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Emperor of the Eight Islands
Emperor of the Eight Islands: Books 1 & 2 in The Tale of Shikanoko series | Lian Hearn
FOUR MILLION COPIES SOLD. In 40 languages. One of the most thrilling series of our time.In this magnificent new epic, destined to become a modern classic, bestselling Australian author Lian Hearn transports us to a mythical Japanese world set 300 years before TALES OF THE OTORI. Like George R. R. Martin, Lian Hearn has captivated millions of readers worldwide with her masterpiece of imagination, TALES OF THE OTORI. Now, against a dazzling canvas of wild forest, elegant court and savage battlefield, she brilliantly brings to life the world that existed 300 years earlier. Hearn weaves an intricate tapestry - seething with intrigue, adventure and love - of two rival clans struggling over who will be crowned Emperor of the Eight Islands, in a medieval Japanese country inhabited by warriors, assassins, ghosts and guardian spirits. And as the laws of destiny play out their inexorable drama, so the battle for the Lotus Throne begins. Coming soonLORD OF THE DARKWOOD: Books 3 and 4 in THE TALE OF SHIKANOKO. 'brutally thrilling historical fantasy' HERALD SUN'Fine storytelling' WEST AUSTRALIANPraise for TALES OF THE OTORI: 'One of the most thrilling series of our time.' THE TIMES'The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense since Philip Pullman.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY'A classic in the making. A tour de force of pure storytelling. Rich with character and detail, yet effortless to read.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALDDon't miss any of the novels in the OTORI sagaACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOORGRASS FOR HIS PILLOWBRILLIANCE OF THE MOONTHE HARSH CRY OF THE HERONHEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE
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AshleyHoss820
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Mehso-so

Man, I don‘t know. Once upon a time, I wrote a paper about female representation in superhero comics. I spent some time talking about the “Women in Refrigerators” phenomenon: violence enacted upon women for the sole purpose of furthering a male character‘s storyline. Without its presence, this would have received a solid 4 stars from me. I don‘t know if I‘ll read the rest of the series. I am befuddled. Well, June‘s #bookspin is done, anyway.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
31 likes1 comment
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AshleyHoss820
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The prompts that were drawn for June‘s #BookSpin were a Litsy TBR book and a GoodReads TBR book! Both of these have been on their respective lists for a long time! 😅 We make the big move tomorrow, and while we‘re staying at my Mom‘s house for a couple of nights until we can get into our new apartment, I‘ll need some reading time! ☺️

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Good luck!! 2y
AshleyHoss820 @TheAromaofBooks Thank you!! ☺️ 2y
29 likes2 comments
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DuckOfDoom
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Panpan

Rape as plot device makes no other rating possible :(

IndyHannaJones Oh boo. I was thinking about picking this up 5y
readordierachel Ugh. No thanks. 5y
43 likes3 comments
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Skygoddess1
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I got home yesterday from a wonderful, although short, trip to Narita, Japan. While there though, I made a point of taking my current read to the Naritasan Temple for some pictures. #flightattendantlife #currentread #naritasantemple

Cinfhen Gorgeous 6y
15 likes1 comment
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Doughtah
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Panpan

Trigger warnings for rape, pedophilia, violence, and rampant sexism. I would have bailed but I‘m planning on sticking with all of our book club‘s books. 😩 i just didnt like this book and it was for a lot of reasons. Wish I could get the five hours I spent in it back.

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Doughtah
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This book is interesting for sure (loads of sex, violence, and creepiness (à la Lolita) heads up), but it‘s not one I‘m loving. It could be that the fictional world seems boring (ripped straight from Japanese history) or that the storytelling is not very emotional (the great man did the thing and said some words and people cried - it‘s dry, i guess?) or something else. Ive got 15% left so we‘ll see how it wraps up. #currentlyreading

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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
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Mehso-so

I enjoyed this less than I wanted to. It was a solid fantasy with the trappings of ancient Japan, but I never really bonded with the main character, Shikanoko. I do not relish the thought of spending another 3 books with him, especially due to a horrible act he commits in the last few pages.

That said, the rest of the cast is vast and interesting, with complex shading given to characters that would have been forgotten about in other narratives.

