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American Kitsune #2
A Fox's Tail
Kevin's life has finally started settling down. Sure, he still has to deal with Lilian’s zany antics, but desensitization has set in at last and he’s actually beginning to enjoy the gorgeous Kitsune's continued presence. Too bad he's in denial. Unfortunately for him, life likes to throw fast balls when you least expect it to, and his life about to get ecchi―I-I mean ugly.
A tsundere dressed in Gothic Lolita fashion…
A boy whose hair is bigger than his brain…
A new enemy that makes Chris Fleischer look like a fifty pound weakling...
Trying to admit his feelings for a certain tomboy...
Not to mention Lilian herself. Yeah, Kevin's got problems, and life can only get more strenuous from here on out.
Oh well. At least he hasn't been turned into a Harem Protagonist.
A tsundere dressed in Gothic Lolita fashion…
A boy whose hair is bigger than his brain…
A new enemy that makes Chris Fleischer look like a fifty pound weakling...
Trying to admit his feelings for a certain tomboy...
Not to mention Lilian herself. Yeah, Kevin's got problems, and life can only get more strenuous from here on out.
Oh well. At least he hasn't been turned into a Harem Protagonist.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2015
93 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Varnell
137 books370 followersBrandon Varnell is a writer. The end.
... Just kidding.
Brandon Varnell is the author of several book series, all of which involve anime-inspired fanservice. Having been an anime nerd for basically his whole life, his books tend to reflect that. He likes writing stories with loads of T&A, shonen-style battle scenes, and steamy romances that are both light-hearted and erotic. He is also a huge fan of harem anime, so most of his books feature harem romances. If that bothers you, you probably shouldn't read his books.
If you'd like to be constantly updated on anything that he is doing, you can sign up for his mailing list at www.varnell-brandon.com or you can follow him on Twitter (@BrandonBVarnell) or Facebook (@AmericanKitsune).
... Just kidding.
Brandon Varnell is the author of several book series, all of which involve anime-inspired fanservice. Having been an anime nerd for basically his whole life, his books tend to reflect that. He likes writing stories with loads of T&A, shonen-style battle scenes, and steamy romances that are both light-hearted and erotic. He is also a huge fan of harem anime, so most of his books feature harem romances. If that bothers you, you probably shouldn't read his books.
If you'd like to be constantly updated on anything that he is doing, you can sign up for his mailing list at www.varnell-brandon.com or you can follow him on Twitter (@BrandonBVarnell) or Facebook (@AmericanKitsune).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 23, 2015
In a world full of humorous, quirky and offbeat tales, A Fox’s Tail by Brandon Varnell is like taking a headlong dive out of reality and into the world a Believe It or Not fantasy. Often the second book in a series has a hard time breaking par with book one, especially when it was crazily brilliant, goofy and had so much heart and raw honesty buried within. Have no fear, Brandon Varnell is obviously comfortable in the niche he has carved out for himself and seems to be having a wonderful time with each addition to the series.
Kevin is a teen on his own, living a regular life, until the day he found an injured fox and brought it home. How could he know the fax was actually a two-tailed kitsune, named Lillian? In human form she is uninhibited, drop dead gorgeous, every teen guy’s fantasy, and she is all Kevin’s. As a matter of fact she is determined that Kevin is her mate, whether he likes it or not. As more supernaturals are coming out of the woodwork and Lillian fears losing Kevin to someone else, the green-eyed monster raises its ugly head and she becomes one of those insecure females who’s able to choke the life out of the man she loves. And please, let’s not forget Kevin’s friends, especially the pervy one who take every opportunity to check out Lillian’s assets and comment.
Another supernatural, a beauty in black is eying Kevin, and turns out, Kevin’s greatest nemesis just happens to be her brother, yep, trouble with a capital T.
Crazy, quirky, fast-paced and with things coming at you from every angle, A Fox’s Tail is a laugh out loud, highly entertaining read, so long as you are ready to accept all the craziness that comes out of left field! Being an anime aficionado or a gamer not required, all you need is a mind like a steel trap to grasp it all and a wicked sense of humor. Reading this is like walking a tightrope while trying not to laugh at I Love Lucy Reruns.
I received a copy from Brandon Varnell in exchange for my honest review.
Series: American Kitsune - Book 2
Publication Date: April 8, 2015
Publisher: Brandon Varnell
Genre: Fantasy Romance | Comedy
Print Length: 322 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Kevin is a teen on his own, living a regular life, until the day he found an injured fox and brought it home. How could he know the fax was actually a two-tailed kitsune, named Lillian? In human form she is uninhibited, drop dead gorgeous, every teen guy’s fantasy, and she is all Kevin’s. As a matter of fact she is determined that Kevin is her mate, whether he likes it or not. As more supernaturals are coming out of the woodwork and Lillian fears losing Kevin to someone else, the green-eyed monster raises its ugly head and she becomes one of those insecure females who’s able to choke the life out of the man she loves. And please, let’s not forget Kevin’s friends, especially the pervy one who take every opportunity to check out Lillian’s assets and comment.
Another supernatural, a beauty in black is eying Kevin, and turns out, Kevin’s greatest nemesis just happens to be her brother, yep, trouble with a capital T.
Crazy, quirky, fast-paced and with things coming at you from every angle, A Fox’s Tail is a laugh out loud, highly entertaining read, so long as you are ready to accept all the craziness that comes out of left field! Being an anime aficionado or a gamer not required, all you need is a mind like a steel trap to grasp it all and a wicked sense of humor. Reading this is like walking a tightrope while trying not to laugh at I Love Lucy Reruns.
I received a copy from Brandon Varnell in exchange for my honest review.
Series: American Kitsune - Book 2
Publication Date: April 8, 2015
Publisher: Brandon Varnell
Genre: Fantasy Romance | Comedy
Print Length: 322 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 18, 2015
Awesome xD. Made by an otaku for otakus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2017
This is the second book of the series. I purchased the third before finishing this one, and will be purchasing the entire rest of the series in short order.
It has been a long time, perhaps a year, since a book made me feel as deeply and as fully as this novel did. I have read dozens of books this year by excellent authors but remained mostly unscathed. Varnell is able to turn his characters into something else entirely, breathing people who rise off the page and into your heart.
Characters are all sweethearts with genuine personalities. Everything is done well, especially reactions and dialogue. Vague references abound but they don't get in the way. The fourth-wall breaks are still around so if you don't enjoy those, be aware. The humor is good and had me laughing at multiple places.
This has genuinely been a fun series. I didn't expect to find a gem like this hidden in a silly little anime novel. What a treat.
It has been a long time, perhaps a year, since a book made me feel as deeply and as fully as this novel did. I have read dozens of books this year by excellent authors but remained mostly unscathed. Varnell is able to turn his characters into something else entirely, breathing people who rise off the page and into your heart.
Characters are all sweethearts with genuine personalities. Everything is done well, especially reactions and dialogue. Vague references abound but they don't get in the way. The fourth-wall breaks are still around so if you don't enjoy those, be aware. The humor is good and had me laughing at multiple places.
This has genuinely been a fun series. I didn't expect to find a gem like this hidden in a silly little anime novel. What a treat.
July 9, 2019
The rating is more of a 2.5-3/5 stars
Full review later on! REVIEW NOW LIVE ON DAT LITTLE BLOG!
I’d like to thank the author for giving me an e-copy in exchange of a honest review! That didn’t in any way alter my opinion!
How to start this review? This book was so, so promising. The plot was very original and interesting and it made me curious about how the story would roll out. The thing is that the story is interesting; it’s not the sort of plot you’ll find in most books. There’s comedy, humour, mystery, action… You couldn’t ask for more! But, in my opinion, what really shattered it all, is the romance.
I think I already said I was not a big fan of romance, but I do like it when it is well executed. There are several books I’ve read where romance plays a part in them, and where I really don’t mind because it does fit in the storyline. However, in A Fox’s Tail, the romance was forced. I couldn’t read past some of the “romantic” passages without rolling my eyes or landing a giant facepalm. This was mainly due to the fact that I couldn’t stand the main female protagonist, Lilian. I… ugh! I couldn’t force myself to understand her, or like her, or anything. She was plain annoying, and acted like such an idiot, in the sense that she doesn’t want to accept the fact that poor Kevin does not want to be her mate.
I know this book is supposed to be like manga and anime in the sense that, there are references and descriptions and situations typically “manga” and also, the book was ecchi – I do not have anything against ecchi in general but I don’t like when it’s too much- but it was just too much of fan service for me. And, God help me, I hate fan service. The stereotyped women with huge boobs and huge butt? Nope. The stereotyped women who want to do anything to seduce the men they love? Even less. The stereotyped women who hide things in their boobs? Seriously? What are guys thinking? These are boobs, not spare pockets! -_-
Also, at one point, I feel like the author is being forced to make us laugh. I mean, some of the innuendos and jokes and situations were really funny to read about, but after some time, it felt repetitive, and thus, lost its charm and was not that funny anymore.
I am sorry if I am lashing out too much, but I needed to voice it out. The storyline was really interesting, but it would have been better, in my opinion, if it weren’t for the overload of unnecessary fan service. Again, this is only my opinion, and you are free to disagree with whatever I’ve just said. So, on the overall, A Fox’s Tail would have been more enjoyable if there would not be that much of fan service. Then again, fan service may be the main pro of this novel, but for me, it was a huge con.
I’d like to thank the author for giving me an e-copy in exchange of a honest review! That didn’t in any way alter my opinion!
How to start this review? This book was so, so promising. The plot was very original and interesting and it made me curious about how the story would roll out. The thing is that the story is interesting; it’s not the sort of plot you’ll find in most books. There’s comedy, humour, mystery, action… You couldn’t ask for more! But, in my opinion, what really shattered it all, is the romance.
I think I already said I was not a big fan of romance, but I do like it when it is well executed. There are several books I’ve read where romance plays a part in them, and where I really don’t mind because it does fit in the storyline. However, in A Fox’s Tail, the romance was forced. I couldn’t read past some of the “romantic” passages without rolling my eyes or landing a giant facepalm. This was mainly due to the fact that I couldn’t stand the main female protagonist, Lilian. I… ugh! I couldn’t force myself to understand her, or like her, or anything. She was plain annoying, and acted like such an idiot, in the sense that she doesn’t want to accept the fact that poor Kevin does not want to be her mate.
I know this book is supposed to be like manga and anime in the sense that, there are references and descriptions and situations typically “manga” and also, the book was ecchi – I do not have anything against ecchi in general but I don’t like when it’s too much- but it was just too much of fan service for me. And, God help me, I hate fan service. The stereotyped women with huge boobs and huge butt? Nope. The stereotyped women who want to do anything to seduce the men they love? Even less. The stereotyped women who hide things in their boobs? Seriously? What are guys thinking? These are boobs, not spare pockets! -_-
Also, at one point, I feel like the author is being forced to make us laugh. I mean, some of the innuendos and jokes and situations were really funny to read about, but after some time, it felt repetitive, and thus, lost its charm and was not that funny anymore.
I am sorry if I am lashing out too much, but I needed to voice it out. The storyline was really interesting, but it would have been better, in my opinion, if it weren’t for the overload of unnecessary fan service. Again, this is only my opinion, and you are free to disagree with whatever I’ve just said. So, on the overall, A Fox’s Tail would have been more enjoyable if there would not be that much of fan service. Then again, fan service may be the main pro of this novel, but for me, it was a huge con.
June 11, 2015
(Free copy courtesy of Brandon Varnell, which in no way influences this review)
I very much enjoyed this book. It keeps the humor, with situations and trope references, of the first book, while introducing more characters allowing comedy based on character interactions to happen more easily.
Speaking of introducing new characters, the new characters here are amazing. Though I'm sure I'm biased here since I'm a fan of tsunderes.
There are less scenes that are all sexy fox-girl, which is a good thing because now it doesn't get old and is therefore more entertaining.
4th wall breaks are funnier now, partly perhaps because they're better executed but also because at this point I've come to expect them.
Some good character drama happens as well, that comes about after I started to care about the characters instead of being too early as is a mistake I've seen before.
And then of course the action. The fight scenes are well done, serious but with the occasional bit of humor that keeps things from getting too serious. For those parts I was legitimately drawn in and "oh what happens next??". There are good suspenseful moments too and dramatic irony in parts.
The illustrations were a big plus too. This is especially helpful here because new characters were introduced and a lot of the illustrations were of characters.
It still could use a bit more editing and polishing in places but nothing bad at all.
In all, this book takes everything good about the first (the comedy), and adds in everything the first book lacked (plot & action/adventure). I can't wait to see what happens next.
I very much enjoyed this book. It keeps the humor, with situations and trope references, of the first book, while introducing more characters allowing comedy based on character interactions to happen more easily.
Speaking of introducing new characters, the new characters here are amazing. Though I'm sure I'm biased here since I'm a fan of tsunderes.
There are less scenes that are all sexy fox-girl, which is a good thing because now it doesn't get old and is therefore more entertaining.
