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The Healer #3

The Grass Cutter Sword

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War is coming, and the veil between life and death is weakening.
As a trusted member of the Samurai Rebels, it is up to Mikomi to gather information that will stop her father from creating a kami army. Katsu’s constant interference impedes her progress, and she is torn between her duty to the world and her love for one very reluctant rebel. Unfortunately, more than one party is interested in using the kami army for their own malicious purposes.

Mikomi’s enemies quickly multiply as a plot far more devious in nature is unearthed. Though Musubi works to prepare her for the many dangers she must face, remaining within the palace walls may no longer be an option. She must protect herself against nekomata disguised as normal humans, while a far greater threat lurks within the heart of a man whom she loves and trusts.

***
Kindle Categories

Teen and Young Adult > Science Fiction and Fantasy > Fantasy > Myths and Legends
Teen and Young Adult > Science Fiction and Fantasy > Fantasy > Coming of Age
Teen and Young Adult > Romance > Paranormal and Fantasy
Teen and Young Adult > Science Fiction and Fantasy > Fantasy > Sword and Sorcery

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2015

99 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Anaya

27 books520 followers
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I am always looking for reviewers to read and review my books. If you see a book that interests you please email me at authorandbookspotlights@gmail.com to request a review copy of that book.

I began writing short stories for family and friends when I was thirteen years old. My vivid imagination and love of mysteries and romances eventually led me to following my own dreams of becoming a published author. I also do some book review work on the side for SDE Magazine.

I'm a huge fan of The Mindy Project, Hugh Jackman, and binge eating any and all things chocolate. Who isn't, am I right?

As a mother of four awesome kids I'm usually playing beauty salon with my daughters (my four-year-old shaved my arm one time while I was helping another daughter with her homework. Yep. That happened) getting my fanny kicked in Mario Kart by my snarky little son, and making out with my deliciously handsome looking Latin lover, aka, my hubby.

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5 stars
236 (48%)
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172 (35%)
3 stars
72 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,889 reviews240 followers
December 7, 2016
*Full Review Now*

Reread: December 2016- Book four comes out December 12, next Monday. I wanted to remind myself of everything before I start my ARC copy of The Prophecy (book 4). I loved it just as much or more than my first time through!!!!! So so so so good! If you haven't read this series I highly recommend it. The first three are available as a box set free on Amazon right now-not sure how long that will last. LOVED IT!!!!!!! I'd give more than five stars if I could!!

Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! I have to wait longer for the next book in the series. I kept thinking when I was halfway through that there was no way that everything could be wrapped up in time and that there would be another book. Not that I'm complaining...I love the characters! I love that even though there's another book this one ended with a pretty good wrap up and not a massive cliffhanger like some! I love the storyline! I love that I get another whole book to spend with all of these my new book friends but man I am not loving having to wait months for it. Alas, I will try to be patient and send good happy thoughts to the author as she finishes the series. It is definitely well worth the wait! Although December can't come fast enough. :-)

It's been a few days since I finished the book and wrote my ramblings about wanting to have the next book already. I've definitely had several days to think about the book and what I wanted to write about. Thinking it over I probably won't write too much about the plot line because this isn't a stand alone novel and number 3 in the series that I don't want to reveal anything. It's one that as a reader who has already read the other books in the series you know that Hope is still reliving her memories as Mikomi so there's not a lot of surprise or change with that but there are some great plot reveals and information about some characters that comes to light and further sets up the next book and, I have to say it, is just awesome with what it feels like is coming. I can't wait. There's even a little glimpse of the next book at the end of this one. But honestly I haven't dared read it yet because I know if I do I might not be patiently waiting for the next book and I have months to do so...I'll probably reread the last part of this book right before the new one comes out.

