What do you think?
Rate this book
Mitsuko #2
The Heavenward Path
Mitsuko is being haunted by ghosts and bad luck. An angry spirit commands her to keep a forgotten promise and assigns her a series of impossible tasks. She turns to the mischievous shape-shifter Goranu for help. Together they journey through a landscape of Japanese myths and legends made real. This sequel to Little Sister is a mythical tale of adventure and star-crossed love set in twelfth-century Japan.
230 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 1998
2 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Kara Dalkey
44 books90 followersKara Mia Dalkey is an American author of young adult fiction and historical fantasy. She was born in Los Angeles and has lived in Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Seattle. Much of her fiction is set in the Heian period of Japan.
She was married to author John Barnes; they divorced in 2001. She is a member of the Pre-Joycean Fellowship and of the Scribblies. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing in Los Angeles.
She is also a musician and has gigged extensively on electric bass (which she plays left-handed) and harmony vocals, with such bands as Runestone, the Albany Free Traders, and Nate Bucklin and the Ensemble (in Minnesota) and Relic and Voodoo Blue (in Seattle.) At different times she has also played drums, banjo and acoustic guitar. She is a songwriter, but her total output is low, and consequently no CD or other album is presently in the works.
She was married to author John Barnes; they divorced in 2001. She is a member of the Pre-Joycean Fellowship and of the Scribblies. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing in Los Angeles.
She is also a musician and has gigged extensively on electric bass (which she plays left-handed) and harmony vocals, with such bands as Runestone, the Albany Free Traders, and Nate Bucklin and the Ensemble (in Minnesota) and Relic and Voodoo Blue (in Seattle.) At different times she has also played drums, banjo and acoustic guitar. She is a songwriter, but her total output is low, and consequently no CD or other album is presently in the works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 18, 2016
Genre: historical fiction, fantasy
Summary: This is the sequel to Little Sister . It takes place two years after the first book ends. Mitsuko has spent most of the two years as a pilgrim traveling to different shrines. The beginning of the book finds her in an outermost provincial temple trying to become a Buddhist nun. Her father calls her back to the capital to marry the ten year old heir to the throne. Mitsuko is sixteen. There are other reasons why she doesn't want to go through with the match. In the first book, Mitsuko make a promise to a kami (a powerful demon) when she was running away from some greedy nobles with her older sister (who had just lost her husband). Mitsuko had forgotten her promise, until the kami (who turns out to be a priest-king ghost thing) haunts her dreams and ups the terms of the promise. Mitsuko appeals to the Judge of the Underworld. However, he doesn't like living people in his realm, and Mitsuko had already trespassed in the previous book. So Mitsuko must restore the shrine with all the stolen treasures and find the last of the kami's descendants to offer worship. After she does so, she is supposed to report back to the Judge (in other words, die) to pay for the previous trespass. With the help of her good friend Goranu the tengu, Mitsuko solves her debt to the kami. In the process, Mitsuko offers to end her privileged life as a noblewoman and seek enlightenment or the "Heavenward Path" by becoming a acolyte to a wandering monk/wizard, Dento. The author leaves the ending up to the reader. Mitsuko can find enlightenment, or stay in the cycle of reincarnation and stay with Goranu, or become a nun/wizard thing that helps people.
Response: Typically, I don't appreciate stories that drag on for books and books. This is an exception. I didn't mind that there was a sequel. It built on the foundation that Little Sister made, but was its own story. There was a more fantastical element to this story. Mitsuko has some fantastic adventures, and she does many of them by herself, unlike the first book where she is helped almost constantly by Goranu. In this book, Goranu, has significant feelings for Mitsuko but tengu and mortals are forbidden to have relationships with each other and he wants her to figure out her own problems, so his presence is not quite as prevalent. I love the character of Goranu. I am totally rooting for their relationship. It is frustrating that the author didn't give a distinct ending, but then again, I can't be made at the book for not ending the way I want when I can choose my ending. In my mind, Goranu and Mitsuko live happily ever after, away from the illusion of court, happy together forever.
Summary: This is the sequel to Little Sister . It takes place two years after the first book ends. Mitsuko has spent most of the two years as a pilgrim traveling to different shrines. The beginning of the book finds her in an outermost provincial temple trying to become a Buddhist nun. Her father calls her back to the capital to marry the ten year old heir to the throne. Mitsuko is sixteen. There are other reasons why she doesn't want to go through with the match. In the first book, Mitsuko make a promise to a kami (a powerful demon) when she was running away from some greedy nobles with her older sister (who had just lost her husband). Mitsuko had forgotten her promise, until the kami (who turns out to be a priest-king ghost thing) haunts her dreams and ups the terms of the promise. Mitsuko appeals to the Judge of the Underworld. However, he doesn't like living people in his realm, and Mitsuko had already trespassed in the previous book. So Mitsuko must restore the shrine with all the stolen treasures and find the last of the kami's descendants to offer worship. After she does so, she is supposed to report back to the Judge (in other words, die) to pay for the previous trespass. With the help of her good friend Goranu the tengu, Mitsuko solves her debt to the kami. In the process, Mitsuko offers to end her privileged life as a noblewoman and seek enlightenment or the "Heavenward Path" by becoming a acolyte to a wandering monk/wizard, Dento. The author leaves the ending up to the reader. Mitsuko can find enlightenment, or stay in the cycle of reincarnation and stay with Goranu, or become a nun/wizard thing that helps people.
Response: Typically, I don't appreciate stories that drag on for books and books. This is an exception. I didn't mind that there was a sequel. It built on the foundation that Little Sister made, but was its own story. There was a more fantastical element to this story. Mitsuko has some fantastic adventures, and she does many of them by herself, unlike the first book where she is helped almost constantly by Goranu. In this book, Goranu, has significant feelings for Mitsuko but tengu and mortals are forbidden to have relationships with each other and he wants her to figure out her own problems, so his presence is not quite as prevalent. I love the character of Goranu. I am totally rooting for their relationship. It is frustrating that the author didn't give a distinct ending, but then again, I can't be made at the book for not ending the way I want when I can choose my ending. In my mind, Goranu and Mitsuko live happily ever after, away from the illusion of court, happy together forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2015
Little Sister was one of my favorite reads of 2008, so I was very much looking forward to reading The Heavenward Path, the out-of-print sequel. I bought an ex-library copy on amazon used. Once it arrived in the mail, I immediately dove into its pages. Although the prose is not quite as beautiful as Little Sister, I was very much seduced by Mitsuko’s second adventure.
When The Heavenward Path opens, Mitsuko is spending her time at the Sukaku Temple where she is studying Buddhism. Her serenity is interrupted when she learns that she has offended a ghost whose shire she promised to repair. Her life is further complicated when her father alerts her that she is to leave the temple and fulfill her duty as a daughter by getting married. Mitsuko’s life is pulled into chaos, and every move she makes seems to place her into more danger. She turns to her Tengu friend, Goranu for help, but the only way he’ll help her is if she puts his life in danger. How will Mitsuko survive her second adventure?
The Heavenward Path is admittedly a step down from Little Sister, but it’s still a great read. I loved the adventurous storyline, as poor Mitsuko has to (once again) face Gods and Monsters in order to complete her tasks. The character development is very strong as well. Mitsuko, in her time at the temple, has seemed to grow a little snobbish, but she grows and develops over the book as she faces more challenges. Fans of romance will be happy to see there is a small, but lovely love story to be found in these pages as well, as Mitsuko becomes aware of her feelings for Goranu. Perhaps the books only flaw is the ending does not quite live up to the exciting ending of the previous book.
I highly recommend that fans of Little Sister pick up this book. For those who have not read the first book, people looking for good, Asian inspired fantasy would do well to pick up these two hidden jewels. I’m only sorry that the story has to stop here.
When The Heavenward Path opens, Mitsuko is spending her time at the Sukaku Temple where she is studying Buddhism. Her serenity is interrupted when she learns that she has offended a ghost whose shire she promised to repair. Her life is further complicated when her father alerts her that she is to leave the temple and fulfill her duty as a daughter by getting married. Mitsuko’s life is pulled into chaos, and every move she makes seems to place her into more danger. She turns to her Tengu friend, Goranu for help, but the only way he’ll help her is if she puts his life in danger. How will Mitsuko survive her second adventure?
The Heavenward Path is admittedly a step down from Little Sister, but it’s still a great read. I loved the adventurous storyline, as poor Mitsuko has to (once again) face Gods and Monsters in order to complete her tasks. The character development is very strong as well. Mitsuko, in her time at the temple, has seemed to grow a little snobbish, but she grows and develops over the book as she faces more challenges. Fans of romance will be happy to see there is a small, but lovely love story to be found in these pages as well, as Mitsuko becomes aware of her feelings for Goranu. Perhaps the books only flaw is the ending does not quite live up to the exciting ending of the previous book.
I highly recommend that fans of Little Sister pick up this book. For those who have not read the first book, people looking for good, Asian inspired fantasy would do well to pick up these two hidden jewels. I’m only sorry that the story has to stop here.
