Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Thomas Dunne Books (2012), Hardcover, 336 pages
Description
In this dystopian steampunk fantasy set against a backdrop of feudal Japan, warrior Yukiko captures a supposedly extinct (but crippled) griffin for the Shogun, then learns -- after meeting secretive Kin and the rebel Kage cabal -- of the horrifying extent of the Shogun's crimes, both against her country and her family. Returning to the city, Yukiko is determined to make the Shogun pay -- but what can one girl and a flightless griffin do against the might of an empire?
User reviews
LibraryThing member snat
And now, the book genre I did not know I had been waiting my whole life to read: Japanese steampunk. Oh, hell yes.
Set in an alternate feudal Japan where a crumbling empire is teetering on the brink of collapse due to its dependence on the blood lotus (a plant that powers their machines, drugs their
During the first 40 pages or so, I was settling in to truly dislike the book. I mean, it's got some problems: some purple prose here and there, a bit of melodrama, a monster that seems a little too easily tamed, and some seriously anachronistic language (I was ready to bail when a poster in the beginning encourages people to "be all that you can be"). At times, it also seems as though the author is trying too hard to convince us that he knows Japanese history and culture (seppuku is mentioned umpteen times--yes, we get it, you know what seppuku is; move on). The environmental theme also bothered me in the beginning; the blood lotus as a stand-in for big oil is pretty transparent. I can attribute my initial reaction to the fear that the core of the book was simply going to be a didactic environmental message and the fantasy elements were simply a veneer for an agenda. Once I realized the environmental message was taking absolutely nothing away from the world-building, I embraced it. (By the way, I have nothing against such messages and, in fact, whole-heartedly agree with them; I just prefer them in non-fiction form.)
However, there's also a lot that's right: 1984-esque overtones, an inventive world, Iron Samurai, air ships powered by the blood lotus, Japanese mythology, and, my favorite, the Keening that allows you to witness Yukiko and the griffin become of one mind (this also helps offset the seemingly impossible ease with which Yukiko tames the beast; in fact, she becomes more aggressive and animalistic in her responses as the griffin engages in more complex thought and emotion). Also, I look forward to Kristoff exploring the framework of The Guild in future novels as they're only introduced here and, as a secret sect, offer many possibilities as antagonists in future novels.
All in all, this is an impressive debut and I'm sure that the series will only get better. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book 2.
Set in an alternate feudal Japan where a crumbling empire is teetering on the brink of collapse due to its dependence on the blood lotus (a plant that powers their machines, drugs their
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populace, and is rapidly destroying their land while it pollutes a sky that has turned red from its toxins), Yukiko is a member of the Fox Clan. Her father, the imperial hunter, is given an impossible task--to catch an extinct griffin and return it to the power crazed Shogun. When the quest proves successful, Yukiko uses her secret gift, the Keening, to probe the mind of the griffin only to find the animal possesses a human like consciousness and intelligence. The Keening is a gift for which Yukiko could be killed if it's discovered by the religious zealots known as The Guild, mechanized men who keep the blood lotus blooming and wield the true power of the Shogun's empire. As her mind becomes increasingly intertwined with that of the griffin, Yukiko begins to question the rigid class system and the reliance upon a power source that is so clearly destroying the environment and the minds of the populace. During the first 40 pages or so, I was settling in to truly dislike the book. I mean, it's got some problems: some purple prose here and there, a bit of melodrama, a monster that seems a little too easily tamed, and some seriously anachronistic language (I was ready to bail when a poster in the beginning encourages people to "be all that you can be"). At times, it also seems as though the author is trying too hard to convince us that he knows Japanese history and culture (seppuku is mentioned umpteen times--yes, we get it, you know what seppuku is; move on). The environmental theme also bothered me in the beginning; the blood lotus as a stand-in for big oil is pretty transparent. I can attribute my initial reaction to the fear that the core of the book was simply going to be a didactic environmental message and the fantasy elements were simply a veneer for an agenda. Once I realized the environmental message was taking absolutely nothing away from the world-building, I embraced it. (By the way, I have nothing against such messages and, in fact, whole-heartedly agree with them; I just prefer them in non-fiction form.)
However, there's also a lot that's right: 1984-esque overtones, an inventive world, Iron Samurai, air ships powered by the blood lotus, Japanese mythology, and, my favorite, the Keening that allows you to witness Yukiko and the griffin become of one mind (this also helps offset the seemingly impossible ease with which Yukiko tames the beast; in fact, she becomes more aggressive and animalistic in her responses as the griffin engages in more complex thought and emotion). Also, I look forward to Kristoff exploring the framework of The Guild in future novels as they're only introduced here and, as a secret sect, offer many possibilities as antagonists in future novels.
All in all, this is an impressive debut and I'm sure that the series will only get better. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book 2.
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LibraryThing member Pabkins
Kick-ass fight scenes, vivid characters and mythic creatures in a crazy alternate steampunk Japan that will ensnare you!
I find it really hard to portray just how radtastic of a read Stormdancer is. Steampunk is certainly all the rage right now but I haven’t seen anyone do it the way Kristoff has
There are the expected airships and goggles that most people have come to identify steampunk with. However, what might not be expected was the awesome mechanized full body armor suits and chainsaw like weapons.
Yukiko and Buruu (the gryphon) were excellently crafted characters. Both of them displayed solid personal growth through the entirety of the book. Yukiko went from a young girl concerned mostly with her own feelings to a woman ready to fight for the good of the people. Buruu was just as interesting. He seemed very angry and closed minded in regards to humans but the way he thinks and feels changes gradually until he trust his very life to Yukiko. I’ve rarely seen the development of a relationship done so well with the slow progression of trust.
I don’t want to give anything away but I must say there were a lot of twists in Stormdancer that I didn’t see coming. I absolutely love it when I can’t predict what is going to happen in a book. It has me foaming at the mouth to know what is going to happen next.
I find it really hard to portray just how radtastic of a read Stormdancer is. Steampunk is certainly all the rage right now but I haven’t seen anyone do it the way Kristoff has
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managed. He didn’t glorify the machines, instead he showed us the gritty dirty side to what a crazed machine age could do to the once beautiful and lush country of Japan. Cue the blood red bleeding skies, with air so choked with filth the populace can’t even go about daily life without wearing a breathing apparatus. To bad the poor are stuck with just a rag over their mouths and noses. Who doesn’t like a little grime and misery?There are the expected airships and goggles that most people have come to identify steampunk with. However, what might not be expected was the awesome mechanized full body armor suits and chainsaw like weapons.
Yukiko and Buruu (the gryphon) were excellently crafted characters. Both of them displayed solid personal growth through the entirety of the book. Yukiko went from a young girl concerned mostly with her own feelings to a woman ready to fight for the good of the people. Buruu was just as interesting. He seemed very angry and closed minded in regards to humans but the way he thinks and feels changes gradually until he trust his very life to Yukiko. I’ve rarely seen the development of a relationship done so well with the slow progression of trust.
I don’t want to give anything away but I must say there were a lot of twists in Stormdancer that I didn’t see coming. I absolutely love it when I can’t predict what is going to happen in a book. It has me foaming at the mouth to know what is going to happen next.
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LibraryThing member callmecayce
Overall, I liked Stormdancer, but I want to get my dislikes out of the way first. I understand what Kristoff was going for, but his heavy handed use of Japanese culture (or faux Japanese culture, I don't know enough to be certain) was almost off putting. Luckily his main character, Yukiko, was
Of course, all of that being said, I did enjoy Stormdancer, I just didn't love it. The steampunk elements mixed in with the idea of the lotus fuel/substance is quite well done. The characters are interesting and Kristoff's plot is engrossing enough to keep me from being too bothered by all the Japanese terms he throws around. But by far and away the best character in the book is Buruu, the griffin/thunder tiger. His character and interactions with Yukiko are some of the best in the book -- I love their ways of communication and the way their friendship borders on intimacy without being gross or creepy.
The climax and final battle of the book are also good and I was invested enough that I cried. The epilogue sort of ruins that moment and doesn't necessarily give us much to wonder at. I'm not sure what the next book in the planned trilogy will be about, but right now I'm not sure I want to read it if it doesn't involve Yukiko and Buruu.
And lastly, an aside. There were also some great minor characters, including Yukiko's father, the Shogun of her city, a guildsman/mech named Kin (who I want to know more about) as well as a palace guard (Hiro, I think?) and a lovely maid/lady in waiting type woman. There were quite a few strong/kick ass women, including Yukiko. I hope we find out what happens to many of the rest of these characters, and all the ones I've not included, because there stories are both intertwined with Yukiko's and just as interesting.
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interesting enough to keep me reading (unlike The Windup Girl that was extremely heavy handed, but without anything to pull me in). My other gripe is that I can't figure out of Stormdancer belongs in young adult or adult fiction. Yukiko is sixteen, but she doesn't always seem sixteen (which isn't necessarily a problem, as all of Gracelings characters are youngish and seem more adult). Of course, all of that being said, I did enjoy Stormdancer, I just didn't love it. The steampunk elements mixed in with the idea of the lotus fuel/substance is quite well done. The characters are interesting and Kristoff's plot is engrossing enough to keep me from being too bothered by all the Japanese terms he throws around. But by far and away the best character in the book is Buruu, the griffin/thunder tiger. His character and interactions with Yukiko are some of the best in the book -- I love their ways of communication and the way their friendship borders on intimacy without being gross or creepy.
The climax and final battle of the book are also good and I was invested enough that I cried. The epilogue sort of ruins that moment and doesn't necessarily give us much to wonder at. I'm not sure what the next book in the planned trilogy will be about, but right now I'm not sure I want to read it if it doesn't involve Yukiko and Buruu.
And lastly, an aside. There were also some great minor characters, including Yukiko's father, the Shogun of her city, a guildsman/mech named Kin (who I want to know more about) as well as a palace guard (Hiro, I think?) and a lovely maid/lady in waiting type woman. There were quite a few strong/kick ass women, including Yukiko. I hope we find out what happens to many of the rest of these characters, and all the ones I've not included, because there stories are both intertwined with Yukiko's and just as interesting.
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LibraryThing member jolerie
"When a man's fate is not his own, when he may die at the behest of a man born luckier or wealthier, when he sweats all his life for scraps from another's table, then he is in peril."
Daichi's eyes glittered in the half light.
"But when he accepts it in his heart, when he ceases to struggle against
A world abandoned by the gods of old, where once majestic creatures of lore graced the heavens, but have long since deserted a world choked and dying of pollution. Machines rule the world. A corrupt imperial family is headed by a selfish and cruel emperor. A hidden resistance group is bent upon bringing down the last ruler of a dynasty at any cost. This is the world that Yukiko calls home. Commanded by her emperor, accompanied by her father, Yukiko, must journey into the wilderness to find and capture an extinct creature that has not been sighted for generations. The cost of the mission to Yukiko may be everything she holds dear and close to her heart.
Stormdancer takes your typical steampunk setting and transforms it into to an entirely original world filled with the tastes and sounds of feudal Japan. A lush and vibrant world without interesting characters is like a canvas void of colours and details. In that respect, Kristoff was successful in building a world that you want to explore, and characters you can't help but want to cheer for. Overall, a very solid and intriguing introduction to a series that I fully intend on following. Recommend for anyone who is interested in a creative interpretation on a well established genre.
Daichi's eyes glittered in the half light.
"But when he accepts it in his heart, when he ceases to struggle against
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that fundamental injustice, then he is a slave."A world abandoned by the gods of old, where once majestic creatures of lore graced the heavens, but have long since deserted a world choked and dying of pollution. Machines rule the world. A corrupt imperial family is headed by a selfish and cruel emperor. A hidden resistance group is bent upon bringing down the last ruler of a dynasty at any cost. This is the world that Yukiko calls home. Commanded by her emperor, accompanied by her father, Yukiko, must journey into the wilderness to find and capture an extinct creature that has not been sighted for generations. The cost of the mission to Yukiko may be everything she holds dear and close to her heart.
Stormdancer takes your typical steampunk setting and transforms it into to an entirely original world filled with the tastes and sounds of feudal Japan. A lush and vibrant world without interesting characters is like a canvas void of colours and details. In that respect, Kristoff was successful in building a world that you want to explore, and characters you can't help but want to cheer for. Overall, a very solid and intriguing introduction to a series that I fully intend on following. Recommend for anyone who is interested in a creative interpretation on a well established genre.
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LibraryThing member MichelleL_15
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Wow. It's been awhile since I've read anything like this. This book was amazing. Great characters, a complex world, and beautiful writing.
Cover:
Look at that cover! Most people like the US cover, but I prefer the UK version more. Both are beautiful though. The US cover
World:
The setting for this book is a mix of steampunk and dystopian which I think is a great combination. I love steampunk and it was included really well into the story without being forced. The dystopian setting was a realistic one. Some dystopian books are never explained well and seem to be dystopian just because it's what's popular now. The world is a very complex one and incorporates a lot of historical Japanese culture. At the beginning it was confusing because everything needed to be explained and for some people this will really slow down the story. What stood out the most to me is that this world that Kristoff has created reflects so closely on our own. I hope this book will cause people to think more carefully about the state of our planet. I love the world that the author has created and I can't wait to read more books in this setting.
Characters:
I loved the characters. They were not necessarily relatable, but the kind of characters that the readers can understand. They made mistakes and had their weaknesses, but they were also strong and stubborn and willing to sacrifice.
Writing:
The writing style might be what readers would hate the most. A lot of Japanese words are used and for someone who doesn't understand a word of Japanese this is going to cause a headache. Personally, I loved it. I've taken 3 years of Japanese class and while not fluent, I can understand the basics. Plus the style of writing is the kind that makes you feel something and give you shivers.
Plot:
The story is slow in the beginning. Not because nothing is happening, but because of all the culture being incorporated and the introductions being made. Once you get into it though the story gets really good. Everything is more complicated than it seems. There are new developments and plot twists added in every chapter.
Overall:
I feel like some parts of this book weren't explained enough, but everything else was done amazingly well. I'd recommend this for readers who love action and fantasy because there isn't a whole lot of romance going on in here. Everyone should give this book a chance because I think there's something in there for everyone to love.
Wow. It's been awhile since I've read anything like this. This book was amazing. Great characters, a complex world, and beautiful writing.
Cover:
Look at that cover! Most people like the US cover, but I prefer the UK version more. Both are beautiful though. The US cover
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matches the story more than the UK cover. I also love that the author gave so much credit to his cover artist.World:
The setting for this book is a mix of steampunk and dystopian which I think is a great combination. I love steampunk and it was included really well into the story without being forced. The dystopian setting was a realistic one. Some dystopian books are never explained well and seem to be dystopian just because it's what's popular now. The world is a very complex one and incorporates a lot of historical Japanese culture. At the beginning it was confusing because everything needed to be explained and for some people this will really slow down the story. What stood out the most to me is that this world that Kristoff has created reflects so closely on our own. I hope this book will cause people to think more carefully about the state of our planet. I love the world that the author has created and I can't wait to read more books in this setting.
Characters:
I loved the characters. They were not necessarily relatable, but the kind of characters that the readers can understand. They made mistakes and had their weaknesses, but they were also strong and stubborn and willing to sacrifice.
Writing:
The writing style might be what readers would hate the most. A lot of Japanese words are used and for someone who doesn't understand a word of Japanese this is going to cause a headache. Personally, I loved it. I've taken 3 years of Japanese class and while not fluent, I can understand the basics. Plus the style of writing is the kind that makes you feel something and give you shivers.
Plot:
The story is slow in the beginning. Not because nothing is happening, but because of all the culture being incorporated and the introductions being made. Once you get into it though the story gets really good. Everything is more complicated than it seems. There are new developments and plot twists added in every chapter.
Overall:
I feel like some parts of this book weren't explained enough, but everything else was done amazingly well. I'd recommend this for readers who love action and fantasy because there isn't a whole lot of romance going on in here. Everyone should give this book a chance because I think there's something in there for everyone to love.
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LibraryThing member usagijihen
Okay, so I'm going to break my own protocol here and start this review all in caps: "STORMDANCER" DESERVES ALL THE STARS.
Really.
It's seriously one of the best YA fantasy books I've read in the past decade. I try not to go overboard and flail like this over a book, but...I just can't help it. While
Okay, so to the minor issue I had with the book: linguistics. If you read the book, you'll notice the word "sama" is used as "lord". Let me fix this for you guys: indeed, in Japanese, "-sama" is used as a suffix when referring to someone drastically above you on the social ladder - like a lord/lady/prince/etc. But the correct word would really depend on how far up the person is up on the ladder. If the person really is a lord or lady, you'd probably use the term "goshuujin (one's lord/mistress)" when addressing them/talking about them, OR add the suffix "-dono" to their name. "Sama" by itself is a word, but it doesn't, by itself, mean "lord/mistress". I would have been a bit less disgruntled in the linguistics department had Kristoff just used "my lord" in English, and "yes?" instead of "hai?" (because that's wrong, too). Yukiko and the Kitsune clan would probably just stick to normal formal verb endings (-san, etc) unless it were the prince they were talking to (because they're just too 'low class' in the linguistic education department to do otherwise - and I won't even go into that).
End rant. But that's really a small matter and I'm INSANELY picky when it comes to correct language use, so...yeah. It didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel but it did bug me a bit and I had to get that out of me. I will admit that I was tickled over his names for the rivers (Maiden, Pure, White), and I liked how Kristoff explained why he named the rivers thus.
But in all other aspects, this novel is absolutely gorgeous and soars just like Buruu in a storm. The characters are woven seamlessly back into the world and because they're so intricately interconnected, makes the entire experience even more pleasurable - the worldbuilding, too, is top notch, because Kristoff figured out how to connect all characters, even the ones we see the least, back to the dying land of Shima. It's so good it's almost disturbing that this is his debut - he has the hand of a master in the genre already with his first book. I can see why Patrick Rothfuss blurbed the book - it's that damned good.
There was no part of this book that was slow or that dragged - I literally read it in one sitting. And then I flipped back to the first page and wanted to read it again. It's so absorbing that I had my phone on when reading it, and missed three calls because of it (and my phone was on "break your eardrums" loud). The setting is rich and while toxic, beautiful. Kristoff is ridiculously talented in the sensory imagery/language area, and I could really see everything he described. I smelled the horrid air, I felt the rain when I rode alongside Yukiko on Buruu, I tasted the food, I heard everything. The characters, even down to the least important cameo character, were very real and full, and the entire experience was almost surreal with all of this sensory fullness surrounding me.
I could go on and on about this one, but I won't. Seriously, just do yourself a favor and get a copy when it hits stores on September 18th in North America from St. Martin's Griffin/Macmillan. Its place on my best of 2012 so far list is very well-deserved indeed and yes, it really is that good.
(posted to goodreads, librarything, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
Really.
It's seriously one of the best YA fantasy books I've read in the past decade. I try not to go overboard and flail like this over a book, but...I just can't help it. While
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I had very minor issues with this book (linguistically speaking), otherwise, I don't think I can gush and flail enough. "Stormdancer" is breathtakingly beautiful, dangerous, and utterly seductive - AND it puts other adult novels that are in the high fantasy/steampunk/alternate history genre to shame.Okay, so to the minor issue I had with the book: linguistics. If you read the book, you'll notice the word "sama" is used as "lord". Let me fix this for you guys: indeed, in Japanese, "-sama" is used as a suffix when referring to someone drastically above you on the social ladder - like a lord/lady/prince/etc. But the correct word would really depend on how far up the person is up on the ladder. If the person really is a lord or lady, you'd probably use the term "goshuujin (one's lord/mistress)" when addressing them/talking about them, OR add the suffix "-dono" to their name. "Sama" by itself is a word, but it doesn't, by itself, mean "lord/mistress". I would have been a bit less disgruntled in the linguistics department had Kristoff just used "my lord" in English, and "yes?" instead of "hai?" (because that's wrong, too). Yukiko and the Kitsune clan would probably just stick to normal formal verb endings (-san, etc) unless it were the prince they were talking to (because they're just too 'low class' in the linguistic education department to do otherwise - and I won't even go into that).
End rant. But that's really a small matter and I'm INSANELY picky when it comes to correct language use, so...yeah. It didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel but it did bug me a bit and I had to get that out of me. I will admit that I was tickled over his names for the rivers (Maiden, Pure, White), and I liked how Kristoff explained why he named the rivers thus.
But in all other aspects, this novel is absolutely gorgeous and soars just like Buruu in a storm. The characters are woven seamlessly back into the world and because they're so intricately interconnected, makes the entire experience even more pleasurable - the worldbuilding, too, is top notch, because Kristoff figured out how to connect all characters, even the ones we see the least, back to the dying land of Shima. It's so good it's almost disturbing that this is his debut - he has the hand of a master in the genre already with his first book. I can see why Patrick Rothfuss blurbed the book - it's that damned good.
There was no part of this book that was slow or that dragged - I literally read it in one sitting. And then I flipped back to the first page and wanted to read it again. It's so absorbing that I had my phone on when reading it, and missed three calls because of it (and my phone was on "break your eardrums" loud). The setting is rich and while toxic, beautiful. Kristoff is ridiculously talented in the sensory imagery/language area, and I could really see everything he described. I smelled the horrid air, I felt the rain when I rode alongside Yukiko on Buruu, I tasted the food, I heard everything. The characters, even down to the least important cameo character, were very real and full, and the entire experience was almost surreal with all of this sensory fullness surrounding me.
I could go on and on about this one, but I won't. Seriously, just do yourself a favor and get a copy when it hits stores on September 18th in North America from St. Martin's Griffin/Macmillan. Its place on my best of 2012 so far list is very well-deserved indeed and yes, it really is that good.
(posted to goodreads, librarything, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
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LibraryThing member passion4reading
Masaru, the Master of the Hunt, his daughter and his companions are charged with finding the only Thunder Tiger left alive in the Isles of Shima by the Shogun, who dreams of leading his armies into battle astride this great mythical beast to deliver the final blow in the long war with the gaijin.
of its tyrant, the Shogun.
As always, I feel completely in awe of someone who not only manages to conjure up an entire world with its inhabitants, but one that is alien and is possessed of its own culture, religion and even mythology - Jay Kristoff has achieved this unreservedly. This cautionary and powerful tale of environmental destruction and its dire consequences summons up a nightmare vision of a feudal Japan set on an alien world that appears terrifyingly familiar. It feels oppressive and claustrophobic, exuding a polluted atmosphere reminiscent of Los Angeles in the near-distant future in Blade Runner, with strong and powerful imagery. The writing is fluent and eloquent, Kristoff holding up a mirror to modern-day society without ever succumbing to the temptation of wagging the admonishing finger too much; all the warnings about global warming, mass extinction, pollution of the air, soil and seas, acid rain, over-reliance on combustion fuel, hole in the ozone layer, overpopulation and all the other evils that plague the 21st century are neatly embedded in the plot. It also helps that the novel's characters are very believable, frail human beings with all their strengths and weaknesses that you root for from the start. Whilst reading, I thought I detected echoes of The Matrix and Eragon, amongst others, but at times it is incredibly violent and definitely not suited for anyone under the age of 16, although some light relief is provided in the banter between the arashitora (Thunder Tiger), nicknamed Buruu, and Yukiko. A big nod of thanks to the author for delivering with this book several strong female characters, with the men almost reduced to the sidelines. I raced through the novel in a matter of a few days, and enjoyed it immensely; I can't wait for the second volume of the Lotus War series to appear. A real find, this comes highly recommended.
(This review was originally written as part of Amazon's Vine programme.)
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Having captured it amongst the haunted Iishi Mountains in the North, the sky-ship catches fire and the crew are forced to abandon ship. Yukiko, Masaru's daughter, overcome with pity and compassion, returns to the burning ship to free him and they escape and strike up an unlikely friendship. After some adventures, they both return to face the greatest challenge yet: to rid Shima ofof its tyrant, the Shogun.
As always, I feel completely in awe of someone who not only manages to conjure up an entire world with its inhabitants, but one that is alien and is possessed of its own culture, religion and even mythology - Jay Kristoff has achieved this unreservedly. This cautionary and powerful tale of environmental destruction and its dire consequences summons up a nightmare vision of a feudal Japan set on an alien world that appears terrifyingly familiar. It feels oppressive and claustrophobic, exuding a polluted atmosphere reminiscent of Los Angeles in the near-distant future in Blade Runner, with strong and powerful imagery. The writing is fluent and eloquent, Kristoff holding up a mirror to modern-day society without ever succumbing to the temptation of wagging the admonishing finger too much; all the warnings about global warming, mass extinction, pollution of the air, soil and seas, acid rain, over-reliance on combustion fuel, hole in the ozone layer, overpopulation and all the other evils that plague the 21st century are neatly embedded in the plot. It also helps that the novel's characters are very believable, frail human beings with all their strengths and weaknesses that you root for from the start. Whilst reading, I thought I detected echoes of The Matrix and Eragon, amongst others, but at times it is incredibly violent and definitely not suited for anyone under the age of 16, although some light relief is provided in the banter between the arashitora (Thunder Tiger), nicknamed Buruu, and Yukiko. A big nod of thanks to the author for delivering with this book several strong female characters, with the men almost reduced to the sidelines. I raced through the novel in a matter of a few days, and enjoyed it immensely; I can't wait for the second volume of the Lotus War series to appear. A real find, this comes highly recommended.
(This review was originally written as part of Amazon's Vine programme.)
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
Ruthless Yoritomo, latest in a long line of shoguns of the Kazumitsu Dynasty, rules the Shima Isles with a tight fist. Every day, more and more precious land is used to grow the blood lotus flower, which poisons the land, turns the sky red, and makes the air hard to breathe.
