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Adventures of Takuan from Koto #1
Prince of Blue Flowers
Young boy Hatsukoi leaves his village to become a monk, only to find monastic life incredibly boring. With a new-found name and a new-found friend, Hatsukoi travels the countryside and plays tricks at the expense of corrupt, irate, greedy, and ignorant people. Nobles of all ranks—from petty governors to crown princes—fall victim to the boy’s wit and cunning.
As his tricks evolve from childhood frolics to elaborate cons, Hatsukoi grows as well. He learns not only the craft of his trade, but also its higher purpose.
Join Hatsukoi’s journey, laugh at his exploits, and learn with him.
As his tricks evolve from childhood frolics to elaborate cons, Hatsukoi grows as well. He learns not only the craft of his trade, but also its higher purpose.
Join Hatsukoi’s journey, laugh at his exploits, and learn with him.
227 pages, Paperback
Published December 20, 2022
1 person is currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 15, 2023
Wow! This book really exceeded my expectations in the best possible way. Written in the style of a fable it’s a fast paced fantasy story following a young trickster’s adventures.
In the beginning of the book we get the world building established: a place where demons have taken over the heavens and celestials have been forced to flee. The only thing protecting humankind from demons is a blessing of luck from the gods in exchange for housing the celestials in their prayers at monasteries around the world. The premise is very cool and we learn that despite the luck blessings there are a few ways demons can get to humans, primarily through exploiting our innate weaknesses such as anger and greed.
A young prankster named Takuan very much enjoys tricking people who give in to these weaknesses and we follow him on his adventures throughout the world. He definitely has a faulty moral compass but is still an enjoyable protagonist with a compelling backstory. He’s not evil, but rather comes across as naive about the consequences of his “pranks”. Like a trickster god from old mythology I’m rooting for him and against him at the same time.
I loved the fable like prose and the fast pacing made the story flow quickly so my interest never waned. The different pranks and tricks were clever and creative and very much amped up the fable resemblance which I enjoyed. The story ends a bit abruptly and while it technically wraps up the primary plot threads it doesn’t really stand alone. I don’t mind that though, the book was a short quick read and I’m already excited to pick up the next one!
In the beginning of the book we get the world building established: a place where demons have taken over the heavens and celestials have been forced to flee. The only thing protecting humankind from demons is a blessing of luck from the gods in exchange for housing the celestials in their prayers at monasteries around the world. The premise is very cool and we learn that despite the luck blessings there are a few ways demons can get to humans, primarily through exploiting our innate weaknesses such as anger and greed.
A young prankster named Takuan very much enjoys tricking people who give in to these weaknesses and we follow him on his adventures throughout the world. He definitely has a faulty moral compass but is still an enjoyable protagonist with a compelling backstory. He’s not evil, but rather comes across as naive about the consequences of his “pranks”. Like a trickster god from old mythology I’m rooting for him and against him at the same time.
I loved the fable like prose and the fast pacing made the story flow quickly so my interest never waned. The different pranks and tricks were clever and creative and very much amped up the fable resemblance which I enjoyed. The story ends a bit abruptly and while it technically wraps up the primary plot threads it doesn’t really stand alone. I don’t mind that though, the book was a short quick read and I’m already excited to pick up the next one!
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August 4, 2024قصة فانتازية مبنية على القصص الشعبية الآسيوية. للكاتب أسلوب سلس رسم المشاهد في رأسي دون عناء. وبدت الشخصيات والأحداث كرتونية بشكل طفولي ظريف وماتع.
غالبًا أتوجّس من قراءة روايات من هذا الصنف، لِما يحويه مِن قوالب رخيصة مكررة وتمطيط غير مبرر، وخيبات لا تنتهي رغم التوقعات المنخفضة. لكن عندما يبتعد الكاتب عن تلك القوالب الجاهزة ويصنع طريقه بنفسه، تصبح التجربة من أمتع ما يكون.
March 17, 2023
Thank you Netgalley, Ryu Zhong, and the publisher for gifting me a copy of Prince of Blue Flowers.
4.5/5
This was my first venture into Asian fantasy so there was a slight learning curve when I started reading. For example, at the end of each chapter, it would say... If you want to learn what happened to this character keep reading the next chapter. I don't need to be told this, but I got used to the little excerpts at the end of each chapter after a while. Is this how all Asian fantasy books are formatted? I also wasn't expecting that's how the book would end! So I will be checking out the second in this series.
