The story is set in a steampunk empire (Japan), where people
are dying because of the Bloody Lotus that is poisoning
every living thing.
People are disciplined by the machine-powered Lotus Guild
which punishes based on their opinion of whether you are
pure or an impure (intoxicated by the lotus).
Yukiko has an amazing gift, she could talk to animals, and
this doesn't bode well in an empire headed by a greedy
Shogun who would burn those he considered Impure. But when
Yukioko's warrior father, a reknowned hunter was given the
task to capture a Griffin ( a thunder-tiger with wings),
Yukiko and her family's fate lies on pleasing the Shogun and
fulfilling this impossible mission.
Circumstances brought Yukiko to an unknown place
together with a not so friendly wounded Griffin.
From there, blooms friendship, past are rediscovered, more
mysteries awaits and a war brims- can a girl and a
flightless griffin take on an empire?
STORMDANCER features a very unique, interesting plot and a
beautiful cover.
Jay Kristoff weaves a new world of steampunk, feudal Japan
and fantasy so well, that readers are pulled in into the
world he created.
The world-building is well-thought of and very rich in
details; the story flows naturally, it's fast- paced and
always keeps the reader on edge on what would happen next.
Despite the new terms (Japanese words), it's very readable
and engaging, not at all overwhelming and packed with
technical words as I expect it to be.
Plus there's a Glossary so when you feel a little bit lost
(what with the Japanese names) feel free to look at it.
Although the first few chapters might slow you down with
it's details and the society the heroine lives, it sure
prepares you to an exciting adventure once Buruu shows up.
The characters are so well-developed, that I can't help but
think that the Griffin almost feels real and human to me.
I found myself falling for their friendship and I even
began
to hope that Buruu could turn into a human.
I was touched to the brink of crying when the once proud
Arashitora said, "Feathers grow back, sisters do not".
And don't worry this isn't just about bloody katanas and
samurai fighting, there's humor too.
I enjoyed Buruu's witty dialogue with Yukiko, his comments,
his humor- and he, being himself. He's such a fun creature
to be with.
When I read STORMDANCER, I wasn't reading the words, I was
in the story together with the characters, the words are
just a blur, I
felt the story and that is more than enough for me to
consider this book as one of the best, fantasy-steampunk
I've ever read- I guess that's what matters.
The story ends with a cliffhanger—that will truly want you
to grab the next book just to continue where you left off. I
can't wait to read Kinslayer, the next book in the series.
STORMDANCER is very intense, unique, enthralling and
riveting.
It's one of a kind story that features friendship that
surpasses beliefs and prejudices.
It's definitely a book I would highly recommend!
The first in an epic new fantasy series, introducing an
unforgettable new heroine and a stunningly original
dystopian steampunk world with a flavor of feudal
Japan.
A DYING LAND The Shima Imperium
verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an
island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated
by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of
the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is
choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals
that once roamed its wilds have departed
forever.
AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST The
hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their
Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary creature,
half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have
been extinct for more than a century, and the price of
failing the Shōgun is death.
A HIDDEN
GIFT Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed
of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by
the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s
hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in
Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled
thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his
thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for
certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.
But together, the pair will form an indomitable
friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.
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