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Kieli Novels (キーリ ライトノベル) #2
Kieli, Volume 2: White Wake on the Sand
Kieli, the girl who sees ghosts, and her Undying companion, Harvey, return in their second adventure - this time on the high seas of the Sand Ocean! Things are far from ship-shape, though, aboard the vessel carrying these two unusual travelers. Dark spirits are rising, but which is the greater threat - the souls of the dead or the intentions of the living? Kieli and Harvey will have to rely on each other now more than ever, but when their pasts come back to haunt them, will it prove to be more than either can bear?
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 8, 2015
This book is a complete story, and the opening illustrated color pages do a phenomenal job of summarizing previous events and key concepts. However this series is extremely character driven, and experiencing the nuances of their interactions adds significant depth to everything. I'd highly recommend starting with volume 1.
Kieli is an isolated girl in a world where everything is controlled by the Church of a God she doesn't believe in. Driving and complicating her views and life is her odd ability to see ghosts. However her world expands rapidly after she meets Harvey, one of the legendary Undying. Perfect soldiers from the last great war made from lost technology, Harvey and his ilk are of no further use to Church or State and continually hunted. Tagging along with Harvey's travels, Kieli finds their next destination is across the great ocean...
The Dead Sleep in the Wilderness was an excellent, melancholy story about two complex, compelling leads in a fascinating world. White Wake on the Sand capitalizes wonderfully on the strong start and is just as powerful and captivating. The atmosphere gets creepier and more intense here, something that I can see continuing in later books. New characters and story threads are integrated seamlessly and enhance the book without overwhelming the reader.
The author has an incredibly deft touch with rationing little details and playing with expectations. It allows for tremendous world building that's vivid and evocative while also being gradual and unobtrusive most of the time. The imagination on display in the particular's of the environment and social structure and the subtle way it's all conveyed to the reader without disrupting the narrative is just amazing.
I also adore the way the ghost story aspects are handled in this series. Important themes are touched on and the particulars of the ghost encounters always matter to both character and plot development. Another nice touch is how Kieli's confusion of ghosts and real people is sometimes used to both progress the plot and heighten suspense.
The Kieli series continues to find unique ways to explore heavy, melancholy themes in stories that are also highly entertaining. I am extremely excited about continuing along her journey with her in future volumes.
Kieli is an isolated girl in a world where everything is controlled by the Church of a God she doesn't believe in. Driving and complicating her views and life is her odd ability to see ghosts. However her world expands rapidly after she meets Harvey, one of the legendary Undying. Perfect soldiers from the last great war made from lost technology, Harvey and his ilk are of no further use to Church or State and continually hunted. Tagging along with Harvey's travels, Kieli finds their next destination is across the great ocean...
The Dead Sleep in the Wilderness was an excellent, melancholy story about two complex, compelling leads in a fascinating world. White Wake on the Sand capitalizes wonderfully on the strong start and is just as powerful and captivating. The atmosphere gets creepier and more intense here, something that I can see continuing in later books. New characters and story threads are integrated seamlessly and enhance the book without overwhelming the reader.
The author has an incredibly deft touch with rationing little details and playing with expectations. It allows for tremendous world building that's vivid and evocative while also being gradual and unobtrusive most of the time. The imagination on display in the particular's of the environment and social structure and the subtle way it's all conveyed to the reader without disrupting the narrative is just amazing.
I also adore the way the ghost story aspects are handled in this series. Important themes are touched on and the particulars of the ghost encounters always matter to both character and plot development. Another nice touch is how Kieli's confusion of ghosts and real people is sometimes used to both progress the plot and heighten suspense.
The Kieli series continues to find unique ways to explore heavy, melancholy themes in stories that are also highly entertaining. I am extremely excited about continuing along her journey with her in future volumes.
June 6, 2017
A great sequel to an awesome first work.
I wasn't sure Kieli 2 could top Kieli 1. I'm glad to see I was wrong.
Kieli White Wake on the Sand was a roller coaster ride, even more so than the first one. It only gives you time to breath and reflect with one beautifully sad chapter. The rest is non-stop suspense. That last chapter, I couldn't put it down. I had to pry myself away to sleep, it was that good.
We get Kieli's back story (and I never saw it coming). We get some more about Harvey. We learn some more about the world Kieli lives in. We get action. We get suspense. We get everything I've come to expect and love from Kieli after the first volume.
My only complaint is lack of Colonel, but with how events went, it makes perfect sense for him to be largely absent.
