Get able to be spirited away on an thrilling, action-packed, and harmful journey via the magical lands of feudal Japan in Blood of the Kami. Full of wealthy tradition and mythology, a motley crew of vibrant characters, and tons of humour and coronary heart, this fast-paced YA historic quest fantasy is only a deal with for the soul.

Blood of the Kami tells the story of Ren Fudō, a rebellious younger soul-hunter desperately attempting to repay his debt to the Yaseki; the key sect of Yokai hunters who saved him and his mom 5 years in the past. So, when a brand new mission with an insanely excessive reward is offered by the guts of the Yaseki itself, he jumps on the prospect to be the hero. Does he actually know what the mysterious mission entails? No. Does he like that he has to group up with a younger, troubled shrine maiden possessed by a violent land kami? Additionally undoubtedly no. And did he count on that the mission would possibly change the destiny of the nation eternally? Completely the hell not. However hey, no going again now, so let the hunt start!

Okay hear me out, if Geralt of Rivia was a 17-year-old boy residing in feudal Japan, you’d get Ren. He’s admittedly fairly a drive to be reckoned with, however on the identical time he’s additionally means too reckless, snarky and broody for his personal good. And what, that’s precisely what made him so irresistibly loveable to me. Experiencing this whole wild trip via his eyes was simply a lot enjoyable, and all his deadpan reactions or hysterical ideas throughout a number of the most excessive stakes scenes had me chuckling and shaking my head extra instances than I’d wish to admit.

Furthermore, your complete solid of facet characters simply completely leapt off the web page with character, be they human, animal (companion) or spirit. Although a few of them felt possibly a bit over-the-top of their characterisation, I simply couldn’t assist however be charmed by the unconventional discovered household vibes that slowly began to develop as extra sudden allies joined the hunt (a lot to Ren’s chagrin). Particularly the more and more heartfelt dynamic between Suzume and Ren tugged on my heartstrings in all probably the most sudden methods, and the way in which that they each helped one another develop and heal was simply stunning to see.

Now, I do need to say that I personally discovered the extremely quick pacing and relentless motion of Blood of the Kami to be a bit exhausting, and I wouldn’t have minded some extra quiet moments to understand this wealthy world in all its glory. You see, regardless that all of the detailed historic touches, genuine Shinto rituals, and numerous interactions with yokai and kami made this story extremely wealthy, I discovered myself not as immersed or emotionally invested as I wished to be as a result of we simply raced via all of it so shortly.

In the end although, this ebook is simply bloody enjoyable, and I believe Pinson Wu completely nailed that dangerously addictive ‘only one extra chapter’ high quality. The prose is easy (if a bit extra fashionable than you’d count on from a narrative set in feudal Japan), the banter is entertaining, the stakes are lethal excessive, and the enjoyable issue is simply out of this world. I already can’t wait to go on the subsequent journey with these characters, particularly after that ominously engaging epilogue.

In case you assume you’ve gotten outgrown YA, then you definately higher assume once more. Blood of the Kami is a real breath of contemporary air within the fantasy style, and I can’t advocate it extremely sufficient to anybody who simply needs to flee right into a wild fantasy journey that appears like a love letter to probably the most splendidly magical and darkly mystical elements of Japan.

Thanks to the writer for offering me with an eARC in trade for an trustworthy evaluate. All opinions are my very own. Blood of the Kami is scheduled for launch on April 2nd, 2025.