Kuromori, Band 3: Das Juwel des Lebens

Sword of Kuromori #3

by Jason Rohan

Three treasures. Two friends. One destiny.

Ever since Kenny learned that he'd been chosen as bearer of a magical sword, he and best friend Kiyomi have been protecting the human world from ancient Japanese monsters. But Kiyomi's human soul has been taken from her and only the restoration of the three sacred treasures – the sword, the mirror and the jewel – can save her from transforming into a monster herself.

As they complete their mission, they discover that all their actions have been manipulated and an undead army is about to be unleashed upon humankind. The forces of life, with Kenny as their champion, gather their allies for a final showdown.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

Hardcover

First published July 28, 2016

Reviews

[Ben]

An amazing end to the Kuromori series with amazing detail and action plus some comedy here and there, I hope Jason decides to keep this series going.

[Merinereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In meinen Augen der beste Teil der Reihe mit einem spannenden, actiongeladenen Finale, sympathischen und schlagfertigen Helden und unerwarteten Verbündeten.
Besonders die Auflösung um die finale Schlacht, geheime Intrigen und Pläne gefiel mir sehr. Aber auch die beiden Hauptcharaktere sind wieder großartig und haben das Ende bekommen, das sie verdienen.

[Adasynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this action packed finale in the Kuromori series, the story opens when Stacey finds a rouge Yokai for Kenny to dispose of. Later that night, Kiyomi comes with a message from Susano-Wo, sending Kenny and Kiyomi to the floor of the East China Sea to find the Jewel of Life, the last member of the sacred Regalia to give to Susano-Wo in exchange for the last part of Kiyomi's missing soul. Succeding, they go to Yomi to exchange the jewel for Kiyomi's soul, but things go terribly wrong. Susano-Wo gains control of the sacred regalia, and the Japanese Gods. Kenny and the now whole Kiyomi, escape with the help of some Tengu. Kenny and Kiyomi travel back to Yomi and steal Ikutachi, their only hope of defeating Susano-Wo. Kenny faces Susano-Wo in battle, and he both survives and unites the Japanese Gods for the first time in history.

Kenny Blackwood, or Kuromori in Japanese, is a British teen who went to Japan to meet his father, discovered he was a prophesied hero and that he was living in a world where mythology was actually real life. When he recovers a mystical sword, Kusanagi, he uses it to protect this newly discovered world. But in the Stone Of Kuromori Susano-Wo takes Kusanagi, and Kenny has to rely on his talent for magic. Kenny better learns how to use his powers as he travels into Yomi with no weapon but his abilities. He does things he never knew he could, and his skill develops to the point where he defeats Susano-Wo and saves the world.

I enjoyed The Stone Of Kuromori, it has lots of action and a little twist of romance. I would definantly read this book again and again. And I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this kind of books.

[Becky Pirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily my favorite book of the series! This third installment is an action-packed adventure that ties together many aspects of the previous two novels, showing that Kenny’s quests have resulted from the behind-the-scenes scheming of a devious character. The novel culminates in a thrilling battle between Kenny’s allies and a Hellish army and hints at a resolution to the dilemma of duty vs desire. Although I agree with what someone else mentioned about the novel ending so quickly that we don’t really get to see what happens with Kenny, Kiyomi, and the rest of the characters, I was at least happy with Kenny’s last statement in the final chapter that shows he is content with what he has. This book would be great for young adult readers who enjoy action, adventure, and Japanese mythology; however, I would recommend reading the series in order starting with The Sword of Kuromori as events in the second and third books build on ideas introduced in the first book.

[Samantha Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, action packed end to the trilogy. Similar style to the Percy Jackson books (marginally clueless teenaged boy stumbles into adventure with gods, getting in to trouble and out again thanks to his friends).

[Emiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay!!! This is how you wrap up the series.

[Leonard]

Liked the depictions of oni and the explanation for everything

[Nayuleska · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in this trilogy has come and it's the best yet. Ken uses the abilities he has gained to fight for world peace. What makes him special is his continuing strength to create new skills during battle which enables him to get out of tricky situations. He really screws up in this book, more than he ever has before, but only by doing this can he have a hope of saving the day.

The real heroine of the story is Kiyomi. I adore her love of making things go boom. The fact that she is Japanese adds to her appeal. Even with the constant threat of turning into a demon she is able to compliment Ken's skills with her own. I cried when she cried in the story during an unexpected encounter that hurt more than semi-significant characters dying. Kiyomi sort of has Poyo, and she ends up with a cool dangerous killer as a companion, one who I for some reason like in real life. I love how Kiyomi has the right knowledge to help Ken's weird intelligence figure out what to do. I loved it when she revealed who Otohime is to Jason, and delighted in a brief encounter that she will treasure forever.

I also really like Stacie who reappeared at the end just when I was thinking of her. She had her own secret which ultimately helps Ken in his mission. I'm so glad that Jason persuaded me to give this series a go, promising me I'd like Kiyomi. I truly do! And I can dream she gets her own series, although she and Ken seem more like partners rather than hero and sidekick in this instalment. I doubt it's the end of their adventures though, and hope for a revival of their lives someday!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...