I look forward to reading volume 3.
May 10, 2013
Review:
Characters 6/5 ( (because of there are extra characters introduced that broke my heart!! So it also broke the scale!)
Plot 9/10
Prose/ Writing style 4.5/10
(NEW) Pacing 4/5
Oh the characters that appeared in this book that will never come back! But of course I love the main characters!! Ahem... perhaps Harvey can be nicer some times, but it's understandable that being immortal does leave you cranky.
I added the new bit called pacing in my points, because I noticed, its essential to a story that some stuff gets laid out well. Although pacing has more effect for mystery types of stories XD In this book, as an episodic styled novel where each chapter represented a separate issue and resolution, there were times when I felt that was slightly dragged, mostly in the beginning chapters. But that was the author's clever way to throw off the reader's expectations!
More characters are introduced and they further the story as they bring in different perspectives about the history of the world they live on and the reality of the current governing society of the Church's abilities.
After the first book, the second one answered some of the questions that were left hanging, as to Kieli's past and to some bits about Harvey's past.
The Corporal didn't appear much in the second book due :( But this book was more about the past for Harvey and for Kieli.
I really loved all the characters that appeared in this book! I hope one day there might be some characters who could join Harvey and Kieli XD But this book was perhaps the sweetest and I'm counting it as the saddest one I've read yet ;__;
All right!!! I can't wait to continue on in Kieli and Harvey's story! It's already finished in Japan, and Yen Press is about to publish the final volume in the series. Ahhh I wish there can be more wonderful light novels that would be translated over!!
Thus the total rate of 4.9/5!!!!
Thanks!!! I hope you can enjoy this series as much as I have!! Two books in and there's still so much left unknown!
Characters 6/5 ( (because of there are extra characters introduced that broke my heart!! So it also broke the scale!)
Plot 9/10
Prose/ Writing style 4.5/10
(NEW) Pacing 4/5
Oh the characters that appeared in this book that will never come back! But of course I love the main characters!! Ahem... perhaps Harvey can be nicer some times, but it's understandable that being immortal does leave you cranky.
I added the new bit called pacing in my points, because I noticed, its essential to a story that some stuff gets laid out well. Although pacing has more effect for mystery types of stories XD In this book, as an episodic styled novel where each chapter represented a separate issue and resolution, there were times when I felt that was slightly dragged, mostly in the beginning chapters. But that was the author's clever way to throw off the reader's expectations!
More characters are introduced and they further the story as they bring in different perspectives about the history of the world they live on and the reality of the current governing society of the Church's abilities.
After the first book, the second one answered some of the questions that were left hanging, as to Kieli's past and to some bits about Harvey's past.
The Corporal didn't appear much in the second book due :( But this book was more about the past for Harvey and for Kieli.
I really loved all the characters that appeared in this book! I hope one day there might be some characters who could join Harvey and Kieli XD But this book was perhaps the sweetest and I'm counting it as the saddest one I've read yet ;__;
All right!!! I can't wait to continue on in Kieli and Harvey's story! It's already finished in Japan, and Yen Press is about to publish the final volume in the series. Ahhh I wish there can be more wonderful light novels that would be translated over!!
Thus the total rate of 4.9/5!!!!
Thanks!!! I hope you can enjoy this series as much as I have!! Two books in and there's still so much left unknown!
January 26, 2014
"that's enough from you. you're in the way. go back to hotel"
- she realized again that Harvey didn't really need her;that,instead, the smallest things she did dragged him down; the thought made her uneasy.
- he sent her back because they would have suggested betting her instead of money, and if that happened, he wasn't confident that he could have settled it without fight, or rather, he wouldn't settle it without one.
in love with this <3
-
أفضل من الكتاب الأول بمراحل، ارتبطت بالشخصيات أكثر وقصة الخلد مع هارفي دمعت عيني :(
- she realized again that Harvey didn't really need her;that,instead, the smallest things she did dragged him down; the thought made her uneasy.
- he sent her back because they would have suggested betting her instead of money, and if that happened, he wasn't confident that he could have settled it without fight, or rather, he wouldn't settle it without one.
in love with this <3
-
أفضل من الكتاب الأول بمراحل، ارتبطت بالشخصيات أكثر وقصة الخلد مع هارفي دمعت عيني :(
March 17, 2018
The setting gets the book the 3 stars. Sailing a sea of sand and the new religion introduced around it are interesting.
