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

[Chris]

@Beena,

(view spoiler)[ Definitely fair. Getting to learn a little bit about him was nice, but those sexist tendencies were still there. It SEEMS like it would be improving going forward with the help of Misaki, so that was a nice arc for him. 15 years of being an absolute douche to Misaki is tough though.

The imagine of Daniel in all of the scenes were just funny to me. Him smacking his dad in the head while riding his shoulders or yeah the fireball thing, just a nice, happy image to have in my head after all the terrible images that lead up to it in the book. I'm with you though, good ending. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Diana Stormblessed]

Chapter 27. I'm sorry but I had to roll my eyes a little. (view spoiler)[The man was totally abusive. He instituted the rule that Misaki couldn't talk about her past. And now we're to believe he knew nothing about it and we're to pity him cuz he's released all is emotions into the mountain? It just doesn't seem consistent with his character for the other chapters. I have no pity. He made her life miserable. (hide spoiler)]

[Graeme]

Hi All, I've jumped in. Still in ch 1 getting introduced to the main characters.

[Twila]

I've also jumped in! I read a bit last night and am now up to chapter 9 (30%). Nothing too important has happened yet, just really getting to know the characters and their backstories. And I like them! I wish we would get a bit more Mamoru, though :)
I have yet to get a clear idea of where the plot's going, but I'm excited to find out!

[Graeme]

Wow, Twila, you're ripping through.

[Twila]

I'll be starting another book soon, so I'll be slowing down from now on.

[Anni]

Haha, I started with the first group and you already surpassed me Twila 🙈 To be fair I hadn't made much progress... I wish there was an audiobook I could listen to

[Twila]

I REALLY wish there was an audiobook as well! I just know that I'm pronouncing everyone's names SO wrong, lol.

[Twila]

Guys, you just need to reach 35%
I'm halfway through now and the book has been absolutely insane since then 🤯

[Tammie]

Twila wrote: "Guys, you just need to reach 35%
I'm halfway through now and the book has been absolutely insane since then 🤯"

Yes exactly!

[Graeme]

8% in. Ch2, done. Nicely written. The world building is immersive. I'm not sure if I care enough about Momoru and Misaki yet. Still early days and happy to keep reading about this world.

P.s. Need to get past 35%....

[Mayim]

I am checking your updates, Graeme. I hope you will reach a breakthrough soon. ;)

[Twila]

Graeme, it took me a while to warm up to them. Mamoru's stubbornness was actually annoying me, but I just had to keep reminding myself that he's really young still :)

I paused at 50% to read another book, but I'm ready to continue now. Spoilers up to chapter 16 (view spoiler)[It REALLY sucks what just happened to Mamoru. I was really growing to like him and his growing relationship with his mom 😭😭
Will she even ever know what happened to him? Find his body? UGH

I'm hoping that maybe some miracle happens and he survives, but there's probably no chance of that happening.

Misaki defending her family all on her own is so inspiring. She's such a g, lol. I don't like her husband at all, but he BETTER REACH AND HELP SOON.

I really hope Kwang ends up alright. He ran off to help, so I'm hopeful there. (hide spoiler)]

Not really a fan of some of the flashbacks that happen during the action. Feel it's a little misplaced, but I'm otherwise really enjoying this.

[Graeme]

I like it, just not in love with it yet. The world building is awesome. The reader is just thrown in, which reminds me of Erikson's Malazan books.

There's a kind of medieval vibe, or perhaps 18th century feel to it. Which gets broken when an unfinished maglev is mentioned, and you realize the society is more complex than it first appears.

The society is very patriarchal, and I'm wondering at Misaki's choice to come to where she is now at the end of Ch. 2. Because it sounds like she had at least one other major option. She seems truncated, like she's been half chopped to fit into a small social box, she's aware of the loss, but doesn't seem to regret it (yet), it's more like the 'loss,' has crept up on her.

I'm with Kwang on the nature of the history lesson.

Momoru is clearly gifted, and ambitious in the extreme. Which could lead to becoming a right bastard, but I suspect he won't do that. Otherwise, he's an enthusiastic boy, who's biggest sin appears to be pride - which may be the source of some undoing in the future.

[Twila]

Graeme wrote: "I like it, just not in love with it yet. The world building is awesome. The reader is just thrown in, which reminds me of Erikson's Malazan books.

There's a kind of medieval vibe, or perhaps 18th ..."

Yes, I also wonder about Misaki's choice. I'm really hoping the book goes into detail on why her life went the way it did when it really seems that she liked fighting. Hmmm

[Graeme]

She has the spirit of a warrior.

[Graeme]

Finished ch 3.

(view spoiler)["And for the first time in his three years at the swaying school, Mamoru threw up." (hide spoiler)]

I can relate to this. The massive head spin of revelation when cherished beliefs are overturned. This is excellent writing.

Plus the (view spoiler)["cleaning the roof punishment scenes" (hide spoiler)] had me laughing out loud. Like Kwang, I have a deep (or is that steep) fear of heights.

[Twila]

Graeme wrote: "Finished ch 3.

[spoilers removed]

I can relate to this. The massive head spin of revelation when cherished beliefs are overturned. This is excellent writing.

Plus the [spoilers removed] had me l..."

I loved the roof scene too! (view spoiler)[I just can't believe they choose to punish kids like that. I mean, they almost died out there! (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

Graeme wrote: "Finished ch 3.

[spoilers removed]

I can relate to this. The massive head spin of revelation when cherished beliefs are overturned. This is excellent writing.

Plus the [spoilers removed] had me l..."

I love reading your reflections, Graeme. So deep and nuanced.

[Graeme]

Hi Twila, it sounds like cleaning the roof was a common chore. However Kwang slowed the process down, it got dark and out of control.

Plus, warrior culture demands a level of indifference to risk, danger, etc. Not stupidity, but risks must be confronted and managed effectively.

[Graeme]

Thanks Mayim. High praise.

[Anni]

Graeme wrote: "Hi Twila, it sounds like cleaning the roof was a common chore. However Kwang slowed the process down, it got dark and out of control.

Plus, warrior culture demands a level of indifference to risk,..."

It also sounded as if their way to school alone is quiet dangerous as well 😅

[Graeme]

Indeed. Treking up a goat track...

[Graeme]

And the school moves in the wind....

[Graeme]

Ch 4. (Taps the stem of a quality crystal champagne flute eliciting a fine and pleasant tone.) Like that note, the emotions of young Mamoru ring true as he confronts harsh and unexpected truths. Truths he had no desire to discover. There is a spiritual earthquake beginning with these tremors within his soul.

[Ryan]

It's late but I'm going to start reading this soon.

[Twila]

Welcome, Ryan!

[Graeme]

Welcome aboard Ryan.

[Mayim]

How is your champagne, Graeme? The flute still standing or broken yet?

[Graeme]

Still standing, Mayim.

I'm really enjoying the book. Wang's both an excellent writer and a marvelous story-teller.

[Mayim]

I am glad the book pleases you. Truly.

[Graeme]

Thanks, Mayim.

[Graeme]

24% in. A question arises. What happens when water falls in love with fire?

It remains to be seen.

[Mayim]

Steam?

[Graeme]

Seems reasonable. We'll have to see what the 'firebird,' chooses to do.

[Graeme]

Ch 10 (aka 33%). The Dojo scene. Everyone who has read this book will know of what I speak. Such a huge turning point for Mamoru and Misaki.

A lot of tension in these scenes, beautifully put together and decisively resolved. In this case, the Djinni has been let loose and will not be put back in the bottle.

[Chris]

Graeme wrote: "Ch 10 (aka 33%). The Dojo scene. Everyone who has read this book will know of what I speak. Such a huge turning point for Mamoru and Misaki.

A lot of tension in these scenes, beautifully put toge..."

Gonna echo Mayim here, but I've been enjoying reading your updates. Glad you're liking the book, and no doubt, the dojo scene was phenomenal. One of my favorite parts of the book.

[Graeme]

Yeah, it's a highlight in an excellent story.

[Mayim]

What she did there with the father-son and mother-son dynamics was incredible.

[Graeme]

Indeed, Mayim.

[Graeme]

Chris wrote: "Gonna echo Mayim here, but I've been enjoying reading your updates. Glad you're liking the book, and no doubt, the dojo scene was phenomenal...."

Thanks Chris, much appreciated. This is one of the better books I've read in a long time.

[Mayim]

I am so glad to hear it! My bookvangelisation works! :D

[Graeme]

Ch 16. 51% done.

Full blown war.

Some impressions.

Takeshi fears (view spoiler)[becoming rust. That fear is decisively put to rest. (hide spoiler)]

Misaki is ashamed (view spoiler)[of the way she fights (an ambush predator) when compared to the Matsudas, but for me this is like comparing Ninja with Sumurai. Just different, and something I think she has to come to terms with. (hide spoiler)]

The way the battles are expressed by Wang, it speaks of time spent thinking about the different strategies and techniques of the various factions. I wonder if Wang has a list, or a cross-reference matrix of techniques and their effects.

Only half way through and (view spoiler)[characters are dropping like flies... I'm expecting at least one stick save of a major character to happen. Surely Mamoru will recover from his injuries. (hide spoiler)]

The visual highlight has to have been the (view spoiler)[Ice Dragon. (hide spoiler)]

The emotional highlights? There is so much going on. Its been a very nice Sunday afternoon reading for me. I'm thankful I have a book which is immersing me. I've come to care for the characters and I wonder what will happen next.

[Ryan]

I really enjoyed this. Just a few questions, if anyone wants to grapple with them.

(view spoiler)[How is the taboo of talking badly about the Empire enforced? I realize that the Empire could punish Takayubi if it was found out, but how would it be? Takayubi is a close-knit community and the Empire doesn't seem to have anyone posted there regularly. It wouldn't have been warranted before the Ranganese attack, but after, there was plenty that could have been said that wasn't.

Why did Takeru always disregard his wife's feelings and opinions? I realize the province had rather backward views of women, and that he retreated into the mountain to avoid emotions, and wanted to avoid violence, but none of these seem to me to be sufficient justification for an ostensibly good man to ignore his wife.

Suppose Misaki was not strong enough to physically confront Takeru, or didn't want to challenge him to a duel. Would there have been another way to get him to take her seriously? I feel an honest talk may have been possible without taking such an extreme, dramatic step. (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

Ryan wrote: "I really enjoyed this. Just a few questions, if anyone wants to grapple with them.

Someone else may have a more informed answer to your first question, but I do not.

As for the other two, (view spoiler)[ I don't think his treatment of Misaki was justified at all. It's tough to view things from a perspective like that. He grew up in a setting where that appeared to be relatively normal; that wives were better off doing "womanly" things rather than assist with "man" stuff. I don't think it's exactly justified, but I think that's all there is to it. He was raised that way, and thought that way his whole life, and rather than face anything to challenge that.. he would instead retreat into the mountain. The only time there seemed to be a hint that he was troubled with anything was when he was in the bunker.

They both seem to acknowledge in the end that their whole conflict could have been handled better. Misaki mentions that she never saw him as someone needing someone else to reach out to him, so she didn't. I like to think though, like you, an honest talk, would've been much better.

Those are my takes anyway, curious to hear yours and others'! (hide spoiler)]

[Graeme]

Regarding Takeru, (view spoiler)[it seems to me that he is a genuinely cold individual who has a belief system that endorses and licenses his coldness.

But, I'm only half way through - perhaps something changes. (hide spoiler)]

[Ryan]

Graeme, you better refrain from looking in spoilers/commenting until you're further through. There's lots of relationship development to come. From the beginning I knew there had to be some revelation coming about Takeru to explain him being such a jerk.

Chris, justification was the wrong word. Of course it was never justified. (view spoiler)[What I meant was it didn't even seem realistic for him to be such a jerk given the background. Your answer makes sense, though - maybe that really was enough. Also, I forgot to mention his traumatic childhood - I know trauma victims go through all kinds of stuff and often end up abusive as adults. Perhaps that is sufficient explanation after all. (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

Ryan wrote: "Graeme, you better refrain from looking in spoilers/commenting until you're further through. There's lots of relationship development to come. ."

Gonna second Ryan here, Graeme! Don't wanna ruin the payoff.

@Ryan, (view spoiler)[ I didn't even consider the trauma as a child, that's a good point. I could definitely be wrong by dismissing his reasoning to something so simple, was just a thought. I do see what you mean. Outside of his treatment of Misaki, he's not evil or anything. He wants everyone to be taken care of. He's harsh, and cold, but he's no tyrant. So I see where you're coming from, if he's not a bad dude, why the bad treatment?

That's why I mainly think it's just the background he came from. To him, as clear as it is to us, he maybe does not realize how wrong he is. It's just "how things are" I guess is what I'm trying to say, from his perspective. It also doesn't help that nobody ever really seems to challenge him in his thought process until Misaki at the end. He IS looked up to by everybody, so perhaps people feared confronting him, but if he is raised to believe something, and then is never once told his belief is archaic.. it's how I "justify" it I suppose.

Kinda similar to Mamoru and his beliefs about his government. He doesn't think anything of it until someone close to him gets him to start reconsidering. Maybe that's what Takeru was missing until the incident with Misaki. (hide spoiler)]

[Graeme]

Thanks. I'll keep my eyes shut...

[Tammie]

Ryan wrote: "I really enjoyed this. Just a few questions, if anyone wants to grapple with them..."

For your third question (view spoiler)[ I'm sure an honest talk could have helped, but I'm not altogether sure he would have listened to her the way he needed to. She may have needed to do something dramatic to get his attention in the first place. The duel is a statement and a release for all that pent up rage she held inside her for all those years. Plus it wouldn't have been half as fun if they had just talked, and it gave me, as a reader, a sense of justice for Misaki. (hide spoiler)]