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Kuro: A Land in Eternal Night: Episode 1: A Vanished Goddess
What would a world without the Sun be like?
When the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu-ōmikami, vanished under mysterious circumstances a thousand years ago, she left the land of Kuro blanketed in eternal night.
Over time, the people of Kuro have learned to harness what remains of Amaterasu’s power: the precious and finite resource known as the Goddess Essence. Kurokyuu Orbs, miracles of modern technology, harvest the Goddess Essence and provide light and power to all.
But there is a problem: the Goddess Essence is running out. And it couldn't have come at a worse time.
Whispers abound of a growing evil in the North; stories of shadows that can only be harmed by the light of the sun.
From out of the darkness rises Taiyou-Shi, City of the Sun. Light Spires shine through all twenty-four of Taiyou-Shi's hours, providing artificial sunlight for all. Everyone that is, but the residents of the Utter Darkness. In this forsaken place, Mina, a young orphan, is forced to beg and steal on the streets to sustain herself in the hardscrabble way of life.
In the darkest corners, Marauders lurk, hunting little girls, searching for the one known only as “The Maiden”.
When Mina falls captive to a roving band of Marauders, she is faced with a life-altering decision: reveal the secret she has been hiding her entire life or stay silent and risk losing her already meager existence?
When people die as a result of her inaction, Mina realizes her secret is no longer hers to keep. A secret that lies in a most unusual ability: the power to manifest sunlight...
When the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu-ōmikami, vanished under mysterious circumstances a thousand years ago, she left the land of Kuro blanketed in eternal night.
Over time, the people of Kuro have learned to harness what remains of Amaterasu’s power: the precious and finite resource known as the Goddess Essence. Kurokyuu Orbs, miracles of modern technology, harvest the Goddess Essence and provide light and power to all.
But there is a problem: the Goddess Essence is running out. And it couldn't have come at a worse time.
Whispers abound of a growing evil in the North; stories of shadows that can only be harmed by the light of the sun.
From out of the darkness rises Taiyou-Shi, City of the Sun. Light Spires shine through all twenty-four of Taiyou-Shi's hours, providing artificial sunlight for all. Everyone that is, but the residents of the Utter Darkness. In this forsaken place, Mina, a young orphan, is forced to beg and steal on the streets to sustain herself in the hardscrabble way of life.
In the darkest corners, Marauders lurk, hunting little girls, searching for the one known only as “The Maiden”.
When Mina falls captive to a roving band of Marauders, she is faced with a life-altering decision: reveal the secret she has been hiding her entire life or stay silent and risk losing her already meager existence?
When people die as a result of her inaction, Mina realizes her secret is no longer hers to keep. A secret that lies in a most unusual ability: the power to manifest sunlight...
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2014
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 19, 2014
What I really liked about the book was that, especially in the prologue, it really felt like I was inside an anime. It was great to read a book in narrative form yet still experience some of the very familiar aspects of anime stories: spirits sealed inside people or objects, Japanese names of the gods and goddesses, the dynamic fighting sequences, etc. The cover is quite attractive as well, and was a key reason I ordered the book in the first place.
I did have trouble following the story's structure. For the first four or five chapters, the POV kept changing as they were narrated by a new character each time. I kept wondering how many more new characters I was going to meet, and, for a while, it wasn't clear how these characters were related to one another or to the over-arching story.
I also had difficulty understanding the time/era the story was set in. Granted, anime often does a great job of blending different eras but, since the Prologue started things off with a very 'old feel' with mentions of robes and taverns, for example, I was surprised to find that Chapter 1 started in the same time period yet the main city had Mag Rails, sky-scrapers, comm-links, and other futuristic tech. Once I accepted that this was an 'anime' world, though, I found my footing and kept reading.
Lastly, the book could use a sound editing, or at least a thorough proofread. Punctuation errors, spelling mistakes, and overuse of words are examples of issues that got in the way of what was generally good narrative.
I did have trouble following the story's structure. For the first four or five chapters, the POV kept changing as they were narrated by a new character each time. I kept wondering how many more new characters I was going to meet, and, for a while, it wasn't clear how these characters were related to one another or to the over-arching story.
I also had difficulty understanding the time/era the story was set in. Granted, anime often does a great job of blending different eras but, since the Prologue started things off with a very 'old feel' with mentions of robes and taverns, for example, I was surprised to find that Chapter 1 started in the same time period yet the main city had Mag Rails, sky-scrapers, comm-links, and other futuristic tech. Once I accepted that this was an 'anime' world, though, I found my footing and kept reading.
Lastly, the book could use a sound editing, or at least a thorough proofread. Punctuation errors, spelling mistakes, and overuse of words are examples of issues that got in the way of what was generally good narrative.
October 14, 2014
This book is wonderfully written and it never fails to grasp the reader's attention with meticulous writing and vivid imagery . I found it quite hard to put it away and constantly absorbed myself into this new world crafted by MichaelLimjoco.
