If I could describe this book as a Jake Peralta gif it would be this:
This book is nothing short of amazing. I had literal goosebumps while I was reading it. It’s the type of book that reads like a movie in the best way possible. It is epic in every way, from the scene descriptions to the setting to the fight scenes. Not to be dramatic but I could literally feel the mountain air and snow in Kaigen when I was reading this.
The Sword of Kaigen is a stunning Japanese-inspired epic fantasy about loyalty, being betrayed by your own country and finding a way to. it’s a heavy martial arts story but I assure you the fight scenes are anything but boring. they are extremely detailed and immersive. It focuses on Matsuda Misaki, a woman with a deep past who left everything behind to fulfill her duty and her first born son Mamoru who was born to defend the empire.
It’s action after heart-pounding action. Every time I picked up this book I knew I would have goosebumps and it never disappointed me. It’s arguably one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read.
Characters As Star Signs
And now for my signature™ blog tour creative post: Characters as Star Signs *jazz hands*
Gemini are always down to the danger and strive on andreline rush. This perfectly describes Misaki. Gemini is all about output, so these twins love to act and often speak with their hands. Misaki supresses that part of herself to fit into the gender roles she’s been assigned by culture and society. Another incredible Gemini quality, however, is that these natural chameleons can quickly recover from even the most hurtful situations which explains Misaki’s resilience in the face of Matsuda’s treatment of her.
Aries are passionate and courageous. Mamoru’s entire being is loyalty and strength and there’s no sign that does that better than Aries. He’s loyal to a fault. The ram perfectly represents who Mamoru wants to be. Aries are inspiringly self-determinated can be inspiring, Aries needs to watch out for selfish tendencies. Aries is ruled by Mars, the dynamic red planet named after the Roman god of war. Accordingly, Mamoru is brought up to be always armed and ready for battle.
Of course Takeru is a Scorpio, we all know Scorpio men are the worst. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet that governs both destruction and rebirth. Pluto also represents violence, cruelty and sexual misconduct and that’s Takeru in a nutshell. Power-hungry Scorpios must remember that, if controlled by their egos, they are at risk of poisoning themselves but it’s a power he can not own as he is not the first-born son.
Uncle Takeshi is Pisces is symbolised by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the constant division of Pisces’s attention between fantasy and reality. Takeshi is half in this world but he’s always yearning for the battle he was raised to fight. He’s disturbingly excited about the fight but it makes sense since that’s his entire reason for being born. Takeshi is delusional which is a key Pisces trait.
Hyori – Libra Ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love it makes sense that Hyori, a homemaker and good friend is a Libra. Hyori is focused on the happiness of her loved ones Libras can navigate virtually any social situation which explains how effortlessly Hyori fit into a different class when she married Takeshi.
Kwang – Taurus a usually misunderstood sign but it fits Kwang perfectly. The Taurus in Kwang is represented by his stubbornness. Accordingly, Kwang’s stubbornness leads him to trouble. He doesn’t easily back down. Taureans are dependable partners, soothing their friends and lovers through their trustworthiness and devotion. Here’s a sweet soft child that’s not built for war but is more brains than brawn.
Giveaway
Click HERE to win a copy of The Sword of Kaigen! This giveaway is open internationally and sponsored by M.L. Wang. This will end on December 11, 2019.
I reviewed The Swrod of Kaigen as part of a blog tour hosted by Karina at Afire Pages follow the blog tour below to read more about this book and the Kaigenese Empire.
What is your absolute, top favourite Asian-inspired fantasy book? Let me know in the comments below!
sakhile whispers 
You had me at heavy martial arts 😂 Looked up my star sign so guess I’ll have to keep a special eye on Hyori if/when I read this book.
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