This story starts with an old folk tale about a marten trying to catch the sun. The story was enjoyable but I thought I was reading a different book than the blurb because there was no young boy in this story. It discusses marten's adventures on his journey to capture the sun. We see the consequences of his actions and how they affect everyone else.
We then meet Takuan who is a trouble-making deceiver. He ends up in a monastery due to his mischievous ways and ends up being kicked out for the very same reasons. As the story continues we see how he has matured in his mischief and how he transforms himself into a deceiver.
This story is wonderfully written and I enjoyed how everything circled back around and connected to different parts of the story. This was my first attempt at reading Asian fantasy and it won't be my last. Ryu Zhong is a wonderful writer who kept me intrigued the entire time and I can not wait to read more of his work.
4.5/5
This was my first venture into Asian fantasy so there was a slight learning curve when I started reading. For example, at the end of each chapter, it would say... If you want to learn what happened to this character keep reading the next chapter. I don't need to be told this, but I got used to the little excerpts at the end of each chapter after a while. Is this how all Asian fantasy books are formatted? I also wasn't expecting that's how the book would end! So I will be checking out the second in this series.
This story starts with an old folk tale about a marten trying to catch the sun. The story was enjoyable but I thought I was reading a different book than the blurb because there was no young boy in this story. It discusses marten's adventures on his journey to capture the sun. We see the consequences of his actions and how they affect everyone else.
We then meet Takuan who is a trouble-making deceiver. He ends up in a monastery due to his mischievous ways and ends up being kicked out for the very same reasons. As the story continues we see how he has matured in his mischief and how he transforms himself into a deceiver.
This story is wonderfully written and I enjoyed how everything circled back around and connected to different parts of the story. This was my first attempt at reading Asian fantasy and it won't be my last. Ryu Zhong is a wonderful writer who kept me intrigued the entire time and I can not wait to read more of his work.
February 18, 2023
The ‘Prince of Blue Flowers’ novel is an Asian fantasy adventure story. The protagonist of the story, a boy named Hatsukoi, goes to a monastery for his pranks, but soon runs away in search of adventure.
Magical Asia, in which the reader finds himself, is similar to medieval China, or rather, to the world of ‘lakes and rivers’ of the famous Chinese epics and ‘wuxia’ adventure novels. Swaggering dukes, greedy governors, arrogant princes, industrious peasants, wise monks, and wandering warriors inhabit this world. Gods are there as well, busy with their own worries and problems.
Rich with colorful epithets and unusual proverbs, the language knits together fairy tales and a trickster novel, leaving an aftertaste of hidden poetry.
The adventures of Sun Wu-Kun, the tricks of Til Ulenspiegel and Khoja Nasreddin, the stories of Brother Rabbit — such associations arise while reading the ‘Prince of Blue Flowers’. In the humour that peeps between the lines, one can find echoes of novels and short stories by Robert Asprin and Terry Pratchett.
Under the guise of a light trickster tale lay a story about the roots of evil. It is a story about why it is easy to fool people who give in to their passions: greed, anger, ignorance.
“It won’t do for greedy people to swindle and get away with it. Here is a noble deed for my skills!” Our hero argues. But when his own bragging overcomes him, he himself gots into trouble. Luckily, as he understands that he became no better than his foes, the help gets on its way.
The moral of this book is simple: if you are greedy, angry, boastful, self-satisfied, and stupid, there will definitely be some trickster who will make you pay for your vices. Even if that trickster is yourself.
Magical Asia, in which the reader finds himself, is similar to medieval China, or rather, to the world of ‘lakes and rivers’ of the famous Chinese epics and ‘wuxia’ adventure novels. Swaggering dukes, greedy governors, arrogant princes, industrious peasants, wise monks, and wandering warriors inhabit this world. Gods are there as well, busy with their own worries and problems.
Rich with colorful epithets and unusual proverbs, the language knits together fairy tales and a trickster novel, leaving an aftertaste of hidden poetry.
The adventures of Sun Wu-Kun, the tricks of Til Ulenspiegel and Khoja Nasreddin, the stories of Brother Rabbit — such associations arise while reading the ‘Prince of Blue Flowers’. In the humour that peeps between the lines, one can find echoes of novels and short stories by Robert Asprin and Terry Pratchett.
Under the guise of a light trickster tale lay a story about the roots of evil. It is a story about why it is easy to fool people who give in to their passions: greed, anger, ignorance.
“It won’t do for greedy people to swindle and get away with it. Here is a noble deed for my skills!” Our hero argues. But when his own bragging overcomes him, he himself gots into trouble. Luckily, as he understands that he became no better than his foes, the help gets on its way.
The moral of this book is simple: if you are greedy, angry, boastful, self-satisfied, and stupid, there will definitely be some trickster who will make you pay for your vices. Even if that trickster is yourself.
February 2, 2023
I enjoy a good Asian fantasy, and a fun trickster tale, and this is both of those things. I initially put this on my "heist" shelf, but it's not really at the planning level of a heist; it's more the trickster character seizing his opportunities to put one over on the greedy people he encounters. The setting is mostly classical Chinese in feel, though most of the names (including the named gods) are Japanese. There's a formula that ends each chapter, as in traditional tales.
I got a bit of a Monkey: The Journey to the West feel from it, not least because the trickster also has ambitions to fight demons as a monk, though he gets expelled from his monastery because of one trick too many.
Overall, it's a fun ride, and it's good to have a trickster character who isn't just motivated by greed or mischief but is directing his natural exuberance to a noble end.
I got a bit of a Monkey: The Journey to the West feel from it, not least because the trickster also has ambitions to fight demons as a monk, though he gets expelled from his monastery because of one trick too many.
Overall, it's a fun ride, and it's good to have a trickster character who isn't just motivated by greed or mischief but is directing his natural exuberance to a noble end.
March 31, 2023
"Three roots of evil nestled in every person: ignorance, greed and anger. As soon as one of these roots touched the human mind, the gaze of that person became foggy and bleary, leaving him open to believing everything that nourished this evil."
a thoroughly enjoyable read! the way it's written resembles traditional tales and i really appreciated this style and use of language.
the main character, Hatsukoi, is a mischievous, clever boy whose journey was fascinating to read about and i was quite impressed with the way he carried out his tricks. the book was full of exciting situations and interesting characters, mixed with rich and witty writing. it contained lessons about human nature and how a person's greed can be the cause of their defeat. the story is constructed in a way that kept me entertained and interested, resembling being told a traditional tale with a moral to think about. i also adored the inclusion of a fox cub as our main character's companion which reminds us how important it is to have someone to lean on in life.
i definitely recommend checking out the book and i'm looking forward to the next part of Hatsukoi's journey!
thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC, all opinions are mine.
a thoroughly enjoyable read! the way it's written resembles traditional tales and i really appreciated this style and use of language.
the main character, Hatsukoi, is a mischievous, clever boy whose journey was fascinating to read about and i was quite impressed with the way he carried out his tricks. the book was full of exciting situations and interesting characters, mixed with rich and witty writing. it contained lessons about human nature and how a person's greed can be the cause of their defeat. the story is constructed in a way that kept me entertained and interested, resembling being told a traditional tale with a moral to think about. i also adored the inclusion of a fox cub as our main character's companion which reminds us how important it is to have someone to lean on in life.
i definitely recommend checking out the book and i'm looking forward to the next part of Hatsukoi's journey!
thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC, all opinions are mine.
March 3, 2023
Ryu Zhong's stories are amazing! They capture the beauty and charm of Asian culture and make me feel so much emotion, I can't help but fall in love with each one. I'm sure my future kids will love them too when I read to them at bedtime. Looking forward to more wonderful stories full of depth and heart!
May 14, 2023
I had a lot of expectations for this book and was really excited!! That being said, the writing style wasn't really for me. I think the slow prologue start combined with the somewhat repetitive chapter endings didn't really help me as someone who wanted or expected more. I think I understood the myth retelling aspect the author tried to portray but it didn't really come through for me sadly. I did like some parts of it though and I think the inclusion of mythology and culture was super cool!
September 20, 2023
3.5
Premise: I just saw now that the title of the book is not only Prince of Blue Flowers but is to add "Adventures of Takuan from Koto". I don’t know why the author didn’t decide to put it on the cover, but in my opinion, not having it on the cover only confuses the reading. Also, it would have made sense to switch the titles because Prince of Blue Flowers is forced(?), while "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" is more in line with the plot. It kinda confuses this explanation but I promise to try to describe it later.
Prince of Blue Flowers is that kind of story that fits into Asian fantasy where they have their way of developing a story. It was a 50-50 reading because the premises didn't fully satisfy me and I seem to have been deceived(?) because of the plot and title. I was convinced that Prince of Blue Flowers was an important character or an alter ego of Takuan, the protagonist, instead, I found that it's a character that appears only at the end of the story with a basic role that has saddened me.
On the other side, Takuan is a young boy who leads the story and it was interesting to read about his adventures. It reminded me a lot of the characters of the manga who seek adventures and don't stop in front of anything to have a taste of it. Takuan is a malleable character because if his stunts seemed sensible as a child, as he grows his intentions take on a malevolent character. For this aspect, it's interesting to see how Takuan is not the classic character who despite his questionable methods performs he passes for the "good" of the story. However, in the last pages, you see that his intentions take a darker shade and then the line that separates him from the people that he scams, the selfish rich, becomes more and more subtle. Too bad that the story stops just when there were still many things to discover and many questions without answers, but probably because there will be a sequel.
The magic element in this story does not disappoint and together with Takuan are the strong points of the reading. I don't want to make spoilers on this point but I can say that if you have already read stories with Asian demons or you have read manga set in the past with demons Prince of Blue Flowers its place close.
Despite doubts about how the story and title were presented, Prince of Blue Flowers is a pleasant read. The writing recalls a fairy tale and the setting in the ancient Asian world makes everything fantastic. Probably the slowness with which events are told will be unpleasant to read but once you understand its structure the story will be much more fluid.
(minor spoiler)
The part that I have conflict with is the plot. The reason is simple: the story's beginning opens with an old folk tale about a marten trying to catch the sun. As interesting as the story was to read it was still confusing because it seemed to be in front of another story. It would have been convenient to include in the plot a premise.
(end spoiler)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise: I just saw now that the title of the book is not only Prince of Blue Flowers but is to add "Adventures of Takuan from Koto". I don’t know why the author didn’t decide to put it on the cover, but in my opinion, not having it on the cover only confuses the reading. Also, it would have made sense to switch the titles because Prince of Blue Flowers is forced(?), while "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" is more in line with the plot. It kinda confuses this explanation but I promise to try to describe it later.
Prince of Blue Flowers is that kind of story that fits into Asian fantasy where they have their way of developing a story. It was a 50-50 reading because the premises didn't fully satisfy me and I seem to have been deceived(?) because of the plot and title. I was convinced that Prince of Blue Flowers was an important character or an alter ego of Takuan, the protagonist, instead, I found that it's a character that appears only at the end of the story with a basic role that has saddened me.
On the other side, Takuan is a young boy who leads the story and it was interesting to read about his adventures. It reminded me a lot of the characters of the manga who seek adventures and don't stop in front of anything to have a taste of it. Takuan is a malleable character because if his stunts seemed sensible as a child, as he grows his intentions take on a malevolent character. For this aspect, it's interesting to see how Takuan is not the classic character who despite his questionable methods performs he passes for the "good" of the story. However, in the last pages, you see that his intentions take a darker shade and then the line that separates him from the people that he scams, the selfish rich, becomes more and more subtle. Too bad that the story stops just when there were still many things to discover and many questions without answers, but probably because there will be a sequel.
The magic element in this story does not disappoint and together with Takuan are the strong points of the reading. I don't want to make spoilers on this point but I can say that if you have already read stories with Asian demons or you have read manga set in the past with demons Prince of Blue Flowers its place close.
Despite doubts about how the story and title were presented, Prince of Blue Flowers is a pleasant read. The writing recalls a fairy tale and the setting in the ancient Asian world makes everything fantastic. Probably the slowness with which events are told will be unpleasant to read but once you understand its structure the story will be much more fluid.
(minor spoiler)
The part that I have conflict with is the plot. The reason is simple: the story's beginning opens with an old folk tale about a marten trying to catch the sun. As interesting as the story was to read it was still confusing because it seemed to be in front of another story. It would have been convenient to include in the plot a premise.
(end spoiler)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
I received an ARC—thanks!
Genre: Fantasy
I've absolutely been loving Asian fantasy books. This book is another to add to your list.
We need more trickster characters—and this one is really something else!
Happy reading!
Genre: Fantasy
I've absolutely been loving Asian fantasy books. This book is another to add to your list.
We need more trickster characters—and this one is really something else!
Happy reading!
March 4, 2023
This is the First novel from Ryu Zhong I read as well as it’s the first asian Fatasy fable I met. I’m not a fan for Asian culture, however, this book changed my vision entirely. Not only author was able to launch me into to breathtaking adventure, I also got inspiration to dive into chineese and japaneese mythology.
Takuan’s journey is filled with vivid characters, funny and smart situations, gods and demons. The appealing language and story won my heart. I highly recommend to check this book out. Ryu Zhong is very promising author. And I can’t wait to see the continuation of Takuan’s adventures
Takuan’s journey is filled with vivid characters, funny and smart situations, gods and demons. The appealing language and story won my heart. I highly recommend to check this book out. Ryu Zhong is very promising author. And I can’t wait to see the continuation of Takuan’s adventures
May 31, 2023
this was very cool!! enjoyed it being told in the style of a classic fairy tale or fable, and it's very children's lit to me. intensely readable and i loved hearing about all the trickster's exploits :)
thank you to anno ruini & the author for the arc, in exchange for an honest review! sorry this is way late hahaha.
thank you to anno ruini & the author for the arc, in exchange for an honest review! sorry this is way late hahaha.
August 12, 2024
The start of an epic trilogy starring a young trickster and his mischievous fox companion.
After one too many pranks, young Hatsukoi is sent away from his village and banished to the life of a monk. Despite his family's expectations, this doesn't stop his devilish ways—Hatsukoi starts tricking the monks left and right until he is granted a new name, Takuan, after the stone marten Ta-Guan who always found herself getting into trouble in the Celestial Palace in the Heavens Above. Takuan soon finds himself embarking from his newfound home with his trusty fox sidekick at his side in which the world is their oyster to trick and bamboozle.
This story is unlike anything I've ever read before. It's told in a fable/fairy tale-esque type vibe, but it more so reads as if you are watching an old adventure show. Personally, it reminds me of the old Zorro show, especially with the way that each chapter ends with something like, "Figure out what happens in the next chapter of Takuan's story!" Many would probably find this cheesy, but it really only brings back fond memories for me and gives the book a unique storytelling flavor.
The beginning is a bit dull, but it acts as a bit of backstory for how Takuan gets his name. And hopefully Ta-Guan, the stone marten, will show up in later installments of this series. Once it got into Hatsukoi's point of view, the story really picks up quickly. It is fun to read about his childhood tomfoolery, his discontent with monastery life, and his evolution into Takuan the trickster who goes on to steal from the greedy, selfish, and cruel.
This book most definitely is meant to warn the reader against greed, envy, and other negative attributes. The best part is, Takuan isn't immune to these either and gets a taste of his own medicine in the end. I find reading about morally gray trickster characters to be a blast and I'm excited to consume more of Takuan's chaos in the future.
I also have to mention Takuan's stalwart companion, Jin the fox. He not only is a cutie, but he is imperative to Takuan. Jin has helped this crazy boy out of many tough scrapes and Takuan wouldn't be in one piece without his trusty fox. I'm interested to see a bit of lore on this guy in the next volumes as well.
Overall, I found "Prince of Blue Flowers" to be a great introduction into this Asian world of fantasy, trickery, and mischief. I like both Takuan and Jin as characters and I am very intrigued to see where their journey takes them in the next two books!
After one too many pranks, young Hatsukoi is sent away from his village and banished to the life of a monk. Despite his family's expectations, this doesn't stop his devilish ways—Hatsukoi starts tricking the monks left and right until he is granted a new name, Takuan, after the stone marten Ta-Guan who always found herself getting into trouble in the Celestial Palace in the Heavens Above. Takuan soon finds himself embarking from his newfound home with his trusty fox sidekick at his side in which the world is their oyster to trick and bamboozle.
This story is unlike anything I've ever read before. It's told in a fable/fairy tale-esque type vibe, but it more so reads as if you are watching an old adventure show. Personally, it reminds me of the old Zorro show, especially with the way that each chapter ends with something like, "Figure out what happens in the next chapter of Takuan's story!" Many would probably find this cheesy, but it really only brings back fond memories for me and gives the book a unique storytelling flavor.
The beginning is a bit dull, but it acts as a bit of backstory for how Takuan gets his name. And hopefully Ta-Guan, the stone marten, will show up in later installments of this series. Once it got into Hatsukoi's point of view, the story really picks up quickly. It is fun to read about his childhood tomfoolery, his discontent with monastery life, and his evolution into Takuan the trickster who goes on to steal from the greedy, selfish, and cruel.
This book most definitely is meant to warn the reader against greed, envy, and other negative attributes. The best part is, Takuan isn't immune to these either and gets a taste of his own medicine in the end. I find reading about morally gray trickster characters to be a blast and I'm excited to consume more of Takuan's chaos in the future.
I also have to mention Takuan's stalwart companion, Jin the fox. He not only is a cutie, but he is imperative to Takuan. Jin has helped this crazy boy out of many tough scrapes and Takuan wouldn't be in one piece without his trusty fox. I'm interested to see a bit of lore on this guy in the next volumes as well.
Overall, I found "Prince of Blue Flowers" to be a great introduction into this Asian world of fantasy, trickery, and mischief. I like both Takuan and Jin as characters and I am very intrigued to see where their journey takes them in the next two books!
April 22, 2023
[ARC provided by NetGalley & Ryu Zhong]
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, although I can't say that I knew what I was coming into. The introductory chapters confused me as they didn't allude to what was described in the blurb, and there was no hint that the first 25% was more like a prologue. That being said, upon passing the 25% mark and finally meeting Hatsukoi, I really started to enjoy reading about the tricksters adventures.
Prince of Blue Flowers is a light fantasy with a fun cast of characters. Following Hatsukoi throughout his cons was genuinely funny at times and I really loved seeing the many ways he would evade his victims. He was a very cunning character but he didn't have motivations that were truly bad. Having spent time at a monastery, he maintained some semblance of nobility and, much like Robin Hood, would mostly focus on conning those that were greedy or cruel. Although he was young and often naïve in the face of consequence, it was hard to dislike him.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys low stake fantasy paired with prose that feels like you're reading a whimsical fable.
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, although I can't say that I knew what I was coming into. The introductory chapters confused me as they didn't allude to what was described in the blurb, and there was no hint that the first 25% was more like a prologue. That being said, upon passing the 25% mark and finally meeting Hatsukoi, I really started to enjoy reading about the tricksters adventures.
Prince of Blue Flowers is a light fantasy with a fun cast of characters. Following Hatsukoi throughout his cons was genuinely funny at times and I really loved seeing the many ways he would evade his victims. He was a very cunning character but he didn't have motivations that were truly bad. Having spent time at a monastery, he maintained some semblance of nobility and, much like Robin Hood, would mostly focus on conning those that were greedy or cruel. Although he was young and often naïve in the face of consequence, it was hard to dislike him.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys low stake fantasy paired with prose that feels like you're reading a whimsical fable.
January 13, 2024
I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
dnf at 52%
Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the concept and the first half of the story, but then it become more and more repetitive to read. I think the world building, concept, and mythology are super cool with unique story telling structure, but some parts can be edited down so it won't be as meandering and repetitive.
dnf at 52%
Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the concept and the first half of the story, but then it become more and more repetitive to read. I think the world building, concept, and mythology are super cool with unique story telling structure, but some parts can be edited down so it won't be as meandering and repetitive.
September 23, 2023
This is a fun MG fantasy adventure, blending familiar elements of Chinese myth with a unique trickster hero, Takuan. Takuan plays a lot of pranks that often end with him richer than before, making for such a fun read. Each chapter tells a new part of his adventure, with a rhythm that feels perfect for bedtime stories or reading in class.
December 18, 2023
What a fun story about a trickster and con artist in this fable. Takuan goes on a journey to find his family and experiences different adventures along the way. I really loved the way the author told the story, it is very whimsical. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 29, 2024
I do not support books with AI art on their covers.
July 12, 2023
I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.
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