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Spirit's Princess #2
Spirit's Chosen
From princess to slave in the blink of an eye. . . .
Himiko's world is falling apart. An attack by a rival clan, the Ookami, has left many from her tribe dead or enslaved. Amid the chaos and fear, Himiko hatches a plan to save her people. But just when it seems that she will outwit Ryu, the cruel Ookami leader, she is captured. Held against her will, Himiko starts to realize that not all of the Ookami are her enemies. Though she may not see her path as clearly as the spirits seem to, there's more adventure (and even unexpected love) for this princess turned shaman-warrior.
Readers who love strong girl-centric adventures are eating up Esther Friesner's Princesses of Myth books, finding the mash-up of historical fiction and fantasy adventure irresistible!
Himiko's world is falling apart. An attack by a rival clan, the Ookami, has left many from her tribe dead or enslaved. Amid the chaos and fear, Himiko hatches a plan to save her people. But just when it seems that she will outwit Ryu, the cruel Ookami leader, she is captured. Held against her will, Himiko starts to realize that not all of the Ookami are her enemies. Though she may not see her path as clearly as the spirits seem to, there's more adventure (and even unexpected love) for this princess turned shaman-warrior.
Readers who love strong girl-centric adventures are eating up Esther Friesner's Princesses of Myth books, finding the mash-up of historical fiction and fantasy adventure irresistible!
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Esther M. Friesner
265 books710 followersEsther M. Friesner was educated at Vassar College, where she completed B.A's in both Spanish and Drama. She went to on to Yale University; within five years she was awarded an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish. She taught Spanish at Yale for a number of years before going on to become a full-time author of fantasy and science fiction. She has published twenty-seven novels so far; her most recent titles include Temping Fate from Penguin-Puffin and Nobody's Princess from Random House.
Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Aboriginal SF, Pulphouse Magazine, Amazing, and Fantasy Book, as well as in numerous anthologies. Her story, "Love's Eldritch Ichor," was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
Her first stint as an anthology editor was Alien Pregnant By Elvis, a collection of truly gonzo original tabloid SF for DAW books. Wisely, she undertook this project with the able collaboration of Martin H. Greenberg. Not having learned their lesson, they have also co-edited the Chicks In Chainmail Amazon comedy anthology series for Baen Books, as well as Blood Muse, an anthology of vampire stories for Donald I Fine, Inc.
"Ask Auntie Esther" was her regular etiquette and advice column to the SFlorn in Pulphouse Magazine. Being paid for telling other people how to run their lives sounds like a pretty good deal to her.
Ms. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1995 for her work, "Death and the Librarian," and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for "A Birth Day." (A Birth Day" was also a 1996 Hugo Award finalist.) Her novelette, "Jesus at the Bat" was on the final Nebula ballot in the same year that "Death and the Librarian" won the award. In addition, she has won the Romantic Times award for Best New Fantasy Writer in 1986 and the Skylark Award in 1994. Her short story, "All Vows," took second place in the Asimov's SF Magazine Readers' Poll for 1993 and was a finalist for the Nebula in 1994. Her Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel, Warchild, made the USA TODAY bestseller list.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, two rambunctious cats, and a fluctuating population of hamsters.
Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Aboriginal SF, Pulphouse Magazine, Amazing, and Fantasy Book, as well as in numerous anthologies. Her story, "Love's Eldritch Ichor," was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
Her first stint as an anthology editor was Alien Pregnant By Elvis, a collection of truly gonzo original tabloid SF for DAW books. Wisely, she undertook this project with the able collaboration of Martin H. Greenberg. Not having learned their lesson, they have also co-edited the Chicks In Chainmail Amazon comedy anthology series for Baen Books, as well as Blood Muse, an anthology of vampire stories for Donald I Fine, Inc.
"Ask Auntie Esther" was her regular etiquette and advice column to the SFlorn in Pulphouse Magazine. Being paid for telling other people how to run their lives sounds like a pretty good deal to her.
Ms. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1995 for her work, "Death and the Librarian," and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for "A Birth Day." (A Birth Day" was also a 1996 Hugo Award finalist.) Her novelette, "Jesus at the Bat" was on the final Nebula ballot in the same year that "Death and the Librarian" won the award. In addition, she has won the Romantic Times award for Best New Fantasy Writer in 1986 and the Skylark Award in 1994. Her short story, "All Vows," took second place in the Asimov's SF Magazine Readers' Poll for 1993 and was a finalist for the Nebula in 1994. Her Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel, Warchild, made the USA TODAY bestseller list.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, two rambunctious cats, and a fluctuating population of hamsters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 23, 2013
I don’t know how to even begin to express my distaste for this novel. There’s too much wrong with it. So many little details and annoyances, so many logic holes, so many obvious gaps in research. The fact that she thought looking Japanese counted as a setting and not a whiff of culture need be included. The fact that “chieftain” is an actual thing and cannot be traded willy-nilly with “king.” The brain-bashing questions of how that wolf clan conquered anyone. (Seriously, you don’t just fuck people over and then say “okay, we’re leaving, see you next year! BTW, we’re like a month’s travel away and not leaving behind any governors, messengers, or outposts, so you’re totally on your own to make alliances/refortify your village/just up and leave/set traps/really whatever you want.”)
All of that’s bad enough, but what made me really rage? What made me put this book down?
The book’s cavalier, coy attitudes about rape.
Oh, not that you’ll get the book to admit that’s what it was talking about. It never says the word. But we all know what’s going on.
Look, if you want to have a book that doesn’t include rape, fine. Excellent. More power to you. If you want to have a book that includes war and slavery but still doesn’t include rape, okay. I can handle that. But don coyly nod in the direction of rape and highlight the fact that you’re leaving it out.
The book starts off on the wrong foot by pointing out that the invading army’s leader had expressly forbidden his army to rape their conquests. It was awkward and unnecessary and just drew attention to the subject, but I could at least live with that. However, a few hundred pages later, Himiko gets captured by said leader and turned into a slave.
And then things went to shit.
Right off the bat it’s made clear that rape is on the table. One of her guards is practically salivating at the idea of getting his carnal pleasures and has to be talked out of it. A side character shows up already pregnant and her comments make it clear she’s carrying her rapist’s baby. All this serves to show that the beloved main character is in danger of having her virtue sullied, but events conspire to leave her “pure.”
I cannot express how disgusted I am when a book uses rape as a threat to show a character is in danger, but then has her avoid said danger through…nothing. Bullshit NOTHING. She’s threatened with it, and then…*poof* doesn’t happen. It’s even worse when that fate is cavalierly visited upon side characters without so much as a guilt trip, as if to say “well, she just wasn’t worthy of authorial protection” or “well, it’s already happened to her, so she’s sullied and there’s no point talking about it.”
I hate, hate, hate that this main characters are held above the muck just to preserve their virtue. It leaves behind the bad taste that she’s spared just because we can’t have a main character who’s “damaged,” but it’s okay to toss out that threat for a bit of cheap thrills.
Rape should never be cheap thrills.
But it gets worse.
Not only is Himiko spared any serious threat or – heaven forbid! – any actual consequences, whenever the issue is brushed against, Himiko gets out of it by just saying no. She even goes on about her “right to say no” and how she’d defend said right with her “words” and “prayers.”
Look, that’s a well and good story to be telling, BUT NOT IN A BOOK WHERE THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A FUCKING SLAVE. She is CONSIDERED PROPERTY BY A CLAN THAT HAS NO PROBLEM MURDERING THE FUCK OUT OF HER. You can’t walk into that story and just blithely say “oh, well, all I have to do is say no and I’ll be spared the indignity of having to sleep with you. You’ll respect that, right?”
FUCK NO. Why is that so terrible? BECAUSE IT DOESN’T DO JUSTICE TO THE REAL-LIFE HORRORS OF RAPE AND SLAVERY.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE BRASS GENITALS TO ACTUALLY SHOW THIS SITUATION PROPERLY, THEN YOU SURE AS HELL HAD BETTER NOT HALF-ASS IT WITH THIS KIND OF BULLSHIT RIGHT HERE.
It completely waters down the message and presents a disgustingly sanitized view of rape and sexual matters. It’s bad enough that this book won’t even openly acknowledge the victims as being victims, no, it has to also send the message of “saying no is so easy! All you have to do is spit it out and then you won’t be raped. That preggo girl? Yeah, she must have asked for it.”
All of that’s bad enough, but what made me really rage? What made me put this book down?
The book’s cavalier, coy attitudes about rape.
Oh, not that you’ll get the book to admit that’s what it was talking about. It never says the word. But we all know what’s going on.
Look, if you want to have a book that doesn’t include rape, fine. Excellent. More power to you. If you want to have a book that includes war and slavery but still doesn’t include rape, okay. I can handle that. But don coyly nod in the direction of rape and highlight the fact that you’re leaving it out.
The book starts off on the wrong foot by pointing out that the invading army’s leader had expressly forbidden his army to rape their conquests. It was awkward and unnecessary and just drew attention to the subject, but I could at least live with that. However, a few hundred pages later, Himiko gets captured by said leader and turned into a slave.
And then things went to shit.
Right off the bat it’s made clear that rape is on the table. One of her guards is practically salivating at the idea of getting his carnal pleasures and has to be talked out of it. A side character shows up already pregnant and her comments make it clear she’s carrying her rapist’s baby. All this serves to show that the beloved main character is in danger of having her virtue sullied, but events conspire to leave her “pure.”
I cannot express how disgusted I am when a book uses rape as a threat to show a character is in danger, but then has her avoid said danger through…nothing. Bullshit NOTHING. She’s threatened with it, and then…*poof* doesn’t happen. It’s even worse when that fate is cavalierly visited upon side characters without so much as a guilt trip, as if to say “well, she just wasn’t worthy of authorial protection” or “well, it’s already happened to her, so she’s sullied and there’s no point talking about it.”
I hate, hate, hate that this main characters are held above the muck just to preserve their virtue. It leaves behind the bad taste that she’s spared just because we can’t have a main character who’s “damaged,” but it’s okay to toss out that threat for a bit of cheap thrills.
Rape should never be cheap thrills.
But it gets worse.
Not only is Himiko spared any serious threat or – heaven forbid! – any actual consequences, whenever the issue is brushed against, Himiko gets out of it by just saying no. She even goes on about her “right to say no” and how she’d defend said right with her “words” and “prayers.”
Look, that’s a well and good story to be telling, BUT NOT IN A BOOK WHERE THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A FUCKING SLAVE. She is CONSIDERED PROPERTY BY A CLAN THAT HAS NO PROBLEM MURDERING THE FUCK OUT OF HER. You can’t walk into that story and just blithely say “oh, well, all I have to do is say no and I’ll be spared the indignity of having to sleep with you. You’ll respect that, right?”
FUCK NO. Why is that so terrible? BECAUSE IT DOESN’T DO JUSTICE TO THE REAL-LIFE HORRORS OF RAPE AND SLAVERY.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE BRASS GENITALS TO ACTUALLY SHOW THIS SITUATION PROPERLY, THEN YOU SURE AS HELL HAD BETTER NOT HALF-ASS IT WITH THIS KIND OF BULLSHIT RIGHT HERE.
It completely waters down the message and presents a disgustingly sanitized view of rape and sexual matters. It’s bad enough that this book won’t even openly acknowledge the victims as being victims, no, it has to also send the message of “saying no is so easy! All you have to do is spit it out and then you won’t be raped. That preggo girl? Yeah, she must have asked for it.”
December 5, 2012
I'm always a fan of East Asian inspired settings, but the smooth writing of this book is what made slipping into Himiko's world easy. I appreciated the accuracy of the portrayal of Japanese culture during this period of history and how natural it felt through Himiko's eyes. I would recommend this book to any fellow fan of strong-willed young women and Asian culture!
