort is a school attended by a mix of Amaranthines, Humans, and Reavers (Humans with some mystical abilities).
One of the students is Kimiko, a Reaver of mediocre status and attainments - who accidentally proposes to an Amarantine classmate. It was an accident, and could have been left at that, but instead her friends and his family get behind and push. And help.
The best thing about Forthright's writing is the absence of melodrama. The author is forced to rely on excellent story-telling to keep the reader engaged, rather than on cheap plot devices. So no, Amaranthines do not, as a people, have bizarre sexual or violent habits. No, Kimiko does not turn out to have the Reaver equivalent of super powers. No, the courtship is not blown off course by contrived coincidences and misunderstandings. What keeps the pages turning is well-written and engaging characters, and a story that works for those characters.
It's a refreshing change.
The revelation that there are shape-changers with magical talents has been received with nervous acceptance: The public response is generally positive, but integration will continue to be hard to sell. In one corner of this world, part of that public-relations effort is a school attended by a mix of Amaranthines, Humans, and Reavers (Humans with some mystical abilities).
One of the students is Kimiko, a Reaver of mediocre status and attainments - who accidentally proposes to an Amarantine classmate. It was an accident, and could have been left at that, but instead her friends and his family get behind and push. And help.
The best thing about Forthright's writing is the absence of melodrama. The author is forced to rely on excellent story-telling to keep the reader engaged, rather than on cheap plot devices. So no, Amaranthines do not, as a people, have bizarre sexual or violent habits. No, Kimiko does not turn out to have the Reaver equivalent of super powers. No, the courtship is not blown off course by contrived coincidences and misunderstandings. What keeps the pages turning is well-written and engaging characters, and a story that works for those characters.
It's a refreshing change.
September 9, 2024
This is such an adorable story, it's so cute, Ever is amazing, and so is Kimiko and Eloquence!
*Fourth REad October 7th, 2022*
I adore this story, I had to reread it, and I just love this story and what we learn!
*Third Read October 29th, 2022*
Loved reading this book again, I love these two and their story so much! They're just so great, and I love what it adds to the world!
*Second Read April 21st, 2019*
Yeah, loved reading it again, and knowing what was going to happen, I was able to slow down and really pick up on the details! Can't wait from more from this world!
*First Read January 7th, 2019*
Really great sequel, so much happened, and we saw a lot more of this world! So hilarious, too! Loved it, can't wait for the next book!
*Fourth REad October 7th, 2022*
I adore this story, I had to reread it, and I just love this story and what we learn!
*Third Read October 29th, 2022*
Loved reading this book again, I love these two and their story so much! They're just so great, and I love what it adds to the world!
*Second Read April 21st, 2019*
Yeah, loved reading it again, and knowing what was going to happen, I was able to slow down and really pick up on the details! Can't wait from more from this world!
*First Read January 7th, 2019*
Really great sequel, so much happened, and we saw a lot more of this world! So hilarious, too! Loved it, can't wait for the next book!
July 19, 2020
I still really like this world she built. This book focuses on totally new characters - but a lot of the secondary characters from the first book are seen here moving forward. Especially Tsumiko's brother and his Pheonix roommate. It reminds me of a lot of those paranormal romance books where each book focuses on a new relationship, but the world and everyone else continue to move forward.
This book is set on a "younger" group and there's a lot of Japanese High School culture here. I say Younger as most of the non-humans in this book are still much older. It almost doesn't focus on Kimiko at all, but on her entire class and the history of the shrine her family tends to.
I will continue reading these.
This book is set on a "younger" group and there's a lot of Japanese High School culture here. I say Younger as most of the non-humans in this book are still much older. It almost doesn't focus on Kimiko at all, but on her entire class and the history of the shrine her family tends to.
I will continue reading these.
April 18, 2020
I really like this author, but the ending seemed a bit rushed to me. We all know that wonderful, horrible mix of satisfaction and need you get at the end of a book. With this one, as the end appoached, I had so much need, but the satisfaction was very wishy washy. Everything was wrapped up, but in a bit of a prefuntory way. Even with this disappointment, I did enjoy the book. The world is rich and I feel the characters have enough depth to be interesting.
I'd recommend this book as some light fun reading.
I'd recommend this book as some light fun reading.
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