August 16, 2012
The Heavenward Path is the companion to LITTLE SISTER. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book better than the first one, to which I gave a 5 stars. D: But it was still enjoyable. I really liked it. Until the end, you know? I know a good book has to make readers cry and show emotion. I can't say I hated the ending. I mean, they're both alive and they still get to see each other. It's just not meant to be.
Okay, so really. For those people who haven't read this book, like, don't read the next paragraph because of spoilers.
So, in LITTLE SISTER, I was happy with the end because Goranu promised they would meet again. Oh wait, you know what would really work to get your tears out? Play some sad Asian music while reading the part where she refused his proposal. I can't believe it. She preferred to be a NUN and get 'enlightened' rather than become the Tengu PRINCESS. Really now? Tengu princess sounds so cool. So when I was reading the Heavenward Path, there were some signs of romance between the two, but nothing really happened. D: Except the part where they just called each other stupid names like, Goru-chan and Mitsu-chan and the part where Goranu almost died.
-------
Okay, I hope you didn't read that paragraph if you haven't read the book. THE ENDING IS NOT FAIR! Yet again, nothing is fair.
Okay, so really. For those people who haven't read this book, like, don't read the next paragraph because of spoilers.
So, in LITTLE SISTER, I was happy with the end because Goranu promised they would meet again. Oh wait, you know what would really work to get your tears out? Play some sad Asian music while reading the part where she refused his proposal. I can't believe it. She preferred to be a NUN and get 'enlightened' rather than become the Tengu PRINCESS. Really now? Tengu princess sounds so cool. So when I was reading the Heavenward Path, there were some signs of romance between the two, but nothing really happened. D: Except the part where they just called each other stupid names like, Goru-chan and Mitsu-chan and the part where Goranu almost died.
-------
Okay, I hope you didn't read that paragraph if you haven't read the book. THE ENDING IS NOT FAIR! Yet again, nothing is fair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2015
Part of the 2015 Reading Challenge: A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit (Japan)
This story followed up well with the first book, as with all Mitsuko went through, it's hard to imagine her being able to settle back into her place in society. I loved seeing Mitsuko's inner struggle in this book to fulfill her expected role but to not lose herself in the process, and I love that such a small detail from the first book (that I had forgotten about) came back in a big way.
Mitsuko was somebody I could cheer for, and I loved watching her grow stronger. I also loved how well the mythical elements felt like such a natural part of the world. It speaks a lot about the kind of person Mitsuko is becoming.
Still, it's hard to feel satisfied by the ending of this book. It has the same problem of the first, of the author trying to let you pick the ending you like best. I like to imagine all of those endings came true, but it really means nothing, as its my preference rather than what may have actually happened.
Overall, I did enjoy it, and it felt like a natural progression from the events of the first book. I just wish it had a stronger ending.
This story followed up well with the first book, as with all Mitsuko went through, it's hard to imagine her being able to settle back into her place in society. I loved seeing Mitsuko's inner struggle in this book to fulfill her expected role but to not lose herself in the process, and I love that such a small detail from the first book (that I had forgotten about) came back in a big way.
Mitsuko was somebody I could cheer for, and I loved watching her grow stronger. I also loved how well the mythical elements felt like such a natural part of the world. It speaks a lot about the kind of person Mitsuko is becoming.
Still, it's hard to feel satisfied by the ending of this book. It has the same problem of the first, of the author trying to let you pick the ending you like best. I like to imagine all of those endings came true, but it really means nothing, as its my preference rather than what may have actually happened.
Overall, I did enjoy it, and it felt like a natural progression from the events of the first book. I just wish it had a stronger ending.
January 5, 2025
The author's note was very interesting. You could hear the voice of the main character in her cadence and style.
I had a very different idea of what this story would be based on its description in comparison to what it actually is. It is very much drawn from traditional folk and fairy tales and has a grand sweeping narrative with high action and a consistent adherence to the hero's journey archetype. The ending was dissatisfying but in line with the style of the story.
I had a very different idea of what this story would be based on its description in comparison to what it actually is. It is very much drawn from traditional folk and fairy tales and has a grand sweeping narrative with high action and a consistent adherence to the hero's journey archetype. The ending was dissatisfying but in line with the style of the story.
January 28, 2016
I read Little Sister for my October book of the month, and I absolutely fell in love with it. It was charming, witty, and heart-breaking, and reminded me why sometimes I can love young adult books as much if not more than books meant for adults. The Heavenward Path, published a mere two years after its predecessor, had, unfortunately, none of these traits.
Mitsuko is two years older now, and she goes through some typical teenage angst. Whereas in the first book, she was confronted with challenges and adventures and she said "Well, it has to be done, so I'm going to do it like a badass," in this book it was more of a "Why meeeee?" wail. It was irritating after seeing how great she could be. She is always dragging her feet in the adventures she goes on here, and at the end I thought how little had happened compared to how much action was packed into Little Sister.
Perhaps the comparison is unfair of me, but with so much to remind me of the original - the setting, characters, and even the writing style - it is hard not to be reminded, and wistful.
I loved seeing Goranu again but alas, he also lost much of his charm. He insisted on chasing after Mitsuko for no real discernible reason. Even when she rightfully calls herself selfish, he continues to bend over backwards for her. Love is great and all, but this guy wants to KILL himself to be with her. Illogical, captain.
Most of the three stars come from enjoying being back in this medieval fantasy Japan. Kara Dalkey has created a great world here and I can see why she would want to return to it. A few characters from the previous book show up, although Mitsuko spends most of her time complaining about them rather than reminiscing or anything.
I also enjoyed the haikus interspersed throughout. They were simple, yet poignant bits of poetry. I even wrote a few down to keep around, maybe for use in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.
I still highly recommend Little Sister - it was one of my favorite reads of the whole year, after all - but I wouldn't bother with tracking down this much harder to find sequel.
Mitsuko is two years older now, and she goes through some typical teenage angst. Whereas in the first book, she was confronted with challenges and adventures and she said "Well, it has to be done, so I'm going to do it like a badass," in this book it was more of a "Why meeeee?" wail. It was irritating after seeing how great she could be. She is always dragging her feet in the adventures she goes on here, and at the end I thought how little had happened compared to how much action was packed into Little Sister.
Perhaps the comparison is unfair of me, but with so much to remind me of the original - the setting, characters, and even the writing style - it is hard not to be reminded, and wistful.
I loved seeing Goranu again but alas, he also lost much of his charm. He insisted on chasing after Mitsuko for no real discernible reason. Even when she rightfully calls herself selfish, he continues to bend over backwards for her. Love is great and all, but this guy wants to KILL himself to be with her. Illogical, captain.
Most of the three stars come from enjoying being back in this medieval fantasy Japan. Kara Dalkey has created a great world here and I can see why she would want to return to it. A few characters from the previous book show up, although Mitsuko spends most of her time complaining about them rather than reminiscing or anything.
I also enjoyed the haikus interspersed throughout. They were simple, yet poignant bits of poetry. I even wrote a few down to keep around, maybe for use in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.
I still highly recommend Little Sister - it was one of my favorite reads of the whole year, after all - but I wouldn't bother with tracking down this much harder to find sequel.
August 5, 2010
The heroine is of course somewhat older than in the first book - right at the awkward age of teenager - and gets to be quite selfish, but her lessons go on. I still never quite understood why Goranu kept after her for so long, nor went to the extremes that he did. She seems to chose her path mostly for her own desires, which is extremely strange when it has to do with becoming a monk...
The sister whom she so desperately tried to save in the first book doesn't show up at all.
The sister whom she so desperately tried to save in the first book doesn't show up at all.
March 18, 2008
This sequel to Little Sister really helps flesh out the themes and characters further. Sometimes sequels are really hard to swallow, but this was done tastefully. Basically, they belong between the same book cover.
February 11, 2012
I loved the book, but hated the ending. As much as I love the phrase, you decide!, I don't think that idea should end a book. I liked the theme of the chapter titles and the strong Buddhist connection. Over all the book was great, but the end was just down right frustrating!
February 24, 2009
Even better than the first. I love it!
September 17, 2010
Another amazing one! So glad when I found it!
January 18, 2011
A solid read but it is not as compelling as its predecessor. A great story for anyone interested in Japanese myths and legends.
August 6, 2011
It felt shorther then the first novel. It was still an enjorable read but I had wished for a more final conclusion between Mitsuko and Goranu.
November 25, 2011
I loved the first one, and this sequel did not disappoint me. I enjoyed it a lot.
January 22, 2015
G* I love this book so much. I love Goranu so much. Even after all these years I love him so much.
September 15, 2013
GAAAHAHAHHA THIS BOOK omg i don't even know what to say jsut Goranu yes that's all.
June 23, 2015
First reread in yeaaaaaaaaaaaaars.
March 15, 2016
I still like the idea (fantasy Heian Japan), but I have to say I preferred the first book.
February 20, 2014
Good stuff right here.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews