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Tangled Spirits #1
Tangled Spirits
Journey to tenth century Japan in this captivating tale of magic, imperial intrigue, and a friendship that spans a thousand years
2019: Mina Cooper hopes her study-abroad program in Japan will solve her anxiety issues. After all, she’s doing what she loves - studying Japanese language and literature. But she’s still waking up at four am with a racing heart, so Mina decides to change her life, to change herself. And suddenly she has a lot more to be anxious about.
999: Desperately lonely after her mother and sister die in an epidemic, aspiring shaman Lady Masako attempts to summon them. But she’s inexperienced in such rituals, and pulls Mina’s spirit into her body instead.
After a struggle for control and a failed exorcism, the two spirits agree to cooperate long enough to get help from the Royal Astrologer, the only person powerful enough to send Mina home.
But his help comes at a cost. If Mina doesn’t pay it, she risks her spirit fusing with Masako’s. And if that happens, she’ll never get home.
Spirited Away meets Freaky Friday in this ultimate study-abroad experience for fans of Japanese history, mythology, and isekai stories. Fans of Christine Riccio and Alix Harrow will also enjoy this tale of a complicated friendship with a dash of time travel and humor.
2019: Mina Cooper hopes her study-abroad program in Japan will solve her anxiety issues. After all, she’s doing what she loves - studying Japanese language and literature. But she’s still waking up at four am with a racing heart, so Mina decides to change her life, to change herself. And suddenly she has a lot more to be anxious about.
999: Desperately lonely after her mother and sister die in an epidemic, aspiring shaman Lady Masako attempts to summon them. But she’s inexperienced in such rituals, and pulls Mina’s spirit into her body instead.
After a struggle for control and a failed exorcism, the two spirits agree to cooperate long enough to get help from the Royal Astrologer, the only person powerful enough to send Mina home.
But his help comes at a cost. If Mina doesn’t pay it, she risks her spirit fusing with Masako’s. And if that happens, she’ll never get home.
Spirited Away meets Freaky Friday in this ultimate study-abroad experience for fans of Japanese history, mythology, and isekai stories. Fans of Christine Riccio and Alix Harrow will also enjoy this tale of a complicated friendship with a dash of time travel and humor.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
46 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Kate Shanahan
2 books32 followersAfter graduating from University of Michigan with a BA in Political Science (East Asia Concentration), Kate taught English in Sapporo, Japan for two years. She enjoyed the experience so much she returned to U of M for an MA in Asian Studies (Japan Specialization), and while there, worked part-time for the Center for Japanese Studies. Fortunately for Kate, Honda was expanding operations in Ohio around the time she finished, and she spent an entire career at Honda in project, business, and people management, thrilled to be able to travel to Japan and speak Japanese for work, all the while dreaming of writing a book about tenth century writer Sei Shonagon.
After all those years in northern latitudes, Kate and her husband moved to Florida's Gulf Coast where the sunshine makes it difficult to focus on writing. But she’s determined to do it anyway. She's currently working on a sequel to Tangled Spirits.
After all those years in northern latitudes, Kate and her husband moved to Florida's Gulf Coast where the sunshine makes it difficult to focus on writing. But she’s determined to do it anyway. She's currently working on a sequel to Tangled Spirits.
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June 22, 2022I was lucky enough to read an early version of Tangled Spirits, and I flew through it in two days. It's a fantastic and really intriguing story.
I liked the whole story - the idea of a 21st-century woman's mind in a 10th-century woman's body, seeing everything through new eyes, putting both current interpretations on etiquette and prevailing thoughts, as well as the 10th-century justification for it all. It was just tongue in cheek, and court politics enough, to ensure the reader always wants to know what's going to happen.
Masako and Mina are both intriguing characters. As the story is told through Mina we know more about her thoughts and more about Masako's actions. I could understand both of their viewpoints well enough, even if like Masako, I found it a bit frustrating that Mina wouldn't share more of her knowledge of the future. I enjoyed that as time went on, they acted more and more like one another.
A really enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
I liked the whole story - the idea of a 21st-century woman's mind in a 10th-century woman's body, seeing everything through new eyes, putting both current interpretations on etiquette and prevailing thoughts, as well as the 10th-century justification for it all. It was just tongue in cheek, and court politics enough, to ensure the reader always wants to know what's going to happen.
Masako and Mina are both intriguing characters. As the story is told through Mina we know more about her thoughts and more about Masako's actions. I could understand both of their viewpoints well enough, even if like Masako, I found it a bit frustrating that Mina wouldn't share more of her knowledge of the future. I enjoyed that as time went on, they acted more and more like one another.
A really enjoyable read and one I highly recommend.
July 1, 2022
What an exciting read! An engrossing tale of friendship, the very real angst of growing up in 2019, change through struggle, environmental issues, sexuality, and beautiful and accurate descriptions of the golden age of Japan and its historical context. It's a page-turner that offers food for thought at every turn, and always remains a delight. Yes, I'm a big fan, can't wait to find out what happens next!
June 26, 2023
I am always looking for good historical fiction. When I came across this book, the premise intrigued me as I didn't really know anything about 10th century Japan, and I've always loved the idea of travelling back in time. It's clear the author loves her subject matter, and her indepth research creates a vivid richness in her setting, characters, and plot. I learned so much about this fascinating chapter of Japan's past and some of the strong females who inhabited this world. Thank you Kate Shanahan!
