Ryan Skinner’s Reviews > The Sword of Kaigen > Status Update

I was told, prior to reading this one, that the climax happens midway through the book - I definitely see it being difficult to top what has already happened, and wonder if the remainder of this is all falling action. The Empire has arrived, and there are questions to be answered - I also wonder what dynamic the two main characters at this point will have by the end of it all.

Wow. I'm really at a loss for words. I don't want to spoil the book, but the events and deaths that transpire midway through it shocked me. Especially the way in which the biggest of them was written. This book is a fascinating study in family dynamics, nationalism, and history (even told through fiction). I'm absolutely loving it, and saddened by it - and am wondering where Wang will take it now.

Damn... if the Sword of Kaigen continues delivering like this through the first 7 chapters - there is a strong chance it'll be among my favorite books of all time. Everything about it is so character-focused, beautiful and this relationship between Mamoru and Misaki is at the heart of it all - I loved their moment on the mountainside, reflecting on the choices we make to become who we desire to be. Amazing start.

Mamoru’s world is falling apart, only three chapters in, due to Kwaang’s outside views. It’s pretty fascinating seeing that change in him - everything from history, to his warrior culture, to the Emperor’s censorship. It feels a little unrealistic that with the latter, Kwaang would ever be allowed to learn in Kaigen - but I suppose it’s like real world censorship we see in other countries today.

The setup for this one is super promising - everything from the cool setting, to the exploration of the Matsuda family and friends, is excellent so far. That we seem to be honing in on young promising fighter Mamoru, and his docile, repressed mother Misaki, seems like this will be a character-first story - and I already feel for her plight and lack of self. One chapter in - I'm very interested where this is going.