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laceanddaggerbooks's review
5.0
Okay so I enjoyed this book a lot and I actually read the first 3/4 of the book in one sitting. This is a book rich in Japanese culture that draws you in. The characters are interesting and the romance is decent. You find yourself wanting to know more and you still have questions at the end but that's good as it leaves you wanting more.
This is a book I probably wouldn't have found on my own but I'm glad I read it and now I really need the next book gah. The next book and thanks to this one the strawberry cream sandwiches I'm now craving.
This is a book I probably wouldn't have found on my own but I'm glad I read it and now I really need the next book gah. The next book and thanks to this one the strawberry cream sandwiches I'm now craving.
caitskye's review
Ugh. I'm very disappointed to say that this book was not for me. I made it more than halfway through, but I'm not going to rate it. Sometimes I rate books I DNF, sometimes I don't. I guess it just depends on my feelings toward the book. And in regards to this book, I am holding back on a bad rating because I think that if I had read this when I was younger, I might have enjoyed it.
I bought this book (and its sequel) because the covers are absolutely gorgeous. But sadly, this book did not keep my attention at all. I wanted to read about Japan and the culture and life there with a fantasy twist, but what I got was broody, stalking teenagers who just happen to live in Japan. I just couldn't take any more.
I bought this book (and its sequel) because the covers are absolutely gorgeous. But sadly, this book did not keep my attention at all. I wanted to read about Japan and the culture and life there with a fantasy twist, but what I got was broody, stalking teenagers who just happen to live in Japan. I just couldn't take any more.
sarahd747's review
4.0
I truly love all things Japanese, so when I found out this book was set in Japan, it became one my instant must reads. Not only did the story have a refreshingly unique concept that was based upon ancient Japanese myths and legends, but it also gave the reader a brilliant insight into the everyday workings of Japanese language and culture.
The story begins with Katie. Recently orphaned, she has moved to Japan to live with her aunt and facing the trials a new country, a new culture and a new language brings, she finds herself struggling to make a new life for herself. Not only is she a gaijin – an outsider – in her small Japanese town, but after witnessing the school hottie, Tomo, break up with his long term girlfriend she finds her world becoming more and more complicated, when suddenly drawings around her begin to move.
On the surface, Tomo is a cold hearted bad boy with the face of an angel. Yet for some reason Katie keeps running into him. However the more she gets to know him, the more she realises that his cool façade is just an act, because Tomo hides a deadly secret. He is a Kami, a descendant of the old Gods. With the ability to make his drawings come to life, he can create real beauty, except he has little control over his creations and for some reason, the ink is drawn to Katie… and it’s after blood…
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a big fan of manga and Japanese dramas and this book read much the same way. It had an authentic Japanese feel to it and the descriptions were done in a way that made everything very realistic and easy to imagine. I also liked the page drawings that were spaced throughout the story – it added a nice touch to the book.
I liked the characters, especially Katie as you really felt her mixed emotions of being thrown into a foreign culture. Her attraction to Tomo was curious; it was one of those ‘I know I should stay away from him, but…’ kind of romances, which in the end worked out well.
Tomo was also great character, blowing hot and cold, it wasn’t always easy to read his intentions but he had a sharp wit and I couldn’t help but like him. I’m looking forward to seeing how his and Katie’s relationship develops in the next book.
Yet the secondary characters were also interesting too, particularly Yuki’s brother, who I hope we get to see more of in the future. There’s also Jun, who not only looks awesome, but has a whole mysterious thing working for him too. Yet while I think I see a love triangle developing between him, Tomo and Katie, I can’t wait to see what fates going to throw at them next. Then there is Ishikawa, he’s Tomo’s best friend, but one who has ulterior motives. I couldn’t help but like him, even though he was technically a bad guy…however I’m interested to see if that will change in the future. He is definitely a character to watch out for. So overall, I really did like the cast.
Plot wise, I loved how Amanda Sun incorporated so much Japanese culture and myth into the story. It was a paranormal romance, but one set on the realm of ‘what if’ and I like books where it’s easy to imagine such things happening, only hidden from the real world. Yet, while I think there were moments when Katie made stupid decisions and sometimes seemed a little stalkerish, it didn’t really take away my enjoyment of the book. Yes there were quite a few clichés and while this book did have many of the typical YA elements (irresponsible guardians, plenty of hot guys and a deadly love interest) ultimately, I still enjoyed.
So overall, I would say Ink has a unique setting and an interesting new concept that most fans of YA paranormal will enjoy. Bursting with intrigue, danger and romance, Ink will sweep you away. 4 stars!
The story begins with Katie. Recently orphaned, she has moved to Japan to live with her aunt and facing the trials a new country, a new culture and a new language brings, she finds herself struggling to make a new life for herself. Not only is she a gaijin – an outsider – in her small Japanese town, but after witnessing the school hottie, Tomo, break up with his long term girlfriend she finds her world becoming more and more complicated, when suddenly drawings around her begin to move.
On the surface, Tomo is a cold hearted bad boy with the face of an angel. Yet for some reason Katie keeps running into him. However the more she gets to know him, the more she realises that his cool façade is just an act, because Tomo hides a deadly secret. He is a Kami, a descendant of the old Gods. With the ability to make his drawings come to life, he can create real beauty, except he has little control over his creations and for some reason, the ink is drawn to Katie… and it’s after blood…
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a big fan of manga and Japanese dramas and this book read much the same way. It had an authentic Japanese feel to it and the descriptions were done in a way that made everything very realistic and easy to imagine. I also liked the page drawings that were spaced throughout the story – it added a nice touch to the book.
I liked the characters, especially Katie as you really felt her mixed emotions of being thrown into a foreign culture. Her attraction to Tomo was curious; it was one of those ‘I know I should stay away from him, but…’ kind of romances, which in the end worked out well.
Tomo was also great character, blowing hot and cold, it wasn’t always easy to read his intentions but he had a sharp wit and I couldn’t help but like him. I’m looking forward to seeing how his and Katie’s relationship develops in the next book.
Yet the secondary characters were also interesting too, particularly Yuki’s brother, who I hope we get to see more of in the future. There’s also Jun, who not only looks awesome, but has a whole mysterious thing working for him too. Yet while I think I see a love triangle developing between him, Tomo and Katie, I can’t wait to see what fates going to throw at them next. Then there is Ishikawa, he’s Tomo’s best friend, but one who has ulterior motives. I couldn’t help but like him, even though he was technically a bad guy…however I’m interested to see if that will change in the future. He is definitely a character to watch out for. So overall, I really did like the cast.
Plot wise, I loved how Amanda Sun incorporated so much Japanese culture and myth into the story. It was a paranormal romance, but one set on the realm of ‘what if’ and I like books where it’s easy to imagine such things happening, only hidden from the real world. Yet, while I think there were moments when Katie made stupid decisions and sometimes seemed a little stalkerish, it didn’t really take away my enjoyment of the book. Yes there were quite a few clichés and while this book did have many of the typical YA elements (irresponsible guardians, plenty of hot guys and a deadly love interest) ultimately, I still enjoyed.
So overall, I would say Ink has a unique setting and an interesting new concept that most fans of YA paranormal will enjoy. Bursting with intrigue, danger and romance, Ink will sweep you away. 4 stars!
annyeongkhim's review
5.0
Everything was beautiful and unbelievable and magical and great in it's own way. Definitely watching out for the installation for this series!
greylandreviews's review
5.0
Wonderfully amazing! Will be reading more from this author. Can't wait to read the rest of The Paper Gods series!
nectarinereadss's review
3.0
Initially, I was hesitant. The plot sounded like one I had read many times before, but I went for it because of Shinto, the unique setting, and the admittedly gorgeous cover. The book was what I expected, I mean mysterious "I'm too dangerous for you" guy, confused new girl. It's basically Twilight, except it's written better and the supernatural aspect was much better.
I enjoyed the integration of Japanese and English, seeing the character develop, and all of the Japanese aspects. The plot wasn't fantastic, and Katie is not one I shall be adding to my favourite female characters list, but it was alright. Unlike twilight, I could understand why Katie needed to be around Tomo, because basically he could destroy Japan or get kidnapped by the Yakuza at any moment.
She was unhealthily in love with him though, because who in their right mind would actually return to Japan knowing that they're presence might set off an extremely powerful Kami as well as get them killed!
The plot stripped down is nothing new or exciting, and Katie isn't the best character. But with all the decorations and mythology, it was actually enjoyable. I didn't have high hopes, considering the synopsis, and I wasn't really let down. I've read this type of story many, many times, it didn't exceed or fail my expectations. It was just what I thought it'd be.
I enjoyed the integration of Japanese and English, seeing the character develop, and all of the Japanese aspects. The plot wasn't fantastic, and Katie is not one I shall be adding to my favourite female characters list, but it was alright. Unlike twilight, I could understand why Katie needed to be around Tomo, because basically he could destroy Japan or get kidnapped by the Yakuza at any moment.
The plot stripped down is nothing new or exciting, and Katie isn't the best character. But with all the decorations and mythology, it was actually enjoyable. I didn't have high hopes, considering the synopsis, and I wasn't really let down. I've read this type of story many, many times, it didn't exceed or fail my expectations. It was just what I thought it'd be.
bell_flowers's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this, despite it not being the most original in terms of character tropes or girl-falling-in-love-with-boy plots. There were certainly parts that I read and automatically thought, "okay, that could have been done better," but no story is perfect.
This was perfect for me because it was a very casual read. It felt like I was reading a fanfiction, in terms of it not being too dense or having low readability. I loved the incorporation of the drawings on the pages as well, visual are always a plus.
Look, this book doesn't capture the YA-heroine-who's-out-of-her-depth-but-manages-to-get-the-boy-AND-get-braver plot in the best way, but it was simple! There were some really cute moments, and though provoking ones. I see so much potential in this author and can't wait to finish the series
This was perfect for me because it was a very casual read. It felt like I was reading a fanfiction, in terms of it not being too dense or having low readability. I loved the incorporation of the drawings on the pages as well, visual are always a plus.
Look, this book doesn't capture the YA-heroine-who's-out-of-her-depth-but-manages-to-get-the-boy-AND-get-braver plot in the best way, but it was simple! There were some really cute moments, and though provoking ones. I see so much potential in this author and can't wait to finish the series
debdatta's review
3.0
I have been wanting to read this book ever since I heard about it about two months back. So, when my request got approved on netgalley, I was super excited!
After her mother’s untimely death, Katie Greene is forced to move to Japan and live with her aunt till her grandparents can claim her custody. Settling in a different continent, where food, language and culture are completely different from what Katie is used to is no easy job. And doing the same while still grieving for the loss of her mother is even more difficult, but once Katie lands there, she finds that she is quite good at adapting. With the help of her aunt, her friend Yuki & Tanaka and cram school, she picks up the language quite fast an soon starts to settle in. Soon, she discovers the school’s pretty but mysterious boy Tomohiro was up to something. The more she discovered about him, the more she was attracted to him. But Tomohiro’s powers spiral whenever she is near him which in turn puts them both at risk.
I will get out my not so favourite parts first. I have issues with the plot’s slow build up from the very beginning. Not much happens till about three quarter of the book passes you by. I also like the protagonists’ friends to play important roles. Though Ishakawa had a role to play, Yuki and Tanaka felt like wallflowers in the novel and I wished more involvement on their behalf. And Jun was predictable.
What I did like was the setting in Japan. I learnt quite a bit about the culture there. I had heard about students having to clean up the school after hours as a part of character building exercise. So, seeing that part being incorporated into the story was kinda nice. It was also a chance for me to learn about kendo, a bit about Japanese food and few words of the language too. The references to Japanese mythology were interesting. The writing style in general was quite good. It was what made me going irrespective of the slow start.
I wish though that the author would have answered a few ‘whats’ involving Katie in this book instead of making us wait to find out in the next instalment. But these unanswered questions and the lack of the explanations are also the reason why I will be picking up the next instalment.
After her mother’s untimely death, Katie Greene is forced to move to Japan and live with her aunt till her grandparents can claim her custody. Settling in a different continent, where food, language and culture are completely different from what Katie is used to is no easy job. And doing the same while still grieving for the loss of her mother is even more difficult, but once Katie lands there, she finds that she is quite good at adapting. With the help of her aunt, her friend Yuki & Tanaka and cram school, she picks up the language quite fast an soon starts to settle in. Soon, she discovers the school’s pretty but mysterious boy Tomohiro was up to something. The more she discovered about him, the more she was attracted to him. But Tomohiro’s powers spiral whenever she is near him which in turn puts them both at risk.
I will get out my not so favourite parts first. I have issues with the plot’s slow build up from the very beginning. Not much happens till about three quarter of the book passes you by. I also like the protagonists’ friends to play important roles. Though Ishakawa had a role to play, Yuki and Tanaka felt like wallflowers in the novel and I wished more involvement on their behalf. And Jun was predictable.
What I did like was the setting in Japan. I learnt quite a bit about the culture there. I had heard about students having to clean up the school after hours as a part of character building exercise. So, seeing that part being incorporated into the story was kinda nice. It was also a chance for me to learn about kendo, a bit about Japanese food and few words of the language too. The references to Japanese mythology were interesting. The writing style in general was quite good. It was what made me going irrespective of the slow start.
I wish though that the author would have answered a few ‘whats’ involving Katie in this book instead of making us wait to find out in the next instalment. But these unanswered questions and the lack of the explanations are also the reason why I will be picking up the next instalment.
rachelfriars's review
5.0
Here is my Youtube review on this book! |(Spoiler Free) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBZCaAGyxYo&feature=youtu.be
akatsuki_crazy's review
4.0
This book was so cute!
I loved the whole fantasy aspect of it, plus the romance was'nt overdone or over-sexualized.
For those of you who don't know, the book follows a girl named katie, and her adapting to living
in Japan.
It's a fantasy/romance that deals with drawings coming to life (pretty dang awesome).
My review is doing NOTHING for this book, so just read it and experience the asesomeness yourselves
:D
I loved the whole fantasy aspect of it, plus the romance was'nt overdone or over-sexualized.
For those of you who don't know, the book follows a girl named katie, and her adapting to living
in Japan.
It's a fantasy/romance that deals with drawings coming to life (pretty dang awesome).
My review is doing NOTHING for this book, so just read it and experience the asesomeness yourselves
:D