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Ibuki
Ibuki: the gift of healing through breath. Chiasa has possessed the ability since childhood and shares it with her father as they care for their Inuru community. Chiasa has never doubted the stability of her simple life. That is, until Namika, a water-gifted priestess, shows up outside the Ibuki shrine gates with information promising Chiasa’s doom.
With Namika’s help, Chiasa is determined to find the secrets behind the ritual that will claim her life, but her growing feelings toward the other woman reach beyond her control, adding to the confusion. Time is rapidly running out, and Chiasa can’t seem to sort out the lies woven through the magic of Inuru and its emperor.
Caught in a tangled web of immortality, betrayal, and desire, Chiasa must find the right people to trust if she hopes to stop the ritual—or she will pay the consequences.
With Namika’s help, Chiasa is determined to find the secrets behind the ritual that will claim her life, but her growing feelings toward the other woman reach beyond her control, adding to the confusion. Time is rapidly running out, and Chiasa can’t seem to sort out the lies woven through the magic of Inuru and its emperor.
Caught in a tangled web of immortality, betrayal, and desire, Chiasa must find the right people to trust if she hopes to stop the ritual—or she will pay the consequences.
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First published January 29, 2018
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About the author
Kathryn Sommerlot
5 books42 followersKathryn didn't major in creative writing, but never stopped believing. She survives on books, strong coffee, craft beer, puppies, and the Oxford comma. She also comma splices like it's going out of style. She spent six years living and working in Japan, and it's influenced her fictional works greatly. Her idea of heaven is being surrounded by 60 Yorkshire Terrier puppies, but requests to her husband to make it a reality have so far been denied.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 22, 2018
3.25 Stars. Not bad for a fantasy novella. Fantasy normally takes such world building that I think novellas can struggle being so short. Do I think this would have been better as a full length book? Absolutely, but Sommerlot did a better job than I expected.
I’m not going to go into a summery since this a quick read and I don’t want to spoil anything. I found the characters and their magic to be pretty interesting. There is a sweet romance that was actually a little steamy at times. The pace of the romance is quick due this being a novella, but I didn’t really mind.
The main storyline is pretty predictable. There really wasn’t anything I didn’t see coming, but I was still entertained. Overall not a bad read if you are looking for something in the lesfic fantasy and romance department.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
I’m not going to go into a summery since this a quick read and I don’t want to spoil anything. I found the characters and their magic to be pretty interesting. There is a sweet romance that was actually a little steamy at times. The pace of the romance is quick due this being a novella, but I didn’t really mind.
The main storyline is pretty predictable. There really wasn’t anything I didn’t see coming, but I was still entertained. Overall not a bad read if you are looking for something in the lesfic fantasy and romance department.
An ARC was given to me by NineStar Press, for a honest review.
January 25, 2018
3.5 ⭐️ for beautiful prose and a very sensual romance!
Ibuki is a sweet little novella set in a Japanese fantasy world. Here, there are four shrines, each dedicated to a different element, whose priests and priestesses have elemental skills.
Chiasa is an ibuki priestess - one who can heal with the power of her breath. We also meet a seseragi priestess named Namika, who can manipulate water. Their land is ruled by the emperor, who will soon be celebrating his 300th birthday, and they realise things aren't what they seem... DUN DUN DUN
Average reaction to hearing someone will soon be celebrating their 300th bday:
image:
Everyone in Ibuki's reaction to someone celebrating their 300th bday:
I could suspend disbelief enough to accept that in this world, 300 isn't that unusual, but I don't believe that's the case. The trouble is that with a story so short, we don't get enough world building to understand why this is unusual or usual. Plus, I really wanted to know more about this world! I understood how Chiasa's gift worked, but not Namika's, which was a shame because I was really intrigued. I would also have loved to see what the earth and fire shrines were like. It would have been great to get to know the characters better as well - especially Chiasa's father.
On to the good stuff though - the prose is just stunning. Lyrical, emotive, and beautiful. I can't fault it! The romance is simply gorgeous, and I was rooting for our protagonists. The setting is lovely and interesting, and the whole thing is very well paced.