I mentioned in my reviews of the first couple books that I had some thoughts and guesses as to characters and plot that I was excited to see how it pans out and if I was correct in my guesses. Well I am happy to say that I was. I'm so glad too because what I was thinking about just feels right with everything. I know I'm being vague and not giving a lot of info here but for me the thrill of reading is discovering and the journey or the read. I hate to spoil that joy for anyone so if I don't reveal something you're wanting to know...sorry. You're welcome to message me on goodreads if you absolutely have to know the answer to something. ;)

I love how the book opens up from Edana's point of view before her death and you see more into what Katsu and Musubi are feeling over their guilt with what happened to her. There's lots of good info that comes out in that prologue. Also included is a glimpse into the day of The Healer's birth from the perspective of Amatsu, the evil kami. That was eye opening, kinda. I say that because there's information that has already been revealed throughout the first two books but to have it come from Amatsu's perspective gives a little more clarity and understanding.

The rest of the book plays through the culmination of the rebels fight and Mikomi's father's own evil doings. There's so much revealed as to why and how long all of this has been going on and some of it was a surprise, something that I hadn't quite pieced together yet. All the flashback scenes that Hope experiences in the first book are played out by the end of this book. There's some serious battle scenes and training scenes throughout that ultimately end up with everything coming to an end. We knew as a reader going into this one that she eventually had to finish her memories and beginning life as Mikomi before she could wake up so there are some sad scenes at the end because of this.

I loved the tie in from when she was trapped in the statue until she wakes up. Great scenes, and yes she wakes up and remembers everything. Now we are set up for the fourth book and can I say some crazy plot twists that I am excited to see how the author incorporates them in with the main characters knowing what they now know? I'm excited. If you've read the first two books definitely keep reading and see all the new reveals and new set ups. It's a very intriguing story and I love how everything has been woven together from the very ancient past all the way through time to the present.

There are some battle scenes that can be a little intense but nothing too graphic. Mikomi and Musubi pretend to be married for her protection while involved with the rebels and spend a couple nights together to keep up the charade but it is clean and nothing happens. There are several scenes of kissing and some swear words throughout. I would recommend this book for YAs and older. Very fun and engaging, I know I keep saying this but I am excited for December(or whenever the book is ready) to come.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Check it out here on Amazon and grab your own copy!

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,037 reviews597 followers
July 3, 2016
I need the final book in the series, and I need it now.

Honestly, I cannot begin to explain all the feels I currently have. I thought it was bad after book two, but at least I had book three siting on my Kindle ready to read. Having finished this book, I now need to wait until the end of the year to get my hands on the final book in a series I have become more than a little bit addicted to. Seriously, I cannot begin to explain the love I have for this series.

I came across C.J. Anaya through a Goodreads giveaway for this series. Unfortunately, I did not win the series, but I did sign up for her newsletter. Through doing so, I received the first book and a short story. I had intended to read it for quite some time – but my to-read list is ridiculously long. Despite having not read any of her work, though, I signed up to join her advance read team when I saw she was looking for people to join. This meant I got to read her Marry Your Billionaire at the start of the year – and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew right then that I would be reading more of her work. Still, I didn’t pick this up right away. It had nothing to do with a lack of interest, rather I had so many advance reads to get through and there were so many new books I’d been waiting on, it just sort of feel to the bottom of my list. Not too long back, however, I noticed that C.J. Anaya was looking for people to review the series for her. Thus, I contacted her. I explained that I had the first book and would love to read the rest of the series. She was lovely enjoy to send me books two and three.

Then came the dreaded exam period that puts a dampener on bibliophiles. Despite wanting to read a book a day, such a thing isn’t really advised. Thus, it was put aside for a while.

Finally, however, I have got to work on the series. After finishing book one I knew I wanted more. However, what I did not expect was for me to find myself so crazy addicted to the second book. As soon as I was done reading it, I knew I needed to start book three. It didn’t matter than I was part way through three other books – I needed to see where things were going.

It is safe to say I was not disappointed.

I gave the first book four stars, yet there were points in which I wasn’t overly addicted to the book. I enjoyed it, but at times I felt as though I was rounding up to a four stars. In short, book one was enough to pull me into the series but it was a low rate four stars. Book two changed that completely. With book two, I was tempted to give a five star rating. In all honesty, I’m tempted to go back and change it to the five stars. Whilst I adored book three, book two is easily my favourite of the series. Don’t worry, though, book three is almost as strong. There is so much in this book – so many things come to light, so much information is given, and you’re well and truly put on the path towards a conclusion. Not enough to leave you positive of all the details, but enough to leave you curious to how it will turn out.

The third book in the series follows on from book two, but not instantly. I expected it to continue on exactly where book two ended, yet we move forward in time a bit. Events have progressed, but they’re only just reaching the drastic aspects that we want the information for. Basically, plotting and scheming had occurred between books two and three, and whilst we’re told of these things we don’t need to know all of the specifics. It’s important to accept that time has moved on, and whilst we may want to read through every emotional moment, we don’t need to know every interaction. At first, I was saddened by this, yet I quickly came to accepted it. You find out in no time at all that so much is happening in the moment. You don’t care that time has moved on, not with the plot twists that are thrown in.

I’ll be the first to admit that I saw a few things coming. In fact, there were some twist that I came to accept part way through book two, yet they have only just come to light. This isn’t a bad thing, though, as we’re not one hundred percent sure how certain aspects will end. Oh, there are plenty of suggestions, but my fingers are crossed that a wrench will be thrown into the works. Nevertheless, despite the slight predictability when it came to where some stories were heading, there were plenty of twists and turns thrown in. I really cannot begin to explain all the things that came about in this book. There was so much more than I was expecting. There were so many different things happening. To say anything at all will be to give spoilers – just know this is no filler book. This book builds up so much for the next book – in terms of romance, action, and general information.

So much happens.

I cannot reiterate that enough. There really is so much build-up. It’s not only build-up, but it also works to fill in the last pieces of our knowledge. As the second book set in the past, it fills in everything we need. I really will miss the cast of characters. I came to enjoy them more than I enjoyed the cast from the first book. I could read about these characters forever, they’re just so wonderful. Alas, I know it was necessary to move on. There is something big coming – the end guarantees that.

I really cannot wait to see what it is that comes next.

I really do need the next book sooner rather than later, as I stated at the start of this review. It’s a wonderful cliff-hanger of an ending, leaving you more than amped up about what is to come.

Bring on the final book! Whilst it will pain me to see the series end, I know something truly beautiful is in sight.
Profile Image for JenacideByBibliophile.
222 reviews139 followers
July 11, 2018
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book by the author, C.J. Anaya, for an honest review

Opinion:

WOOOOOOOOO! Things are HEATING UP boys and girls!

Can you guys feel it?! That…that tingling?! It’s almost like goosebumps, or maybe butterflies? It…it almost feels like…NO! Could it be???

HOPE?

…I’m actually referring to the feeling or desire here though, not the character Hope…HA! *sigh* bad joke.

As Mikomi’s ascension and wedding to the warrior God Katsu nears, the threats against her life and her kingdom are at an all time high. With Katsu unable to heal the significant damage done to Mikomi’s Ki due to the healing of her mother, Mikomi and her teacher begin to wonder if the prophecy was interpreted correctly: if Katsu is even her soulmate. But while Mikomi searches for the truth, new concerns begin to arise. The Nekomata are attacking Mikomi left and right, and an army more sinister than the Emperor’s is readying to attack. With the rebels and Musubi at her side, Mikomi fights to free the enslaved God’s in the palace while looking for her own way out in the process.

*It’s Spoiler City down there*

That was probably a REALLY confusing summary that I just laid out for you guys if you haven’t started this series yet. So, what are you waiting for? Get on it! The Grass Cutter Sword is book number THREE in The Healer series, and it is just as action/sadness/heartbreak/romance packed as the previous! The reader continues to relive Hope’s past life with her as Princess Mikomi: the prophesized Healer who will join with the Warrior God Katsu to heal the veil between life and death. Now there really isn’t any way for me to review this story without giving away some HUGE moments from book two, so…beware? 😉

The Grass Cutter Sword leaves off right where The Black Blossom (book 2) ended; Mikomi has red eyes from her Ki being severely damage after she was forced by the Emperor to heal her mother, she isn’t sure if Katsu is actually her true soul mate, she has the serious obsessions with Musubi, and she is still trying to figure out how to win the war against the Emperor. This girl has A LOT to handle. But to her credit, Mikomi is turning into a real badass. She is honing her samurai fighting skills in order to protect herself, and even her healing abilities are getting stronger. Not only is Mikomi progressing on her own in this third installment, but FINALLY we are seeing some progression with Musubi!

