Yokai

by Rainey April

From Rainey April, author of paranormal bestseller, Seraphim Fresh Young Adult Fiction Become immersed in the folklore, legends, and myths of ancient Japan in this new paranormal romance from bestselling author Rainey April. Sixteen-year-old Kit Maguire has never met her mother, made lasting friendships, or had a permanent home, and she's always known that she was a little different from others. When Kit and her father move to Kyoto, Japan, her father insists that this time will be better, but Kit is reluctant to give it a try. The kids in Kyoto seem to be the same as everywhere judging her for her looks before they get to know her. She figures it's just one more short stop that she won't make friends, so why bother? With the appearance of her thought-to-be-dead mother, Kit yearns to find out more about her mom, their family, and why she has the ability to conjure green fire. When a girl named Yoriko insists on becoming friends and two of the hottest guys in school vie for her attention, things get complicated. Kit learns just who she is and what she's capable of, but with that knowledge comes the realization that she may never be able to have a relationship with Riku; as their clans are bitter enemies. Kit hopes that their love will bring the clans together and that she'll get everything she's ever family, friends, and a place to call home. Download it today and take a trip to Japan without ever leaving home!

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2012

Reviews

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Feedback: Yokai is (as stated in another review) a little outside of this author's typical storytelling. With this said I was amazed at how well she did. I am no where near a manga reader (The Graphic Novel of Odd Thomas angers me) so when I say this is a great read I really really really mean it. It is a quick look into the life and culture of Japan's youth. If you are into YA books, give this one a try as you will not regret it.

Point of View: Again the author as in previous books that I have read by her is great at telling a story as if she was living it.

Voice: I may have missed the bus on the voice the author was trying to bring to this one but I feel that it gives YA fans the idea of YA struggles and how they affect everyone.

Character Development: I have never seen characters developed so well. I was with Kit every step of they way.

Plot: Very rich throughout and intriguing to the last page.

Pacing: I flew through this one in about 2 hours and that is with a wife, kids, a dog and a job to handle. The author compels the reader throughout the story to get to the next page.

Setting: Japan, now I may enjoy manga.

Continuity: The only thing I noticed here was the ending but after reading more than 200 books in the last year I would wager that there is a sequel to this one in the works.

[Molly Snow]

This is a really good YA paranormal romance. I wish the book's cover was up, so you can all see it here. I would love to see more books similar to this one by the same author. I won't rate it, since she and I write in the same genre, but just know I thought this book was awesome. It kept me up at night.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars