The ending was both heartbreaking and wonderful and I’m eagerly awaiting part three. It never felt sappy or over the top, though. There were some very emotional moments, both happy and sad. I’m totally naming a cat after him, if I ever get one. Biko-san makes another appearance and he’s so adorable. I was happy to get a background story for a few characters of the first part. If not, it does require a bit of concentration, because it’s a rather complex story. Unless you know your Japanese history and mythology in your sleep, then you’re all set. It’s not always an easy read, so you might not want to read while half asleep. I loved all the details and it made it all very real to me. The author clearly did a lot of research and knows what she’s writing about. The setting of ancient Japan was extremely well written.
There’s not a ton of sex either and it’s not very explicit, but it was definitely very sensual. But that allowed for a natural growth of their feelings and it was wonderful to witness it.
So it takes a while for Hiro and Ryu to meet and it takes even longer for a romantic relationship to develop. The romance itself is rather slow burn, since the book essentially starts with Hiro’s birth. I actually felt like I now know more about Japan than I did before starting the book, but it never felt like the author was writing a lecture. You should still be familiar with the most common Japanese titles, though. There’s a dictionary at the end of the book, so you can always cross check if you don’t understand something. I’m somewhat familiar with Japanese mythology, but not an expert by any means. And “Shinigami” did not just live up to them, it actually exceeded them. After the very good first part, I had very high expectations of this second installment. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Japan and it’s folklore and mythology. I probably wouldn’t call it a “ coming-of-age love story” either, more like historical fantasy steeped in Japanese mythology with a healthy dash of heartbreaking romance. It sounds a little trivial, when this story is anything but. I’m not sure if the blurb quite does this amazing book justice. It’s a free short story, so there’s nothing to lose and it will definitely help you understand this book. You should read “Kogitsune” before you pick up this book. “ Shinigami” is part two of the series, even though it’s set before the events of “Kogitsune”. While he battles to find his own path, Hirotsugu finds solace in a boy who will become his secret friend, then his salvation, and then as they become adults together, the love of his life.Īfter the good first part of the series, I was really curious about the actual novel. The human world meets the yōkai in a power struggle for the fate of Fujiwara no Hirotsugu. A coming-of-age love story between an orphan and the heir of the richest family in the Land of Yamato.
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