Simply put, I really liked this, and any criticisms I have stem from it not being long enough.
Ibuki is a sweet little novella set in a Japanese fantasy world. Here, there are four shrines, each dedicated to a different element, whose priests and priestesses have elemental skills.
Chiasa is an ibuki priestess - one who can heal with the power of her breath. We also meet a seseragi priestess named Namika, who can manipulate water. Their land is ruled by the emperor, who will soon be celebrating his 300th birthday, and they realise things aren't what they seem... DUN DUN DUN
Average reaction to hearing someone will soon be celebrating their 300th bday:
image:
Everyone in Ibuki's reaction to someone celebrating their 300th bday:
I could suspend disbelief enough to accept that in this world, 300 isn't that unusual, but I don't believe that's the case. The trouble is that with a story so short, we don't get enough world building to understand why this is unusual or usual. Plus, I really wanted to know more about this world! I understood how Chiasa's gift worked, but not Namika's, which was a shame because I was really intrigued. I would also have loved to see what the earth and fire shrines were like. It would have been great to get to know the characters better as well - especially Chiasa's father.
On to the good stuff though - the prose is just stunning. Lyrical, emotive, and beautiful. I can't fault it! The romance is simply gorgeous, and I was rooting for our protagonists. The setting is lovely and interesting, and the whole thing is very well paced.
Simply put, I really liked this, and any criticisms I have stem from it not being long enough.
January 31, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
What a lovely short novella set in Japan in times where Emperor’s are ruling. I really liked the touch of magic, the fantasy element of the story with the priestesses and their unique abilities in using magic.
The story follows the young woman Chiasa who is part of the Ibuki shrine, those gifted people who can heal with using their breath, who can take away pain but not give any life back.
The novella is full of events and the twist later in the story, when Chiasa’s life is in danger was a great mix. I loved how the story was build, right from the start there was the meeting of Chiase and Namika, a priestess from the seseragi shrine, who rule over the power of water.
The plot was full of suspense, but between the two young women there is a certain kind of bond, they feel attracted to each other even if it’s not that visible in the book, the underlining feelings were there.
The book follows Chiasa’s POV but in third person, the thoughts, the fears and the daily events are from her experience and most of the time Namika is as much as a secret to the reader as to Chiasa.
I liked how the magical part was woven into the storyline, how it was a normal thing to live with the power, how it was balanced and used for good by the several shrines, the supernatural abilities had their own uniqueness and is based on the element’s nature.
The story isn’t – as it is because of its length – overly detailed but enough to become an overview of the way the people live, the way how the society is structured and what it means to be a priestess and to have an Emperor as the ruler. It may contain a few inaccuracies but I didn’t see overly wrong aspects and with the magical touch of the story there are some bends in the display of realism right from the start. In fact the descriptions of the setting was pleasant and gave the needed insight without being to overwhelming while reading.
I was pretty entertained by this story, the novella had a great twist in its storyline, the events were captivating and Chiasa and Namika had a good chemistry. Their short intimate scenes are hot, very explicit and you wish to see more of them. The scenes are also full of sweetness and you can see there’s a bond between the girls.
Did I wish the book was longer? For sure, because it was a promising display of how this plot could be dealt with in a longer book, and maybe we reader get another story within this world or with the two women.
For now the book had a few flaws, though I was overall pretty entertained therefore I can without doubt recommend it. If you love magical, fantasy stories set in ancient Japan, with charming heroines you should pick this book up. 4 out of 5 stars for it.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
What a lovely short novella set in Japan in times where Emperor’s are ruling. I really liked the touch of magic, the fantasy element of the story with the priestesses and their unique abilities in using magic.
The story follows the young woman Chiasa who is part of the Ibuki shrine, those gifted people who can heal with using their breath, who can take away pain but not give any life back.
The novella is full of events and the twist later in the story, when Chiasa’s life is in danger was a great mix. I loved how the story was build, right from the start there was the meeting of Chiase and Namika, a priestess from the seseragi shrine, who rule over the power of water.
The plot was full of suspense, but between the two young women there is a certain kind of bond, they feel attracted to each other even if it’s not that visible in the book, the underlining feelings were there.
The book follows Chiasa’s POV but in third person, the thoughts, the fears and the daily events are from her experience and most of the time Namika is as much as a secret to the reader as to Chiasa.
I liked how the magical part was woven into the storyline, how it was a normal thing to live with the power, how it was balanced and used for good by the several shrines, the supernatural abilities had their own uniqueness and is based on the element’s nature.
The story isn’t – as it is because of its length – overly detailed but enough to become an overview of the way the people live, the way how the society is structured and what it means to be a priestess and to have an Emperor as the ruler. It may contain a few inaccuracies but I didn’t see overly wrong aspects and with the magical touch of the story there are some bends in the display of realism right from the start. In fact the descriptions of the setting was pleasant and gave the needed insight without being to overwhelming while reading.
I was pretty entertained by this story, the novella had a great twist in its storyline, the events were captivating and Chiasa and Namika had a good chemistry. Their short intimate scenes are hot, very explicit and you wish to see more of them. The scenes are also full of sweetness and you can see there’s a bond between the girls.
Did I wish the book was longer? For sure, because it was a promising display of how this plot could be dealt with in a longer book, and maybe we reader get another story within this world or with the two women.
For now the book had a few flaws, though I was overall pretty entertained therefore I can without doubt recommend it. If you love magical, fantasy stories set in ancient Japan, with charming heroines you should pick this book up. 4 out of 5 stars for it.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
March 21, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This is a good example of an excellent story that would be better suited for a full-length novel rather than a novella. The characters are intriguing, the romance blossoms quickly, and the backstory/worldbuilding is super unique—but the story itself is just too short!
Things happen so quickly that we’re onto the next scene before we can process the previous. Namika comes to Chiasa with news that shakes the whole foundation of their spiritual code, and Chiasa simply goes along with it and immediately believes and trusts this woman she just met…and then she’s kissing her a few pages later. I’m usually 100% on board with ladies kissing whenever possible, but at some points when things started getting steamy between Chiasa and Namika, I could only think, you two should really be focusing on finding proof to take down your murderous emperor. If this was a longer book, there would be more opportunities for love scenes between plot and exposition scenes rather than at the expense of them.
Fantasy stories that are set in Japan that aren’t fetishizing or appropriating of Japanese history and culture can be hard to come by, but I think this one hits the mark pretty well. The influences of Japanese culture, geography, and mythology are felt throughout, but the fantasy elements of ibuki and the other elemental gifts feel wholly original. It’s a setting that drew me in right away and made me want more. I love fantasy books with recognizable worlds that are made magical in some special way.
The plot and conflict in this book are really quite good. The stakes are high and there’s a mystery that needs to be solved with urgency. But 70 pages just wasn’t enough to make me truly invested in Chiasa’s plight to save a way of life that we hardly know a thing about or in a romance that has hardly even began.
I’d read this one for the originality, but you’ll be disappointed when you’re left wanting so much more.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
This is a good example of an excellent story that would be better suited for a full-length novel rather than a novella. The characters are intriguing, the romance blossoms quickly, and the backstory/worldbuilding is super unique—but the story itself is just too short!
Things happen so quickly that we’re onto the next scene before we can process the previous. Namika comes to Chiasa with news that shakes the whole foundation of their spiritual code, and Chiasa simply goes along with it and immediately believes and trusts this woman she just met…and then she’s kissing her a few pages later. I’m usually 100% on board with ladies kissing whenever possible, but at some points when things started getting steamy between Chiasa and Namika, I could only think, you two should really be focusing on finding proof to take down your murderous emperor. If this was a longer book, there would be more opportunities for love scenes between plot and exposition scenes rather than at the expense of them.
Fantasy stories that are set in Japan that aren’t fetishizing or appropriating of Japanese history and culture can be hard to come by, but I think this one hits the mark pretty well. The influences of Japanese culture, geography, and mythology are felt throughout, but the fantasy elements of ibuki and the other elemental gifts feel wholly original. It’s a setting that drew me in right away and made me want more. I love fantasy books with recognizable worlds that are made magical in some special way.
The plot and conflict in this book are really quite good. The stakes are high and there’s a mystery that needs to be solved with urgency. But 70 pages just wasn’t enough to make me truly invested in Chiasa’s plight to save a way of life that we hardly know a thing about or in a romance that has hardly even began.
I’d read this one for the originality, but you’ll be disappointed when you’re left wanting so much more.
March 12, 2018
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This short novella focuses on two young women, priestesses of life (breath) and water, who experience strong physical attraction while trying to prevent a terrible harm that one of them is in danger of. The decorations are Japan-esque, but not much more than decorations. The worldbuilding is limited. This could be forgiven if the plot, writing or characters were particularly strong, but none of the above rise above a basic level of okay-ness; the story has only the most obvious and obligatory turns, the characters are barely sketched, the writing mixes interesting turns of phrase with moments of prose that is almost confusing.
One saving grace should have been the romance between the young women protagonists, but here is what really disappointed me: there is not enough time or space for any romance to develop, all that is there is attraction, but even the physical attraction is undersold by the writing. This is due to two issues, for me: one is that we don't have any access to the POV of one of the characters, and the writing doesn't manage to give her much characterisation (and thus, reason for attraction) without it. The other is that the main sex scene didn't work for me.
I think this should have either been developed more fully into a longer novel with more subplots and plot twists or pared down into a shorter novellette; as it was, there was more length than substance, and yet not enough space for the characters' relationship to develop.
This short novella focuses on two young women, priestesses of life (breath) and water, who experience strong physical attraction while trying to prevent a terrible harm that one of them is in danger of. The decorations are Japan-esque, but not much more than decorations. The worldbuilding is limited. This could be forgiven if the plot, writing or characters were particularly strong, but none of the above rise above a basic level of okay-ness; the story has only the most obvious and obligatory turns, the characters are barely sketched, the writing mixes interesting turns of phrase with moments of prose that is almost confusing.
One saving grace should have been the romance between the young women protagonists, but here is what really disappointed me: there is not enough time or space for any romance to develop, all that is there is attraction, but even the physical attraction is undersold by the writing. This is due to two issues, for me: one is that we don't have any access to the POV of one of the characters, and the writing doesn't manage to give her much characterisation (and thus, reason for attraction) without it. The other is that the main sex scene didn't work for me.
I think this should have either been developed more fully into a longer novel with more subplots and plot twists or pared down into a shorter novellette; as it was, there was more length than substance, and yet not enough space for the characters' relationship to develop.
August 13, 2019
Review:
I received this book from NetGalley for review.
This book just wasn't as interesting as I had hoped it would be.
The characters were pretty bland. The setting, while interesting, was lost among the boring and bland characters and their interactions.
The plot seemed a little rushed, and I think that's because it's not only a short book but a standalone.
The characters, the main two, in particular, came across much younger than their actual ages. At one point the Chiasa's father mentions that he forgets that she's 24. And I was honestly shocked. I thought she was closer to 16. I don't pretend to know anything about Japanese culture, but the era the book is set in, all across the world women were "grown up" at a much younger age than they're considered to be now. But her reactions to things and the way she spoke made her seem much younger.
The romance, or attraction, between the two women, seemed really forced and rushed. That might have had a lot to do with the length of the book itself.
I feel like this book could have done better with being a little longer.
I received this book from NetGalley for review.
This book just wasn't as interesting as I had hoped it would be.
The characters were pretty bland. The setting, while interesting, was lost among the boring and bland characters and their interactions.
The plot seemed a little rushed, and I think that's because it's not only a short book but a standalone.
The characters, the main two, in particular, came across much younger than their actual ages. At one point the Chiasa's father mentions that he forgets that she's 24. And I was honestly shocked. I thought she was closer to 16. I don't pretend to know anything about Japanese culture, but the era the book is set in, all across the world women were "grown up" at a much younger age than they're considered to be now. But her reactions to things and the way she spoke made her seem much younger.
The romance, or attraction, between the two women, seemed really forced and rushed. That might have had a lot to do with the length of the book itself.
I feel like this book could have done better with being a little longer.
January 12, 2018
Book received from Netgalley for an honest review.