4th wall breaks are funnier now, partly perhaps because they're better executed but also because at this point I've come to expect them.
Some good character drama happens as well, that comes about after I started to care about the characters instead of being too early as is a mistake I've seen before.
And then of course the action. The fight scenes are well done, serious but with the occasional bit of humor that keeps things from getting too serious. For those parts I was legitimately drawn in and "oh what happens next??". There are good suspenseful moments too and dramatic irony in parts.
The illustrations were a big plus too. This is especially helpful here because new characters were introduced and a lot of the illustrations were of characters.
It still could use a bit more editing and polishing in places but nothing bad at all.
In all, this book takes everything good about the first (the comedy), and adds in everything the first book lacked (plot & action/adventure). I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 24, 2016
This series has potential as a good light read
After slowly overcoming my tendency to retch at something that's too cutesy-poo, I'm starting to take a liking after the second book as a frothy easy-read to let my brain run in idle for a while.
My biggest ongoing negative is that the third-person POV is written in the style of a smart-but-culturally-limited 8th grader who cares about the real world outside of school life only by what filters in via cable TV, DVD, and some older video games. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it makes me grind my teeth.
The tendency of one of the main characters to carry on a stage-whisper with the author, and make self-referential recursive comments to being in the novel hits me the same way.
Still, I'm deferring my reading of more serious books just to watch the next serio-comic train wreck I know must be coming. It's the same reason why I watch "The Blues Brothers" every time it comes on TV (in spite of having the Ultimate Collector's Edition on BluRay), just to enjoy the great R&B numbers, and classic car wrecks I've grown to love after the first dozen viewings.
If you enjoy beating yourself over the head with a nerf noodle, these books are for you. No serious thoughts involved, guaranteed.
After slowly overcoming my tendency to retch at something that's too cutesy-poo, I'm starting to take a liking after the second book as a frothy easy-read to let my brain run in idle for a while.
My biggest ongoing negative is that the third-person POV is written in the style of a smart-but-culturally-limited 8th grader who cares about the real world outside of school life only by what filters in via cable TV, DVD, and some older video games. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it makes me grind my teeth.
The tendency of one of the main characters to carry on a stage-whisper with the author, and make self-referential recursive comments to being in the novel hits me the same way.
Still, I'm deferring my reading of more serious books just to watch the next serio-comic train wreck I know must be coming. It's the same reason why I watch "The Blues Brothers" every time it comes on TV (in spite of having the Ultimate Collector's Edition on BluRay), just to enjoy the great R&B numbers, and classic car wrecks I've grown to love after the first dozen viewings.
If you enjoy beating yourself over the head with a nerf noodle, these books are for you. No serious thoughts involved, guaranteed.
June 9, 2016
I finally got to read this story and I got really pumped. I couldn't take my eyes off it! There were multiple occasions where I got embarassed for the characters! The utter lack of understanding ones own emotions from Kevin really made me wanna just knock some sense into the guy! And though it's suppose to be an echi story I got a little disappointed when Kevin didn't return any of Lilian's feelings through affection if you know what I mean. This book that is told like a manga-which is freaking awesome that somebody came up with the idea- is a must read for any anime/manga/etc. lovers like myself.
September 7, 2016
The second book in the series is perhaps a bit more interesting than the first, mostly because of giving Lilian a bit more depth and showing her to be more than the bubbly female lead. The plot will please most who enjoy a certain genre of Japanese light novels.
The only befuddling part, at least to me, is the extreme lengths to which references to current and recent anime are made. The author's bona fides hardly need to be established. Worse, some anime are called out by name, while others are simply indirectly referenced. Not that one or the other is better, but it would have been nice to be consistent.
The only befuddling part, at least to me, is the extreme lengths to which references to current and recent anime are made. The author's bona fides hardly need to be established. Worse, some anime are called out by name, while others are simply indirectly referenced. Not that one or the other is better, but it would have been nice to be consistent.
October 19, 2015
Amazing and with a nice amount of action to supplement the hilarity that ensued throughout it. Truly one of a kind.
November 26, 2015
Joyful ride
The continuing up and down relationship of the couple takes new turns so topical of highschool and growing up. As they realize the feeling s shared
The continuing up and down relationship of the couple takes new turns so topical of highschool and growing up. As they realize the feeling s shared
April 23, 2016
A very enjoyable read and worth picking up
July 13, 2018
Having read the first book in this series, I have to say that the writing... really hasn't improved. I will give credit where it's due, and it's something I forgot to mention in my review of the first book: the author does seem to know how to write a fight scene. It's one of the reasons Lilian seems like a way more compelling character than Kevin, at least to me.
