Beba Andric
1,198 reviews60 followers
I do so enjoy an Asian themed book, Samurai, Katana's, the lore, the culture, the sense of duty and obedience is like few cultures, the exaltation of the Emperor, who's seen pretty much as a god. And this book rekindled my love of Asian traditions, of their prowess and their honour and Ninja, let's not forget Ninja's! Much like all the Eric Van Lustbader books I've read, I devoured this book. Completely lost in the storytelling and wonderful execution of the plot. As in the author's previous series, there are many characters, once more, many POV's, which just works! Getting to "know" each character, what they are, who they are, what motivates them, to me, given such depth, has me understanding them, feeling them. They all learn valuable lessons along the way, a very different and difficult way for each of them. I love the complexities of the characters, "watching"" them grappling with themselves, trying to make sense of their unfortunate situation, which most are. Heck, one is kidnapped, one is propelled into becoming the Emperor, one is learning that physical strength is not the only means of strength, there's also those with remorse, those with regrets and those with a burning need. It starts off innocently enough with Kimiko and Yoshi, who live on an island, an island seperate from all the political manipulation of the mainland, an island clinging to it's neutrality. Both Emperor and other factions are calling for the Island's fealty, which the Daimyo, Kimoki, is loathe to do. Everything is turned on it's head by an attack and life on the Island is changed forever. Yoshi, sweet insecure Yoshi, a Prince, flees for his life, The action is heart in throat, the devastation and horror of the attacks, which they are coming from all sides throughout the entire Realm, is so vivid, I couldn't avoid the shiver running down my spine. The more I read the more I get lost in this magnificent story, I feel it dragging me deeper and deeper into its depths, barely breathing, as I waited to surface once more. Which I did, with a pounding heart rate and a resounding wow escaping from my lips.The depth of the characters, the scale of this world, the pacing of the events, the expertise of the author at tantalising me, grabbing my attention firmly and delivering yet another fantabulous read, has me yearning for the next book.
Kimiko's abduction foremost on his mind. Yeah, a marauding band of pirates capture her... which is only the beginning of her ordeal. I Love her strength and overall lack of obedience, she literally says what she pleases, a no no in proper behaviour. So too does Haru, 2nd son of the Emperor, who skirts duty and responsibility like the plague and has a deeper relationship with his best friend Esumi, than protocol would allow. Gosh, so many characters have left their mark on me, impossible to name them all. The likes of Kioshi, Katsumi, Eiko, and others, strong players on this chessboard, where the stakes are high. And the enigmatic Kazashita, there's way more to discover there. I mean, an honourable pirate? Yeah, way more than meets the eye. In fact, there's way more to unravel, the who, the why, the purpose behind them. The author gives us a glimpse then promptly veers off in another direction, the twists spinning like a top as I watch it go round and round, mesmerised.
Grady
Author49 books1,793 followers
Exotic and richly colorful fantasy Tennessee author JD Ruffin made a prominent mark on the genre of epic fantasy with his KINGDOM WAR series, and now he creates a new series THE ISLES OF JADE AND FIRE, of which THE RISING SON is Book 1. His audience continues to grow, and for those who have yet to begin the series, this is a fine intro to a fantasy that is rich in suspense as well as acerbic wit and humor – and magic. This new series soars on stage with a radiant Oriental flavor, and once again Ruffin demonstrates his ability to create magical fantasy that ranks with the finest. A hint of the scope of this initial episode - ‘When gods are restless, the isles burn. The Emperor is murdered, then the Crown Prince is slain. When the wayward second son ascends, great Hans battle for the throne. On a distant isle, childhood friends are torn apart by a brutal pirate raid. Yoshi vows to find Kimiko, no matter the cost. Together with his Samurai uncle, Yoshi travels to train with powerful martial monks, while Kimiko is thrust down an unexpected path with an unforeseen ally. Amidst the chaos, Yoshi and Kimiko must find each other and claim their place in a world ablaze.’ Ruffin has created characters for his new fantasy that become visual and demand attention as the lines of this story suggest some directions that subsequent episodes will advance.
Kat M
3,727 reviews19 followers
The cover is what drew me in and I'm so glad I gave the Isles of Jade and Fire series a chance. It had what I was looking for in a fantasy-adventure novel. I was hooked at the way J.D. Ruffin wrote this, the characters felt like they belonged in this Asian universe. It does a great job in creating a culture that you care about and the people in this world. I think that it does work as a opening to this chapter and can't wait for more from this series and author. "Three messengers arrived between sunrise and noon. The first two carried word of the wakō aftermath. Pirates had burned and pillaged until around midnight. From somewhere offshore, a signal drum had sounded, and the wakō ceased their havoc, turned toward the ocean, and boarded their ships. As quickly as they’d arrived, they’d departed, leaving the people of Tooi confused, frightened, and grief-stricken." I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.