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The Lunar Triumvirate #0.1

Kimeno: Book one of the Resplendence Prequel Series

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In a world where one's Name holds power, the Nameless - kimeno - are left behind.




Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker was born amongst Miderochi's elite. She finally seized her Name at the late age of fifteen - but it is one of bloodshed, and one she cannot commit to. She finds herself scorned by her parents and peers, a worthless kimeno once more.




But when she meets someone who sees her true value, she has a chance to leave that life behind. To stray from the path laid out before her, she will be forced to invoke the same power that led her there. A wanderer in a foreign world, she will need to forge her own Name.




The same brand used to keep her compliant will be that which gives her strength.




She will be known as Kimeno.

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2020

2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Ross Kingston

16 books33 followers

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5 stars
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18 (50%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for charlene ✿.
575 reviews136 followers
January 1, 2022
4 stars  

★★★★



☞ Trigger warnings: .


The Kimeno Prequel Series reviews:
#1     Kimeno: A Prequel Novella: ★★★★☆
#2     Kimeno: Jade and Silver: Book two of the Resplendence Prequel Series: ★★★★☆
#3     Kimeno: Resplendence: Book three of the Resplendence Prequel Series currently reading



☀︎ This review is also posted here on my blog ☀︎



   Synopsis   

As the daughter of a decorated war hero and the esteemed advisor of the ruler of the city, being someone who is Nameless or Kimeno a source of great disappointment. At 15 she finally is Named Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker foreboding great things but she is resistant to living up to her name. Scorned by her parents she decides to simply go by Kimeno, returning to her Nameless existence and forging her own path outside her parents control and condemnation.

description


  Review  

Kimeno is a novella full of surprises. 136 pages offered character arcs & development, war scenes, emotional beats, captivating fantasy elements and atmospheric journey through the world. It's coming-of-age story that left me wanting more.

The giant ghost wolf is a bizarre character that is in the running for being one of my favourite characters. I love a long obnoxious name, and being called Passing Seasons, Watcher of Fall and Harbinger of Spring, Sentinel of Winter and Summer, Weathered of the Four takes the cake. Passing Seasons (for short, obviously) is not only endearing character but makes me feel all warm and protected.

description

“not all great moments are ones of excitement"


I was bewitched with Kimeno's journey. At 15 she was quite sheltered and didn't experience much of the world until being Named. Her coming-of-age journey is heartfelt and captivating, with her naivety of the world clashing with her jaded perception of herself. I don't want to give anything away as it is so short everything is kind of a spoiler but let me say it is worth the read.

“We do not apologise, least of all when we step into a room looking like danger and fire."


This novella has beautiful writing, great world-building, unique magic system and interesting characters. I am excited to read the rest of the series and read more about the giant ghost wolf and Kimeno traipsing through the world.

   Questions/Issues    

☀︎  I wish it was longer. I knew it was a Novella and 136 pages going into it and yet!!! I was so immersed that I forgot that it was a short read. I'm mad at myself really.
☀︎ I had hoped for more closure for her relationship with her parents, especially her dad, but hopefully future novels will have her interact with her dad, especially if she lives up to her name.


Would I recommend this novella?
If Kimeno is the main character, then definitely. Depends if she is pushed out and is now a side character, or like legend/myth.

Would I re-read this novella
Yeah probably. It has such a timeless feel to it that I would love to re-read this again.




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Profile Image for Megan (sporadic hiatus due to law school).
1,140 reviews11 followers
December 9, 2021
Kimeno was a fun, quick read. It was actually interesting and had a good plotline, and I'm interested to see how the rest of the plot plays out. (I am a little confused about how the order goes? Is the entire series called "A Prequel Novella"?)

My only issue with this book was the explanation of the world. The world-building itself was great; you get a name and if you don't you suck, etc. But then there's another country and war and a bunch of things I don't understand. I wanted an explanation, at the least, of what is going on and how the world works.