I chose to read this book because I liked the cover and even though the blurb seemed okay I thought it would be nice to read something a little out of my current comfort zone. It was a lucky choice I really enjoyed it.
In the Inuru community Chiasa is a part of the Ibuki shrine and is able to heal by using her breath. One day Namika, a water-gifted priestess, comes to the Ibuki shrine to tell of a dark secret she has discovered about their emperor. Chiasa is the only one there and she is very reluctant to believe it.
I can’t say much more about the story line without spoiler alerts because it was a short read but it was a well-rounded one. There’s the tension of the dark secret and the danger it puts them in. I found both Chiasa and Namika to be engaging characters and there are some beautifully erotic scenes as well as moments of angst. Because this book has been tagged in the fantasy genre I had the added fear of not knowing how it was going to end.
I chose to read this book because I liked the cover and even though the blurb seemed okay I thought it would be nice to read something a little out of my current comfort zone. It was a lucky choice I really enjoyed it.
In the Inuru community Chiasa is a part of the Ibuki shrine and is able to heal by using her breath. One day Namika, a water-gifted priestess, comes to the Ibuki shrine to tell of a dark secret she has discovered about their emperor. Chiasa is the only one there and she is very reluctant to believe it.
I can’t say much more about the story line without spoiler alerts because it was a short read but it was a well-rounded one. There’s the tension of the dark secret and the danger it puts them in. I found both Chiasa and Namika to be engaging characters and there are some beautifully erotic scenes as well as moments of angst. Because this book has been tagged in the fantasy genre I had the added fear of not knowing how it was going to end.
March 11, 2018
While I really enjoyed this, as soon as I got into the story it ended. Extremely short, but would have been a great premise for a full book - what happens to her now? Who takes over? It was anticlimatic to say the least. The writing was good, very visual and descriptive about the culture and practices. The love scenes were brief but not excessive so I feel this would appeal to more people since it's not graphic. I'm just so disappointed! I feel like I read the first chapter (which by the way there are no chapters) and then poof! Where's the rest of my book?
February 1, 2018
I have to say that I tend to stay on the contemporary lane when it comes to requesting e-ARCs from NetGalley. However, I saw that this story was short and queer so I decided to give it a chance.
This is a fantasy story set in a Japanese-inspired location with a protagonist that has the ability to heal people with her breath. From there, we get a romance, which is very sensual.
There are a couple of things that I enjoyed a lot. I liked the characters and how developed they are. The main character is someone who is very interesting. I liked her relationship with her father and how it changed throughout the story and how conflicted she is about her feelings. I also enjoyed the way the romance is built. It's slow, secretive, and it doesn't feel like she's ashamed of her attraction to another woman.
Another thing that I liked is the world where it's set. However, it's true that there aren't enough pages to develop it perfectly but I liked the the glimpse that we get here. It would be nice to see other stories in this world.
It would have been nice to see a longer story with more development and more background on the characters. Despite all those things, I did really enjoy it and it gave me the queer content that I needed at the moment. I don't think I can say anything else about it.
*I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is a fantasy story set in a Japanese-inspired location with a protagonist that has the ability to heal people with her breath. From there, we get a romance, which is very sensual.
There are a couple of things that I enjoyed a lot. I liked the characters and how developed they are. The main character is someone who is very interesting. I liked her relationship with her father and how it changed throughout the story and how conflicted she is about her feelings. I also enjoyed the way the romance is built. It's slow, secretive, and it doesn't feel like she's ashamed of her attraction to another woman.
Another thing that I liked is the world where it's set. However, it's true that there aren't enough pages to develop it perfectly but I liked the the glimpse that we get here. It would be nice to see other stories in this world.
It would have been nice to see a longer story with more development and more background on the characters. Despite all those things, I did really enjoy it and it gave me the queer content that I needed at the moment. I don't think I can say anything else about it.
