Wang - The Sword of Kaigen [Feb 1, 2020]

[Petrik]

Virginie wrote: "Petrik wrote: "@virgine: I AM SURE YOU are going to love it!"

Haha, I think so too :)
I remember thinking, after reading your review, that it sounds exactly like my type of book. Pre-ordered it im..."

Ah yeah! It was $1 or 1 euro. I'm so happy that you got the goodies from last year! :D

[Mayim]

Im im chapter 10 AND I AM IN LOVE.

[Beena]

About to start Chapter 11, so about 33% through now. Loved the last Chapter where (view spoiler)[Misaki finally picked up a sword again and was walking Mamoru through what he was doing wrong in his technique. (hide spoiler)]

Though Chapter 7 really made my blood boil! (view spoiler)[ I was simultaneously sorry for Misaki and angry at her. Sorry that she ended up with that indifferent prick of a husband and had to endure being a breeding machine for him and mad that she bloody let it happen! She's a fighter for gods sake, made me want puke that she was accepting her lot and not fighting back. She was so strong when she was younger and then turned into this subservient shell. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Uhm, have you guys checked the list of houses and characters, as well as the extensive glossary of all the Japanese and fantasy terms used at the end of the book? ;-)

Good idea! I didn't think to check for one. Though the terms do come at you thick and fast, you can generally work them out within the context.

[Tammie]

Beena wrote: "About to start Chapter 11, so about 33% through now. Loved the last Chapter where [spoilers removed]

Though Chapter 7 really made my blood boil! [spoilers removed]"

Just wait until you get to chapter 19 when you get the whole story of what happened and why she made the choice she made. I was so frustrated with her!

[Tammie]

Chris wrote: "I agree about the modern stuff being a bit.. jarring I guess? It's like Kwang came from 2020 and went back in time...."

Yes, it felt exactly like that.

[Tammie]

I'm up to chapter 22. Here are my thoughts about the chapters I've read so far:

Chapters 9 and 10 (view spoiler)[When Misaki helped Mamoru with his sword fighting technique. That was wonderful. Also the talk she had with him earlier on the deck. It seemed it was the first actual bonding moment she had with him. That was sweet, but sad at the same time, that it took her 14 years to really bond with her son. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[The whole battle kept me on the edge of my seat. The especially memorable parts were the ice dragon. That was really amazing. The super fast fonyakala that tied his braid off in the middle of the battle, and destroyed the ice dragon, he was a bit unbelievable, but still fun to read, even if he was the enemy. The death of Yukino Sensei was sad, and his reaction to killing a woman was sad, because it caused him to let his guard down. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 14 and 15: (view spoiler)[Misaki taking up the glass sword to protect her family, and how she took the enemy down one by one. That was awesome to read. I just wish she hadn't been ashamed of herself. I kept wishing she would realize that it didn't matter how she fought them as long as she was protecting the people she loved. She was amazing.

The way chapters 14-17 cut back and forth from mother to son was brilliant, but also drove me crazy because it would switch perspectives right when they were in over their heads. Also, Mamoru trying desperately to save his uncle and then having to leave him to die was heart wrenching. The way Uncle Takashi's nyama exploded when he died, creating the tree-like thing with all the bodies impaled on it, was pretty epic.

The terrible things that were done to the women and children in chapter 15 really got to me. It's never easy to read about dead babies. I do think though, that chapter 15 was one of my favorite chapters of the book so far. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 16 and 17 (view spoiler)[Misaki against the elite Ranganese, I was practically biting my nails. And Setsuko leaving the safety of the cellar. I thought for sure she was going to end up dying. I was so relieved when she was still alive. And Hiroshi, saving his mother at only 5 years old. That was unexpected.

Mamoru's battle with the dragon killer was another nail biting event. I didn't want to believe that Mamoru was actually going to die. That was so sad, but at the same time, I loved the way he went out, and the little bit of insight into the future concerning his brother, but how heartbreaking that no one would ever know what he had achieved. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[Poor Hyori. I could understand why she wanted to just die after her little tiny son was killed right in front of her, and the other things that were done to her. I was glad we were spared the details. This was a hard chapter to read. I really wanted Misaki and Takeru to be able to comfort each other, but as usual he was his same old iceberg self. I really wonder what is going on in his head. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[This chapter was a nice reprieve from the horrors of the previous ones, at least at the beginning. By the end of it I was frustrated and heartbroken, even though I already knew how it would end up. I was sad for Misaki, but also mad at her for just giving in so easily, and not fighting for what she really wanted. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[This is another of my favorite chapters. It was gut-wrenching to read about Misaki holding her dead son, and the way she realized that she has pushed him away and never really loved him, because of all the what ifs she couldn't let go of, what ifs that were there because of her own choices. She finally comes to realize that she does love him when it's too late. This part actually made me cry. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[I liked how Misaki comforted Hyori and helped her to see that what happened to her wasn't her fault, and that her husband had loved her enough that he would never have blamed her.

Misaki's reunion with her brother was nice. I just wished he could have called out her husband for the way he kept dismissing her. The way Takeru treats Misaki throughout the book is hard read. It just makes me so angry. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Just wait until you get to chapter 19 when you get the whole story of what happened and why she made the choice she made. I was so frustrated with her!

@Tammie, oh god! Just waiting to facepalm...

RE Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ Yeah, I felt the same about her helping him with his technique, it was a nice bonding moment for them. Their talk beforehand when watching the sunrise- I thought she was a tad bit harsh on him at first actually, when he was looking for reassurance. (hide spoiler)]

[Petrik]

@Tammie: (view spoiler)[Reading your thoughts on each chapter made me relive how brilliant and gut-wrenching this book was :( (hide spoiler)]

Enjoy! There are still many great moments to come! I'm so glad to hear that all of you are enjoying it now. It was my favorite book of 2019! :)

[Petrik]

Mayim wrote: "Im im chapter 10 AND I AM IN LOVE."

Don't give me hope. Are you saying that you're finally going to love a book that I LOVED!? US!? xD

[Mayim]

I’m afraid it’s happening, Petrik. Forget the coronavirus! This is a sure sign of the end of the world!

[Chris]

Beena wrote: " Though Chapter 7 really made my blood boil! [spoilers removed]"

JUST finished Chapter 7 and holy smokes, same thing. Her (view spoiler)[ husband is awful. I'm hoping we get to see her stand up to him at some point, or maybe Mamoru does for her which would be awesome. (hide spoiler)]

On a better note, (view spoiler)[ the action in Chapter 6 was really cool. Her past is fascinating and I'm assuming she's likely really powerful in present day after training with that master at Daybreak, I mean she already seemed really strong. Makes her willingness to live like she does with her husband sad though. At least we got the really sweet scene with her and Mamoru at the end of Chapter 7. (hide spoiler)]

[Petrik]

Mayim wrote: "I’m afraid it’s happening, Petrik. Forget the coronavirus! This is a sure sign of the end of the world!"

xD

[Tammie]

Chapters 27 and 28: This is what I've been waiting for! (view spoiler)[ Misaki finally letting everything out and giving Takeru a piece of her mind was great! I loved the duel so much. I also love when books give me a perspective that I did not see before, such is the case with Takeru here. I finally understand him. I also love that in the end, Misaki and Takeru took responsibility for their own mistakes and neither blamed everything on each other. This was such a powerful chapter, and such a turning point in their relationship. It made me sad that it took them 15 years to get there. This is my new favorite chapter. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Just finished. Wow! This is the first book I've given 5 stars to in over a year.

[Mayim]

Yes. Wow. I kept reading until small hours of the night and then I couldn't sleep for the reminder of it. This book is very powerful.

[Bea]

Bea wrote: "Mayim wrote: "I’ll start tonight. I have 73 people among my friends who want to read this!"

I really hope you'll like it! I did and I disliked a few of Petrik's faves that you also weren't a fan of so maybe that's a good sign??"

--> theory is now confirmed! 🤓

[Mayim]

so it is!

[Petrik]

Tammie wrote: "Just finished. Wow! This is the first book I've given 5 stars to in over a year."

Yayyy!! I'm so happy to hear that, Tammie! :D

[Tammie]

Mayim wrote: "Yes. Wow. I kept reading until small hours of the night and then I couldn't sleep for the reminder of it. This book is very powerful."

I was doing the same thing. It had me crying at 2am twice!

[Mayim]

I cannot remember last time that a book shook me out of my complacency and annihilated the ironic subconscious that offers snark comments whenever I read. Broken Earth maybe. But I’m not sure.

[Tammie]

Mayim wrote: "I cannot remember last time that a book shook me out of my complacency and annihilated the ironic subconscious that offers snark comments whenever I read. Broken Earth maybe. But I’m not sure."

That is one thing that keeps me from giving a lot of books 5 stars. I can be enjoying a book, but inevitably there will be something that makes me roll my eyes, or make a snarky comment in my head.

[Beena]

Up to Chapter 18 now and been loving it since about halfway through Chapter 11! That's what I've been waiting for! (view spoiler)[ Been loving the combination of sword fighting and magical fighting, awesome scenes! Also, interesting how specific and structured the types of magic are, how they can fight with it and that they have bloodline techniques. Although they use the same elements as other fantasy novels, I find it really refreshing and original. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13(view spoiler)[ That dragon created by Takashi and Takeru was awesome!! Really original idea. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14(view spoiler)[ Miskai tied the obsidian sword at her hip and realized how much she had ached for its weight there. A baby just wasn't the same. HELL YES MISAKI!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15(view spoiler)[ Loved that Misaki killed a soldier with her flowery hairpin! One of my favourite moments! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[Damn, I can't believe Hiroshi killed that fonyaka.. only 5 years old and already took his first life....

Noooo, and I can't believe Mamoru's dead! I didn't expect that to happen at all! I thought we'd follow him throughout the whole book! And he beat that elite soldier through sheer wit and achieved the Whispering Blade with no-one there to see it! (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Glad you guys ended up enjoying the whole book! Looks promising then!

[Beena]

@Tammie, regarding spoiler for Chapters 13-17

(view spoiler)[ Yesss, the ice dragon was my favourite part of that scene! Really cool! And I liked the super fast fonyakalu- still wanted him dead lol, but he made an exciting adversary for the Kaiganese warriors.


I'm so glad Misaki finally came into her own again and picked up her sword! Totally agree with you that it was sad she felt ashamed, she's a kick-ass fighter, doesn't matter how she takes them down.

The way Uncle Takashi's nyama exploded when he died, creating the tree-like thing with all the bodies impaled on it, was pretty epic. I loved that scene too!

Yeah Misaki against the elite, that had me on the edge of my seat!- When she ripped her arm out from the ice, that made me cringe! And I can't believe Misaki hesitated cos she thought the woman might have children, like, she's trying pretty damn hard to kill you, you know! I know, I thought Setsuko was being so stupid and for sure she was going to die!


Same, I didn't want Mamoru to die either and had completely the same thought as you, that know would know what he did. So sad. :( (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Beena wrote: "Glad you guys ended up enjoying the whole book! Looks promising then!"

I don’t think enjoyment is an apt word. This book shattered me and then rebuilt me in a new shape.

[Beena]

I don’t think enjoyment is an apt word. This book shattered me and then rebuilt me in a new shape.

Damn, sounds intense.

[Beena]

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[ I cannot believe Misaki. She is a coward. She should have fought for what she wanted instead of accepting her fate. Her father ordered her to marry Takeru but said he couldn't force her. She's only got herself to blame. And I hate the way she treated Robin at the end, she doesn't deserve him. (hide spoiler)]

[Diana Stormblessed]

Finally started last night. I'm about 15% in. I love the magic and I'm interested in finding out Misaki's background. I'm waiting to find out she was a (view spoiler)[great blood warrior or something. I predict her doing great, heroic things. I think the shit will soon hit the fan and I'm anxious to get to those parts. (hide spoiler)]

[Diana Stormblessed]

Tammie wrote: "Just finished. Wow! This is the first book I've given 5 stars to in over a year."

Oh wow that's setting up some great expectations for me 😂

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Glad everyone is loving this. Definitely my favorite new read of last year.

[Petrik]

Scott wrote: "Glad everyone is loving this. Definitely my favorite new read of last year."

I was genuinely scared for a while that everyone here is going to hate and dissed my favorite book of last year. Glad to see that this time it's not the case!

[Beena]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ Absolutely heartbreaking when Misaki finds Mamoru's body. So sad that she never truly knew him/ took part in his life. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[I've got a bad feeling about what these soldiers are doing to the dead bodies....

Also, I cannot stand Takeru! He is an absolute dick, doesn't even give a shit that his son his dead, is indifferent and abusive to his wife, wish he had died instead, at least it would free Misaki of him.
(hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Chapter 27- Damn, that was so unexpected. Surprisingly deep. (view spoiler)[ I really thought Misaki had killed Takeru for a minute. But wow, so much about Takeru makes sense now though- doesn't make it forgivable but it makes sense. That was a beautiful chapter. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Beena wrote: "Chapter 27- Damn, that was so unexpected. Surprisingly deep. [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I was not expecting that at all.

[Diana Stormblessed]

Chapter 10. This is so novel to me. (view spoiler)[You see books all the time of friends fighting together. Father and son. Even mother and daughter. I have never read a book about mother and son fighting together. I really hope that this isn't just for set up and that the coming adventure includes them both. I get tingles just thinking about it. (hide spoiler)]

Additionally, I love the language. I love the thrown in words and the fact that when speaking a different language it's italicized. It helps throw you into the world and trap you there. So far I'm greatly enjoying this book.

[Navi]

I'm on Chapter 6 and am seriously loving it so far! You guys were right about it taking off at around 25%.

What I love so far:
- The magic system is super cool/unique
- Extensive world building. (view spoiler)[ I'm especially intrigued by the lies the government has been telling the citizens (hide spoiler)]
- I like how Mamoru doesn't seem entitled even though he's a legacy
- Misaki's story is the most intriguing to me

Have any of you read the other books set in this world?

[Beena]

Finished!

@Mayim, I can see what you mean about "enjoyment" not being the right word... I'm not sure how I feel really, it took me by surprise.

(view spoiler)[ I'm so glad that Misaki and Robin got closure, those moments that they got to spend together were nice. I'm happy Misaki has finally come into her own and found peace.

I'd be really interested in a novel charting Misaki's days at Daybreak with Robin and the others, that would be really interesting. I know Wang has set up her next books to be in the future, but Misaki's early life would interest me more.

Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I LOVE her sword's name. Both the made-up name and the translation (Siradenyaa/ Shadow's Daughter) are awesome. You get some iffy ones sometimes lol. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Beena wrote: "Finished! ..."

I was glad they got closure too. I also thought a book or series about that would be cool. I would have been more interested in that too.

[Beena]

Definitely Tammie.

@Navi, totally agree about the magic system being really cool and unique, that was one of the things that stood out to me most too!
And you're right about Mamoru, he doesn't have an ego which I admire. Misaki definitely has the most interesting story. I've not read any of her other books yet.

[Beena]

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Chapter 10. This is so novel to me. [spoilers removed]"

I loved that scene too!

[Navi]

Misaki is a very unique character. I love the way the author explores motherhood in such an unorthodox manner. The following quote really highlighted this for me:

Eventually, she resigned herself to the idea that she was nothing more to him than a vessel, a womb to carry his sons—but that was alright. It would all be worth it when she held her child. As she reached out to hold Mamoru for the first time, she forced a smile. But as his tiny body curled up against her breast, he was as cold as Takeru. She held him close and waited, but the joy she was supposed to feel never came. All she felt was a frigid echo of her husband’s jiya, pulsing from the little body, reminding her that the child she held in her arms was not truly hers. He was a Matsuda. It was then that she should have realized that the divine light she had been promised was not coming. It was never coming. But Misaki had always been too stubborn—or too stupid—to acknowledge her mistakes. So, she forced down the tears, smiled her sweetest smile, and held the infant closer, even as the feel of him made her want to shudder and retch. She forced herself to love him.

[Diana Stormblessed]

Just finished Chapter 17. (view spoiler)[Fuck fuck fuck. Wow that was horrible. The action started around 35% and now at around 50% my heart is in my throat. I'm getting an ulcer from this non stop action. And I know it's not over yet, but after the way Mamoru went out I just need a break. I can't even read your spoilers for chapters I passed. I need to put this book down for a second. (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

I'm stuck on Ch6. I actually enjoyed most of the intro up to Ch6 and find the changes to Misaski's POV to be awkward. I want to know more about her but not a fan of the transitions. It doesn't help that this is only available in print. Gonna try and make time to punch through on the chapter tonight.

I like how many people are enjoying the book! *crossed fingers* Hoping that I will like it a lot too.

I'm probably more critical of the book because of the setting than I would be in general. I did not enjoy the Poppy War or Jade City as much as most of my friends/groups. Though, after reading Poppy War, I definitely appreciated the way Jade City was written more.

[Diana Stormblessed]

Just finished Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ and I'm sobbing. Misaki is about the same age as me. It's easy to relate to her. I can't, and don't ever want to, imagine losing a child. I'm sitting here going through tissue after tissue. I honestly don't remember the last time I cried over a book. (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

Haven't been as good about posting thoughts here as I read, gonna try and do better about that in the future. Probably make notes on chapters as I read. It was so hard to stop reading though!

Anyways, I just read Chapter 26.

(view spoiler)[ All of the action scenes were phenomenal. Gruesome, but so well-written that it painted a pretty vivid picture in my head. I had a bad feeling about something happening to Mamoru all book and I have no clue why.

What I wasn't prepared for, was Chapter 20, with Misaki mourning her son. That killed me. Can't remember the last time a book hit me like that, but that Chapter was hard. Feel so bad for her, even more so with the recurring nightmares she's having about him. So many other tragedies too. Can't stand this Colonel Song guy either. Really thought Takeru may say something but nope.. come on man. (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

And I'm finished. Easy 5-star. Very grateful that this book was mentioned here since that led to me finding it because that was beyond worth my time.

Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[ The duel!! She mastered the blood technique her brother talked about, that was awesome. Very well-written encounter too and it was so nice to finally get some emotion out of Takeru. Maybe I'm soft, but I hated this character and it very quickly turned to pity. Loved this chapter. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30: (view spoiler)[ Very cool to see the village come together to work on securing the village's future, but the Hyori scene was really sad. She was so innocently pure and happy earlier in the book. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31: (view spoiler)[ Well definitely did not expect Takeru to INVITE Robin to their home. The interactions his son, Daniel, was involved in were adorable. Lol, hard not to smile, but it was rough to learn of his recent past as well, especially how his son's mother had died.. the being who did it must be absurdly powerful. I'm bummed that this Theonite series may be finished, or at least for now, because I have to imagine that being played a big part. Still, I'm glad Misaki was able to help Robin find his peace. I love that he left money to help with the com towers and with the orphanage as well. The book was full of tragedy, but I appreciated the hopeful, somewhat happy ending. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, really loved this book. It may have had a slightly slow start as it taught you the world, but there was a point early on where it gripped me and it became very tough to put down. Even if the Theonite series is done, I'm definitely interested in anything M.L. Wang puts out after reading this.

Edit: Wanted to add also that Misaki is probably one of my favorite characters ever. If there's a lasting memory this book will have with me, I think it will be about Misaki.

[Sha]

well. i got to chapter 17.

you know, i was expecting this. i predicted this the moment when all of the story beats lined up. it was, narratively speaking, an excellent decision and i was not surprised.

i still have to take a moment. i am very upset.

[Diana Stormblessed]

Sha wrote: "well. i got to chapter 17.

you know, i was expecting this. i predicted this the moment when all of the story beats lined up. it was, narratively speaking, an excellent decision and i was not surp..."

I saw it coming but the way it was written was what have it the greatest depth of emotion.


Just finished Chapter 24. (view spoiler)[Man I really really really hate Takeru. I hope he doesn't survive this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Chris (view spoiler)[ That duel between Misaki and Takeru was awesome! And definitely agree it was a relief to see him finally displaying some emotion. I did feel sorry for him afterwards too, but all the sexist shit he comes out with still made me clench my teeth lol.

I couldn't believe Takeru invited Robin either! And I'm not one for children really but I enjoyed the interactions with Daniel as well. I liked that they had to watch him in case he turned into a little fireball lol. Yeah, it's a shame he wasn't as happy as Misaki had dreamed he'd be, but I'd liked the ending too, it was fitting. (hide spoiler)]