The relationship between Mikomi and Musubi (remember kids, it’s also Hope and Tie) has FINALLY made a turn for the right!! But then…oh wait…it crashes and burns again. -__- *sarcastic monotone excitement* - WOO. These two…*le sigh* are trying to kill me. Every time I saw a little glimmer of hope (hehe) between them, just a little smidge of progression to “twue wuv” and happiness, Musubi literally runs away. Literally. He just leaves.

Um…bye?

Now, this book ends on a somewhat bittersweet note. It filled me with romance, only to empty me halfway. Romance aside though, The Grass Cutter Sword kicks some serious ass. The threat to the rebels becomes INSANE as they learn some dark news about their enemy. This is BIG guys, and it’s downright horrible. I have to say that where this book leads up to is by far my favorite, the epic battle scene and the end of Hope’s life as Mikomi is a true punch to your gut. What happens to Mikomi and her friends is DEVASTATING. But truth be told, as soon as I followed Mikomi back to the present, back into her life as Hope, I was a little bummed. I have grown to LOVE who these characters were in their past lives. They acted with so much more conviction and wisdom, and I couldn’t help but be a little annoyed when they started acting like ridiculous teenagers again when Hope woke up. My only complaint is that these characters shouldn’t have changed, and that the badassery that was showcased during Mikomi’s life should have DEFINITELY continued.

Ending aside, I am looking forward to finishing up book four and checking this awesome series off my TBR list. I am hoping for improvement when it comes to the characters and how they act in the “present”, but we shall see where the author takes this story. I am SO ready to get back to this epic love/adventure story!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
September 27, 2016
So, I've reached the third book in this series. This series is so good. Obviously I'm compelled to keep reading them and I feel so fortunate that I had three books in a row to read without waiting. But, now I'm stuck waiting until December for the final installment. ARG! You must read this series in order.

This book picked up in intensity. The plot thickens. The back story continues. I actually thought that more of this book would take us back to the modern part (like the first story) but it didn't. Well, at least not until the epilogue. I can't wait for the last book!!

Content: mild swearing, mild innuendo
Profile Image for Sharon Mariampillai.
2,266 reviews95 followers
October 27, 2016
I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 3.75

Thank you C.J. Anaya for the opportunity to read your book. This was a great read. I actually thought the last two books were better than the first one. The pace was faster and the characters were more interesting. I liked the humor in the story. I thought the story did lack in some areas. However, as a whole it was not bad at all. I actually was more interested in this storyline. Overall, a well written read.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
May 24, 2016
First of all I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy.

I really wanted to like this book. Yes I know that everyone always says that but it's true. My issue with this book was that it was too focused on the past. I really enjoyed the characters from The Healer and you didn't see them until the last 30 pages. I didn't mind The Black Blossom with all the history. In fact I thought it was nice to get the backstory. However, I just felt that this book needed less of that. I also was a little confused about the ending. I did see that there is going to be a another book. Perhaps after that I will have a different opinion about this book.
3 reviews
December 5, 2015
Whoa!

These books keep getting better and better. I couldn't put this book down. Glad that it tied everything in and so excited for the next book to explain even more!
Profile Image for MiraJane.
360 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of the entire healer series for free to give a voluntary honest review. This is the review of the third book in the series and contains only my own thoughts and opinions of The Grass Cutter Sword.

I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said in my review for The Black Blossom. This book was not only just as incredible and breathtaking than the previous. No, The Grass Cutter Sword even went far beyond that and I am absolutely in love with the story, play of events, setting and most of all Mikomi and Musubi. Especially them together. In short it was exciting, heart wrenching and absolutely beautiful ... until the last chapter.

Removing the last chapter and this book in my eyes is the closest to perfect you can get and 100 % worthy of five stars. The story flowed naturally through every page and I myself was captured and completely trapped in the story until the very end. That’s what it felt like anyway, since I could not for the life of me stop reading. I became fully invested in everything about it, the beautifully complex main characters, relationship and forbidden love (I especially enjoyed the main couple’s teasing and flirting banter and dramatic arguments and disagreements), the twists and conflicts and every great and awful experience Mikomi had to endure that transpired (e.g the treatment of women at that time).

C.J Anaya could not have written it in any better way and I am completely awed at her writing and world she has built. Even the supporting characters like Akane, Saigo and Kenji were written with great depth and detail that strengthened the storyline and realism. For being a story about feudal Japan (I think?), rebirth, magical beings and gods, it really is easy to relate and feel for the characters. I know that it can be difficult to balance the paranormal and fantasy with realism. A good book needs to have both and the author handles and writes it out exceptionally.

As much as I loved the story, the ending kind of ruined it for me. I don’t know what it is. At first I thought it was because that Angie was back in the story again, but I think it is more than that. Although, she is one of the main reasons why the last chapter sort of sucked. She is not believable in any way and are just too sarcastic and out there for my liking. She can’t handle saying one sentence without turning it into to a joke or a snarky remark. It’s just too much and too annoying! Plus she gets in peoples businesses and interrupts good intense scenes like an attention seeking third wheel. However, it’s not only her. Jumping from historical Japan with soldiers, nekomata and royals, back to this time period with everyday teenagers that I myself was not too long ago, the latter is much much less realistic and relatable. All those complex and rooted feelings I could feel with the characters disappeared and the depth to the story was compromised. The author rushed it so much to come to a conclusion that the natural flow disappeared and it just became awkward and stilted, especially the dialogues. It became too convenient with all the conclusions Hope just happen to stumble upon at that exact moment without anything specific leading her there and there was no space given to develop the feeling they expressed. Everything was just thrown out there in a jumbled mess and rushed past.

Despite the ending I am in love with this series and am especially impressed with the unique timeline layouts throughout the series. Just rewrite the ending and this is a five star book!
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2019
This book is seriously a wonder!

This book is seriously a wonder! I love all the different characters. First of all Mikomi, The Healer. She was so selfless wanting to use her healing powers to heal and help all her loved ones and friends regardless of the possible negative effect it could have on her. Akane was a very talented warrior and became very close to Mikomi and a great friend to have. Mikomi’s father was so evil and despicable it made me want to stab him with one of those nasty swords and get rid of him. And aaahhhh Musubi! I think I’m in love with him but I don’t want to stand in Mikomi’s way since she deserves her HEA with him. Katsu was very magnanimous. A great warrior and determined to make the Prophecy, as he understood it, come to fruition. So many other characters in this book were totally fleshed out and unique. The scenes were very vivid. I could totally see them in my head. I especially am impressed with how Ms Anaya transitions from the historical time period to the modern day world with the characters reincarnated. Ms Anaya is a very talented writer. I was glued to the pages until the very end and I’m very anxious to read on to the next book in this series. I highly recommend reading this. You don’t want to miss out.
323 reviews
November 7, 2018
A continuation of the events that took place in Hope's previous life, this series seriously just gets better and better. I fully blame the author on my zombie like status that occurred this morning, because I couldn't put this book down and was up until 3 am. I just had to know what happened next!

This book, this entire series, really sucks you in and fortunately as the series continues the books keep getting better and better. I would really highly recommend this book (and the series) to everyone. The world that was created is so engaging and fantastic and the characters are just...wow.
Profile Image for Alison Harris.
2 reviews
March 29, 2018
So Insightful

Although I'm 52 i have been enjoying this series immensely the way in this book the author describes Mikimb"s emotions really touched me. What a wonderful talent to have. To write a book and have readers crying as they felt those emotions as they're own is an amazing feat. Thank you so much. I'm off to read the final instalment. I would recommend this author and series to anyone. Even those who are slightly older than 'young adults). Thank you C H Anaya.
Profile Image for Monica .
133 reviews
February 26, 2021
Heartbreakingly beautiful. It has everything: love, humor, fighting with swords, magic, adventure, betrayal, handsome men, beautiful women learning to fight for themselves and in high positions. The detail is amazing. All I want to do is reread this books over and over again. It kept giving me heart attacks as I kept reading to find out what happens only to come to a new twist in the story. I loved it. Beautifully written. The best series I have read this year
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2022
Hope takes a trip back to the past to regain her memories

Hope is injured and Tie and Victor help her heal. They let her remember her past where she lived with her healing and was friends with Angie. Where the two men were Gods fighting for her soul and hand in marriage. Where her best friend was a warrior woman leading an army. Where she was a piece of an ancient puzzle with no rights of her own. And how she overcame all of this for love.
Profile Image for Javi_starrysckeye*.
33 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2017
So much happened that was incredible and unnerving all at once! And forging those two plots of the present day and of Mikomi/hope(?) 's past was a awesome approach to the story. This is so inventive and new to the routine based plots authors usually go for! I really love this series a LOT! Thanks C.J.Anaya!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dschaper54.
793 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2017
Loved it.

The whole package is fantastic. I love the Japanese references in the books, the myth and legends presented kept me guessing and wanting to read. I loved the way the story was written with all of the back story of Hope.
Profile Image for Cindy Wise.
393 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2018
this was the rest of the series I had. THere is one more book called the prophecy. This one i will probably try to get. The main characters are still mainly in the past reliving their past life. Until pretty much the end. The epilog leaves you hanging--like you need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Stephani Austin.
267 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2018
Nice continuation

This was a fun continuation of the series and sets itself up nicely for the conclusion of the series. It brings Hope back to present day and straightens out a few problems but reveals a few more. Couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Heather.
73 reviews
August 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this series. I couldn't put the books down! I'm buying the fourth and last book of The Healer series now. I recommend this series to anyone who has a slight love for fantasy. Believe me, it'll make you love this genre even more.
Profile Image for Teshai.
1,040 reviews
November 17, 2020

Fantastic. Knew she was Akane!! Took me a while to figure out who Kenji and Saigo would be though. Lol. Loving this story and dying to find out how it ends.

He was the only one that visited her. Tears!!!
83 reviews
October 28, 2025
The Grass Cutter Sword is the second part of the “original” storyline, and the tension really ramps up here. The danger and suspense keep building, and I actually enjoyed this one even more than the beginning of the story in book two. A strong continuation of the series.
6 reviews
January 2, 2018
Great book series can’t wait to red the next one.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,476 reviews17 followers
October 2, 2018
Very captivating!

Couldn't put it down! So glad I didn't read these when they first came out! The wait would have driven me crazy! Wonderful story! Great read!
1,038 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2018
Very addicting!

I ❤️Misume/Tie! He is sooo selfless and even in his worse he still loved Hope/Mikome so much!! And the whole Angie revelations are going to be fun next book!
39 reviews
July 27, 2020
I LOVEEEE THIS BOOK!!!!

This series is so amazing, the end was so satisfying that everything came out and all of the drama was resolved. I recommend this series to anyone.
Profile Image for Rachael.
612 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2022
Really enjoyed this, like how it's all tying the different lives together now.
1,122 reviews
January 1, 2024
Interesting ending to the set if not the story.
Profile Image for Lesley.
399 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2015
*****The author provided a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.*****

I really wish we could give half stars because this one was between a 4.0 and a 4.5. I mentioned in my review for The Black Blossom that it and The Healer seemed like they came from different series. The Grass Cutter Sword ties the two books together. Where TBB gave us an idea of what caused the friction between Tie (Musubi) and Victor (Katsu), TGCS details it completely, and the results are heartbreaking.

Plot:
Having to sneak around Katsu, who has become extremely overprotective, Mikomi continues to take fighting lessons from Musubi. As the two spend more time together, their feelings for each other grow deeper although Musubi refuses to admit it. When she is not meeting with the rebels, Mikomi continues to gather intel that will help them to overthrow her father. In the process, she finds new information and betrayals that not only threaten the rebels’ cause, but also any hopes she has for happiness.

Characters:
Mikomi continues to do everything she can to help others, even when it threatens her physical wellbeing. Even in her moments of weakness though, she still manages to come across as stronger. Katsu continues to alternate between affectionate and dismissive. He seems to think only of the prophecy and treats her more like an object to be protected than a woman to be loved. (Can you tell I’m totally Team Musubi?) Like Katsu, Musubi (Tie) also runs hot and cold, but for different reasons; in his case, though, you know that Mikomi will find a way to break through the darkness surrounding him.

After the emperor finds about that Mikomi has been healing the people in the village, he banishes Daiki. As a result, her primary support system in TGCS consists of her tutor Kenji, her brother Saigo, and Akane. This time, we see visions of Akane’s past, and we find out exactly how she fits into the Katsu-Musubi rivalry. We also see a slightly different side of the emperor, but even though we know he can be vulnerable, his greed continues to be his biggest trait.

Writing:
The nearing rebellion and Katsu’s increasing overprotectiveness help maintain the level of suspense Anaya built in TBB. And as we find out each of the characters motivations, there is surprise after surprise after surprise. In terms of editing, there are a couple of typos here and there (I was reading an ARC), but nothing that takes away from the story. If I had to rate TGCS, I would give it a PG. As in TBB, there is a lot of violence and several heated kisses, but there is little to no cursing and no sexual situations.

The Bottom Line:
If you liked The Black Blossom, you will like The Grass Cutter Sword, possibly even more. As I mentioned, the ending to TGCS is heart wrenching, which is actually kind of funny considering anyone who has read The Healer has a glimpse into the modern lives of these characters. I’m dying to get back there and pick up where we left off.
Profile Image for Shay.
491 reviews47 followers
June 5, 2016
*I received a free copy for an honest review*

Okay. It's time to gather my thoughts. I have been sitting on this for a few days because I honestly don't know what to write. Where to start? So many good things and-oooh mythology! This book reminds me of why I fell in love with mythology in the first place. I have no idea why this book has brought it all back.

It has...
-a myth I've never heard of
-romance like you wouldn't believe
-the setting in a foreign land and time (we'll get to that later)
-soul mates (I love books that have soul mates!)

I went into this thinking that this would be the last book, but to my shock it wasn't! I was wondering how the story was going to resolve itself because there wasn't enough time. I got to the end and I could not stand it because-I mean, come on!-that ending was in no way a resolution that I was happy with. There's a book four! Yay!

I loved Musubi. I almost cried when Mikomi sacrificed herself to save Musubi's life. That is one amazing soul mate. It's too bad he didn't realize what he had until he lost her. I thought it was neat that Mikomi heard and saw everything while she was in her stone prison. I was relieved when it went forward in time to Hope-she was Mikomi again and finally knew who she was! Thank goodness we got that out of the way. And then Hope had to go and ruin the happy reunion by figuring out who Angie really is (not telling). I'm wondering what will happen to the veil and Katsu. I can't tell if he truly loves her or not.

Set in Japan with the whole story coming from Hope's memories, it added a flare and kept me reading because it's different-in a time where married ladies had no say in
anything, a place that is full of magic and prophecy. I can't even begin to describe my feelings.

Needless to say, I l-o-v-e-d this book! As the series went on, the books kept getting better and more intense. There's nothing like getting sucked into a series at this slow-but not too slow-rate. It was perfect.
Profile Image for Amanda  B Gillespie.
513 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2016
***Sigh ***
Is shameful that I thought I had fished this book and just couldn't remember what had happened. I should have known better. This installment was a two for one. We began in modern day then we were thrust into the past as Hope discovers her beginning and the reason for her very existence. Many answers to questions from the very beginning of the series are answered, but many more remain. I am still so excited to see what Ms. Anaya has in store for Hope and her crew.

Thank you to the author for the absolute privilege of getting to read all three books in this series as they have come available. It has, in no way, affected the outcome of my reviews as they are my own. I adore these characters and feel a little twinge of glee when I find that I have correctly determined the who's who in the lineup.
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