June 22, 2022
As a fan of Sei Shonagon's "Pillow Book" I was really happy for the chance to receive an ARC of Tangled Spirits by Kate Shanahan. The story revolves around Mina, a student of Japanese Literature from the year 2019, whose spirit is accidentally whisked into the body of Masako, the daughter of a minor member of court during the Heian era who is dreaming of becoming a Miko in a Shinto shrine. Together they have to travel to the court of the Heian emperor in order to have the court astronomer Seimei help them to separate their spirits and send Mina back to 2019 before their spirits get tangled permanently. But of cource, Seimei expects something in exchange from the spirit from the future, and so Mina and Masako get swept up in court intrigue, political plotting and the world of spirits.
Kate Shanahan is clearly a huge fan of the Heian era and the book feels well researched and enthusiastic. There is a strong focus on the paranormal side of things: in Heian Japan, all sorts of Obake and other spirits are basically real and actually part of some important events in the plot. Personally, I would have preferred more focus on everyday court life and rituals and less spiritual stuff, but that is a matter of taste. I loved that real events were part of the plot and that Sei Shonagon plays a prominent role.
Unfortunately, the main character of Mina did not really work for me. Somehow, she managed to be an unpleasant combination of bland, selfish, self-conscious and arrogant. I never had a grasp of what sort of personality she might have, and I did not really like her. Her behaviour often did not add up - she would do/think one thing and then in the next moment criticize just that very thought/action. She as a very problematic relationship with men that is never really explored: she inexplicably violently attracted to powerful and cruel men against her better judgement. Why? When a young man does not make a move on her on the first occasion he gets, she wonders if he is gay. WTH? Generally, she is really messy but there is no real growth for her during the course of the book.
Masako worked better for me, I could relate to her wishes and ambitions a lot more. Also, many of the secondary characters were drawn quite well. Still, I would call the characterizations the main weak spot of "Tangled Spirits", as they often lacked some coherence.
Other than that this was a fascinating look into Heian Japan and a great starter if you are curious about this time of great refinement and amazing cultural achievements. Also, if you haven't picked up the Pillow Book - you absolutely should. It is amazing and I think it would appeal to just about everyone!
I have received an advance review copy via BookSirens and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you very much!
Kate Shanahan is clearly a huge fan of the Heian era and the book feels well researched and enthusiastic. There is a strong focus on the paranormal side of things: in Heian Japan, all sorts of Obake and other spirits are basically real and actually part of some important events in the plot. Personally, I would have preferred more focus on everyday court life and rituals and less spiritual stuff, but that is a matter of taste. I loved that real events were part of the plot and that Sei Shonagon plays a prominent role.
Unfortunately, the main character of Mina did not really work for me. Somehow, she managed to be an unpleasant combination of bland, selfish, self-conscious and arrogant. I never had a grasp of what sort of personality she might have, and I did not really like her. Her behaviour often did not add up - she would do/think one thing and then in the next moment criticize just that very thought/action. She as a very problematic relationship with men that is never really explored: she inexplicably violently attracted to powerful and cruel men against her better judgement. Why? When a young man does not make a move on her on the first occasion he gets, she wonders if he is gay. WTH? Generally, she is really messy but there is no real growth for her during the course of the book.
Masako worked better for me, I could relate to her wishes and ambitions a lot more. Also, many of the secondary characters were drawn quite well. Still, I would call the characterizations the main weak spot of "Tangled Spirits", as they often lacked some coherence.
Other than that this was a fascinating look into Heian Japan and a great starter if you are curious about this time of great refinement and amazing cultural achievements. Also, if you haven't picked up the Pillow Book - you absolutely should. It is amazing and I think it would appeal to just about everyone!
I have received an advance review copy via BookSirens and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you very much!
July 2, 2022
In Tangled Spirits we follow Mina an American student living in Japan whose spirit is accidentally thrown back more than 1000 years into the past to the Edo period, where she shares, for over a year, the body of Masako, a Japanese girl her same age living in that period.
Through Mina´s and Masako´s interactions and aventures we get a very easy to follow recount of a historic moment in Japan 1200 years ago when two notable women pioneered or invented new literary media while in the middle of important changes in the Japanese Monarchy.
The book is fun and entertaining, easy to follow even though we have to deal with many characters with complicated (at least for me) names. It it very well researched and I felt totally immersed in the ancient culture with all the relevant information about life in that period.
Recommended for everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Through Mina´s and Masako´s interactions and aventures we get a very easy to follow recount of a historic moment in Japan 1200 years ago when two notable women pioneered or invented new literary media while in the middle of important changes in the Japanese Monarchy.
The book is fun and entertaining, easy to follow even though we have to deal with many characters with complicated (at least for me) names. It it very well researched and I felt totally immersed in the ancient culture with all the relevant information about life in that period.
Recommended for everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2024
I never read Japanese historical fiction before (I usually stick to American or Celtic fiction), so I wasn't sure what to expect. Kate Shanahan delivered in the best way possible. I found myself literally laughing out loud as I listened to the modern day 'spirit' Mina argue with her ancient body host, shaman-in-training Lady Masako. Their humor, friendship and palace intrigue kept me listening to the audio book for hours at a time and I couldn't wait to get back to see what happened next. The descriptions were vivid as a movie, and I felt like I was sitting beside them, whether in an ox cart on a long journey or getting tipsy on sake. The narration by Anne Marie Lewis was excellent and I could follow the twisty plot without getting lost. This book is a rare find in that it makes me want to learn more about Japanese history. Well done!
May 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I love the time frame it is based in, I enjoyed the growth of the characters and I appreciated the struggle to make the story as true and honest to the history as possible while making the book readable for those of us who have not studied the time frame. Once the book was complete there were a number of references to back up the story which I also enjoyed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2022
A fantasy story mixed with historical fiction makes for a great page turner. A time traveler trying to navigate in different time periods. The story holds the reader’s attention until the end. Wonderful and unique storytelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2024
Wow-what a wonderful, fun read. I just loved the story as well as the characters. Kate writes beautifully and her knowledge of Japan showed throughout the story. The way she brought this American reader into the history of Japan and made it interesting and easy to understand was awesome. I loved how she handled characters interacting from two different time periods as well.
January 27, 2023
Tangled Spirits is a fantastical journey through time not only for its protagonist Mina, but for the reader as well. The portrait of life in the high society of tenth century Japan is vivid and believable, the characters even more so.
Mina’s identity as an American from our time shot back into a world so different from our own, allows her to be an audience surrogate with which we can explore the setting and culture of the Heian era, while maintaining a strong sense of individual character.
She illustrates how relatable and familiar people who lived thousands of years away can be, while showcasing vast and fascinating cultural differences. While the setting and plot are certainly captivating, the true core of the story is the deep and life-changing friendship between two women bound together by extraordinary circumstances.
A narrative that focuses on two consciousnesses in one body can be difficult to pull off, but Shannahan navigates it masterfully, as we watch the women grow and change each other from the inside.
If you like your protagonists imperfect, your characters engaging, and your settings beautiful and well researched, then Tangled Spirits is the book for you.
Mina’s identity as an American from our time shot back into a world so different from our own, allows her to be an audience surrogate with which we can explore the setting and culture of the Heian era, while maintaining a strong sense of individual character.
She illustrates how relatable and familiar people who lived thousands of years away can be, while showcasing vast and fascinating cultural differences. While the setting and plot are certainly captivating, the true core of the story is the deep and life-changing friendship between two women bound together by extraordinary circumstances.
A narrative that focuses on two consciousnesses in one body can be difficult to pull off, but Shannahan navigates it masterfully, as we watch the women grow and change each other from the inside.
If you like your protagonists imperfect, your characters engaging, and your settings beautiful and well researched, then Tangled Spirits is the book for you.
May 3, 2023
Not at all my normal choice for reading but I'm so glad I stepped out. This is a phenomenal piece of historical fiction. I learned so much from the historical setting and was completely immersed in ancient Japanese culture and religion. The amount of research and attention to detail given by the author is clearly evident. I can't wait to read future offerings from this first time author.
May 2, 2022
I watched a K-Drama with a similar storyline as this book and it was fascinating. This book took me on the same journey. This book is an exciting time travel journey that is enlightening as well as entertaining.
May 9, 2022
please don’t let it be over!
This book was a fun and interesting read. I didn’t want it to come to a close. I hope this is the first of many more books to come! Bravo!
This book was a fun and interesting read. I didn’t want it to come to a close. I hope this is the first of many more books to come! Bravo!
August 4, 2022
n.b. I read this in paperback, but Goodreads doesn't have any other editions listed. This is a self-published book and I'm trying to get it listed but so far no luck.
September 6, 2022
In Tangled Spirits, an American girl is sent to the year 999 and becomes trapped in a Japanese girl's body. They travel to Abe no Seimei, and request his assistance in sending the American girl, Mina, back home. He will do so if they complete his request, and this book follows the struggles the two girls go through while sharing the same body.
Mina, the American, is from 2019. She went to Japan to study, and loves The Pillow Book . A bit boy crazy, and a bit unlikeable. Being trapped, and her modern views, make life in 999 Japan difficult for her.
The Japanese girl is Masako. She lost her mother, sister, and fiance due to 'red pox'. She is very proper, and a bit of a goodie goodie. This is understandable, as she lives in a difficult time for women. She has no interest in men, despite having been engaged (the author states she is asexual). She struggles to understand Mina, and they have clashing personalities.
While the book takes place in ancient Japan, it's very easy to understand. Mina is the narrator, so this helps those unfamiliar with Japanese culture as she explains things in her own American way. I would suggest having some basic knowledge to enjoy the book more. But unlike in other books I have read, there is no overuse of Japanese terms with no assistance. This is taken a step further, as Masako is also thrown into social situations she's unfamiliar with, so both girls learn new things, and the reader along with them. Though Mina might be a bit too modern, and use terms some people might not know. These usually relate to the internet, or internet culture. This only happens a few times, and seems to lessen the more time Mina spends in ancient Japan.
As a reader, I found there were times Mina was quite unlikeable. Sometimes she is basically malicious, but it's usually born out of frustration at her situation. Masako is a quiet, proper girl. While Asian names can end up confusing, I think the author did a good job making everyone unique enough to help people identify the reoccurring characters easily; it's very well done.
There is a chapter I hated so much, that it made me consider dropping the book entirely. But I'm stubborn, so I kept going. I don't regret it. That being said, the ending is also rather abrupt. I would have liked to see . But the time you will spend in 999 Japan is enjoyable, even though the characters will go through some major struggles.
I suppose this would fall under historical fiction - it mixes the author's interpretation of real people and events, with a nice spin to make the past accessible to a modern audience. If you have an interest in Japan's past, you will probably enjoy this story. Just try not to take it too seriously, as it is just that: a story.
As for me... I need to get around to read the The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book. But perhaps the latter first ;)
Thank you to BookSirens for the digital copy.
Mina, the American, is from 2019. She went to Japan to study, and loves The Pillow Book . A bit boy crazy, and a bit unlikeable. Being trapped, and her modern views, make life in 999 Japan difficult for her.
The Japanese girl is Masako. She lost her mother, sister, and fiance due to 'red pox'. She is very proper, and a bit of a goodie goodie. This is understandable, as she lives in a difficult time for women. She has no interest in men, despite having been engaged (the author states she is asexual). She struggles to understand Mina, and they have clashing personalities.
While the book takes place in ancient Japan, it's very easy to understand. Mina is the narrator, so this helps those unfamiliar with Japanese culture as she explains things in her own American way. I would suggest having some basic knowledge to enjoy the book more. But unlike in other books I have read, there is no overuse of Japanese terms with no assistance. This is taken a step further, as Masako is also thrown into social situations she's unfamiliar with, so both girls learn new things, and the reader along with them. Though Mina might be a bit too modern, and use terms some people might not know. These usually relate to the internet, or internet culture. This only happens a few times, and seems to lessen the more time Mina spends in ancient Japan.
As a reader, I found there were times Mina was quite unlikeable. Sometimes she is basically malicious, but it's usually born out of frustration at her situation. Masako is a quiet, proper girl. While Asian names can end up confusing, I think the author did a good job making everyone unique enough to help people identify the reoccurring characters easily; it's very well done.
There is a chapter I hated so much, that it made me consider dropping the book entirely. But I'm stubborn, so I kept going. I don't regret it. That being said, the ending is also rather abrupt. I would have liked to see . But the time you will spend in 999 Japan is enjoyable, even though the characters will go through some major struggles.
I suppose this would fall under historical fiction - it mixes the author's interpretation of real people and events, with a nice spin to make the past accessible to a modern audience. If you have an interest in Japan's past, you will probably enjoy this story. Just try not to take it too seriously, as it is just that: a story.
As for me... I need to get around to read the The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book. But perhaps the latter first ;)
Thank you to BookSirens for the digital copy.
May 3, 2024
Brilliantly original time travel to Imperial Japan with mysticism!
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I absolutely loved this YA fantasy time travel to Japan in 999 A.D. The story also includes details of the Shinto religion and Japanese history. It is a really cool book with lots of culture and great plot! The narrator Anne Marie Lewis did an amazing job. She wonderfully made the cast of characters each sound distinctive and had excellent enunciation. The narrator is really good at sounding American (since the book is told from Mina’s first person perspective) but also accurately pronounced Japanese words and names and has a good formal way of speaking for the Japanese characters. I enjoyed the narrator’s pleasant voice and her perfect pacing. I think her performance was 5 stars to match the 5-star brilliant writing.
The soul of modern 21-year-old woman Mina gets thrown back in time 1010 years to the imperial court of Japan, and she has to cohabit the body of a young noble woman as a mostly congenial spirit possession. Based on the Shinto beliefs of the time, all of this could happen! Very well researched historical details and a fascinating plot. Satisfying character development as well for the two heroines. Mina is a little abrasive, especially at first, but she becomes much more likeable. It has some magic, action, and espionage. I loved the meaty 13-hour length that was long enough to fully flesh out the story while completely keeping me riveted. Minimal violence and no sex make it appropriate for teens and adults. I highly recommend this audiobook to all fans of time-slip or time travel fantasy and all fans of historical fiction. There are about a dozen somewhat difficult names to remember, though the writing style gave me subtle reminders on who they were.
The details of the empress’s court were based on the nonfiction “The Pillow Book” by the lady Sei Shonagon (a historical figure and a minor character in “Tangled Spirits”), which was the first published blog (or miscellany) in history! Reading this book also made me realize that a lot of anime is based on the spiritual elements of the Shinto religion and interesting historical figures like the court sorcerer/diviner Sei Mei. Thanks to this book for igniting my new interest in the history and literature of Japan. I am highly impressed by Kate Shanahan’s writing and creativity.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #NorthernLakeAudio
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I absolutely loved this YA fantasy time travel to Japan in 999 A.D. The story also includes details of the Shinto religion and Japanese history. It is a really cool book with lots of culture and great plot! The narrator Anne Marie Lewis did an amazing job. She wonderfully made the cast of characters each sound distinctive and had excellent enunciation. The narrator is really good at sounding American (since the book is told from Mina’s first person perspective) but also accurately pronounced Japanese words and names and has a good formal way of speaking for the Japanese characters. I enjoyed the narrator’s pleasant voice and her perfect pacing. I think her performance was 5 stars to match the 5-star brilliant writing.
The soul of modern 21-year-old woman Mina gets thrown back in time 1010 years to the imperial court of Japan, and she has to cohabit the body of a young noble woman as a mostly congenial spirit possession. Based on the Shinto beliefs of the time, all of this could happen! Very well researched historical details and a fascinating plot. Satisfying character development as well for the two heroines. Mina is a little abrasive, especially at first, but she becomes much more likeable. It has some magic, action, and espionage. I loved the meaty 13-hour length that was long enough to fully flesh out the story while completely keeping me riveted. Minimal violence and no sex make it appropriate for teens and adults. I highly recommend this audiobook to all fans of time-slip or time travel fantasy and all fans of historical fiction. There are about a dozen somewhat difficult names to remember, though the writing style gave me subtle reminders on who they were.
The details of the empress’s court were based on the nonfiction “The Pillow Book” by the lady Sei Shonagon (a historical figure and a minor character in “Tangled Spirits”), which was the first published blog (or miscellany) in history! Reading this book also made me realize that a lot of anime is based on the spiritual elements of the Shinto religion and interesting historical figures like the court sorcerer/diviner Sei Mei. Thanks to this book for igniting my new interest in the history and literature of Japan. I am highly impressed by Kate Shanahan’s writing and creativity.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #NorthernLakeAudio
June 19, 2022
Marvellous Historical Time-Slip Novel
Tangled Spirits by Kate Shanahan is a historical time-travel novel set in tenth century Japan. It is utterly off the grid for me and turned out to be the best book I’ve read for ages.
I heard of this book through the Historical Writers Forum as it was about to be published and I’ve no idea what made me decide to try it, as I know very little about Japanese history. I’m really glad I did.
The plot revolves around two young women. Mina is an American student, currently studying in Japan while Masako is an aspiring shaman in the tenth century, dabbling in magic after the death of her mother. The result is that Mina is drawn into Masako’s body and the two girls have to find a way to co-exist while working out how to get Mina back home.
The plot is relatively simple but the world that Mina finds herself in is rich, complex and beautifully drawn. Fictional characters blend easily into a brilliantly researched historical landscape and rub shoulders effortlessly with real historical characters.
The author writes really well and has a talent for characterisation. She manages to convey the different personalities of the two girls. Mina and Masako both have strengths and faults and can both be exasperating at times, which makes them endearingly human.
The complicated world of the Japanese court and the unfamiliar culture are very well described but the author manages not to allow her deep knowledge of the history overwhelm the story. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Mina to get back home while at the same time saddened by the impending separation from her spiritual partner. Even the denouement back in the modern world, which could have been trite, worked really well.
The author provides a great deal of historical explanation at the end of the book which can be easily skipped but which is great for a nerd like me who always wants to know which bits were real. The answer was a surprising amount. I have huge admiration for the way Kate Shanahan has woven her fictional story into known history to create a fabulous tapestry of a novel.
Highly recommended.
Tangled Spirits by Kate Shanahan is a historical time-travel novel set in tenth century Japan. It is utterly off the grid for me and turned out to be the best book I’ve read for ages.
I heard of this book through the Historical Writers Forum as it was about to be published and I’ve no idea what made me decide to try it, as I know very little about Japanese history. I’m really glad I did.
The plot revolves around two young women. Mina is an American student, currently studying in Japan while Masako is an aspiring shaman in the tenth century, dabbling in magic after the death of her mother. The result is that Mina is drawn into Masako’s body and the two girls have to find a way to co-exist while working out how to get Mina back home.
The plot is relatively simple but the world that Mina finds herself in is rich, complex and beautifully drawn. Fictional characters blend easily into a brilliantly researched historical landscape and rub shoulders effortlessly with real historical characters.
The author writes really well and has a talent for characterisation. She manages to convey the different personalities of the two girls. Mina and Masako both have strengths and faults and can both be exasperating at times, which makes them endearingly human.
The complicated world of the Japanese court and the unfamiliar culture are very well described but the author manages not to allow her deep knowledge of the history overwhelm the story. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Mina to get back home while at the same time saddened by the impending separation from her spiritual partner. Even the denouement back in the modern world, which could have been trite, worked really well.
The author provides a great deal of historical explanation at the end of the book which can be easily skipped but which is great for a nerd like me who always wants to know which bits were real. The answer was a surprising amount. I have huge admiration for the way Kate Shanahan has woven her fictional story into known history to create a fabulous tapestry of a novel.
Highly recommended.
January 1, 2025
I've always been a big fan of Sei Shonagon, author of the 10th-century Pillow Book. She is often sidelined (unfairly, I think) by all the attention paid to her contemporary, Murasaki Shikibu, and her voluminous The Tale of Genji.
Kate Shanahan turns the tables in this wonderfully inventive time-travel adventure. We land in the court of the tragic Empress Sadako where we meet the spicy Sei Shonagon. Our guide into this world is American college student, Mina, who in a meditation moment gone wrong, winds up in the body of the Heian court lady, Masako. Terrified that she will be forced to camp out permanently in this courtly world, Mina tries every trick she can imagine to extricate herself from her host.
Along the way, she meets the famous yin-yang wizard Abe no Seimei, the manipulative Fujiwara no Michinaga, and even the judgmental Murasaki herself. Should Mina tell Masako the future that awaits the ill-fated Sadako? (After all, Mina has studied this chapter of history in her Japanese culture classes?) Or, should she refrain from interfering? This is but one of the dilemmas she confronts as she journeys through time.
Kate Shanahan earned an MA in Asian Studies from the University of Michigan and she clearly puts her skills to good use in this novel. While entertaining, her work is also richly researched and chock full of information about Heian-period rituals, beliefs, and attitudes. I've taught this era of literary history on many occasions, and still I learned a lot!
Highly recommended.
Kate Shanahan turns the tables in this wonderfully inventive time-travel adventure. We land in the court of the tragic Empress Sadako where we meet the spicy Sei Shonagon. Our guide into this world is American college student, Mina, who in a meditation moment gone wrong, winds up in the body of the Heian court lady, Masako. Terrified that she will be forced to camp out permanently in this courtly world, Mina tries every trick she can imagine to extricate herself from her host.
Along the way, she meets the famous yin-yang wizard Abe no Seimei, the manipulative Fujiwara no Michinaga, and even the judgmental Murasaki herself. Should Mina tell Masako the future that awaits the ill-fated Sadako? (After all, Mina has studied this chapter of history in her Japanese culture classes?) Or, should she refrain from interfering? This is but one of the dilemmas she confronts as she journeys through time.
Kate Shanahan earned an MA in Asian Studies from the University of Michigan and she clearly puts her skills to good use in this novel. While entertaining, her work is also richly researched and chock full of information about Heian-period rituals, beliefs, and attitudes. I've taught this era of literary history on many occasions, and still I learned a lot!
Highly recommended.
June 10, 2022
I always do enjoy books set in other times and other places: books that send me looking for more information and more background. Tangled Spirits is such a book. Set in Imperial Japan more than a thousand years ago it gives us a little look into the habits of those times. But don't think it is my partiality for this type of book that makes me rate it highly. It is in fact extremely well done.
With the juxtaposition of a modern young woman, and a Japanese woman of the times who happens to be the same age we are able to better understand what is going on. All the more so, indeed, as both spirits are in the same body. Mina, an American studying in Japan, meditates in a power spot and finds her spirit transported to the body of Masako in the year 999. The two are able to converse so we see the ancient world through modern eyes with a commentary of someone who lives in that world. This is a very clever way of showing the reader what is going on.
Mina is naturally very anxious to be able to go back to her own era and her own body. This gives an impetus to the story as we can't help but feel for her. Most of the action involves Mina wishing to go home, and Masako wanting to have her own body to herself. I found it thoroughly rewarding.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the juxtaposition of a modern young woman, and a Japanese woman of the times who happens to be the same age we are able to better understand what is going on. All the more so, indeed, as both spirits are in the same body. Mina, an American studying in Japan, meditates in a power spot and finds her spirit transported to the body of Masako in the year 999. The two are able to converse so we see the ancient world through modern eyes with a commentary of someone who lives in that world. This is a very clever way of showing the reader what is going on.
Mina is naturally very anxious to be able to go back to her own era and her own body. This gives an impetus to the story as we can't help but feel for her. Most of the action involves Mina wishing to go home, and Masako wanting to have her own body to herself. I found it thoroughly rewarding.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2025
In the first book in this fantastic new historical fiction series, readers meet Mina, a college student studying Sei Shonagon’s book at a Japanese university, when a meditation at a Shinto shrine goes wrong and sends her back over a thousand years ago to Heian Japan -- and into the mind of Lady Masako, a governor’s daughter who dreams of being a miko, shrine maiden. Forced to coexist together despite their differences, a failed exorcism keeps Mina and Masako together as they travel to the capital, Heian-Kyo, in the hopes that Lord Seimei will help them get back to their lives and their dreams. With two protagonists alternating control over the narrative, Shanahan has done a masterful job bringing the two different time periods together in this fantastic title. The characters of Mina and Masako are funny, charming, entertaining, and intelligent, but they grow and change over the course of the novel as they navigate the Heian court together. The historical setting is really entertaining and incredibly detailed, as Shanahan has done her research into the period, and it really shows. Immersive, exciting, and absolutely engaging, this is a brilliant new historical fiction book that really brings Heian Japan and its court politics to life.
Thanks to BookSirens and ROAV Press for the advance copy.
Thanks to BookSirens and ROAV Press for the advance copy.
May 16, 2022
When meditating in a sacred Japanese grove, Mina suddenly finds her soul transported back 1000 years to Heian era Japan and a gate crasher in the life of Lady Masako - why do these 2 women have a connection and why has Mina's soul been transported back? You'll just have to read the novel to find out.
The author's enthusiasm for Heian era Japan suffuses the whole work with careful attention to details around dress and customs. Who knew that inside houses, high born Japanese women moved around on their knees or all the rituals surrounding where a woman could give birth? These historical details, together with the real historical characters, help to build a well realised world. Also well realised are the tensions between the various factions at court as well as the style of covert insults traded.
The present day wrapper to explain the time-travel does feel a little under-developed so perhaps a sequel is called for to explain how Mina and Kenji's friendship continues and what she does next with her new-found knowledge of Heian Japan. The use of profanity also doesn't enhance the story so I'd edit it out in future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author's enthusiasm for Heian era Japan suffuses the whole work with careful attention to details around dress and customs. Who knew that inside houses, high born Japanese women moved around on their knees or all the rituals surrounding where a woman could give birth? These historical details, together with the real historical characters, help to build a well realised world. Also well realised are the tensions between the various factions at court as well as the style of covert insults traded.
