Stormdancer (Lotus War, #1)

by Jay Kristoff

One girl and a griffin against an empire: A dying land.
The Shima Imperium verges on collapse. Land and sky have been poisoned by clockwork industrialization, the Lotus Guild oppresses the populace and the nation’s Shogun is lost to his thirst for power.

An impossible quest.
Yukiko and her warrior father are forced to hunt down a griffin at the Shogun’s command. But any fool knows griffins are extinct – and death will be the price of failure.

A hidden gift.
Disaster strikes and Yukiko is stranded in the wilderness with a fabled griffin, now furious and crippled. Although she hears his thoughts and saved his life, Yukiko knows he’d rather see her dead than help her. And discovery of the talent allowing them to communicate would mean her execution. Yet together, the pair will form an indomitable bond, and rise to challenge an empire.

Set in steampunk Japan, Jay Kristoff's Stormdancer is full of mythic creatures, demons and Gods, and a strong female protagonist.

Continue the Lotus War Trilogy with Kinslayer and Endsinger.

• ISBN10: 1447200497
• ISBN13: 9781447200499
• Publish Date: 6 June 2013 (first published 13 September 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Imprint: Tor
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 464
• Language: English

Reviews

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars

BR with my lovely lil (soul) sister & bestie Darcey!
(We've br so many books atp that I can't think of anything witty to say about reading yet another book together

[ross91]

Oh God, that ending was intense!!
Anyway, I really liked this book, even though I was quite confused at the beginning and I wasn't a big fan of the first 100 pages.
The world building is really well done and I think Jay Kristoff has done a good job intertwining the steampunk elements with the fantasy ones. The lotus, the chi, the guildsmen... they were really interesting to read about and the main reason why I liked this book so much.
I also particularly enjoyed the fact that this series is set in a Japan-like world, but the cultural references at times seemed sloppy and not thoroughly researched.
The characters were cool, the two main protagonists well written and believable, the others not so much (Hiro was a joke and Kin... I would have liked to read more about him, about his childhood and about his life... maybe in the next book).
This book is very action packed (which is something that I don't usually enjoy), but it has also great political schemes and a dystopian vibe that sold it for me.
The ending... oh boy, the ending was perfect.
And now we wait for book 2 to arrive at my house...

[KitsuneBae]

Granted that there was a massive infodump at the beginning that gave me a pounding headache, Stormdancer is still as awesome as it can be. BURUU.....3

And those chainsaw katanas really made my mouth drool.

[nitzan_schwarz]

To read this review and more, check out my blog - The Book Babe's Reads

If I were talking about this book on twitter (were I such a person), here are some of the hashtags I'd be bound to use: #Japan #Feudal #Steampunk #Dysopia #Fantasy #Griffins #War.
Do any of those sound like something you might like? Then this is probably the book for you!

Although, I'd like to warm major Japan buffs: Either don't read the book, or prepare to look of it as a new, separate reality than actual Japan, because the author has confessed to using Wikipedia for his research, and sometimes - you could really sense that. Especially when using honorifics (wrongly. A lot). I love Japan, and yes - some of the blatant mistakes kind of grated, but I loved the world. I love the Japanish feel of it, but because of the dystoia and steampunk elements, I really didn't feel I need to force "reality" on it. It's a completely new world - so I was able to enjoy it. But many people hate on this book for the same reasons - people with better understanding of Japan than the author. So enter prepared; or don't enter at all.

One of my favorite things about this book was the writing. I kept comparing it to that of [b:Ink|13423346|Ink (Paper Gods, #1)|Amanda Sun|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349382349s/13423346.jpg|18878425], a book I tried reading last month also set in Japan - there, everything felt forced, like it was trying too hard. Not here. I felt like the author had a great grasp of the world he created; describing it almost effortlessly, in a way that was easy for the reader to follow - but also immensely beautiful and sometimes poetic. He also has a talent for either starting or ending a chapter on high notes. Like, really.

But my absolute favorite thing in this book? Like, hands down favorite, makes all-the-shit-that-happens-later-worth-it-just-to-read-about-it favorite? Yukiko and Buruu.

Yukiko is our Main Character, a girl who knows both the excess of the rulers and the poverty of the mass, a girl who's both highly trained and afraid. A girl forced to move beyond her fears. Buruu is also our main character - only he's an Arashitora (a Griffin). These two were so amazing together. Their growing friendship was just the most delightful thing to read about, and Buruu was so awesome I can't even! I swear to god, if Kristoff hurts Buruu (more than he already has) I will find where he lives and force him to change what he wrote and publicly apologize for the pain he had caused me (and everyone else).