The writer uses way too many miraculous solutions for every hard situation the characters get in. It's like he writes himself into those. At times I would think the book was going for childish, for it then to throw a mature full of gore scene at me.
The main character behaves like the child she is, but the ghosts she meets along the way have stories that are anything but childish.
So, yeah... a bit of a mess.
The writer uses way too many miraculous solutions for every hard situation the characters get in. It's like he writes himself into those. At times I would think the book was going for childish, for it then to throw a mature full of gore scene at me.
The main character behaves like the child she is, but the ghosts she meets along the way have stories that are anything but childish.
So, yeah... a bit of a mess.
April 4, 2014
3.5
Journey by sea, or more accurately, by Sand Ocean.
Journey by sea, or more accurately, by Sand Ocean.
January 9, 2018
In this volume, we learned a little more about Kieli's past. There's some action, but it's not as fast-paced as the first volume. There are some lighter moments, but overall the feel of this story is dark and mysterious.
I did like the slow way this book revealed its secrets. I was sad that Kieli didn't get to remember more about her own past, but maybe more will be revealed in the next volume. I was also a little bummed that we didn't get The Corporal's acerbic observations this volume, but that's just a minor quibble.
Fans of Pumpkin Scissors and Full Metal Alchemist will probably enjoy this series. I will warn you, though, it's a little squicky in parts. Harvey takes a lot of severe injuries, so if you're even a little squeamish, you probably don't want to get into this one.
I did like the slow way this book revealed its secrets. I was sad that Kieli didn't get to remember more about her own past, but maybe more will be revealed in the next volume. I was also a little bummed that we didn't get The Corporal's acerbic observations this volume, but that's just a minor quibble.
Fans of Pumpkin Scissors and Full Metal Alchemist will probably enjoy this series. I will warn you, though, it's a little squicky in parts. Harvey takes a lot of severe injuries, so if you're even a little squeamish, you probably don't want to get into this one.
December 12, 2017
Bis auf das es ein paar Zufälle zu viel gibt - wie das sie ausgerechnet auf Bekannte von Harvey stoßen und später dann auf das Schiff mit dem Kielis Mum unterwegs war - hat mir auch dieser Band sehr gut gefallen. Gerade weil mehr Hintergrund zu unser Heldin kam. Außerdem merkt man, dass die Beziehung der beiden Hauptfiguren sich weiter vertieft hat. Freue mich daher, gleich mit Band weiter machen zu können.
April 18, 2021
Didn't like this one much because of the desert setting. I'm not very big into desert settings and the story that was going on wasn't as exciting as the first book.
However we do get some important character plot towards the end.
Harvey doesn't get to do much but Kiiri does, in a way.
However we do get some important character plot towards the end.
Harvey doesn't get to do much but Kiiri does, in a way.
May 10, 2023
Oh my heck it took me longer then I wanted because I had to stop but it was good. On to book 3
March 13, 2016
At the beginning of the book, in the coloured pages, a brief recounting of the events of the first book are told, as well as a sort of 'get you up to speed' period. Kieli writes a letter to her deceased friend Becca, with snappy comments from Harvey, talking about their adventures and her feelings. After she falls asleep though the Corporal (in the radio) and Harvey have a short conversation as he reveals more than he perhaps wants to about his feelings.
In many ways this second book fulfilled the promises of the first. Harvey is indeed taking Kieli to the Sand Ocean to travel on a boat, but their adventures become twisted and complex unexpectedly due to complications with both who he is (an Undying) and her power (to see, talk to and channel spirits). We learn a little more about Harvey's past, but more importantly we learn about Kieli's past before she came to live with her 'Grandmother'.
In an odd twist of fate explanations for why Kieli has that special power and why she so readily accepts Harvey as a companion come to light. More questions arise, but an answer seems to be hovering. I felt bad for Harvey in this book--though he's a jerk and insensitive everywhere he goes he is met by dead friends or friends who have changed so drastically since he last saw them. One time good friends have become bitter enemies, or worse, seek to use what he is for their own profit. I can't help but think that's worse then having a friend turn into your enemy. Knowing their not doing it out of hatred or revenge, but because of profit?
Like the first novel the book is split into shorter sections with chapter names narrowing the focus for that particular section. The section titled "Tori Peri" effected me the most, though "Gimmick Doll, Gimmick Heart" was awfully close. The other sections, detailing their journey on one ship or another, were more chilling then anything else.
The romance, such as it is, is subtle and less about a romantic relationship and more about two people who need each other. I don't doubt they both have affection for each other, but the knowledge that while Harvey stays eternally about 20 and Kieli ages makes them both wary. Harvey responds by unconsciously preparing "for that day" by treating Kieli dispassionately and rudely (only when she's awake however). Kieli by contrast refuses to linger on what could happen in the future, for her just being with Harvey for ten more days is enough and she'd worry about more later.
Some of the more hilarious parts are when Harvey's new piece of equipment refuses to listen to his commands. Not only does he have the Corporal lecturing him for treating Kieli so rudely, but now he has a mechanical gadget as well--he can't win!
According to the Yen Press website it seems as if they are going to release 2 books a year from now (March 2010) til 2013, with a new book in April and September. The next book, consequently, is due out in September 2010 and is called Prisoners Bound for Another Planet.
In many ways this second book fulfilled the promises of the first. Harvey is indeed taking Kieli to the Sand Ocean to travel on a boat, but their adventures become twisted and complex unexpectedly due to complications with both who he is (an Undying) and her power (to see, talk to and channel spirits). We learn a little more about Harvey's past, but more importantly we learn about Kieli's past before she came to live with her 'Grandmother'.
In an odd twist of fate explanations for why Kieli has that special power and why she so readily accepts Harvey as a companion come to light. More questions arise, but an answer seems to be hovering. I felt bad for Harvey in this book--though he's a jerk and insensitive everywhere he goes he is met by dead friends or friends who have changed so drastically since he last saw them. One time good friends have become bitter enemies, or worse, seek to use what he is for their own profit. I can't help but think that's worse then having a friend turn into your enemy. Knowing their not doing it out of hatred or revenge, but because of profit?
Like the first novel the book is split into shorter sections with chapter names narrowing the focus for that particular section. The section titled "Tori Peri" effected me the most, though "Gimmick Doll, Gimmick Heart" was awfully close. The other sections, detailing their journey on one ship or another, were more chilling then anything else.
The romance, such as it is, is subtle and less about a romantic relationship and more about two people who need each other. I don't doubt they both have affection for each other, but the knowledge that while Harvey stays eternally about 20 and Kieli ages makes them both wary. Harvey responds by unconsciously preparing "for that day" by treating Kieli dispassionately and rudely (only when she's awake however). Kieli by contrast refuses to linger on what could happen in the future, for her just being with Harvey for ten more days is enough and she'd worry about more later.
Some of the more hilarious parts are when Harvey's new piece of equipment refuses to listen to his commands. Not only does he have the Corporal lecturing him for treating Kieli so rudely, but now he has a mechanical gadget as well--he can't win!
According to the Yen Press website it seems as if they are going to release 2 books a year from now (March 2010) til 2013, with a new book in April and September. The next book, consequently, is due out in September 2010 and is called Prisoners Bound for Another Planet.
March 23, 2010
I love Kieli! I loved the manga and then practically died waiting for book 1 to come out and then practically died all over again waiting for book 2 and now...well, you can see where this is going! I am so in love with Kieli and Harvey! I love the setting for the books, and the plot is super interesting. I want more so so bad!!! Book 3 come out soon!!! I'm dying!!! I totally drove to another city since my local B&N didn't have a copy in yet and then drove like a crazy person home again so I could read it, and then stayed up all night 'cause I couldn't stop half-way!
May 8, 2010
This author has a habit of keeping the reader confused until getting to the point with every chapter. Not a bad thing if you're a careful, patient reader. I waited a long time for this second volume and I still love the story and characters. There is a great deal of patience in this writer and I find it fascinating that as I want the story to take a certain direction the author doesn't do what I want or expect. Of course, it's just not Kieli's time yet for what I want to happen, if it ever does...
September 1, 2016
I"m really enjoying learning more about the odd world in which Kieli and Harvey live in.
It's great to see Harvey and Kieli develop a stronger relationship. We learn more about Kielis past in this one. Can't wait to see if certain things are confirmed or disproved in the future books.
It's great to see Harvey and Kieli develop a stronger relationship. We learn more about Kielis past in this one. Can't wait to see if certain things are confirmed or disproved in the future books.
February 7, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.75/5
Definitely better than the first volume in my opinion. Can't wait to read the third volume right away!
Final Thoughts: READ/Pass
Definitely better than the first volume in my opinion. Can't wait to read the third volume right away!
Final Thoughts: READ/Pass
May 20, 2011
I love these characters so much! I can't wait for more!
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