272 p.
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Published: 10/25/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
A time-travel story that alternates between modern day and 19th century Japan as one girl confronts the darkness lurking in her soul.
No one knows what to do with Reiko. She is full of hatred. All she can think about is how to best hurt herself and the people closest to her. After a failed suicide attempt, Reiko’s parents send her from their Seattle home to spend the summer with family in Japan to learn to control her emotions. But while visiting Kuramagi, a historic village preserved to reflect the nineteenth-century Edo period, Reiko finds herself slipping back in time into the life of Miyu, a young woman even more bent on revenge than Reiko herself. Reiko loves being Miyu, until she discovers the secret of Kuramagi village, and must face down Miyu’s demons as well as her own.My thoughts:
This one sounded perfect for the season. And it is also from a prospective we rarely get in YA. This one travels from contemporary Japan and 19th c. Japan. This also has the bisexual aspect that factors in a big way here as it becomes Reiko, our main character, primary reason and justification in what she does in the story. I think the cultural aspects and also the bisexual aspect of the story were handled well and with some sensitivity.
As much as I loved the setting and background of our main character, I didn't really like her until the end. Granted you really weren't supposed to but instead of feeling her rage, she felt like a spoiled brat that railed against perceived wrongs done to her. I don't know if she was really justified in her feelings since I couldn't get beyond her idea of vengeance.
The story does involve a spirit trying to take over Reiko in the present trying to wreck havoc on all those surrounding her. She also travels back into this spirit's time period and finds someone not unlike her who ends up trying to relive her bloody vengeance. At one point neither Reiko or the reader knows where one ends and the other begins and this is where she is forced to either complete the spirit's mission or find it within herself to find herself and who she wants to be in life. What I found frustrating with this part is that she knew it was history, talked about going to find out what happened and then never followed through. I so wanted to shake her at times and couldn't wait for her to wise up and figure things out like you already knew she... well... knew!
The ending was a bit too easy and a bit quick for the buildup but it was complete. She even looked at her other relationships and figured out where she fit in the most important ones. We also finally find out what she really did in her relationship that started her on this path.
I give this book 3 stars. I like the worldbuilding and the aspects of the characters. While I had problems with Reiko's character, she did grow and I did like that aspect. Things were too easily wrapped up but were complete. I think this ends up evening out the book and is a good book for the October season.
It's always difficult when you have a problem with the main character but that's true that it looks different as well so it's interesting
ReplyDeleteI liked it because it was different and you may have a better reaction to it than I did. I loved the cultural POV.
DeleteHmm, I like unlikeable heroines, but not when they're brats. I also hate when an ending just doesn't deliver, so maybe I'll skip this one after all. Thanks for such an honest and helpful review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI liked her in the end though. :)
DeleteThis sounds like it actually had a lot going or it if it weren't for the pesky heroine bringing down. :D
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I just didn't quite buy the amount of anger she had, but I did buy it somewhat. :)
DeleteWonderful honest review for this!!
ReplyDeleteTY!
DeleteThis sounds so different!
ReplyDeleteThat is why I wanted to read it. :)
DeleteHmm..not sure if this is for me, but thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know what you think if you try it.
DeleteI think I would want more books set in Japan
ReplyDeleteI liked the setting and it lent itself to different mythology than we are used to getting.
DeleteYea, this one is dark.
ReplyDeleteI love the ancient Japanese culture more so than the modern one. I've always been curious about this book after seeing the cover for the first time but I never expected where it derived from, though.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed some of its elements.
...and the paranormal mythology mixed in the ancient culture. :) I did enjoy the worldbuilding!
DeleteLove the premise, bummer the ending wrapped up too quickly and the character was hard to connect with. Great review Melissa!
ReplyDeleteEh... you may have a different experience. It was an interesting take.
DeleteI have this and now I'm wondering if I should even bother... I'll give it the 10% test, not the 40%. That's fair, right?? :) Thanks for the heads up!!!!! I need a protagonist I can mostly understand...
ReplyDeleteYou never know... you might find it much better suited to you.
DeleteHmmm...doesn't really call to me but I do like the unique cultural aspect...I think I'd like that part!
ReplyDeleteI did like that part. :)
DeleteLove the sound of this and the setting is one we don't see too often. I'm a fan of imperfect protagonist but need some growth. I may borror this one sometime.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Melissa. :)
I agree. There is growth but it all seems to come at once.
DeleteA few flaws but sounds good overall.
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
Pretty much. :)
DeleteHmm, No I don't think this is one for me. I read another strange Japanese story with a spirit from another time and this just sounds too much like that one. One of those that while you liked it, you really don't want to read another. Does that make sense? Sorry it wasn't a better read for you!
ReplyDeleteHm... I'm curious about what you read now. LOL I do get what you mean tho.. :)
DeleteIt's always so frustrating to have a difficult main character. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI just felt a bit overwhelmed by her anger I think.
DeleteUnfortunate, but honestly kind of expected it based on the summary. It seemed a little to...mopey isn't the right word...but I can't think of the appropriate adjective.
ReplyDeleteWhiney vengeful? LOL Actually she does grow in the end so it wasn't as bothersome as it seems. I did feel a bit overwhelmed by her anger though.
DeleteHmm, it's too bad the connection with Reiko didn't really work since the time travel and bisexual elements were handled well. It's always difficult to get immersed in a story when you don't really like the MC.
ReplyDeleteI do think that it was because she was so consumed in anger and hate. I did like her enough but also had enough of a barrier to prevent me from connecting.
DeleteThis one sounds kind of, meh. I'm not really sure about this one.
ReplyDeleteYou may enjoy it more than I did. I did find the setting interesting.
DeleteIt is never fun when a book wraps up too easily. It can really ruin the story. I would have a hard time with this story if I didn't like the main character. As a character driven reader, I need to like the characters. I love that cover though. It is awesome. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I liked her in the end, but she was just too angry in the beginning for a connection for me anyway. :)
DeleteSounds like a lot is going on with this story, the spirit trying to possess her and all. Good to see you liked the MC in the end!
ReplyDelete