61 likes1 comment
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
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1. Jurassic Park! Jurassic Park came out the year I turned 10 and reworked my brain. I read the book that same summer.
2. Tater tots
3. Watching the ‘80s set Amazon Prime show Red Oaks has introduced me to a lot of great music from that era, my favorite being the New Wave band The Jetzons.
4. Good, but life has been slowing my progress down.

mabell Ha we just rewatched JP last night! I was telling my husband we watched it in class in 6th grade, and I was very proud I watched and enjoyed a "scary movie" 6y
youneverarrived I loved Red Oaks! (edited) 6y
46 likes2 comments
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TobeyTheScavengerMonk
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vivastory This has been on my tbr. Looking forward to your thoughts. I hope you're having a great summer! 6y
candority What an interesting cover! 6y
erzascarletbookgasm What an interesting bookmark 😁 6y
Phinfluenza This is literally on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Perhaps I'll need to move it towards the top of the tbr list! 6y
67 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Cindyelizavaz
Pickpick

It has been a long time since I enjoyed reading from the fantasy genre! This book have everything I love - Asian background, fantasy and Asian mythologies, a little bit of love and enough adventure to keep me wanting for more! Can‘t wait to dive into book 2,3 and 4! #lianhearn #taleofshikanoko #japanesefantasy

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Cindyelizavaz
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I can finally start this book series! #lianhearn #taleofshikanoko #nowreading

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Cindyelizavaz
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Thanks to my book fairy, my Shikanoko series is now complete! 💗 #lianhearn #taleofshikanoko

GatheringBooks nice!!! 7y
7 likes1 comment
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DiruVamp
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1. The Delfonics small utility pouch. I‘m obsessed with pouches, bags and organizers of all kinds.
2. Neither I‘m a sour candy kinda girl
3. The Tale of Shikanoko by Lian Hearn
4. A published author (its still what I want to be when I grow up)
5. 13 #humpdaypost

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Tsubame
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This book is brilliant. Never before was I aware of how easily and instantly I categorize characters into 'good' and 'bad', because in this work those categories are constantly being thrown over, through adding layers which are often overlooked or not reflected. Hearn is an amazing storyteller and she obviously researched a LOT about medieval Japan and it's mythical folklore.
Honestly I didn't expect to be so taken with this book!

Tsubame Besides I just ordered the second book on Amazon and am truly bummed that the shipping will take between one and four months 😱 7y
vivastory I've been meaning to read these 7y
Yellowpigeon Love this series. I usually don't enjoy series but this one broke that notion 7y
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Tsubame @Yellowpigeon I'm also not a series reader, but when I know it's finished and the number of books is reasonable, I'm willing to give it a chance and now I'm a little on edge because I'll have to wait quite long for the second book to be delivered 🙈 7y
Yellowpigeon I'm not a fan because they generally end the book with a huge cliff hanger. I despise that. Tell a story and if it's good enough, I'll keep reading. 7y
Tsubame @Yellowpigeon Exact same here! A few weeks ago I read into a horrible cliffhanger, not knowing the book was going to have a sequel. Cliffhangers are the worst tool an author can make use of in my opinion. They make me rather turn away entirely from an author, instead of keeping up with their works. 7y
Yellowpigeon Yes!! I was reading a romance book and already decided I wasn't continuing with the series. The book ended with an "is she pregnant" cliff hanger. Thank God for plot synopsis 7y
25 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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speljamr
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And one GoodReads challenge completed early.

tammysue Yay!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
bookloo 🎉🎉🎉🎉 7y
Melissa_J Is this in any way related to Hearn‘s Tales of the Otori? 7y
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quirkyreader Yippie for you. 🐸🐙 7y
booklvr39 👏🎉🎊👏 7y
speljamr @Melissa_J No, it is a new 4 book series. 7y
ErikasMindfulShelf 🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻 7y
Jas16 🙌🏽 7y
sprainedbrain Woohoo! Congrats. 🎈🎊🎉 7y
DarcysMom Yay! Congratulations! 7y
Rachellynnwright 👏🏻👏🏻🍾🍾🎊🎊🎈🎈🍪 7y
litznbooks Aw. Congratulations! 7y
68 likes12 comments
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speljamr
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Pickpick

This ended up not quite being a five 🌟 as I had hoped, but it was worth a good 4🌠

It has a lot of characters to follow and moves around the world map quite a bit. I found myself regularly referencing the character list and map at the front of the book.

With the number of deaths, violence, and rapes, I found this book to be a Japanese Game of Thrones. There were moments I wasn't sure who was the hero.

#fantasy

Eggs There are so many books that would benefit from included maps and character diagrams 🙂 7y
Cathythoughts Not sure who was the hero ! That sounds like something I'd like to read 👍 7y
speljamr @Cathythoughts I mean, I know which character it's supposed to be, but even that character does some rather despicable things. 7y
78 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Tsubame
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This map follows a five page long list of characters 😆 I'm so intimidated by long lists of characters, because it makes me fear i might not be able to keep up with them 🙈 Well, looking forward to my new read for the commute!

Faibka Beautiful! Hope you're doing great! 💕 7y
Yellowpigeon It's honestly not that bad. They are introduced slowly do you don't need to learn a bunch of people right off the bat. 7y
Tsubame @Faibka Thanks, I think I'm doing alright 😉 Hope to hear how you're doing yourself on the other side of the pond! 7y
25 likes3 comments
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speljamr
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Dinner tonight includes corn on the cob. The season has been longer this year due to excessive rain, but I don't know how much longer we'll get. So we are eating as much as we can! 😁

Fantasyfan Seafall is soooooo much fun!! 7y
speljamr @Fantasyfan I'm just starting to read the rule book. My son and I need to find 2 or 3 more to play with us. I found it on sale on Amazon for half price and couldn't resist. 7y
68 likes2 comments
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speljamr
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Lunch and starting a fresh new book. #fantasy

Siannalyn I didn't know about it but it seems really intriguing! 7y
66 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Yellowpigeon
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I was tagged by @Sarah83

📚 The Shikanoko Series. I tagged book one
🎥 Fallen Angels by Wong Kar Wai. So excited/hopeful for his new Netflix series.
💛 isn't it obvious?! Yellow
🥐Gateau Au chocolat from my favorite restaurant or Hong Kong polo bun.
🌼 Stargazer lilies. I practically had to fight the florist at our wedding to get them instead of roses.

I can't think of anyone who hasn't posted but consider yourself tagged if you want to play

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Foxyfictionista
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Pickpick

🦌🦌🦌🦌🦌 I love Lian Hearn's writing. Her stories are so imaginative and reading them feels like reading a historical account of something that happened in a different age. But there's magic in there too. This was beautiful. And that cover picture... ❤️❤️❤️

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Cover picture is amazing! 7y
Redwritinghood I really enjoyed her Tales of the Otori series, but haven't read this. Will have to check it out. 7y
Foxyfictionista @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I know! I love it so much!! 7y
Foxyfictionista @Redwritinghood I was worried at first and was hoping that this wouldn't be just more of the same as the tales of the otori. It's definitely a different creature and worth checking out. 7y
61 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Tsubame
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This was sooooo much fun!! 😃🌈♥️I'm always amazed by the ideas @RealLifeReading comes up with for her monthly photo challenges. Making a #BookRainbow put me in an incredibly cheerful mood 🎉 Come on folks, let's all #Fallintobooks 😁

Kalalalatja 😍😍 those colors! 7y
Sace Such a pretty picture. ❤️ 7y
RealLifeReading Soooo pretty!!! 7y
37 likes3 comments
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alexreadsboooks
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Pickpick

I loved this book. It really drew me in, and even if I thought the dialogue was a bit stilted at first, it turned out to fit really well with the narration.
Plus there's no unnecessary dropping of Japanese terms and honorifics!
I posted a longer review on my blog today! Go to https://alexreadsboooks.wordpress.com to check it out!

8 likes1 stack add
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thebeercolonel
Pickpick

Magical historical harrumbles for this one, it felt like a Viking saga only in an alternative medieval Japan with dragons and werehawks and such.

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snacksinthestacks
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Pickpick

What an incredible book! I absolutely loved this. It was such a pleasure to read a magic fantasy bool set in ancient Japan. The story is utterly engaging and a real page turner. I'm happy to be so behind on this so I can read through the whole series!

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Conservio
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A "medieval" fantasy based in a Japan type culture. #library #fantasy #japanese

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pppooraikul
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Pickpick

The first one-third of the book was kinda slow because it was busy building and introducing the world. Once I got used to Japanese names and knew some characters' background, it picked up the pace. In the last few chapters I read so furiously didn't even notice I was getting close to the end!

It felt a lot like some dark, supernatural period manga. I bit too dark at some point but overall a satisfying read.

E on #LitsyAtoZ 5 on #MountainTBR2017

61 likes2 stack adds
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Readinginprogress
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Pickpick

I stumbled upon this book in a blog and decided to give it a try. It was an excellent choice! This book is different from what I usually read. The use of Japanese old stories and lifestyles was great. I will be reading the other three books as soon as possible.

3 likes1 stack add
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Tcip
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Hey!!! Thanks @Litsy and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this awesome set of books!!! I am so excited to dig in!! MY TBR IS GETTING TOO LONG GUYS! #blameitonlitsy

BookishMarginalia What beautiful editions! 8y
Tcip I know! They are really good looking books and I am excited to see how they read. I'm going tot try to go in blind on them. @BookishMarginalia 8y
TheNextBook That looks so good! 8y
ErinC Mine too! I'm feeling overwhelmed lately it's so long! 8y
34 likes4 comments
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LindsayReads
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Ahhhhhhh! I got #bookmail, you guys! I never get book mail for meeeee. Thank you, @Litsy! These provide much needed beauty and, I suspect, loads of adventure!

Abby-J Those are lovely. 8y
SuperPunkNinja Can't wait to hear how good they are. 8y
LindsayReads @Abby-J Aren't they purdy? 8y
LindsayReads @McShelfington They seem fascinating! 8y
35 likes4 comments
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Well-ReadNeck
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#AllHallowsRead

Yay! Book Mail from @Litsy and Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Thanks!!

🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉📚🎉

LuLeeBelle 🙌🙌🙌🙌 I'm starting this series too!!! 8y
DiruVamp This series is amazing!! 8y
Tcip I'm actually still waiting on mine. I am so stoked to read it!! 8y
ApoptyGina69 I love this series by looks alone! Can't wait to hear how it goes. Everyone is enthusiastic about it. 8y
Well-ReadNeck @TulaneJoe volunteered to preview them for me! 😝 8y
118 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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Litsy
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It's time for another #AllHallowsRead giveaway!

For a chance to win a copy of the entire Tale of Shikanoko series from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, share a post from our photo-a-day challenge! Today's challenge is to post about a Halloween book that's NOT scary. Be sure to tag us and to use the hashtag #AllHallowsRead. Three winners will be chosen today at 10PM EST!!

tasha I saw these at the bookstore the other day!! So gorgeous! Want! 8y
QuintusMarcus What stunning covers! 8y
Tcip I know right?! They would look good on my bookshelf :) wink wink! 8y
AiBBot Wow 8y
196 likes34 stack adds5 comments
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rachel_reads
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Pickpick

This was brilliant! Magical and engaging with a good mix of male and female characters. Fans of the Tales of the Otori saga will love reading about the origins of the Tribe. Can't wait for book two! Highly recommended.

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Yellowpigeon
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Pickpick

I loved the entire series and I'm not one who usually likes series. Interesting and complex characters. Few were 100% good or evil. However, I did lose track of several of the characters.

Readaholics Ooooo they just had a kindle version of the first book on sale. I can't wait to read them... 8y
10 likes1 comment
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b.reading
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So I have to admit, I ALWAYS judge a book by its cover. But before you say "how could you?!", I must explain that I've never picked a bad book when choosing by the cover. While walking around the good ole B&N with my old college roommate two beautifully colored books caught my eye. The second and third book on the series! So we scoured the shelfs for the first book and ALAS here she is! I can't wait to get started ?

BookFreakOut Can't wait to hear how it is, might have to go get it myself! 8y
Vexingcircumstance I judge by cover too. And size. I'm very picky, for example, about the size of poetry books. I only like small paperback poetry books. 8y
7 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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MoniqueChristine
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Pickpick

The Emperor of the Eight Islands takes inspiration from famous Japanese classics and myths, and weaves together a brand new fantasy. I'm genuinely anxious to know what happens to Kiyoyori now that his spirit has taken on a new form. I want to see if Shikanoko ever gains control of his deer power or Sesshin's nugget of power. It's a great escape to a fascinating new world.

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kammartinez
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Mehso-so

It's a really good start, but JUST a start. I wish there'd been a bit more meat on this than what I got, because it really looks like the story is going to be MASSIVELY epic - but then I got to the end of this and I went: "Okay? Now what?" Will still read the second book though. Full review here: http://wp.me/p21txV-ue

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12parsecs
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Pickpick

10/10 would recommend. Medieval Japan. Multiple characters. Intertwining storylines. Need I say more???

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kammartinez
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Mayread Your quote game is on point. 8y
kammartinez @Skiles Thanks :D! 8y
17 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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kammartinez
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kammartinez
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stargazerblue49 After my first week of residency on nights on Labor and Delivery, I can definitely attest to the first half of that statement! 8y
kammartinez @stargazerblue49 It can get pretty epic - and pretty gross, according to my friends who work in medicine. Good luck on your residency! May nothing too strange cross your path. 8y
stargazerblue49 @kammartinez Thanks! It's too late for that! 8y
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Riveted_Reader_Melissa That's a powerful quote! 8y
kammartinez @Riveted_Reader_Melissa It is! A great reminder to be humble, because no matter who we are, we all begin and end life the same way :). 8y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @kammartinez Exactly, and I think all the more powerful because so many don't want to admit either of the facts. 8y
18 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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12parsecs
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On to the next one #24in48...I'd be lying if I didn't say I picked this out based on the cover 🙈

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kammartinez
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It's sad how the more misogynistic of our species always forget that a woman can have dreams and aspirations and ambitions that run contrary to the ones they impose on us.

19 likes1 stack add
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bookshopsc
Pickpick

Welcome to ancient Japan, where tengu haunt the mountain forests and intrigue haunts the capital. The ambitions of sorcerers vie with the politics of succession, & children are pawns in the hands of adults until they form their own plans. This magical, historical series will sweep you away. -Jocelyn

26 likes4 stack adds
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kammartinez
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Hearn's latest series looks like it was inspired by a mix of the Heike Monogatari and a whole bunch of Japanese legends and folktales. In other words: my kind of literary kryptonite ;). Perfect with a cup of sencha sipped from a celadon-green cup painted with dragonflies on the inside :).

RealLifeReading Pretty teacup 8y
queerbookreader Mint-infused sencha tea is the best thing on the planet, I highly suggest trying it with a sprig of mint in your cup if you're able to 8y
kammartinez @RealLifeReading Thanks! It is indeed quite a lovely thing - which is why I like to use it ;). 8y
See All 6 Comments
kammartinez @lemonlime799 Thanks for that recommendation! I'll give it a shot the next time I get my hands on some fresh mint :D. 8y
MrBook Nice pic! 8y
kammartinez @MrBook Thanks :D! 8y
20 likes1 stack add6 comments
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kdwinchester
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Pickpick

I loved this story with its combination of Japanese mythology and good storytelling. I would be a mess right now if I didn't already have the next book waiting for me. I'm going to review the series as a unit—that seems fitting—but I highly recommend this first book! 👏🏽📚👍🏽🎉

DiruVamp I absolutely cannot wait for the last two in this series!! So unbelievable! 8y
RebL My son is all over these books too. Clearly I must add it to my stack.📚 8y
callunakeep I am counting down the days for the next installment! If patience is a virtue, then know that I am not a virtuous person where this series is concerned!! 8y
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kdwinchester @DiruVamp Agreed. I just can't even. 😻 8y
kdwinchester @callunakeep I'm counting down with you. 👍🏽 8y
kdwinchester @RebL Def a good life choice. 😊 8y
80 likes21 stack adds6 comments
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kdwinchester
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I ❤️ maps!! Started this book today, but I keep getting distracted by this fascinating world. 🏔

BookJunkie429 I love maps too 8y
BookishFeminist I love the map in this too! Another incredible map I saw lately was at the beginning of The Dinosaur Lords, which is shaping up to be a weird book but at least the map is pretty 👍🏼 8y
callunakeep Fabulous book!! I LOVED it and the second one is just as good! Hope you enjoy it!! 8y
See All 11 Comments
thebookmagpie Ooh, I've liked the Lian Hearn I've read before but I've never seen this one! 8y
MrCoachU Maps are the best!!! 8y
Sydsavvy A book with maps is the bomb! 8y
erzascarletbookgasm Have not read this book but I love maps, too! 8y
kdwinchester @BookishFeminist THE DINOSAUR LORDS? What is this interesting book you speak of? 😄 8y
kdwinchester @callunakeep I have the second one on my kindle. Loving this book so far and may just have to jump right in to the next one. 👍🏽 8y
BookishFeminist @kdwinchester LOL. I've been giving it a try--George RR Martin claims it's a mix between Game of Thrones & Jurassic Park. It's...interesting, lol. 8y
115 likes10 stack adds11 comments
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DaveNeufeld
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Pickpick

After a slow start I did finally get a bit more into this story. My favourite part is still the cover though! Going to take a break before starting book 2.

kdwinchester Starting this soon! So excited! 8y
19 likes1 comment
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Dogearedcopy
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Pickpick

The internal beat of this tale reminds me a little of the European Medieval chansons des trouveres: The evocation of poetry, the lyrical prose, the linear narrative told in small sections, the ultimate sum somehow greater than the parts... Can't wait to pick up 'Autumn Princess, Dragon Child'!