When Yoritomo orders
I’m scared to write my review for this book. I never like writing reviews for the ones that blew me away. How can I do the author’s words any justice with my words? Couldn’t you just install some sort of webcam in my eyes and brain and witness for yourself the emotions and amazement I felt as I read STORMDANCER?
Don’t just this book by its first few chapters. Because STORMDANCER is set in such a different fantasy world than ones we’re used to reading about—one in which there is so much Japanese influence that the details are nearly debilitatingly overwhelming—it requires a lengthy and unwieldy exposition to get you into the feel of things. So much detail is given to descriptions of clothing, hairstyles, city layouts, machinery, and more that the story is nearly drowned in it all.
Is all this description necessary? It’s hard to say. Did I appreciate Kristoff’s attention to detail in the exposition later as the plot picked up? 100 percent. Kristoff picked the difficult task of setting STORMDANCER in a world that not only drew from the complex and fascinating culture of Japan but is also complete in its own steampunkish way. With all the details laid down as they were, and with Kristoff’s naturally cinematic writing, it felt like I was reading this story in high-definition, watching every character’s actions, every one of their subtle tics, on a big, flawless screen.
Cinematic and soaring as STORMDANCER can be, it is also one of the most human books I have read in a while. The characters in STORMDANCER exist in a world where to let down their guard is to court death, and thus we can only see one side of them. Yet Kristoff gives us smatterings of glimpses that hint at more to them than what they show the world: a stiff gesture from Lady Aisha, a too-long pause in Hideo’s words. How much more realistic can it get than these smallest of details, often overlooked except for when someone astute spots them and knows how much meaning they can convey?
Rather than burdening readers with a plethora of meaningless details, STORMDANCER gets us to care for the characters and their predicaments, so that all that we know about them we find valuable. And nowhere does this quality of STORMDANCER show itself more clearly than in the relationship that develops between Yukiko and Buruu. Appropriately wary of each other at the beginning, the two grow to form a human-creature bond that will rival the most famous of such bonds in literature. From a mindless creature who can barely speak in one-word phrases, Buruu becomes the greatly welcome comic relief in this book, delivering laugh-out-loud one-line observations that counterbalance STORMDANCER’s intense nature.
For, for all its fantastical imaginings, STORMDANCER is a deeply serious book with a message for humanity that is never more relevant than it is now. The Shima Isles, practically brainwashed by the Lotus Guild and ruled by the ruthless and corrupt Kazumitsu Dynasty, reflects the steampunk path our own world can take if we don’t act now to save the Earth from greed at the cost of our environment and self-gain at the cost of stagnant or declining living conditions for the general society. This is not a message that Kristoff directs only to a certain country or culture; this is one that applies for everyone. So read this. And heed it.
Is STORMDANCER for everyone? No. The first several chapters will catch those who are less patient with worldbuilding. Others might focus on the action and plot and miss the relevant message altogether. But I think that STORMDANCER has the potential to make a difference. And I want to be a part of it by spreading the word.
When Yoritomo orders
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Yukiko and her hunter father to find and capture the mythical thunder tiger for his personal enjoyment, she fears this will be their end. After all, how can they capture something that hasn’t been seen in a hundred years? But seeking the thunder tiger is only the beginning of Yukiko’s amazing journey, one that may influence the entire course of Shima’s totalitarian future… I’m scared to write my review for this book. I never like writing reviews for the ones that blew me away. How can I do the author’s words any justice with my words? Couldn’t you just install some sort of webcam in my eyes and brain and witness for yourself the emotions and amazement I felt as I read STORMDANCER?
Don’t just this book by its first few chapters. Because STORMDANCER is set in such a different fantasy world than ones we’re used to reading about—one in which there is so much Japanese influence that the details are nearly debilitatingly overwhelming—it requires a lengthy and unwieldy exposition to get you into the feel of things. So much detail is given to descriptions of clothing, hairstyles, city layouts, machinery, and more that the story is nearly drowned in it all.
Is all this description necessary? It’s hard to say. Did I appreciate Kristoff’s attention to detail in the exposition later as the plot picked up? 100 percent. Kristoff picked the difficult task of setting STORMDANCER in a world that not only drew from the complex and fascinating culture of Japan but is also complete in its own steampunkish way. With all the details laid down as they were, and with Kristoff’s naturally cinematic writing, it felt like I was reading this story in high-definition, watching every character’s actions, every one of their subtle tics, on a big, flawless screen.
Cinematic and soaring as STORMDANCER can be, it is also one of the most human books I have read in a while. The characters in STORMDANCER exist in a world where to let down their guard is to court death, and thus we can only see one side of them. Yet Kristoff gives us smatterings of glimpses that hint at more to them than what they show the world: a stiff gesture from Lady Aisha, a too-long pause in Hideo’s words. How much more realistic can it get than these smallest of details, often overlooked except for when someone astute spots them and knows how much meaning they can convey?
Rather than burdening readers with a plethora of meaningless details, STORMDANCER gets us to care for the characters and their predicaments, so that all that we know about them we find valuable. And nowhere does this quality of STORMDANCER show itself more clearly than in the relationship that develops between Yukiko and Buruu. Appropriately wary of each other at the beginning, the two grow to form a human-creature bond that will rival the most famous of such bonds in literature. From a mindless creature who can barely speak in one-word phrases, Buruu becomes the greatly welcome comic relief in this book, delivering laugh-out-loud one-line observations that counterbalance STORMDANCER’s intense nature.
For, for all its fantastical imaginings, STORMDANCER is a deeply serious book with a message for humanity that is never more relevant than it is now. The Shima Isles, practically brainwashed by the Lotus Guild and ruled by the ruthless and corrupt Kazumitsu Dynasty, reflects the steampunk path our own world can take if we don’t act now to save the Earth from greed at the cost of our environment and self-gain at the cost of stagnant or declining living conditions for the general society. This is not a message that Kristoff directs only to a certain country or culture; this is one that applies for everyone. So read this. And heed it.
Is STORMDANCER for everyone? No. The first several chapters will catch those who are less patient with worldbuilding. Others might focus on the action and plot and miss the relevant message altogether. But I think that STORMDANCER has the potential to make a difference. And I want to be a part of it by spreading the word.
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LibraryThing member sszkutak
Background: Yukiko is a girl of sixteen who has been on missios nwith her father since she was young, her father is the Master Hunter to the Shogun of Japan. Set in a steampunk version of Feudal Japan, the Master Hunter is given the mission to return with the legendary Storm Tiger, a beast that has
Review: love love loved it! I was surprised when I received this book at the length, not that is was bad, just a little daunting at about 400 pages. It started out very slow, there was a lot of flipping to the glossary (yea I know, a glossary? how cool and helpful) for me since the Japanese terminology was unfamiliar, but after about 150 pages I was hooked.
Yukiko is one of the best female lead characters I have encountered in a long time, she is independent, clever, and uses her brain...quite a bit. I found myself wanting to be more like her, strong and resistant towards nay-sayers.
The setting was beautifully done and very convincing in the adaptation of the steampunk aspect. I could picture the landscapes and pollution without trying, but that was mostly due to the slower set up in the beginning of the book...which obviously was worth the wait.
I don't want to spoil this book too much for anyone, but the interaction between Yukiko and Buruu was by far the best element. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I beg you, GO GET THIS BOOK! and then tell Jay how he is the most awesome of awesome!
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not been seen in centuries. The story follows Yukiko as she sets off with her father on their mission, which they deem as ridiculous and impossible. All the while there is a war brewing, the government has been aiding in the harvest of lotus, which has polluted the world to the point of no return, and some of the citizens are not happy about it. Can Yukiko and her father find a Storm Tiger, and if they do what will that mean for society and the war?Review: love love loved it! I was surprised when I received this book at the length, not that is was bad, just a little daunting at about 400 pages. It started out very slow, there was a lot of flipping to the glossary (yea I know, a glossary? how cool and helpful) for me since the Japanese terminology was unfamiliar, but after about 150 pages I was hooked.
Yukiko is one of the best female lead characters I have encountered in a long time, she is independent, clever, and uses her brain...quite a bit. I found myself wanting to be more like her, strong and resistant towards nay-sayers.
The setting was beautifully done and very convincing in the adaptation of the steampunk aspect. I could picture the landscapes and pollution without trying, but that was mostly due to the slower set up in the beginning of the book...which obviously was worth the wait.
I don't want to spoil this book too much for anyone, but the interaction between Yukiko and Buruu was by far the best element. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I beg you, GO GET THIS BOOK! and then tell Jay how he is the most awesome of awesome!