At first, I stayed because of the anime/manga art but soon I stayed not only for the well-drawn characters, but mainly because of the expansive world of Kuro. Even though there were several chapters which made no connection to one another in the beginning, it all changed when the fire natio--
I mean while reading halfway, everything started to make sense and I was just at awe because of how the author meticulously written every system and organization in the land of Kuro .
The action was really good too!Everything was so exciting and I couldn't stop reading until I was done with the fight scenes!Besides the action, the character development and interaction was one of the main attraction that made me want to read more.Each and every one of them are so different yet they help and compliment each other which brings us the wonderful trio and familiar group.
To be honest I'm not sure how to review a book but it has been a long time since I've read such a good fantasy fiction book and this is one of the books I'll definitely recommend to all my anime/manga fantasy-loving book lovers.
At first, I stayed because of the anime/manga art but soon I stayed not only for the well-drawn characters, but mainly because of the expansive world of Kuro. Even though there were several chapters which made no connection to one another in the beginning, it all changed when the fire natio--
I mean while reading halfway, everything started to make sense and I was just at awe because of how the author meticulously written every system and organization in the land of Kuro .
The action was really good too!Everything was so exciting and I couldn't stop reading until I was done with the fight scenes!Besides the action, the character development and interaction was one of the main attraction that made me want to read more.Each and every one of them are so different yet they help and compliment each other which brings us the wonderful trio and familiar group.
To be honest I'm not sure how to review a book but it has been a long time since I've read such a good fantasy fiction book and this is one of the books I'll definitely recommend to all my anime/manga fantasy-loving book lovers.
October 5, 2014
From the opening paragraph the reader is plunged into a vivid world that truly comes alive. Limjoco's descriptions are expertly crafted making you immediately aware of your surroundings. No mean task when you realize that this story is set in different times and spans the deep past and into the future.
This truly is YA fantasy at its best. The carefully crafted worlds, the collection of fully fleshed out characters, the parallel stories being woven together. It is jam packed full of action, lore and magic.
Truly an unputdownable book. I read across two sessions totally absorbed while the family clambered. This series will certainly appeal to a wide audience and, refreshingly, its subject matter is suitable for all age ranges. Kids/YA that love fantasy and enjoy Anime will get an extra kick out of this, and will especially love the 'bite size' episodes this series is split into. But that said, even adult readers will enjoy delving into this meticulously written book.
This truly is YA fantasy at its best. The carefully crafted worlds, the collection of fully fleshed out characters, the parallel stories being woven together. It is jam packed full of action, lore and magic.
Truly an unputdownable book. I read across two sessions totally absorbed while the family clambered. This series will certainly appeal to a wide audience and, refreshingly, its subject matter is suitable for all age ranges. Kids/YA that love fantasy and enjoy Anime will get an extra kick out of this, and will especially love the 'bite size' episodes this series is split into. But that said, even adult readers will enjoy delving into this meticulously written book.
October 19, 2014
I found Kuro a charming read. I've not finished it yet but it's definitely something on my to-do list. Following the tales of several characters in their individual quests, we see their destinies intertwining in the land of everlasting night. There are some areas where the plot moved a tad too slowly for my liking, particularly at the beginning, but nevertheless I enjoyed the overall story presentation, characters, settings, and the Japanese theme. I'd love to see this as an animated film one day.
May 7, 2016
A wonderful combination of Asia Mythology, Japanese Gods and pretty much anime. The writing style allows the reader to vividly imagine each scenarios the book would offer. Each conflict doesn't center a certain person but it revolves around their world that it was possible for completely different people to inevitably meet as the truth comes in to light.
The story has no boring parts and the plot is solid, leaving you wondering what more mystery that lies within each characters. This book will make you beg for more.
The story has no boring parts and the plot is solid, leaving you wondering what more mystery that lies within each characters. This book will make you beg for more.
April 7, 2015
This story is absolutely exciting, since the very beginning. The impeccable way in which it is written still amazes me. It is fluid, well structured and beautiful. The characters are perfectly developed and the plot is original to its very bones. I strongly recommend this book to every single person who loves asian cultures, ancient legends, vivid descriptions and memorable dialogues. I love Kuro!!!
October 15, 2014
It is a very brilliant masterpiece. I loved every single part of it. I was brought to a very vivid world wherein darkness is part of everyday life. I like how Michael depicted every character from the main ones down to even those who really wouldn't last in this cruel world. If you guys are into anime, I say you should definitely read this. It will really spark your imagination. I swear you will never regret it.
October 15, 2014
A marvelous start to a new epic series by breakout Goodreads author Michael Limjoco. The Kuro saga is a brilliant combination of Science Fiction, Light Anime and a wonderful homage to Japanese and Asian Mythology/Legend. Each chapter is a stand-alone story of the struggle of good versus evil in the battle to bring the light back to the land. The imagery and language bring the story to life while using a pleasing modern vernacular.
October 19, 2014
This book is really well written and have an exciting start that makes the reader even want to read more. This is a must read.
April 20, 2015
I loved it. Don't know why I didn't read the entire book when I had the chance but I got to read the first episode at least. I'll read the rest when I can. You're a good author. :)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews