Wang - Sword of Kaigen [Feb 1, 2021]

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Sword of Kaigen - The Sword of Kaigen

February 1, 2021.
Requested by Iain.

[Jason]

Excellent

[Claudia]

+1!

[Sha]

Me~

[Graeme]

A classy book from my POV. Just flawless in its emotional notes. Like a beautifully aged top-notch shiraz. I'm sure everyone on this thread will enjoy this one.

[Soo]

Hm, Andrew Tell is okay as a narrator but I don't know if I can handle the American accented pronounciations for Japanese words/names, etc.

I was planning on getting the audiobook to help read the story but I'm going to try the book again.

So... I'm an outlier and did not think the story was amazing. I read about 1/3 before I stopped trying to read it. I found it really easy to drop the story and do other things. I think it has potential but I thought it was a cute anime style story at best.

I'll try reading it first. If that doesn't go well, I'll buy the audio. I'm crossing my fingers & hoping the story will grow on me like the Wandering Inn. LoL Course, that ginormous webserial has a different lure & reasons to love/hate relationship. =P

[Tammie]

Soo when I read it I thought it really picked up after the 1/3 mark. That's when it started to really get good.

[Ryan]

Agree with Tammie. The beginning is slow but it picks up, and then it's nonstop action for half the book. Then when that's over there's a really lengthy denouement. It's an odd structure for sure and might turn some people off, but it didn't bother me.

[Jason]

Going in Early on this, starting today as February is very busy on the book front.....

[Soo]

If you're in the team comp, you can start the book 7 days before the start date in order for the points to count. If you're not in the team comp, start whenever ya want. =)

[Jason]

1st chapter done, writing is smooth... Lot of to and froing at 1st looking at maps, the who's who and glossary to get a little grounded but that is part of the fun for me at first.

[Jason]

On ch 7 and it is really good

[Jason]

This book is brilliant

[Katie]

My paperback finally came in the mail today. Man this book was hard to find in a physical format. Lol. Can’t wait to begin with you all on the first ^~^

Glad you’re enjoying it so far Jason!

[Katie]

Okay! So I had no idea I could start early for the challenge. Thanks for the info Soo! Since I have so many books in February I'm gonna start today ^~^

I’m only 10 pages in so far and I really like the world building. Being in this fictional Japan-like world where tradition mixes with technology is so fascinating. I mean Kwang mentioned being good at video games! Lol. So this traditional school is very different from main cities it seems ^^

Random thoughts up to page 36~
(view spoiler)[Takashi’s love story was so sweet. Lol. Buying all of the fishos from his girl 😂

Misaki’s and Setsuko’s sisterly bond is just so touching 🥺 Women sticking up for one another, being there when times are tough, and being able to make another smile ^^

Epic duels with Misaki and the four year old Ryo were the cutest. And hints at her being a strong water bender. 🤔 That tickle attack at the end though. No mercy😆

Marmoru’s attack was amazing!!! But I’m totally with his Sensei on this one. It’s important to learn basics first or you could seriously hurt someone. No matter how talented. (hide spoiler)]

I swear, I'm a sucker for these early character building slice of life moments. hehe. So I'm loving it so far.

What?! Jason, you mentioned a character glossary in the book?! And here I've been making notes on the side to keep characters straight. lol. I really should check beforehand.

[Jason]

I was forever flicking to the maps and the whos who and glossary, but sooner rather than later it all starts to stick

[Katie]

Jason wrote: "I was forever flicking to the maps and the whos who and glossary, but sooner rather than later it all starts to stick"

That's good to hear ^^

[Jason]

Chapter 27.... Wow

[Jason]

Chapter 27 for me it's the heart of the book.... Just bloody amazing

[Katie]

@Jason ~ I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Can't wait to get there!!

Random Thoughts up to page 54ish
(view spoiler)[Oooh! I’m really liking the introduction of the politics of the world. Having people who are unaware of things outside their own little personal bubble. It’s so good. So clever to write this way.

And oh boy. That fight after history class. Oof. This exchange student is offering some info that Mamoru doesn’t want to hear or believe. I hope he learns the truth~

“Was the headmaster serious about challenging people to single contact? You guys really still do that?”
“How else will we settle our differences?”
omg. really? XD

Those memorials though. oof
(hide spoiler)]

[Heather]

I'm in!

[Ryan]

Yeah I just reread Chapter 27, it's good stuff. Misaki remains the best-developed character I've read for a really long time, and her relationship with Takeru is also really well-explored.

[Katie]

@Ryan ~ That's awesome! Misaki is definitely one of my favorite characters so far. I'm really intrigued by her past. Can't wait to learn more~

[Narilka]

I'm planning to start this when I finish my current read.