*I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 22, 2018
i got my copy from netgalley
It honestly felt like the first draft of a novel. like when authors send out the outline of the thing they wanna work on to their editor? it felt like that. it was crapped and short and it lacked mannerisms of the Japanese culture and as a reader who reads TON of Japanese literature there are basic mannerisms both in speech and in behavior that were completely missing from this. And as it was set in the imperial times I'm sure it would have been even more dignified and magnified of small actions. It was the time of samurais and geishas and fine silk kimonos not completely COMMON speech and 'I love you, you love me' sort of rough romance. More so that there's no spark in between the two main characters off from the beginning. It could have been better if it were a full length novel, with a little bit of research on Japanese history and culture, but this way its just a disrespectful piece of spam. 1/5 stars from me.
It honestly felt like the first draft of a novel. like when authors send out the outline of the thing they wanna work on to their editor? it felt like that. it was crapped and short and it lacked mannerisms of the Japanese culture and as a reader who reads TON of Japanese literature there are basic mannerisms both in speech and in behavior that were completely missing from this. And as it was set in the imperial times I'm sure it would have been even more dignified and magnified of small actions. It was the time of samurais and geishas and fine silk kimonos not completely COMMON speech and 'I love you, you love me' sort of rough romance. More so that there's no spark in between the two main characters off from the beginning. It could have been better if it were a full length novel, with a little bit of research on Japanese history and culture, but this way its just a disrespectful piece of spam. 1/5 stars from me.
February 23, 2018
My first experience with #NetGalley, and I must admit it was entertaining mostly.
Taking place in an Asian-like setting I thoroughly enjoyed, Kathryn Sommerlot's Ibuki explores the relationship between priestesses Chiasa and Namika, brought together once the latter discovers a secret that threatens Chiasa's life.
Prose written beautifully and aesthetic that made my toes curl, I am feeling a bit bittersweet, for I found the short story to be... well... too short to the point it sometimes felt sketchy. It might not be the same for everyone, but in my opinion everything happens way too fast and the attraction between the protagonists, depicted surely sensually (and with such finesse!), in my eyes lacks in depth and feels unrealistic. The pace gives the characters an aloof feel (I would have loved to know them better) and they sometimes feel erratic -especially at first. I failed to symphatize with their conflict, since, with hardly any background at all I could only imagine what was at stake (e.g. !A BIT SPOLIERY!) Chiasa and her father).
That said, I believe storywise it has a lot of potential. I would be very interested in reading the same story again, a bit better developed, or even be introduced to a different tale set into that world.
Taking place in an Asian-like setting I thoroughly enjoyed, Kathryn Sommerlot's Ibuki explores the relationship between priestesses Chiasa and Namika, brought together once the latter discovers a secret that threatens Chiasa's life.
Prose written beautifully and aesthetic that made my toes curl, I am feeling a bit bittersweet, for I found the short story to be... well... too short to the point it sometimes felt sketchy. It might not be the same for everyone, but in my opinion everything happens way too fast and the attraction between the protagonists, depicted surely sensually (and with such finesse!), in my eyes lacks in depth and feels unrealistic. The pace gives the characters an aloof feel (I would have loved to know them better) and they sometimes feel erratic -especially at first. I failed to symphatize with their conflict, since, with hardly any background at all I could only imagine what was at stake (e.g. !A BIT SPOLIERY!) Chiasa and her father).
That said, I believe storywise it has a lot of potential. I would be very interested in reading the same story again, a bit better developed, or even be introduced to a different tale set into that world.
January 29, 2018
This was a nice little well-rounded fantasy romance.
The story had a good pace and we weren’t left hanging on any one thing for too long.
The characters were likable and strong and there was enough of a build between the women, to make the sexy times work for me…this is a fairly short story so we’re not talking a ton, but it was enough to satisfy my preferences to have some interactions beforehand.
The setting- glimpses of the world, and magic, were so interesting that I can’t deny wishing for a bit more on that front but as a novella this had a good balance. These little hints of this world, were also what caught my attention in the summary and was my main reason for choosing this story.
I think my only pause in the story was Chiasa’s doubts of her father over a stranger’s word. Especially when the few interactions we see of them afterwards, make it seem like they have a very good relationship and he comes across quite caring. It’s a small thing though, and not enough to ruin my enjoyment in an otherwise very good story.