Read
September 24, 2017DNF (but I'm close enough to the end to consider this done). My problem began in believing the blurb - it makes it sound as if the story doesn't start until Himiko is enslaved by the wolf clan. Well, that takes about page 200 to happen. And it's very slow going to 200, but I was holding out. I was excited for the love interest to make an appearance (yes, i admit, I can be a bit of a romantic), and I figured the plot would pick up. But the love interest was a complete disappointment--Himiko is set up to love him at once, which she initially tries not to do (which got me momentarily excited--she's fighting the insta-love!), but he's just such a Nice Guy, that she can't help it. Unfortunately, his flavor of niceness is ultra bland, and he doesn't come off as anything more than a sounding board and support for HImiko, rather than his own multidimensional character. And while you might be able to argue that the plot picks up a little, as far as I can tell (from page 414), she's now been a slave for something like a year? or two? without ever trying to escape or come up with a plan for what to do? Sigh. Then there's the repeated "oh, if only I'd known, I should have / would have" statements that keep cropping up that are driving me crazy. Please keep your life lessons to yourself; let me draw my own lessons from your story. Please. Believe me, they are not building any suspense for me. There are only 61 pages to the end but I just don't have the interest to keep at it--which is sad, after this long with the characters. I'm simply not invested. I hate writing blah reviews, but I'm afraid this book was just not for me. However, I am impressed with the level of research that went into writing this story / world-building, and I expect that fans of the author may yet enjoy the writing style and characters.
July 25, 2013
Cover Blurb: Yes or No? Despite the character impersonator, I don't mind the cover all that much. It's a side profile and of course, it's indicative of the book's setting.
Characters: I've said this before, and sadly it hasn't changed: Himiko is not nearly as likable and awesome as Nefertiri from Sphinx's Princess and Helen from Nobody's Princess. While Himiko doesn't come across as spoilt in Spirit's Chosen, like she did in Spirit's Princess, she still seemed much younger than her actual age. And it made it very difficult to take her seriously when she tried to present an authoritative persona. That said, Himiko is brave and by the end of Spirit's Chosen, she finally seems a mature young woman (in other words, her age). But the problem is that for the majority of the story, she acts young. I tried to like Kaya, but her excessive spunk and forceful nature got old after a time. And what potential Ryu showed as a good villain were very quickly demolished when I met his mother, Lady Sato. Now, Sat was (most of the time) a nasty lady, but villains lose serious face when their mothers are constantly henpecking and insulting - or worse, belitting. Fathers can get by with this to an extent, but as soon as you introduce the villain's mean mother . . . There was also the fact that in the end, Ryu didn't conquer and enslave other clans because he was a bad dude. He did it simply because he knew no other way to help his clan thrive. So he was mean because he was ignorant . . . Kinda makes him a pathetic villain.
The Romance: Not nearly as prominent as I thought it would be, and therefore an enjoyable aspect of the story. There is a bit of a love triangle, but it's the type that I actually don't mind all that much. Rinji likes Himiko, but Himiko quite obviously doesn't like him on that manner, and never did. Her attachment to Daimu is one hundred percent, so there is no flipflopping in her affections. But of course, the romance isn't without its problems. I liked Daimu well enough; he's kind and patient and selfless - all those great qualities. And I ever liked Rinji. He was lovably awkward and shy. But the moment Himiko rejected him, I knew his was an affection that would cause problems. And really - couldn't Himiko have tried harder to tell Rinji that there was no love love between them? I realize some people just can't take a hint - at all, - but she really didn't do a good job of assuring him beyond a doubt that there was no hope of her returning his affections. And she should have never kept her feelings for Daimu hidden from Rinji. So while Himiko cannot be accused of intentionally leading Rinji on, she definitely didn't do a good job of dissuading him. And it's not like she didn't know.
Plot: The Ookami clan has destroyed Himiko's clan. Enslaving them, killing her father and oldest brother, and taking her younger one Noboru hostage, so that her people will not rebel. But Noboru's captivity has sent Himiko's mother over the edge mentally, and when she tries to kill her sister wife's son, she is sentenced to death. Himiko begs the elders to give her until harvesting season to fetch Noboru from the Ookami, whose presence will undoubtedly cure her mother's madness. Together, Himiko and her best friend Kaya set out to rescue Noboru, encountering other clans enslaved to the Ookami along the way. And then Himiko's plan goes horribly wrong when she and Kaya are captured by the enemy. The only way she can hope to survive is to rely on her shaman powers. Spirit's Princess was slow, but I enjoyed how it set up Himiko's world and relationships for the promised second book. And with Himiko undertaking a daring rescue mission in Spirit's Chosen, I just knew that the second - and final - book in this two-volumed series would not disappoint. Well . . . It did and it didn't. For the final volume in a mere two-book series, this should have been much faster paced. But it takes the same sedate path as its predecessor, and doesn't much change. Even after Himiko's clan recovers a bit and she leaves on her quest. And on further reflection, a lot of the plot aspects are the same as Spirit's Princess. Shaman training, facing down chauvinistic elders, enjoying the pristine Japanese countryside (don't get me wrong; I think Japan is gorgeous. But I've already sat through one book of it), and spirit dreams. She and Kaya also meet very few hostile and dangerous people/animals/circumstances in their travels. The few that they do (a snake, and a tagalong guy who just wants to rape Kaya and break her bowstring) play short and unimportant roles. Even when Himiko and Kaya are enslaved, they share a pleasant and friendly camaraderie with the other slaves, and Himiko isn't treated all that terribly. No more so than Cinderella, and even Cinderella sometimes went to bed hungry. It's almost like the Author was afraid of making the book too unpleasant. But don't let all my negativity put you off the book. As a sequel it disappointed; as a story separate from Spirit's Princess, it was relatively enjoyable. The plot's overall structure was good, with warring clans and slavery - and a chieftain at odds with his shaman, creating a battle for control and power.
Believability: I don't know a whole lot about ancient Japan - okay, I know nothing. So no inaccuracies stood out to me personally. However, if you happen to know a lot about Japanese history and ancient culture, this book might be to you like a badly researched Victorian novel is to me: unbelievably painful. But I don't know because I'm ignorant about Japan.
Writing Style: First person, past tense. As with all of her books, the Author's style paints beautiful and vivid pictures of the scenery and setting.
