eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reviewRelease Date: June 24th
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Description:
American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.
When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.
My Opinion
Just like the first book, Ink, this sequel had a unique setting an a gorgeous cover that you can't help but be drawn to. As well as this the author has managed to keep the authentic feeling of the Japanese culture all the way through this book making it all the more intriguing to read.
Like with Ink, I did feel Rain took a while for me to get into and it was only really at the end did everything pick up so that I couldn't put it down. I found that it was interesting to read in bursts but it wasn't a book I could sit with for hours as I didn't feel there was enough action. As well as this, I did find myself a bit overwhelmed with the Japanese. Although there is a glossary and it adds to the books authenticity, there were times I just couldn't see the point of using it as it became slightly annoying having to flick back and forth in an ebook to look up words.
One thing that is really interesting in Rain is that the paranormal development managed to remain original. I don't know if it's based on any legends from Japan but if it is I think it's a clever concept used by the author. It ties in with everything about the culture well and the detail involved in creating this side of the book was great. I have no doubts about the kami.
I did feel the characters fitted in well with the setting and were authentic and true. However, I did struggle to connect with them and I can't put my finger on why. I think this might be another reason I didn't stick with the book for long periods of time.
Overall though, Rain was an enjoyable read and an authentic, original sequel. There were a few twists I didn't see coming and it did get better with the more I read. I would have liked more action to be dispersed throughout but in general it was a good read.
Just like the first book, Ink, this sequel had a unique setting an a gorgeous cover that you can't help but be drawn to. As well as this the author has managed to keep the authentic feeling of the Japanese culture all the way through this book making it all the more intriguing to read.
Like with Ink, I did feel Rain took a while for me to get into and it was only really at the end did everything pick up so that I couldn't put it down. I found that it was interesting to read in bursts but it wasn't a book I could sit with for hours as I didn't feel there was enough action. As well as this, I did find myself a bit overwhelmed with the Japanese. Although there is a glossary and it adds to the books authenticity, there were times I just couldn't see the point of using it as it became slightly annoying having to flick back and forth in an ebook to look up words.
One thing that is really interesting in Rain is that the paranormal development managed to remain original. I don't know if it's based on any legends from Japan but if it is I think it's a clever concept used by the author. It ties in with everything about the culture well and the detail involved in creating this side of the book was great. I have no doubts about the kami.
I did feel the characters fitted in well with the setting and were authentic and true. However, I did struggle to connect with them and I can't put my finger on why. I think this might be another reason I didn't stick with the book for long periods of time.
Overall though, Rain was an enjoyable read and an authentic, original sequel. There were a few twists I didn't see coming and it did get better with the more I read. I would have liked more action to be dispersed throughout but in general it was a good read.
3.5
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