I'd like to see what this author could do with a larger page count.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story had a good pace and we weren’t left hanging on any one thing for too long.
The characters were likable and strong and there was enough of a build between the women, to make the sexy times work for me…this is a fairly short story so we’re not talking a ton, but it was enough to satisfy my preferences to have some interactions beforehand.
The setting- glimpses of the world, and magic, were so interesting that I can’t deny wishing for a bit more on that front but as a novella this had a good balance. These little hints of this world, were also what caught my attention in the summary and was my main reason for choosing this story.
I think my only pause in the story was Chiasa’s doubts of her father over a stranger’s word. Especially when the few interactions we see of them afterwards, make it seem like they have a very good relationship and he comes across quite caring. It’s a small thing though, and not enough to ruin my enjoyment in an otherwise very good story.
I'd like to see what this author could do with a larger page count.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
Preface: I receive an ARC of this novella for an honest review.
Ibuki is a beautiful story, first and foremost. Everything from the setting to the society to the magic system to the supporting characters was wonderfully realized in the short duration of the novella. Chiasa, in particular, is a well-rounded protangonist who you can't help but cheer for when she makes her realizations about herself and the world around her. Everything about the story felt so organic; nothing was forced. Even the magic system, a central plot point, served to make the erotic scenes that much hotter.
This novella was a joy to read from beginning to end. The only thing I'm sad about is that it's as short as it is, because I could very easily and happily read more about Chiasa, Namika, and this world with Inuru and chosen people's magical powers. More please!
Ibuki is a beautiful story, first and foremost. Everything from the setting to the society to the magic system to the supporting characters was wonderfully realized in the short duration of the novella. Chiasa, in particular, is a well-rounded protangonist who you can't help but cheer for when she makes her realizations about herself and the world around her. Everything about the story felt so organic; nothing was forced. Even the magic system, a central plot point, served to make the erotic scenes that much hotter.
This novella was a joy to read from beginning to end. The only thing I'm sad about is that it's as short as it is, because I could very easily and happily read more about Chiasa, Namika, and this world with Inuru and chosen people's magical powers. More please!
February 28, 2018
Rating: 2.75 stars
I have requested a copy of “Ibuki” from NetGalley. It was marked as LGBTQIA and Fantasy read, which is one of my favourite genre combinations.
“Ibuki” is a novella long story set in a semi-alternative version of Imperial Japan. The magic in this world is elemental, and only few priests and priestess possess it. It reminded me a lot of various anime series that I watched years ago. The magic system is integrated seamlessly into the narrative and I liked the depictions of the life and everyday tasks that Chiasa had to do.
However, the story lacks depth, and the narrative is rather bland, once you look past trite metaphors and cliches. Even the big twist at the end of the story was obvious from ahead and made me only roll my eyes. There was almost no tension or suspense, and the ending didn’t surprise me at all.
It is a sweet story if you are okay with cliches and glaring plot holes. I did not find the relationship believable but it was not the worst I read in a short story.
I have requested a copy of “Ibuki” from NetGalley. It was marked as LGBTQIA and Fantasy read, which is one of my favourite genre combinations.
“Ibuki” is a novella long story set in a semi-alternative version of Imperial Japan. The magic in this world is elemental, and only few priests and priestess possess it. It reminded me a lot of various anime series that I watched years ago. The magic system is integrated seamlessly into the narrative and I liked the depictions of the life and everyday tasks that Chiasa had to do.
However, the story lacks depth, and the narrative is rather bland, once you look past trite metaphors and cliches. Even the big twist at the end of the story was obvious from ahead and made me only roll my eyes. There was almost no tension or suspense, and the ending didn’t surprise me at all.
It is a sweet story if you are okay with cliches and glaring plot holes. I did not find the relationship believable but it was not the worst I read in a short story.
January 15, 2018
Like her father before her, Chiasa is gifted with ibuki, the ability to heal with her breath. Her quiet life at their shrine is upended by an early morning visit from a water priestess. Namika comes bearing grave news: Chiasa's life is threatened by the emperor himself, who has been murdering ibuki priests to gain immortality. Uncertain whom to trust, the young women find themselves drawn together, their clandestine meetings to share intelligence quickly shifting into something else entirely. An enjoyable novella, with just enough world-building to support Chiasa's whirlwind emotional journey. Thanks, Netgalley.
February 4, 2018
This was a quick read for me that I acquired through netgalley. I had not read the full description of the story, I wanted to chose a book based on its cover, thus I had not realized the aspect between the two women. So I did skip over those parts, Outside of that, the story was good. I enjoyed the bit of suspense, the hints of magic, the feel of her roll as a healer, etc. it does however leave you wishing there had been more detail to characters and more backstory. It flows so quickly over things it doesn't have the well rounded, full story feel. But, for a novella, it is still a fairly enjoyable fast read.
January 28, 2018
A very solid read from a new-to-me author. I enjoyed the worldbuilding, it was very well-developed without overwhelming the reader with details. I liked the magic and the mystery of the plot. The characters were well-realised, and Chiasa's narration fit the story. The romance sweet, even if a bit rushed.
Honestly there's not much to tell. It was a very good novella, even if nothing really stood out to me.
Honestly there's not much to tell. It was a very good novella, even if nothing really stood out to me.
January 20, 2018
This book was provided to me via Netgalley.
This was a short read that turned out to be very enjoyable. I really liked the setting and the world, and the characters were well written. Since this is a novella, the pacing is quite fast, but I didn't mind that at all.
Definitely recommending this if you're looking for a quick, fun read with some suspense and romance.
This was a short read that turned out to be very enjoyable. I really liked the setting and the world, and the characters were well written. Since this is a novella, the pacing is quite fast, but I didn't mind that at all.
Definitely recommending this if you're looking for a quick, fun read with some suspense and romance.
January 29, 2018
A very enjoyable and very short novella. It was a quick and easy read with some lovely east asian based fantasy world building. I enjoyed the magic and the mystery. Because it was so short it was hard to fully fall into the world and the story but I adored the romance between Chiasa and Namika.
February 20, 2018
I enjoyed this novella a lot - the setting was beautiful, the characters were likable and the story had a good pace.... the only thing that was a bummer was that it was a novella... I think that took a bit away from describing certain things closer and it would have profited from being longer...
January 26, 2018
I didn't dislike this book, but with fantasy, I love world building and details of the magic and with how short this book was, I just didn't get enough to make me love it.
January 25, 2025
2 stars. Gorgeously written but really boring.
April 27, 2023
An emperor who steals life from his own subjects is no longer fit to rule.
Score - 80%
I received a free advanced digital copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice, light read. There’s really not much to say about it since it is so short, but I thought the plot was interesting and the romance was very
February 6, 2018
DNF @ 22%
I usually don't DNF books, let alone DNF them quite early on in the story but I really didn't along with this at all. It's a shame because the blurb for it sounded really interesting, but I feel like it really didn't live up to any expectations I had.
Whilst I recognise that Ibuki is a novella, that doesn't excuse poor writing and a rushed narrative. The writing is plagued with 'telling rather than showing' which is never good in a fantasy book. Not only did I not get a feel for the world as fantasy, but there was nothing that spoke to me of Japanese culture. I think part of this comes from the fact that the writer is a white woman who lives on Japan and the other comes down to the poor writing.
I didn't even get to the romance so can't speak of whether the f/f romance is any good, but judging by the very poorly developed characters and plot I don't think it would be anything enjoyable.
I usually don't DNF books, let alone DNF them quite early on in the story but I really didn't along with this at all. It's a shame because the blurb for it sounded really interesting, but I feel like it really didn't live up to any expectations I had.
Whilst I recognise that Ibuki is a novella, that doesn't excuse poor writing and a rushed narrative. The writing is plagued with 'telling rather than showing' which is never good in a fantasy book. Not only did I not get a feel for the world as fantasy, but there was nothing that spoke to me of Japanese culture. I think part of this comes from the fact that the writer is a white woman who lives on Japan and the other comes down to the poor writing.
I didn't even get to the romance so can't speak of whether the f/f romance is any good, but judging by the very poorly developed characters and plot I don't think it would be anything enjoyable.
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