Content: None. When Kaya is almost raped, the assailant doesn't get beyond simply pinning her down.
Conclusion: When the Ookami's shaman Daimu takes a shine to Himiko, and she to him, Ryu does everything in his power to undermine Daimu. Amid this power struggle between clan shaman and clan chief, Himiko begins to receive terrible visions of death and destruction at the hands of a fearsome, fiery creature. The end is definitely eventful and the Author pulls a twist so sad that it almost makes up for the general lack of nasty people and genuinely perilous situations. Almost. Even with the sadness, the Author manages to throw in good feelings and a "in the nick of time" scenario that had me thinking, "This was more timely than Gandalf arriving with reinforcements at Helm's Deep." And that's not good. While I enjoyed the overall idea of Spirit's Chosen and the writing, this isn't my favorite Esther Friesner book - or even series. Himiko grew as a character and all that good stuff, but there is one problem: she never really demonstrated how she was the world's most powerful shaman. She never did anything beyond healing and delivering a prophecy no one obeyed. But the end was exciting, and sometimes all you need to make a book good is a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended Audience: Girl-read, fourteen-and-up, good for fans of historical fantasy.
Characters: I've said this before, and sadly it hasn't changed: Himiko is not nearly as likable and awesome as Nefertiri from Sphinx's Princess and Helen from Nobody's Princess. While Himiko doesn't come across as spoilt in Spirit's Chosen, like she did in Spirit's Princess, she still seemed much younger than her actual age. And it made it very difficult to take her seriously when she tried to present an authoritative persona. That said, Himiko is brave and by the end of Spirit's Chosen, she finally seems a mature young woman (in other words, her age). But the problem is that for the majority of the story, she acts young. I tried to like Kaya, but her excessive spunk and forceful nature got old after a time. And what potential Ryu showed as a good villain were very quickly demolished when I met his mother, Lady Sato. Now, Sat was (most of the time) a nasty lady, but villains lose serious face when their mothers are constantly henpecking and insulting - or worse, belitting. Fathers can get by with this to an extent, but as soon as you introduce the villain's mean mother . . . There was also the fact that in the end, Ryu didn't conquer and enslave other clans because he was a bad dude. He did it simply because he knew no other way to help his clan thrive. So he was mean because he was ignorant . . . Kinda makes him a pathetic villain.
The Romance: Not nearly as prominent as I thought it would be, and therefore an enjoyable aspect of the story. There is a bit of a love triangle, but it's the type that I actually don't mind all that much. Rinji likes Himiko, but Himiko quite obviously doesn't like him on that manner, and never did. Her attachment to Daimu is one hundred percent, so there is no flipflopping in her affections. But of course, the romance isn't without its problems. I liked Daimu well enough; he's kind and patient and selfless - all those great qualities. And I ever liked Rinji. He was lovably awkward and shy. But the moment Himiko rejected him, I knew his was an affection that would cause problems. And really - couldn't Himiko have tried harder to tell Rinji that there was no love love between them? I realize some people just can't take a hint - at all, - but she really didn't do a good job of assuring him beyond a doubt that there was no hope of her returning his affections. And she should have never kept her feelings for Daimu hidden from Rinji. So while Himiko cannot be accused of intentionally leading Rinji on, she definitely didn't do a good job of dissuading him. And it's not like she didn't know.
Plot: The Ookami clan has destroyed Himiko's clan. Enslaving them, killing her father and oldest brother, and taking her younger one Noboru hostage, so that her people will not rebel. But Noboru's captivity has sent Himiko's mother over the edge mentally, and when she tries to kill her sister wife's son, she is sentenced to death. Himiko begs the elders to give her until harvesting season to fetch Noboru from the Ookami, whose presence will undoubtedly cure her mother's madness. Together, Himiko and her best friend Kaya set out to rescue Noboru, encountering other clans enslaved to the Ookami along the way. And then Himiko's plan goes horribly wrong when she and Kaya are captured by the enemy. The only way she can hope to survive is to rely on her shaman powers. Spirit's Princess was slow, but I enjoyed how it set up Himiko's world and relationships for the promised second book. And with Himiko undertaking a daring rescue mission in Spirit's Chosen, I just knew that the second - and final - book in this two-volumed series would not disappoint. Well . . . It did and it didn't. For the final volume in a mere two-book series, this should have been much faster paced. But it takes the same sedate path as its predecessor, and doesn't much change. Even after Himiko's clan recovers a bit and she leaves on her quest. And on further reflection, a lot of the plot aspects are the same as Spirit's Princess. Shaman training, facing down chauvinistic elders, enjoying the pristine Japanese countryside (don't get me wrong; I think Japan is gorgeous. But I've already sat through one book of it), and spirit dreams. She and Kaya also meet very few hostile and dangerous people/animals/circumstances in their travels. The few that they do (a snake, and a tagalong guy who just wants to rape Kaya and break her bowstring) play short and unimportant roles. Even when Himiko and Kaya are enslaved, they share a pleasant and friendly camaraderie with the other slaves, and Himiko isn't treated all that terribly. No more so than Cinderella, and even Cinderella sometimes went to bed hungry. It's almost like the Author was afraid of making the book too unpleasant. But don't let all my negativity put you off the book. As a sequel it disappointed; as a story separate from Spirit's Princess, it was relatively enjoyable. The plot's overall structure was good, with warring clans and slavery - and a chieftain at odds with his shaman, creating a battle for control and power.
Believability: I don't know a whole lot about ancient Japan - okay, I know nothing. So no inaccuracies stood out to me personally. However, if you happen to know a lot about Japanese history and ancient culture, this book might be to you like a badly researched Victorian novel is to me: unbelievably painful. But I don't know because I'm ignorant about Japan.
Writing Style: First person, past tense. As with all of her books, the Author's style paints beautiful and vivid pictures of the scenery and setting.
Content: None. When Kaya is almost raped, the assailant doesn't get beyond simply pinning her down.
Conclusion: When the Ookami's shaman Daimu takes a shine to Himiko, and she to him, Ryu does everything in his power to undermine Daimu. Amid this power struggle between clan shaman and clan chief, Himiko begins to receive terrible visions of death and destruction at the hands of a fearsome, fiery creature. The end is definitely eventful and the Author pulls a twist so sad that it almost makes up for the general lack of nasty people and genuinely perilous situations. Almost. Even with the sadness, the Author manages to throw in good feelings and a "in the nick of time" scenario that had me thinking, "This was more timely than Gandalf arriving with reinforcements at Helm's Deep." And that's not good. While I enjoyed the overall idea of Spirit's Chosen and the writing, this isn't my favorite Esther Friesner book - or even series. Himiko grew as a character and all that good stuff, but there is one problem: she never really demonstrated how she was the world's most powerful shaman. She never did anything beyond healing and delivering a prophecy no one obeyed. But the end was exciting, and sometimes all you need to make a book good is a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended Audience: Girl-read, fourteen-and-up, good for fans of historical fantasy.
April 11, 2023
really good conclusion of Himikos story. Recommended!
April 16, 2014
After finishing the book a few nights ago, I’m still unsure as to what to think of it. There were parts of Friesner’s novel that I enjoyed and then there were parts where I just kept reading because I knew I had to write this review. One of the reasons why I think I’m blasé about the novel is because the novel I read before this one left a mark on my heart, had me mourning that the story was over. With Spirit’s Chosen, I put the book down and finished cooking dinner. No sadness, no missing of characters or Friesner’s world, just done with the book, ready for the next.
As I thought about my ambivalence, I asked myself what caused this feeling? Was it the characters? Was it the world? Was it the style of prose Friesner use? What it the story? What?
And then I realized, there were two main aspects of this novel that rubbed me the wrong way and the main one is the main character, Himiko. Now, I’m pleased that Friesner chose to write a character of color, specifically of Japanese descent, and set the novel in a historical time period. On the other hand, Himiko annoyed me a bit because she is a bit of a Mary-Sue. She is a like-able character and the reader wants to root for her to succeed, but she doesn’t have any faults. None what so ever. She always is able to maintain a positive attitude despite what is thrown at her and is always able to come up with the proper solution that succeeds every time. In fact, at one point when she experiences an obstacle and starts to finally have a breakdown, after she tells Daimu (her love interest) why she is upset, she ends up comforting him! I was completely taken out of the story at that point because it was so unrealistic. I realize that Friesner is trying to promote a strong female character, a warrior, but for a reader to connect, to really believe in the character, she must exhibit some faults or else the reader doesn’t truly trust the main character. I feel like Friesner got so caught up in her sweeping historical fiction with a strong female character that she forgot to give her character, and others, more depth.
Spirit’s Chosen is a sequel to Friesner’s Spirit’s Princess but the way she structures the novel allows one to read this novel without having read the first. Friesner gives tidbits here and there of relevant information, as needed, from the first novel and it doesn’t overwhelm Spirit’s Chosen. Friesner definitely did her history, and visited Japan which she writes about in her afterward, and this level of attention and detail comes across beautifully. The world that Friesner creates is very real and believable, and is what makes the novel somewhat interesting.
Recommendation: If you like epic historical fiction with balanced characters, I’d say skip this one, but if not and you just love historical fiction for the romance of another era, then this one is for you.
Original review posted on the blog http://richincolor.com/2013/05/review...
As I thought about my ambivalence, I asked myself what caused this feeling? Was it the characters? Was it the world? Was it the style of prose Friesner use? What it the story? What?
And then I realized, there were two main aspects of this novel that rubbed me the wrong way and the main one is the main character, Himiko. Now, I’m pleased that Friesner chose to write a character of color, specifically of Japanese descent, and set the novel in a historical time period. On the other hand, Himiko annoyed me a bit because she is a bit of a Mary-Sue. She is a like-able character and the reader wants to root for her to succeed, but she doesn’t have any faults. None what so ever. She always is able to maintain a positive attitude despite what is thrown at her and is always able to come up with the proper solution that succeeds every time. In fact, at one point when she experiences an obstacle and starts to finally have a breakdown, after she tells Daimu (her love interest) why she is upset, she ends up comforting him! I was completely taken out of the story at that point because it was so unrealistic. I realize that Friesner is trying to promote a strong female character, a warrior, but for a reader to connect, to really believe in the character, she must exhibit some faults or else the reader doesn’t truly trust the main character. I feel like Friesner got so caught up in her sweeping historical fiction with a strong female character that she forgot to give her character, and others, more depth.
Spirit’s Chosen is a sequel to Friesner’s Spirit’s Princess but the way she structures the novel allows one to read this novel without having read the first. Friesner gives tidbits here and there of relevant information, as needed, from the first novel and it doesn’t overwhelm Spirit’s Chosen. Friesner definitely did her history, and visited Japan which she writes about in her afterward, and this level of attention and detail comes across beautifully. The world that Friesner creates is very real and believable, and is what makes the novel somewhat interesting.
Recommendation: If you like epic historical fiction with balanced characters, I’d say skip this one, but if not and you just love historical fiction for the romance of another era, then this one is for you.
Original review posted on the blog http://richincolor.com/2013/05/review...
April 22, 2015
The book Spirit’s Chosen by Esther Friesner is a fictional book that depicts the fight in one for freedom and moral living. Himiko is the daughter of a chieftain who secretly was training as a shaman. She departs from her home on her calling and befriends another chieftain’s daughter, Kaya. After finally returning home, she discovers that her Matsu clan was attacked by the wolf clan Ookami and majority of her family were either killed or taken hostage as slaves. Driven with grief, Himiko’s mother went crazy and had a death sentence placed on her after she attacked a child. If Himiko couldn’t cure her, then she would die and Himiko knew the only way to restore her mind was to return her captured clansmen home. She and Kaya immediately set out on the journey into the wolves’ den. Just when she is about to put her plan into action, she and Kaya are captured. However, she might not be surrounded by as many enemies as she thought.
Himiko’s story is very entertaining and touching. Readers can’t help but fall in love with Himiko’s stubborn courage in her struggle for freedom. Friesner uses her to show how strong one could be in the fight for freedom, both mentally and physically. After getting captured, Himiko did everything in her power to free the slaves (including herself). The author also really made me think about moral living. Himiko had a very good upbringing but she faces perilous times in this book. However, she still tries to be kind and just to everyone she encounters. Himiko always does what she thought was right but what wasn’t necessarily right in the eyes of other people. She also uses her skills as a shaman to help people in need, regardless of what clan or social status they are in. In a sense, she is kind of similar to Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Both characters will do what they think is right, despite potential criticism. This book makes me wonder what I could do with my life to become someone as moral as Himiko. Although it could be a bit slow at times, Spirit’s Chosen really brought medieval Japan to life and clearly depicted what life as a shaman was like. Using Himiko as an example, Friesner showed readers how important and honorable people who lead moral lives could be.
Himiko’s story is very entertaining and touching. Readers can’t help but fall in love with Himiko’s stubborn courage in her struggle for freedom. Friesner uses her to show how strong one could be in the fight for freedom, both mentally and physically. After getting captured, Himiko did everything in her power to free the slaves (including herself). The author also really made me think about moral living. Himiko had a very good upbringing but she faces perilous times in this book. However, she still tries to be kind and just to everyone she encounters. Himiko always does what she thought was right but what wasn’t necessarily right in the eyes of other people. She also uses her skills as a shaman to help people in need, regardless of what clan or social status they are in. In a sense, she is kind of similar to Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Both characters will do what they think is right, despite potential criticism. This book makes me wonder what I could do with my life to become someone as moral as Himiko. Although it could be a bit slow at times, Spirit’s Chosen really brought medieval Japan to life and clearly depicted what life as a shaman was like. Using Himiko as an example, Friesner showed readers how important and honorable people who lead moral lives could be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2013
The book wasn't horrible, but by the end, I just wanted to put the book down and start something else.
Three key things bothered me as I read the book.
The whole Reikon/Daimu concept: When Reikon was thrown into the picture, I was surprised and wary. Himiko's affection for him came too suddenly, and how did she even gain the mental connection between them? Daimon and Himiko's relationship, on the other hand, was much more gradual and developed, which I liked. Daimu was too much of a "whatever you say, my dear" kind of guy though. I wish the connection between Reikon and Daimu was explored further. For example, why did they look so similar?
The OOkami clan and Ryu: The overall "personality" of the clan confused me. The clan condones conquering others and enslaving, but even so, Ryu forbids his soldiers from raping Matsu women when they conquer the clan. The villagers admit to Himiki's power and spiritual connections, but they see her as a slave despite their reverence.
The dragon at the end: This part seriously threw me off. It was random and seemed like the author just needed to end the book and came up with this on the spot.
In all, the plot was too slow for my taste (she spent so long getting to the wolf clan and then wasted a lot of time in captivity with nothing much going on). The occasional amusing parts made the book better, and Kaya especially was my favorite character by far. She was almost the only one with spirit in her playful banter; everyone else spoke with affected dignity and something stuck up their behinds. I really tried to enjoy the plot, but it didn't work for me.
Three key things bothered me as I read the book.
The whole Reikon/Daimu concept: When Reikon was thrown into the picture, I was surprised and wary. Himiko's affection for him came too suddenly, and how did she even gain the mental connection between them? Daimon and Himiko's relationship, on the other hand, was much more gradual and developed, which I liked. Daimu was too much of a "whatever you say, my dear" kind of guy though. I wish the connection between Reikon and Daimu was explored further. For example, why did they look so similar?
The OOkami clan and Ryu: The overall "personality" of the clan confused me. The clan condones conquering others and enslaving, but even so, Ryu forbids his soldiers from raping Matsu women when they conquer the clan. The villagers admit to Himiki's power and spiritual connections, but they see her as a slave despite their reverence.
The dragon at the end: This part seriously threw me off. It was random and seemed like the author just needed to end the book and came up with this on the spot.
In all, the plot was too slow for my taste (she spent so long getting to the wolf clan and then wasted a lot of time in captivity with nothing much going on). The occasional amusing parts made the book better, and Kaya especially was my favorite character by far. She was almost the only one with spirit in her playful banter; everyone else spoke with affected dignity and something stuck up their behinds. I really tried to enjoy the plot, but it didn't work for me.
June 30, 2014
Slow, slow opening. Coming home to find the clan has been enslaved - but there aren't any captors around. Life goes on as usual, except with a lot of dead young men and very little food. But we get through winter OK, no one actually dies of hunger.
Then Hikimo goes off on her quest to save Baby Brother. Not everyone else - she's just a young girl, she can't save everyone by herself - but Her own brother is special. Hikimo's best friend goes off with her, because Hikimo can't fight her way out of a paper bag. She can lie, though. And she can be a good shaman and heal people.
Then she gets captured. And the prison guard wants to rape her. Then she gets taken to the house of the chieftain who wanted to marry her (until she slopped garbage over him) and he has no interest in sleeping with her. Even though he treats his own wife like garbage. Whuh? How did that happen?
Then she goes to the shrine, where the shaman falls in love with her, and takes no steps to ensure she loves him back. The other shaman courts her as if she were a free woman, as well.
The chieftain's bitchy mother falls in love with Hikimo when the baby-boy she predicted came true. Everyone Loves Hikimo! Except for the chieftan. And even he comes around later, which is even harder for me to believe than the shaman's not 'insisting' that the slave-girl indulge his true love.
Moderately good book, not as good as her other series.
Then Hikimo goes off on her quest to save Baby Brother. Not everyone else - she's just a young girl, she can't save everyone by herself - but Her own brother is special. Hikimo's best friend goes off with her, because Hikimo can't fight her way out of a paper bag. She can lie, though. And she can be a good shaman and heal people.
Then she gets captured. And the prison guard wants to rape her. Then she gets taken to the house of the chieftain who wanted to marry her (until she slopped garbage over him) and he has no interest in sleeping with her. Even though he treats his own wife like garbage. Whuh? How did that happen?
Then she goes to the shrine, where the shaman falls in love with her, and takes no steps to ensure she loves him back. The other shaman courts her as if she were a free woman, as well.
The chieftain's bitchy mother falls in love with Hikimo when the baby-boy she predicted came true. Everyone Loves Hikimo! Except for the chieftan. And even he comes around later, which is even harder for me to believe than the shaman's not 'insisting' that the slave-girl indulge his true love.
Moderately good book, not as good as her other series.
May 19, 2013
I... Loved... This! I think that I enjoyed this more than the first book. I loved the way Himiko went from being a Princess and running away from her father to be a shaman to becoming a slave and learning how not to lose herself and then to become so revered.
I love that she was able to find her "love" in the spirit world and in the living world. I also enjoyed the way the villain stayed the same that he didn't change through out the story and that the reader knows, who she is fighting against. I really liked the Oni too. I think that the way the people reacted is very plausible. People fear what they don't understand so the fact that they shunned him and exiled him like that does not surprise me. Ryu kept getting from bad to worse, with every thwarting of his power. I love that Daimu was able return and kinda of guide the people to see a different path than what Ryu was showing them.
I really liked the flow of the book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way the book progressed the writing was phenomenal. I was never left wondering, how did that happen, why is what's happening happening. It just flowed like water. I started this book at 5 pm and finished at 11 pm the same night. I couldn't put it down. If you haven't read the first book in the series, I definitely suggest you do so, because you wont know why some of the things are happening.
I love that she was able to find her "love" in the spirit world and in the living world. I also enjoyed the way the villain stayed the same that he didn't change through out the story and that the reader knows, who she is fighting against. I really liked the Oni too. I think that the way the people reacted is very plausible. People fear what they don't understand so the fact that they shunned him and exiled him like that does not surprise me. Ryu kept getting from bad to worse, with every thwarting of his power. I love that Daimu was able return and kinda of guide the people to see a different path than what Ryu was showing them.
I really liked the flow of the book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way the book progressed the writing was phenomenal. I was never left wondering, how did that happen, why is what's happening happening. It just flowed like water. I started this book at 5 pm and finished at 11 pm the same night. I couldn't put it down. If you haven't read the first book in the series, I definitely suggest you do so, because you wont know why some of the things are happening.
June 18, 2015
This was not such a bad book, though it did start out pretty slow. The main part of it that I had a problem with was the romance between the main character Himiko and Daimu.
First of all, I really didn't like Daimu. He was very underdeveloped as a character, and I didn't understand the connection between him and Reikon. When he first just showed up in the forest and met Himiko, it was like they were instantly in love, even though they had never met before. At the end when he died, it wasn't even very sad because it was all so sudden and had little effect on Himiko as a character. In a book, everything that happens should have a purpose, and Daimu's death was really for nothing. Himiko's character was barely affected by his death, her only resolution was that she would never marry anyone else. It also seemed like Himiko was the one who had all the conflicts and problems to deal with while Daimu was just completely perfect and always there when she needed him. It's gotten very frustrating reading books where the female protagonists are the ones with all the flaws and their love interests are underdeveloped and "perfect." Romance shouldn't be one flawed person with the other as their "savior." Himiko didn't need a love interest, especially not an unrealistic, perfect one.
First of all, I really didn't like Daimu. He was very underdeveloped as a character, and I didn't understand the connection between him and Reikon. When he first just showed up in the forest and met Himiko, it was like they were instantly in love, even though they had never met before. At the end when he died, it wasn't even very sad because it was all so sudden and had little effect on Himiko as a character. In a book, everything that happens should have a purpose, and Daimu's death was really for nothing. Himiko's character was barely affected by his death, her only resolution was that she would never marry anyone else. It also seemed like Himiko was the one who had all the conflicts and problems to deal with while Daimu was just completely perfect and always there when she needed him. It's gotten very frustrating reading books where the female protagonists are the ones with all the flaws and their love interests are underdeveloped and "perfect." Romance shouldn't be one flawed person with the other as their "savior." Himiko didn't need a love interest, especially not an unrealistic, perfect one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2014
While I enjoyed the first book, Spirit's Princess, this one just fell flat. For one thing, all the highlights from the first book were condensed into the text, it's a tact used in most cookie-cutter serial series...but gets annoying for experienced readers. Either we know what happened because we read the first book...or we don't need the details.
There was also an excess of suspension of belief required to follow the story line. Their life with the wolf clan is questionable. While there's the suggestion that some women have been misused, there's also the suggestion that the slaves are relatively free. There's discussion of 'gifting' a bride, but the bride is able to turn her captors down!?! Slaves don't generally have much say in what they're used for, especially female slaves.
I would have liked more immersion in the world of Ancient Japan; and more development of the relationships between the people of the wolf clan. The treatment of the chief's wife is inconsistent. The settlement seemed very small to be so powerful in the ability to march and devastate so many clans. All in all, I finished it, it wasn't a bad book...but I had higher hopes.
There was also an excess of suspension of belief required to follow the story line. Their life with the wolf clan is questionable. While there's the suggestion that some women have been misused, there's also the suggestion that the slaves are relatively free. There's discussion of 'gifting' a bride, but the bride is able to turn her captors down!?! Slaves don't generally have much say in what they're used for, especially female slaves.
I would have liked more immersion in the world of Ancient Japan; and more development of the relationships between the people of the wolf clan. The treatment of the chief's wife is inconsistent. The settlement seemed very small to be so powerful in the ability to march and devastate so many clans. All in all, I finished it, it wasn't a bad book...but I had higher hopes.
April 19, 2015
One of my favorite books in the Princesses of Myths series. I had only one issue with this book and that is that it just ends and then throws an epigloge in. The story itself was good but I think Himiko's story could have been split into three separate books in order to fit more story in.
I loved the characters and the story is well based. I don't know much about Japanese lore but this book has made me fall in love with it. Now I won't deny that I was expecting to learn more about the characters and I am a little confused by the Reikon and Daimu correlation. A lot happens in this book and at times it is hard to follow what is going on but none of that takes away from the book.
Can't wait to read about the next Princess of Myth. Esther is an amazing author and I fell in love with her books from the start.
I loved the characters and the story is well based. I don't know much about Japanese lore but this book has made me fall in love with it. Now I won't deny that I was expecting to learn more about the characters and I am a little confused by the Reikon and Daimu correlation. A lot happens in this book and at times it is hard to follow what is going on but none of that takes away from the book.
Can't wait to read about the next Princess of Myth. Esther is an amazing author and I fell in love with her books from the start.
December 28, 2015
It caught me but it didn't keep me. Okay, so this was a good book, yes. When (spoiler) Daimu died I cried because the death of any deeply loved character makes me cry, I cried when (spoiler) I found out Aki died. The story was good, I liked the use of the historical setting in Japan though I have my doubts about how accurate it was. Himiko seemed a little too op for me. Yes, she went through her hardships and, yes she had training to call upon the spirits but the frequency of their coming and the convenience of their arrival just didn't sit right with me. Ryu was a really good character, though in the end, after the earthquake I feel like he bowed to Himiko too much, changed too quickly, but other than that he was a really good character. But it was a good story. 3 out of 5 stars.
June 16, 2014
This book is not the strong woman, anti-damsel in distress book that you might think it is. She's a young woman who falls in love with one of her captors; disturbingly typical in the romance genera. She is only able to accomplish anything through the good will of men who adore and faun over her. They speak of her beauty, not her brains. She is at times determined and at times clever. This only ever gets the story moving. It takes the men in her life to get anything done. She even marries only to get what she wants; ok she may feels he loves him but the initial reason for them to get married when they do is so he can help her succeed.
May 25, 2013
Fun Adventure!
Could have done differently –
1. Too much retelling of information already read in the first book.
2. Sappy love scenes. Blak. I’m not a fan of romance. However, this is not a romance book; so, I only endured it in spurts. And there was one scene towards the end that I found endearing because it showed how much they trusted and supported each other.
Awesomeness –
1) Everything else!
2) Shows Himiko learning and growing within her trials
3) So much awesomeness that when the book ended, I missed all the characters and being in that world.
4) Strong, solid ending
Could have done differently –
1. Too much retelling of information already read in the first book.
2. Sappy love scenes. Blak. I’m not a fan of romance. However, this is not a romance book; so, I only endured it in spurts. And there was one scene towards the end that I found endearing because it showed how much they trusted and supported each other.
Awesomeness –
1) Everything else!
2) Shows Himiko learning and growing within her trials
3) So much awesomeness that when the book ended, I missed all the characters and being in that world.
4) Strong, solid ending
February 25, 2015
Aside from boring, it's all sorts of wrong. How is this in historical fiction? Even if it were fantasy or a made-up world, this book is so slow that I wanted to gauge my eyes out. Or just start a different book. You want Japanese elements in your fantasy? I get that. Read other books that are actually well-written and are either properly researched or are actually fantasy. If you know even a tiny bit of Japanese history and literature, this will make you want to flip tables, unless you fell asleep by page 60.
April 9, 2016
Enjoyed this book a lot. I was initially drawn to it by the cover and the fact that it is set on Japan, but I soon learned that there was more to this story. Himiko is a strong character with a gentle yet warrior-esque personality. She is compassionate to others but holds strong in her convictions, and can definitely be considered role-model material. Lady Badger is also a great character whom I would have liked to get to know better.
March 4, 2015
This wasn't as good as what I remember the first book being. Himiko is back and still has to deal with warring families in feudal Japan. She is a shaman/princess and still struggling to find her way in life. I love reading historical fiction about Japan, so I found that part interesting, but her soul searching was too slow for me. I wanted a hundred fewer pages of this ARC.
August 22, 2013
A historical fantasy novel about mercy, protecting the ones you love, making your own choices, and compassion. The world-building and character development are strong and realistic -- Himiko gives in to despair, lets kindness get in the way of honesty, and loses the man she loves. She is a Japanese heroine who leads with faith and a message of peace.
April 15, 2014
Kind of a slow story to begin with, leaving me feeling I have had enough of the childishness and all her trying to be what she wants to be. But the story picked up only to leave me disappointed. overall though it was good to read that I was not able to put down until I finished out of my curiosity for what had happened to her and the clan}
April 8, 2016
Took a little longer to read. I'm not sure why it was kind of difficult to get through in the beginning. Maybe it was the writing style or how slow it was. I felt like I was waiting for something to happen, waiting for more. The only thing that kept me going was my determination to finish because I try not to leave books unfinished. Only towards the end did it get interesting.
September 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this story, however I couldn't help a little bit of frustration at the end with Ryu's attitude of everything but overall I thought this sequel was as good as the first. Loved how strong Himiko's character is and how she is calm in the face of oppression. Great title.
June 14, 2013
The story is set in fudal Japan. Himiko's clan is attacked by the wolf clan and when she learns that they have taken her younger brother, she goes after to rescue him.
The story is moving and has well written characters.
The story is moving and has well written characters.
March 26, 2017
As I didn't really like the prequel to this book, I was a little wary of reading it, but I'm so glad I did. I literally almost cried at the end of this book, but everything works itself out in the end. Beautiful story.
September 24, 2013
This shows the journey of a strong woman that is doing all she believes she should to do what's best for for her people. I really enjoyed it and even looked up to see how much of it actually took place, surprisingly little is know about our heroine so any of this is completely possible.
October 2, 2013
I'd forgotten that I'm not a huge fan of Friesner's style--it's too ponderous and predictable for me. But I did want to see how things turned out, so I skipped to the end and sure enough, I was right.
April 13, 2014
This book tells what life is in general. Love, hardship, and etc. take place in this one book. This book is full of twists. I was crying and was sometimes even afraid to turn the page. This is just plain awesome!!!
December 28, 2020
Ms. Friesner's books are NOT historical fiction, I want to say this because that's the main reason her books get low ratings "they're not accurate historical fiction." No, but they are fiction, generally based on historical events and these books are a great magical read for any age.
January 1, 2014
Oh, such a great book, a bit sad with the death and all, but yeah, I really enjoyed this book, and it was just really great!!
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