The present day wrapper to explain the time-travel does feel a little under-developed so perhaps a sequel is called for to explain how Mina and Kenji's friendship continues and what she does next with her new-found knowledge of Heian Japan. The use of profanity also doesn't enhance the story so I'd edit it out in future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2022
A most interesting reading experience
The use of the real in Japanese history and the modern through the joining of the spirits of two young women a thousand years apart provided fascinating reading.
As the story unfolds, the author manages a polite distance to the reader which mimics the culture of Japan.
The element of good manners is integral to the setting and we see the frustration as these two young women battle to adjust to one body and two minds. It is this cultural difference and their acceptance that is the very thing that has them reach a point where separation is necessary but no longer as welcome.
However, as much as I understood the reasoning behind the book (the plot) it did move slowly and it was difficult to make a connection to the characters. That element of anxiety, a very good point and a real problem when and wherever we live, did not really come across emotionally. The distance between reader and the story never really ends. I found this hampered my enjoyment. I never abandoned the fact that I was the reader and outside the action.
Overall a very interesting experience.
The use of the real in Japanese history and the modern through the joining of the spirits of two young women a thousand years apart provided fascinating reading.
As the story unfolds, the author manages a polite distance to the reader which mimics the culture of Japan.
The element of good manners is integral to the setting and we see the frustration as these two young women battle to adjust to one body and two minds. It is this cultural difference and their acceptance that is the very thing that has them reach a point where separation is necessary but no longer as welcome.
However, as much as I understood the reasoning behind the book (the plot) it did move slowly and it was difficult to make a connection to the characters. That element of anxiety, a very good point and a real problem when and wherever we live, did not really come across emotionally. The distance between reader and the story never really ends. I found this hampered my enjoyment. I never abandoned the fact that I was the reader and outside the action.
Overall a very interesting experience.
August 24, 2022
#booksirens giveaway
I enjoyed reading this book. While hiking to a shrine, Mina, a present-day exchange student in Japan, is transported back to Japan at the turn of the tenth century and finds herself sharing a body with Masako, a young woman hoping to serve at the shrine.
The cultural and historical descriptions were really interesting and well told. A lot of the characters were actual people - the Emperor and Empress, their families, the astrologer, and some of the court, I got the sense that a lot of researxh went into the book.
I did find it took me a long time to read, and I'm not sure why. Although there were no secgtions that I found totally unnecessary, there was a lot of repetition as far as the dialog between Mina and Masako. I also had a hard time keeping all the minor charaters separate, since many of the names were similar, or were sometimes referred to by title.
Overall, it was a pleasnt read and one I would recommend.
I enjoyed reading this book. While hiking to a shrine, Mina, a present-day exchange student in Japan, is transported back to Japan at the turn of the tenth century and finds herself sharing a body with Masako, a young woman hoping to serve at the shrine.
The cultural and historical descriptions were really interesting and well told. A lot of the characters were actual people - the Emperor and Empress, their families, the astrologer, and some of the court, I got the sense that a lot of researxh went into the book.
I did find it took me a long time to read, and I'm not sure why. Although there were no secgtions that I found totally unnecessary, there was a lot of repetition as far as the dialog between Mina and Masako. I also had a hard time keeping all the minor charaters separate, since many of the names were similar, or were sometimes referred to by title.
Overall, it was a pleasnt read and one I would recommend.
March 14, 2025
What happens when two souls—separated by a thousand years—find themselves trapped in the same body? In Tangled Spirits, Shanahan takes us on a mesmerizing journey exploring this very idea. The novel blends time travel, Japanese mythology, and historical intrigue into a unique and compelling narrative.
Mina Cooper, an American college student studying abroad in Japan, never expected her meditation session on a sacred mountain to result in accidental spirit possession. However, when her spirit is pulled into the Heian period and the body of Lady Masako, she is forced to navigate the challenges of her current situation, including finding her way back home.
With its engaging blend of history, mythology, and adventure, Tangled Spirits is an intriguing take on time travel and Japanese folklore. It's a perfect choice for readers who love mythology and Japanese history.
I received a complimentary copy of Tangled Spirits. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mina Cooper, an American college student studying abroad in Japan, never expected her meditation session on a sacred mountain to result in accidental spirit possession. However, when her spirit is pulled into the Heian period and the body of Lady Masako, she is forced to navigate the challenges of her current situation, including finding her way back home.
With its engaging blend of history, mythology, and adventure, Tangled Spirits is an intriguing take on time travel and Japanese folklore. It's a perfect choice for readers who love mythology and Japanese history.
I received a complimentary copy of Tangled Spirits. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 1, 2025
The perils of navigating imperial courtly intrigue when you are a ghost from the future possessing the body of a priestess in training…
Tangled Spirits: A Novel by Kate Shanahan is a complicated novel of historical exploration that mixes elements of Your Name, Outlander, and Quantum Leap…
Mina has anxiety that she won’t do well in school (being a young woman from Michigan studying in Japan).
Masako is a young shrine priestess dealing with more serious problems…oh and she lives in the Choho era a thousands years ago…
A twist of sympathies spirit magic causes Mina to possess Masako…a situation that neither is very pleased with…and they are unsure how to “fix it”…
It’s only by working together and with others (along with maybe some training in medium magic) that they’ll be able to resolve it…all the while dealing with troubles in the Imperial court…
Interesting story with some fun historical situations…even if the final resolution isn’t as interesting as it should be…
Tangled Spirits: A Novel by Kate Shanahan is a complicated novel of historical exploration that mixes elements of Your Name, Outlander, and Quantum Leap…
Mina has anxiety that she won’t do well in school (being a young woman from Michigan studying in Japan).
Masako is a young shrine priestess dealing with more serious problems…oh and she lives in the Choho era a thousands years ago…
A twist of sympathies spirit magic causes Mina to possess Masako…a situation that neither is very pleased with…and they are unsure how to “fix it”…
It’s only by working together and with others (along with maybe some training in medium magic) that they’ll be able to resolve it…all the while dealing with troubles in the Imperial court…
Interesting story with some fun historical situations…even if the final resolution isn’t as interesting as it should be…
April 10, 2025
Excellent Adventure
Tangled Spirits was both fun and educational. I knew very little about the period other than the tales of Genji. But I loved it.
Even though it’s not a genre I read often, I was drawn in and looked forward to reading it every day.
When I got to the last page, it took me by surprise. Definitely have to read the sequel.
Shanahan’s writing is vivid, painting a world that feels deeply authentic and alive. You can tell she did her research, but it never feels heavy-handed—just natural and engaging. I loved the end pages too where she sorts out the history. Her love of this time period is evident.
The characters are well-developed, especially the two protagonists, whose connection grows stronger as they navigate danger, identity, and destiny together.
Highly recommend this book.
Tangled Spirits was both fun and educational. I knew very little about the period other than the tales of Genji. But I loved it.
Even though it’s not a genre I read often, I was drawn in and looked forward to reading it every day.
When I got to the last page, it took me by surprise. Definitely have to read the sequel.
Shanahan’s writing is vivid, painting a world that feels deeply authentic and alive. You can tell she did her research, but it never feels heavy-handed—just natural and engaging. I loved the end pages too where she sorts out the history. Her love of this time period is evident.
The characters are well-developed, especially the two protagonists, whose connection grows stronger as they navigate danger, identity, and destiny together.
Highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2022
The premise is quite interesting. The author obviously has done their research, and it is refreshing that somebody gave due respect to Sei Shonagon. But although I love the kami mythology, spirits and Japanese history, it took me rather long to get into this book. To be honest, though the character depiction was done very well (and probably exactly due to this) - I disliked the main character. She was somehow.. flaky and very selfish and did not have any trait I could find I could support on invest in. I liked even Masako better. So while the book is refreshing and original for a time travel genre, I am a bit wary of recommending it. It certainly would be likeable for some Japan fans.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2022
Fascinating historical fantasy/comedy set in the under-appreciated era of Heian Japan, Whitchurch makes a great pitch for the two famous pieces of literature associated with the period.
The plot is a bit slow, and there’s a lot of political scheming that can be hard to follow. I would have liked more insight into Misako’s thoughts and backstory, as I found her more interesting than the modern day protagonist. But the author evidently did a lot of research to make this book and stay true to Imperial etiquette (what colour of fan you carry MATTERS, ladies!)
I received an advance copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot is a bit slow, and there’s a lot of political scheming that can be hard to follow. I would have liked more insight into Misako’s thoughts and backstory, as I found her more interesting than the modern day protagonist. But the author evidently did a lot of research to make this book and stay true to Imperial etiquette (what colour of fan you carry MATTERS, ladies!)
I received an advance copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
This story is a twist on time travel.. It's about two souls intertwined by meditation. Mina wanting to relax, Masako wanting to connect with her Mother and sister.
The result is Mina's spirit connects with Masako back in time to ancient Japan, 999.
There is a struggle between the two. Mina wanting to get home to the present and Masako wanting her spirit out of her head.
the author is very detailed on ancient Japanese customs, and history.
Anne Marie Lewis soft, lilting voice mesmerized me as she tells this story. very well done
# the flock
The result is Mina's spirit connects with Masako back in time to ancient Japan, 999.
There is a struggle between the two. Mina wanting to get home to the present and Masako wanting her spirit out of her head.
the author is very detailed on ancient Japanese customs, and history.
Anne Marie Lewis soft, lilting voice mesmerized me as she tells this story. very well done
# the flock
December 31, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was the first book I've read/listened to by Kate Shanahan. I really enjoyed it. It's crazy how real it felt. It was like I was there. Excellent writing with an interesting storyline and great characters. This is not my normal genre to read, but I was riveted to the story and was glad to be traveling so I didn't have many interruptions.
Anne Marie Lewis is an excellent narrator. She voiced both male and female characters perfectly with emotion that had this audiobook rolling like a movie in my head. She's new to me and I'd love to listen to her again!
#TheFlockonTour
This was the first book I've read/listened to by Kate Shanahan. I really enjoyed it. It's crazy how real it felt. It was like I was there. Excellent writing with an interesting storyline and great characters. This is not my normal genre to read, but I was riveted to the story and was glad to be traveling so I didn't have many interruptions.
Anne Marie Lewis is an excellent narrator. She voiced both male and female characters perfectly with emotion that had this audiobook rolling like a movie in my head. She's new to me and I'd love to listen to her again!
#TheFlockonTour
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