Sword of Kaigen: A Theonite War Story | 
so-soI typically don‘t read self-published books but this one has great reviews so I decided to give it a go. A good story lurks somewhere inside this book but the lack of a strong editorial voice means the pacing is uneven, there are numerous info dumps/extraneous scenes that do not move the plot forward, & character development is such that when big moments come, it‘s easy to shrug them off. Even so, it‘s a fascinating world & a story with potential.
Wraithmarked Kickstarter. Worth the wait! Now I‘m waiting for Dragon Mage.
Book is signed & numbered. Limited to 2,000.
Front end papers are a painting of the front of the person who has their back to us on the cover.
The back end papers are a lovely colored map.
Black ribbon bookmark.
Silver foil edges and silver foiling on the front/back/spine.
Additional double sided, signed bookmark, 2 patches and a sticker.
pickThis is a fantastic, original epic standalone fantasy. I have seen many excellent reviews, and it definitely lives up to the hype. A modern fantasy taking place in a small mountain village that seems frozen in time and the people possess powerful abilities. I knew very little about this going in and recommend the same. The only weakness is the end, which left this open to other stories, but seemed a bit tacked on after the main action sequences.⬇️
so-soVery mixed feelings about this one. I liked the magic system and the complicated relationships. And there were some powerful moments that gave me all the feels. But the pacing and structure was weird - lots of exposition bogged the beginning down, the climax was in the middle of the book, and the ending was very abrupt. Good story but needed a ruthless editor as I was more bored than thrilled. A weak so-so.
pickit's been a while since the last time I read a self-pubbed book but this was pretty fantastic. vast setting, political intrigue, detailed fight scenes and really strongly written characters. if I have any minor quibbles, I think the book fizzles out a bit by the end and weirdly introduces a conflict to be resolved in a different book set in the same universe, but otherwise this is an excellent read all around.
#currentlyreading
The Shining by Stephen King (April book club pick)
The Sword of Kaigen by M. L Wang (self published Japanese inspired fantasy)
I have just finished The Secret History by Donna Tartt and I loved it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.
Wow. Loved this. Chapter 27 actually made me cry. Guys! I can't even remember the last time a book did that!
This is a self pub novel that is definitely worth searching out. It's very often on sale as an ebook on Amazon for 99¢ so really there's nothing to lose here!
This is my 3rd book this year and so far all 3 books have gotten 5-star reviews! I sure hope this is a sign of how awesome my 2020 reading adventure is going to be! 🤘
2nd book of the year starts NOW! 🤩
So excited to start reading this. 🤸♂️
Finally, got my hands on this, a self-pub that has been getting a ton of good buzz this year.
I originally bought it as an ebook but after 1 chapter I stopped reading cuz I knew I wanted it in physical for my shelf.
Very excited to dig in. 👍
