The Path Keeper by N. J. Simmonds

After a month long of working on a historical novel and reading non fiction, I was in desperate need of some Young Adult (YA) romance and I thought The Path Keeper fit the bill. Soon after I started reading, I forgot the time and I had other things to do. I didn’t put it down again after I continued reading. It’s a perfect summer read for when you have time to finish a book in one go. Read More

Returning to Mystical Japan: The Chrysanthemum Seal by James Calbraith

[aesop_chapter title=”~” bgtype=”color” full=”on” video_autoplay=”on” bgcolor=”#006489″ minheight=”10″ revealfx=”off”] Where The Rising Tide was the conclusion of the first story arc of James Calbraith’s “The Year of the Dragon” series, the first book of new arc – The Chrysanthemum Seal – dives deeper into the making of a legend.The previous book in this series, The Year Read More

The Politics of Mystical Japan: The Rising Tide by James Calbraith

[aesop_chapter title=”~” bgtype=”color” full=”on” video_autoplay=”on” bgcolor=”#006489″ minheight=”10px” revealfx=”off”] What’s a good epic fantasy without some troubling diplomats who try to blackmail their way into higher ranks? And why not betray your own allies with secret weapons to get ahead? Yamato is filled with begrudged officials whose status is more important to them than anything else. Read More

The Nature of Mystical Japan: The Islands In The Mist by James Calbraith

We’re continuing our journey through Yamato, James Calbraith’s alternate version of Japan. The Islands In The Mists is the third book in the series The Year Of The Dragon. This is the first book where the story in Yamato splits into multiple points of view, as well as expanding on the burgeoning storyline in Qin only teased in earlier books. Hold on to your obis, because you’re in for a bumpy ride. Read More

Meeting Mystical Japan: The Warrior’s Soul by James Calbraith

Last month I started the ride through Yamato with the review of James Calbraith’s The Shadow of Black Wings. This week I’ll treat you to the sequel, The Warrior’s Soul. There will be spoilers to the first book and minor spoilers for this one. You’ll still be able to enjoy reading The Warrior’s Soul after reading this review. Read More

Visiting Mystical Japan: The Shadow of Black Wings by James Calbraith

[aesop_chapter title=”~” bgtype=”color” full=”off” bgcolor=”#006489″ minheight=”10″ revealfx=”off”] The Shadow of Black Wings is the first book in the series ‘The Year of the Dragon’, written by James Calbraith. It’s a young adult fantasy book, complete with dragon rides, magic, and demons. This series is an alternate history story set in Prydain, an alternate version of Read More