Otherwise, I liked the narrative and the way the story focused on a nameless girl and made her actually nameless until she made her name. Really, the only thing was that I was confused for most of the story because I didn't know how the world worked, or what the prologue was about, the whole deal with how the MC was able to throw all those arrows with perfection?
Profile Image for Brenda.
140 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2021
It took me a minute to understand where this author wanted us to go with his telling of a coming of age story. I enjoyed the character building of the main character, but would have loved more information of the world in which it takes place.

This was a very quick read (even with having to re-read a bit to understand) and want to see where this author goes with this storyline.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
April 9, 2021
“Kimeno” by Ross Kingston is the mid-length (+135 pages) prequel to his “The Lunar Triumvirate” epic fantasy series, which is set in a fictional world, that has some reminiscences of East Asian societies.

Kimeno, the main character, lives in a world, where the power of each individual resides in their names. Before acquiring one’s own name at the age of fifteen, the person is known as Kimeno, aka ‘nameless’. Our Kimeno, as the daughter of two very powerful Miderochi elite parents, is under great pressure; her name Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker promises greatness but also indicates the power of weapons, as she learn from Passing Season, the Alpha wolf, that help her to find her true potential. Kimeno has to decide between following the intended path or carve her own destiny.

This is a coming-of-age story that deals with teenager angst and the responsibility of adulthood in a unique, interesting, and captivating way. A well-written prequel, that sets the parameters for the “The Lunar Triumvirate” series, with a well-crafted world-building, credible situations and characters and very relatable heroine.
Profile Image for Laura Ramsay.
Author 0 books13 followers
November 26, 2021
This was an interesting start to a series and I am tempted to perhaps continue reading.

Despite this being the prequel to the series, I felt like I was meant to know a lot about the world. This left me feeling a little lost until about halfway through.

The names of the characters are quite difficult to remember, so I ended up remembering them as their roles rather than their names.

I did enjoy seeing the changes the main character went through as the plot developed and I feel like she has the potential to be a fantastic main character.

The concepts of the artefacts is really intrigued and I would have loved to have learned more about them.

Overall, this book isn't going into my top books list, but it was an easy, quick read that was still enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Winter.
493 reviews70 followers
June 27, 2022
Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker! What a name, hunh? Well, that is the name of the character in Kingston’s Novella Kimeno.
We start our story off with 15-year Kimeno living a life of fear under her father’s rule.
All girls are named Kimeno until they have earned or granted the right to take a name.
For some reason Kimeno has not been given a name because her father has not felt her worthy of a name yet.
Then one day, her father forces her to do the unthinkable and she is then given a name.
But her father is the type to never be satisfied, no matter what he still will not call her by her name.
Kimeno goes off and finds herself lured by howling wind to a mysterious man with different pieces of shard glass. Totally out of her character she ends up stealing it, only to piece the artefact together and return it to him the next day.
The man tells her she is to keep it and gives her a piece of paper. Telling her that she has earned a place in the high kingdom (just as he had) and then whispers something to her.
On her return home she ends up almost getting crushed to death by a hailstorm, but something whisks her away and saves her.
But what?
After this point (Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker) Kimeno’s life is one filled with magic and mystery.
But like others have said. How does the magic system work? Are the people born with this magic? How do they obtain their artefacts? What about the Alpha?
How rare is it to have an infinity with animals? What about Lady Crimson and her Choker? How did she gain that power? There are so, so many questions and NO answers.
Kingston’s word building flowed perfectly, and his characters were delightful. You really wanted to see good defeat evil in this book.
The ending of this book was incredibly sad, I did not see that coming. I genuinely thought it was going to turn out different.
Kingston did exactly what he sought out to do with this book. Make people want to know Where, What and How. He thoroughly succeeded, because I need to get the next book at once to know what happens next.
So GREAT JOB Kingston!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Heather Salter-Purves.
Author 6 books22 followers
January 19, 2022
When I saw this book siren website, the cover was stunning. It drew my attention immediately. The story Within the pages did not disappoint me at all. This was a delightful quick read and a delicious beginning of a new series. I loved the writing. It was easy to follow. Even though it is only 136 pages, it offers a great range of character arts and development through the eyes of War scenes with all the emotional beats you would assume it should. Captivating fantasy world-building along with the atmospheric journey through a coming-of-age store. Like the ghost Wolf, some characters love me a little confused.
I loved the concept that the power of each person lies in their name. Before obtaining your name at the age of 15, the main character is deemed nameless. She has tremendous pressure to live up to the nature and greatness bestowed upon her by her parents.
33 reviews
June 21, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn't know what to expect from this prequel novella but I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which I got through it. There were a lot of themes in this book: identity, self-worth, bonds. For under 200 pages, The author was able to make me invested in the story and journey of Kimono. The main character felt 15 years old, she felt real. I would have liked a little more exploration around her choosing to be mute due to the abuse she suffered as this was something that spiked my interest.

I love big novels, 600 pages +, this was the first time reading a novella and I think it does an incredible job at setting up intrigue for what's to come.
Profile Image for Sara Wortman.
239 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2021
When I first saw "Kimeno" on Booksirens, I was really captivated by the cover and I still am. I am so glad I took the chance on this one because it was really good. The writing is super good and Kimeno as a main character peaked my interest. The events kept things going in a direction that made me want to continue reading. I am removing a star because there were times I was a little less engaged but I never felt like I was going to not finish it. I am very excited to see what this series has to offer and I am excited to tag along for the journey in the future.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Profile Image for Priyanka Chakrabarty.
102 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2022
"𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘦. 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦."

This was my first asian fantasy and I'm glad for it. 'KIMENO' is set in a fictional world with the reminiscence of East Asian surroundings where power comes with their names. As we walk with the MC we notice the growth, the maturity building up in her at an early age she never asked for. The character build-up of the heroine is portrayed beautifully and the plot was to the point amaizing.
I was fully invested in the book as the MC felt so relatable.
Thankyou to the author Ross Kingston for sharing the e-copy of this beautiful book.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,008 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2021
Kimeno's story is a growing of age, but there are also many characters introduced throughout adding another layer to the story. As the daughter of Indomitable Peninsula and Crimson Spectre she has much to live up to even after earning her name. The Alpha Passing Season's who chose her and her Artefacts, she will set out on an adventure to find herself and escape her fathers cruel hands. Interested to see how the series progresses with her story.
Profile Image for RainysPlanet .
185 reviews16 followers
October 3, 2021
The writing style is very unique and beautiful, it took me a little while to fully understand kimenos motivations, but after a few more pages (and Passing Seasons) I was hooked.
I'm incredibly thankful I took the time to read this prequel as I genuinely enjoyed it.
I'll be keeping an eye out for the main series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
738 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2021
I liked the book. Kimeno is a young girl who has been sheltered and abused by her parents. She must find her name but her father is determined to make her into his image. Things to not go as planned. This naive girl finds friends along the way to help as she tries to grow into adulthood. All the while, she is slowly pulled into a war and a vendetta. The magic system is interesting and definitely not a normal knock-off that one usually finds. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
483 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2021
Confidence!
A coming of age story about Kimeno. This original, unpredictable story has wonderful characters that tells how a young woman gains confidence in her skills and the ability to go out into the world.
Profile Image for Donna.
482 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2021
I received this book in return for an honest review. Well this book confuses me I did enjoy it but I can't say I really understood it. Hence only 4 stars it was written welland I loved the character passing seasons.. As it is a prequel I am more becomes clear in subsequent books. Thank you.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,234 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2022
this was a great start to a prequel trilogy, the characters were really well done and I was hooked from the beginning. It was a perfect introduction to this world and I enjoyed this and the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chris Gourley.
Author 3 books11 followers
August 8, 2022
My first book by Ross Kingston but it won't be my last. Kimeno and Passing Seasons are exceptional and well developed as Kimeno becomes familiar with her own abilities. Glad there are more books to follow.
Profile Image for IU_read.
376 reviews
October 22, 2022
This is really different book from what i had read before. It easy reading with strong female character. Im glad she called herself as kimeno and her partner passing season is really warm character. Im looking to read for the second book.
Profile Image for Carly.
68 reviews
July 29, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Took a while to get into but once I did, I enjoyed it. It was interesting and had a really nice story line.
Profile Image for Maureen.
472 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2021
I’ve been an avid fan of Asian fantasy for a very long time. This qualifies, but also doesn’t read like the typical hurt-my-family-I-vow-revenge tale.

We enter this story bewildered and terrified and as the MC figures out what’s going on, so do we. It’s a well-written story that can keep us both as naive as the MC while giving us glimpses behind the mask. Our familiarity with genre stories keeps us guessing what might be happening, makes us suspicious and at the same time, we are fully supportive of our heroine who is determined to cast her own role in life. I can’t help but wonder that as the series rolls along, if we will discover that she’s a deity and we’re learning about ‘how it all came to be.’ Even if not, I’m along for the ride.

I pulled two quotes from the book as I was reading.

“It is good to speak of tragedy, as it is the silence that follows such misfortune that ultimately causes the most harm.”
… This mostly because it rings true as a clarion and is something that I should recall when dealing with the unhappy events in other’s lives.

“We do not apologise,” Grace of the Parallel Void scolded. “Least of all when we step into a room looking like danger and fire.”
… This because it’s such an evocative sentence and sets up another learning experience for our heroine.

I’m fully invested in this series and am looking forward to discovering, along with Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker, where her path is taking her.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
December 7, 2021
“Kimeno. Resplendence” is the conclusion to the “Resplendence Prequel Series: The Lunar Triumvirate” epic fantasy series by Ross Kingston, which is set in a fictional world, that has some reminiscences of East Asian societies. This is a world in which the power of any given individual resides on their name. A name every person has to acquire at age fifteen, until then minors are known as Kimeno, literally ‘nameless’. The MC character in the story, the daughter of two very powerful Miderochi elite parents, has successful grown into her intended name, Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker (which promises greatness but also indicates the power of weapons) with the help of Passing Season, the Alpha wolf, that helped her to find her true potential. Now Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker is heading north to infiltrate the Fourth City, in search of the secret cure to save her faithful companion. As the journey continues the quest becomes even more dangerous, but a life on the balance, Kimeno has not choice but to face her enemies and accept the fallout of her own actions.

“Kimeno” is a coming-of-age story that deals with teenager angst and the responsibility of adulthood in a unique, interesting, and captivating way. A well-written plot, that explores the meaning of good and evil and the repercussions of one’s actions against the background of a well-crafted Asian-inspired worldbuilding, and offers credible situations, multifaceted characters, and very relatable heroine. A great story that will be worthy of revisiting (aka re-reading) in the future, a rare feat in our modern fast releasing world.
Profile Image for Maureen.
472 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2021
I’ve been an avid fan of Asian fantasy for a very long time. This qualifies, but also doesn’t read like the typical hurt-my-family-I-vow-revenge tale.

We enter this story bewildered and terrified and as the MC figures out what’s going on, so do we. It’s a well-written story that can keep us both as naive as the MC while giving us glimpses behind the mask. Our familiarity with genre stories keeps us guessing what might be happening, makes us suspicious and at the same time, we are fully supportive of our heroine who is determined to cast her own role in life. I can’t help but wonder that as the series rolls along, if we will discover that she’s a deity and we’re learning about ‘how it all came to be.’ Even if not, I’m along for the ride.

I pulled two quotes from the book as I was reading.

“It is good to speak of tragedy, as it is the silence that follows such misfortune that ultimately causes the most harm.”
… This mostly because it rings true as a clarion and is something that I should recall when dealing with the unhappy events in other’s lives.

“We do not apologise,” Grace of the Parallel Void scolded. “Least of all when we step into a room looking like danger and fire.”
… This because it’s such an evocative sentence and sets up another learning experience for our heroine.

I’m fully invested in this series and am looking forward to discovering, along with Resplendent Shrapnel Firecracker, where her path is taking her.
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