But the book itself is a bit convoluted, and the big, climactic fight scene happens with about forty percent of the book left. I feel like a lot of the day-to-day stuff and conversations could've happened before the fight without having to adjust much, honestly. And this book has a lot more obvious editing errors than the first one did: typos, names getting mixed up, sentences that just make no sense.
Not to mention, while I understand this is supposed to be a parody on the anime and manga tropes, a lot of the time it just doesn't work. The author doesn't seem to have realized at this point that visual gags don't translate well to the written word. Probably could've done with more research into light novels and seen how the tropes of anime and manga translate to them. What is supposed to be a parody just reads like the fanfics I wrote when I was thirteen and didn't understand that sweat drops and anime falls didn't work in non-visual mediums.
But the book itself is a bit convoluted, and the big, climactic fight scene happens with about forty percent of the book left. I feel like a lot of the day-to-day stuff and conversations could've happened before the fight without having to adjust much, honestly. And this book has a lot more obvious editing errors than the first one did: typos, names getting mixed up, sentences that just make no sense.
Not to mention, while I understand this is supposed to be a parody on the anime and manga tropes, a lot of the time it just doesn't work. The author doesn't seem to have realized at this point that visual gags don't translate well to the written word. Probably could've done with more research into light novels and seen how the tropes of anime and manga translate to them. What is supposed to be a parody just reads like the fanfics I wrote when I was thirteen and didn't understand that sweat drops and anime falls didn't work in non-visual mediums.
December 19, 2019
Great addition
A great second book, fleshed in the characters, spun out a few new plot twists, added in some fun, and general amusement. Looking forward to seeing how the story progresses
A great second book, fleshed in the characters, spun out a few new plot twists, added in some fun, and general amusement. Looking forward to seeing how the story progresses
December 28, 2017
Ok, I will say this. The MC is annoying in the fact that he has ZERO idea what he wants. I WILL say that this had a satisfying ending.
August 29, 2019
So Far So Good
I ennoy the story though the anime references could be a bit less frequent. Really looking forward to reading the next book.
I ennoy the story though the anime references could be a bit less frequent. Really looking forward to reading the next book.
February 8, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads.
I live and breathe books.
I adore manga, and I have had an unhealthy addiction for anime since I was twelve.
So, this should have been literally the best book ever. The three things I love all in one place. You can't really go wrong with that mesh up, can you?
Yes. You can.
A small part manga, a huge part anime, and the majority a novel made for a very awkward and struggling read. What would normally have been communicated by pictures or animation such as sweat drops, sparkles, face plants, smoke rising from the ear, and more, had to be written.
And it was written poorly.
The problem wasn't too much of a good thing. It was lack of the delicate talent of translating manga actions into books.
I know because I have read some pretty damn good fanfiction by writers who have perfected the art and this book doesn't have an inch of it.
I suggest checking this book out at the library before purchasing it.
I live and breathe books.
I adore manga, and I have had an unhealthy addiction for anime since I was twelve.
So, this should have been literally the best book ever. The three things I love all in one place. You can't really go wrong with that mesh up, can you?
Yes. You can.
A small part manga, a huge part anime, and the majority a novel made for a very awkward and struggling read. What would normally have been communicated by pictures or animation such as sweat drops, sparkles, face plants, smoke rising from the ear, and more, had to be written.
And it was written poorly.
The problem wasn't too much of a good thing. It was lack of the delicate talent of translating manga actions into books.
I know because I have read some pretty damn good fanfiction by writers who have perfected the art and this book doesn't have an inch of it.
I suggest checking this book out at the library before purchasing it.
May 11, 2015
Otaku
Really he's supposed to be an otaku? Yet he failed to notice all his manga like developments and acted like a clueless manga protagonist. Also found it weird for a Fox to talk bad about dogs when their canine s as well.
Really he's supposed to be an otaku? Yet he failed to notice all his manga like developments and acted like a clueless manga protagonist. Also found it weird for a Fox to talk bad about dogs when their canine s as well.
April 30, 2020
Amazing
This is an awesome series and really looking forward for more to come, especially season 2. Really need more adventures of Kevin and his harem
This is an awesome series and really looking forward for more to come, especially season 2. Really need more adventures of Kevin and his harem
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews