It’s such fun learning about and encountering new sorts of creatures. ✿ Gashadokuro: A freaking ginormous skeleton formed from lots of freaking people dying not very nice deathsĪs with Shadow of the Fox, the world was just superbly done, and I really looked forward to all the new elements that were presented. ✿ Sagari: grotesque horses’ heads that drop from trees and shriek at passersby ✿ Jubokki: man-eating tree that drains the blood (and life, since that’s sort of how it works) from its victims Some fun highlights of what you’ll get to see: ❧ There’s still so much Japanese lore to explore in this world, but in this book, it becomes darker and more sinister, which I love.Īnd let’s be honest: the Japanese are really freaking good at having slightly terrifying, nightmare-inducing lore. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the journey. While it was a bit slow to get started, especially since it’s been a while since I read the first one, it was easy enough to slip back into the world. This felt like a second book, in all the right ways. It’s just that the other characters are also great now, too. Soul of the Sword takes all the things that were wonderful about Shadow of the Fox (the world, the anime-esque storytelling, the fun characters, the dark fantasy vibes) and really digs deeper for what was a rich, exciting experience.ĭon’t worry: Okame is still great.

Okay, I’ve run out of words here on these pages. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.

To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.

Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono. One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged.

Soul of the sword julie kagawa