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LibraryThing member Bookswithbite
I honestly thought that I would like this book more. Since I am big on fantasy and big on girls who kick butt, I didn't think I have a problem getting in it.
There is nothing wrong with the story other than it's just not my style. I wasn't able to connect it nor understand it. The story is written
But for me, it just wasn't my type of book. For now, I will pass and decided not to finish the book. For those who love Japanese history, mixed with fantasy you should definitely check this book out.
There is nothing wrong with the story other than it's just not my style. I wasn't able to connect it nor understand it. The story is written
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vividly with great imagination. I gathered that much just from the first few pages. But for me, it just wasn't my type of book. For now, I will pass and decided not to finish the book. For those who love Japanese history, mixed with fantasy you should definitely check this book out.
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LibraryThing member Literate.Ninja
This is a book I've been looking forward to reading for a long time. And for the most part, it has lived up to my expectations (although maybe having a slightly shorter wait would have resulted in fewer of those). It was a solidly enjoyable book. The author's descriptions were brilliant, I could
However, a few things kept it from being a great book. I found the descriptions of the terrible pollution of the cities quickly became a slog. The author determinedly beats the reader over the head with the fact that pollution is killing everything... nearly every chapter contains a description of acid rain, or toxic fumes, or polluted water... over and over until I found myself skipping whole pages just to get back to the plot. And the supporting cast is very thinly sketched... they may utter a few lines, or force the main characters to come to some sort of decision, but even the main villain is paper thin. The emperor is a murderous psychopath because... hey, why not?
Overall, I liked the ideas sketched out here, and I very much enjoyed the main characters, Yukiko and Buruu... mainly because they felt like the only real characters in the book. I would recommend it to friends to read, and I hope that the next installment of this series feels more like a finished piece and less like a rough draft that got shuffled with an environmental pamphlet.
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almost taste the pollution in the city air, or feel the breeze in the mountains. And the action scenes, while not terribly long, were well choreographed and I liked the way he handled the link between the main characters during those scenes. However, a few things kept it from being a great book. I found the descriptions of the terrible pollution of the cities quickly became a slog. The author determinedly beats the reader over the head with the fact that pollution is killing everything... nearly every chapter contains a description of acid rain, or toxic fumes, or polluted water... over and over until I found myself skipping whole pages just to get back to the plot. And the supporting cast is very thinly sketched... they may utter a few lines, or force the main characters to come to some sort of decision, but even the main villain is paper thin. The emperor is a murderous psychopath because... hey, why not?
Overall, I liked the ideas sketched out here, and I very much enjoyed the main characters, Yukiko and Buruu... mainly because they felt like the only real characters in the book. I would recommend it to friends to read, and I hope that the next installment of this series feels more like a finished piece and less like a rough draft that got shuffled with an environmental pamphlet.
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LibraryThing member hashford
The story is set in an alternate, dystopian Japan, where industrial & scientific advances have produced huge technological leaps but at considerable cost to the environment. Our heroine, Yukiko sets off with her father to capture a Griffin for the shogun – a task which on the surface appears to
I feel the author did a good job of bringing his alternative Japan to life, and I liked the depth of the characters (they were drawn in more detail than is often the case in YA fiction), and the way Yukido’s relationship with Buruu developed as the story progressed.
I feel this is a very good start to the series. The writing is a bit overly descriptive and a bit slow in places, but these are not huge flaws. I will probably look out for the next book in the series.
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be impossible and likely to lead to their deaths. I feel the author did a good job of bringing his alternative Japan to life, and I liked the depth of the characters (they were drawn in more detail than is often the case in YA fiction), and the way Yukido’s relationship with Buruu developed as the story progressed.
I feel this is a very good start to the series. The writing is a bit overly descriptive and a bit slow in places, but these are not huge flaws. I will probably look out for the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member renkellym
Stormdancer is YA, I guess, but it reads more like adult fiction—it focuses heavily on description and less on dialogue, and its tone is mature. I think this is great: Stormdancer will definitely prove a challenge to younger readers, but it’s a good one. The book is so innovative that it will
Stormdancer is the kind of story that takes a little while to win over your heart, but once it does, you’re infatuated. The characters are carefully developed in a way that, by the end of the book, makes you feel as if you know them personally. Yukiko and her thunder tiger steal the show with their banter and breathtaking bond. The thunder tiger itself is no mere companion—he holds his own as a character.
Part of what makes Stormdancer feel adult—or perhaps what gives it crossover appeal—is the fact that despite having a sixteen-year-old female protagonist, it has many adult characters that are key to the story. I like this choice because it makes the novel feel grounded: in feudal Japan, the world is run by adults, not teenagers. While Yukiko is special, she is still a child, and Kristoff acknowledges this in a realistic manner.
If you like adventure—if you’re eager to be swept away into a foreign land—then Stormdancer is the book for you. Jay Kristoff’s debut novel is nothing less than enchanting.
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surely be on must-reads like because of its concept alone. What’s even better is that the writing is rock solid, so Kristoff doesn’t just use the concept to carry the book—the concept of “Japanese steampunk” is merely the launching pad. Above all, Stormdancer is a tale of friendship and loyalty; it’s about a girl finally opening her eyes to the realities of the world in which she lives. Stormdancer is the kind of story that takes a little while to win over your heart, but once it does, you’re infatuated. The characters are carefully developed in a way that, by the end of the book, makes you feel as if you know them personally. Yukiko and her thunder tiger steal the show with their banter and breathtaking bond. The thunder tiger itself is no mere companion—he holds his own as a character.
Part of what makes Stormdancer feel adult—or perhaps what gives it crossover appeal—is the fact that despite having a sixteen-year-old female protagonist, it has many adult characters that are key to the story. I like this choice because it makes the novel feel grounded: in feudal Japan, the world is run by adults, not teenagers. While Yukiko is special, she is still a child, and Kristoff acknowledges this in a realistic manner.
If you like adventure—if you’re eager to be swept away into a foreign land—then Stormdancer is the book for you. Jay Kristoff’s debut novel is nothing less than enchanting.
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LibraryThing member ethel55
Took me almost 100 pages to really start sailing along in this story. Good thing for me, Kristoff has included a glossary in the back of the book--be sure to take a look before starting to read. Yukiko is a great female lead for this book, daughter of a hunter, they seem to be the most able to go
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look for a supposedly extinct, mythological creature, an arashitora (thunder tiget) for the Shogun. This is a world of vast class differences, even from the types of googles and breathers characters are able to wear in this world being destroyed by the very plant that allows it to live. Because it seems historical, it's hard to classify as dystopian, but definitely has that feel, as some want to make better lives for themselves. There was a lot of great imagery and sense of quest here and I look forward to reading the next chapter. Show Less
LibraryThing member MlleEhreen
I got this as an ARC from Netgalley, but in a format that required me to read it on my laptop. Then it expired and all I had was a badly formatted .pdf that was a pain to read on my kindle.
Here's the thing: a book has to be really, really good for me to put up with annoying formatting issues. I
Here's the thing: a book has to be really, really good for me to put up with annoying formatting issues. I
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hate reading on my laptop. I don't want to fuss with a landscape view .pdf. I was never invested enough in this story to think it was worth the trouble. Show Less
LibraryThing member JLsBibliomania
Stormdancer is a credible first novel, but Mr. Kristoff's writing still has rough edges. While the main character was interesting, and the setting had potential, overall, the "you deserve to be overthrown if you are immoral and decadent while raping and pillaging the environment" message as an
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allegory to modern society was too heavy-handed. Perhaps I am at a disadvantage as this is only the 2nd "steam punk" book I've read, and therefore the use of Japanese themes and tropes didn't appear as much of a departure from the genre, as the cover blurbs make it seem. In general, the Japanese elements weren't nearly as skillfully done as other SF and Fantasy with an Asian mileau. In the end, I was faintly disappointed by Stormdancer, but am interested to see how Mr. Kristoff matures as a writer. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dauntless
This is listed as an adult book in our library, but the main character is a teenager. The story was inventive and very descriptive. I did have a problem, however, with how some elements of Japanese language were used incorrectly.
LibraryThing member shayanasha
There have been only a few times that I have been rendered speechless in my life with not even a single coherent thought passing through my head. This is one of those moments. When I finished the last page of the book I was numb – numb from realization that I did not have any more to read of this
I knew this book would have been amazing… look at the cover, look at the blurb, look at the fact that it is a Japanese Steampunk featuring Thunder Tigers and Chainsaw Katanas – but the enormity of its amazingness blew me away. It was like reading a manga in text – the world was that vivid, the book was that action packed, the mythology was that enthralling, the characters that compelling – I can find no better praise to give a fantasy novel.
I am in awe. Literally. This book made me feel so many emotions at once I was like a ferris wheel rotating while running in full speed over a rollercoaster. I laughing hard at the dialogues one moment (Yes, Jay you are one witty man) and then slack-jawed the next. I cried while reading this book…How could you do it Jay? How could you let that bastard Shogūn cut Buuru’s wings like that? How? And really, was breaking Kin’s heart that badly really warranted? I hate you Jay… or maybe I don’t. I loved the narrative with alternating viewpoints. I loved the way the action sequences were described – smoothly and kickass-ly. There were no vague gestures and no underscoring the attacks – they were there in all the gory and not-so-gory details. But the best part of Jay’s writing was the show and tell method – the information about the world, the beasts, the myths, the characters – they were written flawlessly that I did not feel either information overload or the lack of proper explanations. I was really glad that the romance was downplayed (really downplayed) and the heroine had her priorities straight. Saving the world with her great Thunder Tiger first; fantasies of the samurai with the blue-green eyes later.
Hands down, Yukiko was an amazing protagonist – beautiful, sarcastic, kickass, brave, kickass, smart, kickass and for extra emphasis kickass again. I can count in my single hand the YA protagonists who didn’t make me feel like my brain cells were dying just by the realization that I was also a teenage girl like them. I didn’t even roll my eyes at Yukiko’s actions even once, I didn’t even want to. The girl got my respect. As did Buuru. Buuru was the soul of this book. I was thinking HOLY FRICKIN’ HELL I WANT A PET GRIFFIN! He was that awesome. The way he slowly warmed up to Yukiko and got ready to fight the battles together was amazing! Heck, everything about Stormdancer was amazing!!
The Oni were creepy. The Lotusmen were creepier. Kin was adorable. Hiro was…there. Amaterasu, Izanami, Izanagi, Susano-ō, Tsukiyomi reminded me of Itachi Uchiha (who, in my, opinion is the greatest manga character of all time). The mythical world was fresh and interesting. The legends of the past Stormdancers and the stories of the long ago Gods were captivating. I would love to elaborate more about every frigging part of the book but honestly, I am running out of positive adjectives. I’m still stuck in the fact that it is over... and I don’t have the sequel yet!
Stormdancer is not just a book, it is THE book. THE book that breaks all the clichés in YA and gives us a fresh story to read. THE book with the storyline and fantasy that has not been recycled, reused, raped and printed by countless books before it. THE book with a heroine who knows what she’s doing, why she’s doing it and her reasons actually makes sense. THE book with a best friend who is not only a friggin’ Thunder Tiger but also witty, sarcastic and loyal. THE book with Chainsaw Katanas.
Seriously? What other reasons you need to read this book?
5 Stars! No doubt about it!!
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wonderful, this magnificent piece of book called Stormdancer. I want more. I knew this book would have been amazing… look at the cover, look at the blurb, look at the fact that it is a Japanese Steampunk featuring Thunder Tigers and Chainsaw Katanas – but the enormity of its amazingness blew me away. It was like reading a manga in text – the world was that vivid, the book was that action packed, the mythology was that enthralling, the characters that compelling – I can find no better praise to give a fantasy novel.
I am in awe. Literally. This book made me feel so many emotions at once I was like a ferris wheel rotating while running in full speed over a rollercoaster. I laughing hard at the dialogues one moment (Yes, Jay you are one witty man) and then slack-jawed the next. I cried while reading this book…
Hands down, Yukiko was an amazing protagonist – beautiful, sarcastic, kickass, brave, kickass, smart, kickass and for extra emphasis kickass again. I can count in my single hand the YA protagonists who didn’t make me feel like my brain cells were dying just by the realization that I was also a teenage girl like them. I didn’t even roll my eyes at Yukiko’s actions even once, I didn’t even want to. The girl got my respect. As did Buuru. Buuru was the soul of this book. I was thinking HOLY FRICKIN’ HELL I WANT A PET GRIFFIN! He was that awesome. The way he slowly warmed up to Yukiko and got ready to fight the battles together was amazing! Heck, everything about Stormdancer was amazing!!
The Oni were creepy. The Lotusmen were creepier. Kin was adorable. Hiro was…there. Amaterasu, Izanami, Izanagi, Susano-ō, Tsukiyomi reminded me of Itachi Uchiha (who, in my, opinion is the greatest manga character of all time). The mythical world was fresh and interesting. The legends of the past Stormdancers and the stories of the long ago Gods were captivating. I would love to elaborate more about every frigging part of the book but honestly, I am running out of positive adjectives. I’m still stuck in the fact that it is over... and I don’t have the sequel yet!
Stormdancer is not just a book, it is THE book. THE book that breaks all the clichés in YA and gives us a fresh story to read. THE book with the storyline and fantasy that has not been recycled, reused, raped and printed by countless books before it. THE book with a heroine who knows what she’s doing, why she’s doing it and her reasons actually makes sense. THE book with a best friend who is not only a friggin’ Thunder Tiger but also witty, sarcastic and loyal. THE book with Chainsaw Katanas.
Seriously? What other reasons you need to read this book?
5 Stars! No doubt about it!!
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LibraryThing member mbklibrary
I completely lost myself inside this steampunk samurai world. I loved Yukiko and thought she showed the perfect amount of vulnerability, naïveté, and fierceness. She is a fantastic female protagonist. The setting is bleak, in a realm called Shima, which seems based on feudal Japan, which is
I can't wait for the next book!
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dominated by a cruel Shogun and run by the robotical Lotus Guild. The world is dark, the poor are many and options are few. Yukiko has lost so much and only has her father left. When they are ordered to embark on a quest to find an Ashiratora (thunder tiger) for the Shogun they encouter more than they bargained for. I can't wait for the next book!
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LibraryThing member lexiechan
I just noticed the cover for this book. What Yukiko was holding is a katana, as far as I could see. BUT her sword was supposed to be a tanto. >_
Contained unmarked spoilers.
4 stars. Yep. I'm giving it 4 stars cause the story really deserves it. I know, I should explain further. And you bet this
I think I'm the only one who liked it. Uh, okay, rephrasing that one since I know lots of people like it too. I'm one of the Japanese manga/anime addict that is set against the wrong use of nihonggo grammar. Why? Cause I agree with them. It is really wrong. I know you have heard it, or in this case, read negative reviews about that already. But still, I just want to put my two cents in it.
First, the way they use the honorific '-sama'. Yes it is correct that -sama is used to higher ups and for respects. BUT, pay attention here, you don't use -sama as a NAME. Yukiko and other peeps in here use -sama like this "Apologies, sama". You shouldn't use it like that. If you really wanted to use the honorific, then attach the person's name. In this case, "Apologies, Daichi-sama," since Yukiko was talking to Daichi.
AND also, you don't call EVERYONE -sama just because you're being polite. Cause in the first few chapters, Yukiko called someone sama, like "Please, sama"--again not use as name--even though he's not royalty or higher than her. Just use the honorific '-san' and of course, you attach it to the person's name. Okay, so I looked up the Glossary and saw that it said that it is a suffix. But well, it wasn't always used as a suffix in the book.
Second, the use of HAI... Hai means YES. But NO, you don't use it like in English when asking a question. In any case, I just wish that Kristoff did more research on how to use it. I mean, I read somewhere that he watch animes too and that's mostly where he got his knowledge of nihonggo plus from his Japanese friend. I have relatives who live in Japan, half-Japanese cousins too. My older brother also took up Nihonggo classes as an elective plus I am exposed with Japanese culture for what? 15 years already? My point is, it's not that hard to learn basic nihonggo.
So yeah. I'm a bit disappointed in that part. I really tried my best to ignore the grammars so that was why it took me this long to finish the book. I only read it three chapters per day or so. And also because it was a bit boring in the first part. But once you get passed 30%, it's so much better.
I didn't expect that I will like it. I mean, yes I was really anticipating this book before it was even released cause a lot of my GR friends said that it's really good. But then the grammars were so wrong and it keeps on annoying me so I really didn't expect that in the end, I will like it.
I like Buruu. I like how fierce he is from the start. I like how he slowly change and he started to like and care for Yukiko. He treated her like his own sister. That got me really teary-eyed I had to blink several times. I like how defensive he is of Yukiko, how he bowed down just to save her.
This book--after getting past the hard first chapters--really made me laugh at Buruu's teasing, had me gripping the edge of my seat when the actions finally came, made me really want the Shogun to die cause he's such a bastard, had me almost crying at some emotional scenes.
Although there's another thing that made me Um, cringed... Yukiko is a sixteen year old but she already had sex. :O Um, it's not good for teens. >_
In any case, that's why I'm giving it a 4 stars even though I was a bit disappointed at the grammar. For me, it was worth it. :) I'm not saying that those people who are, um, against at reading this book should go and read it. I'm not. I'm just stating my opinion about it and this comes to the girl who knows well what you guys are feeling about the Nihonggo of the book.
Contained unmarked spoilers.
4 stars. Yep. I'm giving it 4 stars cause the story really deserves it. I know, I should explain further. And you bet this
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review would be a really long one. I think I'm the only one who liked it. Uh, okay, rephrasing that one since I know lots of people like it too. I'm one of the Japanese manga/anime addict that is set against the wrong use of nihonggo grammar. Why? Cause I agree with them. It is really wrong. I know you have heard it, or in this case, read negative reviews about that already. But still, I just want to put my two cents in it.
First, the way they use the honorific '-sama'. Yes it is correct that -sama is used to higher ups and for respects. BUT, pay attention here, you don't use -sama as a NAME. Yukiko and other peeps in here use -sama like this "Apologies, sama". You shouldn't use it like that. If you really wanted to use the honorific, then attach the person's name. In this case, "Apologies, Daichi-sama," since Yukiko was talking to Daichi.
AND also, you don't call EVERYONE -sama just because you're being polite. Cause in the first few chapters, Yukiko called someone sama, like "Please, sama"--again not use as name--even though he's not royalty or higher than her. Just use the honorific '-san' and of course, you attach it to the person's name. Okay, so I looked up the Glossary and saw that it said that it is a suffix. But well, it wasn't always used as a suffix in the book.
Second, the use of HAI... Hai means YES. But NO, you don't use it like in English when asking a question. In any case, I just wish that Kristoff did more research on how to use it. I mean, I read somewhere that he watch animes too and that's mostly where he got his knowledge of nihonggo plus from his Japanese friend. I have relatives who live in Japan, half-Japanese cousins too. My older brother also took up Nihonggo classes as an elective plus I am exposed with Japanese culture for what? 15 years already? My point is, it's not that hard to learn basic nihonggo.
So yeah. I'm a bit disappointed in that part. I really tried my best to ignore the grammars so that was why it took me this long to finish the book. I only read it three chapters per day or so. And also because it was a bit boring in the first part. But once you get passed 30%, it's so much better.
I didn't expect that I will like it. I mean, yes I was really anticipating this book before it was even released cause a lot of my GR friends said that it's really good. But then the grammars were so wrong and it keeps on annoying me so I really didn't expect that in the end, I will like it.
I like Buruu. I like how fierce he is from the start. I like how he slowly change and he started to like and care for Yukiko. He treated her like his own sister. That got me really teary-eyed I had to blink several times. I like how defensive he is of Yukiko, how he bowed down just to save her.
This book--after getting past the hard first chapters--really made me laugh at Buruu's teasing, had me gripping the edge of my seat when the actions finally came, made me really want the Shogun to die cause he's such a bastard, had me almost crying at some emotional scenes.
Although there's another thing that made me Um, cringed... Yukiko is a sixteen year old but she already had sex. :O Um, it's not good for teens. >_
In any case, that's why I'm giving it a 4 stars even though I was a bit disappointed at the grammar. For me, it was worth it. :) I'm not saying that those people who are, um, against at reading this book should go and read it. I'm not. I'm just stating my opinion about it and this comes to the girl who knows well what you guys are feeling about the Nihonggo of the book.
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LibraryThing member stefferoo
This was a refreshing read that stood out from all the steampunk I've been chomping through lately. I used to think this sub-genre and setting wasn't for me, but that was probably before I realized how few steampunk books I've read actually incorporate that "steampunkness" so fully and completely
But enough about the steampunk, because as brilliant as that is, it's only one of the many reasons why I loved this book. I think the kicker is the feudal Japanese-inspired world as well as the author's version on its myths and legends. In the center stage of Stormdancer is the arashitora, a "storm tiger" or griffin, which the characters Yukiko and the members of her father's hunting team are tasked to capture for Shima's megalomaniacal Shogun. However, the expedition is disrupted by a great tempest before they could bring one home, leaving Yukiko stranded and alone with one of the mythological creatures, and a furious one at that.
At is heart, the story is mainly about the friendship that develops between Yukiko and the arashitora Buruu, an unlikely pair who learns to trust and love one another after facing challenges together. While that's not exactly breaking new ground, I still have to say there were a few surprises in the plot that kept things interesting. Once again, it's the world that really pulled me in, and along with that the anticipation of seeing how the characters will prevail against the Shogun and his Lotus Guild. For a novel targeted at young adults, I am more than impressed with the whole package.
I suppose the only thing that gave me pause was the prose. I am torn when it comes to this, because so much of the writing was given to the world building, and surely no one can accuse the author of skimping on the descriptive details! The downside of this, however, was, well...no one can accuse the author of skimping on the descriptive details...
In general, I found the prose needed getting used to, and also could have done with much less embellishment. But the book's penchant to expound on everything was also both its strongest and weakest point. It may be the reason for its slow-ish start, but also gave life to in my opinion the best and most amazing scene in the whole book, which was the initial hunt in the storm at about a quarter of the way in. There's pretty much no way you can read those vivid chapters and not be hooked afterward! All in all, a great book, and nothing's going to keep me away from the next one.
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as this book does. And it's not just about the cool airships and armor and the wicked chainsaw katanas either (though all those things are indeed cool and wicked). The steampunk aspect is ubiquitous and feels like a living, breathing part of the story, going beyond descriptions of the mechanisms to actually touch upon the relationship it has with the whole society and industry.But enough about the steampunk, because as brilliant as that is, it's only one of the many reasons why I loved this book. I think the kicker is the feudal Japanese-inspired world as well as the author's version on its myths and legends. In the center stage of Stormdancer is the arashitora, a "storm tiger" or griffin, which the characters Yukiko and the members of her father's hunting team are tasked to capture for Shima's megalomaniacal Shogun. However, the expedition is disrupted by a great tempest before they could bring one home, leaving Yukiko stranded and alone with one of the mythological creatures, and a furious one at that.
At is heart, the story is mainly about the friendship that develops between Yukiko and the arashitora Buruu, an unlikely pair who learns to trust and love one another after facing challenges together. While that's not exactly breaking new ground, I still have to say there were a few surprises in the plot that kept things interesting. Once again, it's the world that really pulled me in, and along with that the anticipation of seeing how the characters will prevail against the Shogun and his Lotus Guild. For a novel targeted at young adults, I am more than impressed with the whole package.
I suppose the only thing that gave me pause was the prose. I am torn when it comes to this, because so much of the writing was given to the world building, and surely no one can accuse the author of skimping on the descriptive details! The downside of this, however, was, well...no one can accuse the author of skimping on the descriptive details...
In general, I found the prose needed getting used to, and also could have done with much less embellishment. But the book's penchant to expound on everything was also both its strongest and weakest point. It may be the reason for its slow-ish start, but also gave life to in my opinion the best and most amazing scene in the whole book, which was the initial hunt in the storm at about a quarter of the way in. There's pretty much no way you can read those vivid chapters and not be hooked afterward! All in all, a great book, and nothing's going to keep me away from the next one.
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LibraryThing member mangafan500
i love this book. love how it is a stempunk set in japan which is a rare thing to see and cant wait for book two to come out
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
The Lotus must grow is the mantra, it is what supplies the fuel for Jthis Japanese steampunk world, and pollutes the world too. It also is addictive and many citizens of this world are deeply addicted, unthinkingly accepting the world as it is.
Yukiko and her warrior father are commanded to hunt
When they find the griffin things change and the world will never be the same again. Yukiko has to use skills that if known could get her killed but not using them will get her killed.
It's an interesting read, did have moments where it slowed down and I had to slog a bit through it, but it was interesting overall. I'd like to see what happens to this and where the story is going, I would also like to know a bit more about the world and where it splits from our own.
Yukiko and her warrior father are commanded to hunt
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down a Griffin at the shogun's command, an animal thought extinct and if they don't find it they will die but refusing the hunt would kill them too. Yukiko and her father have secrets and there are tensions between the two of them.When they find the griffin things change and the world will never be the same again. Yukiko has to use skills that if known could get her killed but not using them will get her killed.
It's an interesting read, did have moments where it slowed down and I had to slog a bit through it, but it was interesting overall. I'd like to see what happens to this and where the story is going, I would also like to know a bit more about the world and where it splits from our own.
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LibraryThing member a_tiffyfit
Review to come. Although, the review could just be summed up in one word: Wow!
**********
I had been meaning to pick this book up and read it for several months now. When I received an ARC in the mail of KINSLAYER, Book 2 in The Lotus Wars series, I started to try and carve out time for Stormdancer.
You could sum up this book in one word before you start to geek out: WOW! And then you have to geek and rave. From the very first few pages, you're immediately thrown into this...steampunk feudal Japan. It is a horrifying dystopia where the air and land are ruined, driven by the Lotus Guild to make their machines, killing the land and its people. The poor cover their mouths with cloth and squint their way through the harsh sun; the rich have mechanical breathers and fancy goggles to ensure they don't get black lung. The skies are burnt red. There is nothing alive or organic in Kigen.
I love when authors don't explain every little thing you may not be versed in and just immerse you into their world. That's what a glossary is for. Instead, jump into this world, experience it with my character, and let me hold you under my spell for a few hours. Oh, boy did I!
The world may as well be in front of me, I think I may have coughed a couple times as we were given the description of the black choking rain, the poor mother obviously dying and her little girl standing next to her. The characters are so real they could spring from my kindle and I wouldn't be surprised. Their emotional interactions are palpable. My eyes teared up at Yukiko's memories, and then again when she's fighting with her father, Masaru. So, you have this marvelous setting and these incredible characters that leap from the page, and so much action and intrigue!
Yukiko is a wonderful heroine. She is strong, resourceful, sympathetic, smart-mouthed, feminine, and petulant. Yes, petulant at times as you would expect a 16 year old to be. But her petulance is justified as she doesn't have all the information. She isn't whiny and doesn't do that "why me!!!!????" crap. She's a thinker, a reasoner, she listens, she processes, she acts.
The fight and action sequences are intense, detailed, and kept me glued to my kindle. There were only two things that made my face scrunch up briefly in a question. The mad shogun/emperor is fighting a war against the gaijin or foreigners, right? So, the samurai with the jade green eyes? I'm half-asian. That side of the family doesn't come with green eyes (yeah okay I'm semi quoting the movie Big Trouble in Little China. Shush!). So is he part-gaijin? Or is he Impure? Diachi and Kaori also have grey eyes. Same question. But really, WHO CARES? This was an amazing, five star read for me. I loved the action, the characters, the setting, the plot, the mythology, the story telling, the steampunk dystopian fantasy flavor, all of it. Go. Run. Get it.
P.S. Jay Kristoff says on his website that he doesn't believe in happy endings. Life & death are part of this crazy thing we call life. I was well-satisfied with that ending. WELL SATISFIED. And while it may not qualify as a happy ending, it was an amazing one. I don't know if I want to sleep or launch into Kinslayer right now.
**********
I had been meaning to pick this book up and read it for several months now. When I received an ARC in the mail of KINSLAYER, Book 2 in The Lotus Wars series, I started to try and carve out time for Stormdancer.
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*kicks myself in my ass* I seriously needed to read this earlier. Months and months earlier. MONTHS AND MONTHS EARLIER. As I write this, it's currently 6:34AM. My eyes are bleary. My body is protesting. But my mind and my heart are wide awake. And all because of this book. I started reading a few hours ago intending to put it down and get some sleep. Yeah, okay. You could sum up this book in one word before you start to geek out: WOW! And then you have to geek and rave. From the very first few pages, you're immediately thrown into this...steampunk feudal Japan. It is a horrifying dystopia where the air and land are ruined, driven by the Lotus Guild to make their machines, killing the land and its people. The poor cover their mouths with cloth and squint their way through the harsh sun; the rich have mechanical breathers and fancy goggles to ensure they don't get black lung. The skies are burnt red. There is nothing alive or organic in Kigen.
I love when authors don't explain every little thing you may not be versed in and just immerse you into their world. That's what a glossary is for. Instead, jump into this world, experience it with my character, and let me hold you under my spell for a few hours. Oh, boy did I!
The world may as well be in front of me, I think I may have coughed a couple times as we were given the description of the black choking rain, the poor mother obviously dying and her little girl standing next to her. The characters are so real they could spring from my kindle and I wouldn't be surprised. Their emotional interactions are palpable. My eyes teared up at Yukiko's memories, and then again when she's fighting with her father, Masaru. So, you have this marvelous setting and these incredible characters that leap from the page, and so much action and intrigue!
Yukiko is a wonderful heroine. She is strong, resourceful, sympathetic, smart-mouthed, feminine, and petulant. Yes, petulant at times as you would expect a 16 year old to be. But her petulance is justified as she doesn't have all the information. She isn't whiny and doesn't do that "why me!!!!????" crap. She's a thinker, a reasoner, she listens, she processes, she acts.
The fight and action sequences are intense, detailed, and kept me glued to my kindle. There were only two things that made my face scrunch up briefly in a question. The mad shogun/emperor is fighting a war against the gaijin or foreigners, right? So, the samurai with the jade green eyes? I'm half-asian. That side of the family doesn't come with green eyes (yeah okay I'm semi quoting the movie Big Trouble in Little China. Shush!). So is he part-gaijin? Or is he Impure? Diachi and Kaori also have grey eyes. Same question. But really, WHO CARES? This was an amazing, five star read for me. I loved the action, the characters, the setting, the plot, the mythology, the story telling, the steampunk dystopian fantasy flavor, all of it. Go. Run. Get it.
P.S. Jay Kristoff says on his website that he doesn't believe in happy endings. Life & death are part of this crazy thing we call life. I was well-satisfied with that ending. WELL SATISFIED. And while it may not qualify as a happy ending, it was an amazing one. I don't know if I want to sleep or launch into Kinslayer right now.
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LibraryThing member Cathy_Keaton
This is an Early Reviewers title.
Stormdancer was super hard to get into at first because of the amazing, slack-jawed amount of over description and info-dumping. Wow, what a mess that was. But, it got better in that regard and was pretty enjoyable throughout the middle of the story.
I found Yukiko
Then, there's the entire issue of the botched Japanese language. Ugh. Facepalming myself every time left quite the indentation. For anyone who knows the language well enough, like me, it's bad. Not all the time, but why the intermittent screw-ups? I just can't.... Anyway, what those flubs in the language were I won't get into because plenty of other reviewers have covered nearly all of them, although I'm still thinking the thunder tiger should have been called an "arashi-no-tora," not an "arashitora." It feels more right to me, but it could be fine.
For some reason, it didn't hold up well for me at the end, although it has a formidable ending. I just didn't like it because it felt phony somehow. Like the author was trying too hard. In fact, the entire novel felt like an amateur author trying too hard to sound like a seasoned pro when he clearly isn't. Can't fool an avid reader, bro. The descriptions were plentiful, but overkill and just didn't paint a real picture in my head of anything that made sense. I just needed grounded descriptions, not abstract ones. Very bothersome.
I'm probably not going to be reading any sequels to this one.
Stormdancer was super hard to get into at first because of the amazing, slack-jawed amount of over description and info-dumping. Wow, what a mess that was. But, it got better in that regard and was pretty enjoyable throughout the middle of the story.
I found Yukiko
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and Buruu to be good characters I could root for, but the others weren't all that interesting. Maybe her father, Masaru was interesting, too. The guy she falls for, Hiro, is so flat and cardboard, I couldn't understand what she saw in him. His eyes were pretty? That's it? Why was she so shallow in this one respect but not in any others? She seemed inconsistent because of that, although the entire thing rights itself in the story. Then, there's the entire issue of the botched Japanese language. Ugh. Facepalming myself every time left quite the indentation. For anyone who knows the language well enough, like me, it's bad. Not all the time, but why the intermittent screw-ups? I just can't.... Anyway, what those flubs in the language were I won't get into because plenty of other reviewers have covered nearly all of them, although I'm still thinking the thunder tiger should have been called an "arashi-no-tora," not an "arashitora." It feels more right to me, but it could be fine.
For some reason, it didn't hold up well for me at the end, although it has a formidable ending. I just didn't like it because it felt phony somehow. Like the author was trying too hard. In fact, the entire novel felt like an amateur author trying too hard to sound like a seasoned pro when he clearly isn't. Can't fool an avid reader, bro. The descriptions were plentiful, but overkill and just didn't paint a real picture in my head of anything that made sense. I just needed grounded descriptions, not abstract ones. Very bothersome.
I'm probably not going to be reading any sequels to this one.
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Awards
Aurealis Award (Shortlist — Fantasy Novel — 2012)
Compton Crook Award (Nominee — 2013)
David Gemmell Legend Award (Shortlist — 2013)
Language
Original publication date
2012-09
ISBN
1250001404 / 9781250001405
Local notes
Griffins are supposed to be extinct. So when Yukiko and her father are commanded to capture one for the murderous Shogun of the Shima Isles, they fear their lives are over. After disaster befalls the mission, Yukiko finds herself stranded in the wilderness with only the crippled griffin Buruu for company.