[Katie]

Excellent! Welcome Heather and Narilka! Glad to have you~
Feel free to join in whenever. The BR starts the 1st, but a few of us started a bit early. No rush :D

[Jason]

Oh please rush to this book.... lol

[Jason]

Just finished what a great book.... Really look forward to seeing what you will all think of it.

[Franziska (tintenklexxe)]

(I can read english much better than I can write, so sorry for any mistakes!)
Last night I couldn't sleep so I started and read through the first ten chapters. Here are my thoughts:)
(view spoiler)[
First off, I really like the world and can't wait to learn more about it. I like Kwang as a character that has a less traditional and more advanced background - Kwang is all like "oh, you don't play video games, you fight with swords? Cool, cool."
or when Mamoru tells him it's common practice to settle diputes with sword duels and Kwang is like "why would you do that? You could just talk it out"

A question that just came to my mind: Why do they fight with swords? I mean, they have advanced technology, TV, satelites, magic, fighter jets and such. Don't they have guns?

And the magic is so cool! Reminds me of ATLA.
I especially like the flexibility/diversity of the water bending. You can form weapons and shields out of ice, you can cushion your fall with snow, you can make foodholds, stop bleeding, coat your fist in ice to hit harder….it's really creative. I hope we learn more about the different magic skills - the illusion thing was pretty cool, too.

I like how this oppressive traditional society is protrayed in the family dynamics and how Misaki has to deal with her internalised mysoginy. Misaki is a great character and the flashback of her school/training was awesome! Her relationship with Setsuko is heartwarming - I loved their interactions and how Setsuko doesn't put up with Misaki talking bad about herself.
(hide spoiler)]

I really enjoy the book!

[Katie]

So glad you enjoyed the book Jason! Can't wait to discuss more things with you all!

So tempted to read that spoiler Franziska, lol. But I gotta catch up first XD

[Meera]

It sounds like this is going to be a good book!

I just started it and only at 7% in but I am enjoying it. (view spoiler)[ I hope more is developed with Misaki's character as time goes because she's the one I'm most interested in right now (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Bunch of people started early... I'll be here on Monday...

[Katie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Bunch of people started early... I'll be here on Monday..."

I'm sure you'll catch up in no time xp

[Katie]

Scribbles and Thoughts up to Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[Loving this story from the past. And Robin is such a refreshing leader. Encouraging his followers to take down but not kill the enemy. You rarely see this kind of thing. It’s refreshing ^~^

"We can’t claim to be crime-fighters if we disrespect life just as much as the criminals we fight" ~ really liking Robin here

Man. Just reading on why Robin picked Misaki for the team. And how he appreciates her different opinions. I love this. Considering how some of these provinces educate their people, it’s nice seeing people in this world who want that to change.

"I would’ve thought that you’d want to work with people who see the world the same way you do… I think that would be a mistake, then who would tell me when I was being stupid?"

"The world doesn’t need another powerful bender to force his ideas if justice upon the city." — yessss. This

Reading about the point system battle right now. Ugh. It’s striking a nerve. When my dojo went to a competition for this kinda hand to hand point kinda combat we hated it! People winning for fast flashy moves doesn’t work in a real fight. My dojo fought hard and got lots of penalties ^^; But were definitely the better of the fighters. Some of this kids. I don’t know how they could survive in a real street fight with the high flashy kicks. I’m glad my Sensei taught us street smarts ^~^
Rant over. Lol. Back to the book.

This mock sword fight is making me miss my kobudo partners back at the dojo 😢

I’m so glad Misaki lost that fight. Lol. She is a very good swordsman, but she hasn’t been training. It only made sense that should would lose to her superior. But that drive shone through. And the Sensei is going to teach her!! Still though...she loves Robin right? We know that she has an arranged marriage ... >_<

This fast forward is tragic. “...it will be worth it” The icy coldness surrounding her. When she needs that warmth. And her child did not even cheer her 😞

This father-in-law is absolutely wretched!!!

Chapter 7 was absolutely tragic. Misaki choosing to follow her family and tradition instead of standing up for her own wishes. It was heartbreaking to read all that she went through. I’m so so glad she has a friend in Setsuko. And that bit at the end where she told to tell her son the truth ~<3 Absolutely lovely

Oh my gosh. The balls to say that to his father O.O
(hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Meera wrote: "It sounds like this is going to be a good book!

I just started it and only at 7% in but I am enjoying it. [spoilers removed]"

Oh, you're in for a treat for sure. Such a great character~

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I managed 25% at work this morning... I really liked the opening chapters with the boys, and the flashbacks with the woman... but I needed a break after the more recent flashbacks (view spoiler)[with the mother's miscarraiges... (hide spoiler)]

I was actually starting to wonder what the main story was going to be about, because we're 25% in and still working through the backstory... it's been a couple months since I read the blurb, and having re-read the blurb, I'm kinda excited to get to the implied stuff...

Between the blurb and what I've seen so far, I get a bit of a Guns of the Dawn vibe, even if that's clearly a bit off the mark...

Also, the anachronistic culture gives me North Korea vibes... just based on my limited knowledge of North Korea...

I haven't had any problems with the narrator so far... but I'm pretty accepting of most narrators, and don't have the experience to critique the butchering of the asian languages that might be going on, for all I know...

[Katie]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I managed 25% at work this morning... I really liked the opening chapters with the boys, and the flashbacks with the woman... but I needed a break after the more recent flashbacks [spoilers removed..."

Whoa! See?? I knew you'd catch up fast, you speed reader you XP

I totally know what you mean about wanting a break after that chapter. It was heartbreaking >_<

I also kinda thought the same thing as you with Kaigen reminding me of North Korea and how things are taught/advertised there. (I also don't know much about this country, so I could be wrong... but yah know )

So you like the audiobook so far? With the reader? I decided to buy a paperback because I heard some people were iffy on the read XD

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Kinda lost momentum for the day... distracted by my teeth... got off work, managed to pop a crown and bit it and hurt another section of my teeth... got an appointment with dentist in the morning tho, hopefully sort everything out...

Makes eating dinner hard...

[Brian]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Kinda lost momentum for the day... distracted by my teeth... got off work, managed to pop a crown and bit it and hurt another section of my teeth... got an appointment with dentist in the morning t..."

Damn! Sorry bro! Teeth pain is the worse. I've lost two playing hockey and I hate the dentist with a passion.

Good luck buddy!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Brian wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Kinda lost momentum for the day... distracted by my teeth... got off work, managed to pop a crown and bit it and hurt another section of my teeth... got an appointment with de..."

I have mixed feelings about dentists... I had terrible teeth growing up... got it all fixed in my 20s...

This whole situation just kinda sucks... I've kinda wanted some skittles for the past week... finally picked some up, bit into them, and dislodged crown... didn't realize what happened and bit down...

At first, I actually couldn't figure out where the tooth came from... for a second I thought maybe there was a tooth/crown in my skittles... all of a sudden I'm the freak news story?

Called dentist, unsure if crown was whole and recementable (I think it might be)... within an hour of calling, the dentist had some sooner openings open up, so I don't have to deal with this for days...

But I didn't realize I might have caused more damage on the opposite side of my mouth until much later, since I stopped eating anything while I went to the store and got some poligrip for the crown until my dentist appointment... the advice on phone was to eat with other side of mouth... now I'm kinda left with chewing with front teeth?...

So much damage over a bag of skittles... that's what I get, I guess...

[Claudia]

Fun fact: the rangalese are actually speaking Chinese, e.g “ni qie le wo de tou fa” means “you cut my hair”

[Narilka]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Kinda lost momentum for the day... distracted by my teeth... got off work, managed to pop a crown and bit it and hurt another section of my teeth... got an appointment with dentist in the morning t..."

Ouch! Glad you got an appointment quickly.

[Narilka]

I'm starting this one tonight. Looking forward to catch up with you all.

[Katie]

@Claidia oh my gosh! I didn’t know that about the language!! That’s so cool! Thanks for sharing!!

[Paula]

I'm also starting today and I'm hyped. I've heard so many great things of this book and can't wait to start

[Claudia]

Hehe @Katie another one was “ni hao kuai” which means “you’re so fast”!

[Katie]

Welcome Paula!! Can’t wait for you to begin!! ^^

So cool! Thanks Claudia!! Love knowing these little things :D

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Tooth update: skittles cost me $600

I bit the crown after it popped off, and cracked a bit off the underlying tooth... little bit came off before bed, when I took the Poligripped crown off the tooth so I wouldn't swallow it in my sleep...

So there was a gap under the crown now, and I needed a new mold for a new crown... and $600 is pretty much what I expected to pay, after insurance covered it's part...

EDIT: Might have spoken too soon... a small toothy looking sliver came out of my mouth at lunch... I hoped it was an artifact from the dental work that they missed washing out putting the temporary on... but the rest snapped off at dinner... so now I have to call the dentist again when they open this morning... 12 years of dental work and I keep finding new ways to have problems...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Claudia wrote: "Hehe @Katie another one was “ni hao kuai” which means “you’re so fast”!"

that's not what I learned ni hao meant in my WoW days of mocking gold farmers...

Learned it meant hello basically... altho google says it literally translates to "you good"

[Claudia]

well, now you’ve learnt something new.

kuai is fast, hao kuai is very fast, ni is you.

Words can take on different meanings depending on their position in a sentence, but that shouldn’t be surprising.

[Franziska (tintenklexxe)]

just read chapter 27 and I don't think I can stop now ---

@Claudia thanks for the translations! Really interesting:)