Speaking of shit happening... The casualty count is pretty high, y'all. Don't expect everyone you love to survive BECAUSE THEY DON'T AND I AM NOT OKAY, OKAY?! It's kind of nerve wrecking, to be honest. I didn't know this is what I was getting into, and I got lolled into a sense of security by the first half when things are still oka-WHAM darkness darkness darkness! My, this book got heavy! Not in a bad way, but... in a hard way? Gah, don't know how to explain myself.

Let's move to something easier - the romance! Which was... How to sum it in one word? Hmm... I guess, to keep off spoilers, I'll use the word... weak. I loved that Kristoff laughed about Insta Love through it, though. But, as I decidedly didn't ship the two involved, and my actual ship actually contains bestiality so it's kind of impossible (I can't help it. Yukiko and Buruu are so perfect together, and I'm not even sorry! If Kristoff managed to give him to ability to turn into a human at will so it could happen, I'd be overjoyed, but I sense that won't happen) I made do with another ship.

And as I've read some reviews of book two, I heard that ship sinks, so now I'm uber afraid to read it. Way to go, me! I'll get over it, I'm sure, but not before book three comes out.

To read this review and more, check out my blog - The Book Babe's Reads

[Amber]

This review was originally posted on Books of Amber

There has been a lot of hype surrounding this book since it first came out. I had been trying to hold off on starting the trilogy until nearer to the final book’s release, because I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be able to wait a year for the third book. Now that Endsinger is coming out in a month, I figured that now was the time.


Stormdancer took a little while to hook me, mostly because of all the terminology that was used in the beginning. Kristoff doesn’t take the time to slowly dip the reader into this world, he just throws them into it with full force and doesn’t take any prisoners. This was a little bit of an issue for me when I first started reading because I had no clue what any of the characters were saying. After about fifty pages, though, I did get used to it and I felt fully immersed in this world.

Stormdancer masters the perfect blend of description and action. It kept me on my toes the entire time, and instead of plodding along it felt as though I was sailing through it. The world is beautifully described and the characters are all intriguing. The action scenes gave me ALL THE FEELS because they played with my emotions and still managed to stay fast paced and thrilling. Fantasy lovers will ADORE this book once they get into it.

Obviously, I can’t review this book without mentioning the relationship between Yukiko and Buruu. I wasn’t expecting something as epic as that to come out of this book, but it happened and now I’m getting teary-eyed because they are beautiful. They are soulmates and very few of my fictional pairings can top them because they embody everything that I adore. I don’t really want to explain what those things are because I want everyone who is reading this review to go into the book with a fresh mind, but basically: Yukiko x Buruu = OTP.

I think everybody should read this book just so I have more people to fangirl with. From the Japanese-inspired fantasy to the FREAKIN’ THUNDER TIGERS, everything about this book is epic. I’m dying to know where this series goes because the ending of Stormdancer wrapped things up well without a cliffhanger, but at the same time left things very, VERY open for more. And the ending was very Spartacus, which leads me to believe that Kristoff (I’m still chuckling over this) is a) a fan of my favourite show ever, and b) up to things. UP TO THINGS. So I’m going to read Kinslayer this week (hopefully) so that I am ready for Endsinger’s release in November. EEP.

[Beth C.]

Japanese Steampunk. Not words I ever really thought I would see together, let alone the basis of a book I would be reading. I picked it up on the recommendation of one of my favorite authors (Kevin Hearne - Iron Druid Series. The best. Get immediately.), more out of curiosity than anything else. I started reading yesterday, and had to peel myself away to go to bed at Chapter 24. I almost yelled at the lady behind me who was talking entirely too loud while I was waiting for my kids at the dentist's office. And I just about blew off dinner for the family to finish the story. It's that good. The writing has a few fits and starts, but the story is enough to wipe that away as you read. It's really well put together - I got it from the library, and it's one of the rare books that I want to purchase anyway. The only down side to having read this? It just came out. It's part one in a trilogy. I have a LONG wait until I can get my hands on part two.

[inlibrisveritas]

What happens when you give me a book with Japanese feudal culture, steampunk, and an awesome griffin? Well…I start fangirling all over the place and my boyfriend ends up knowing every aspect of the book without ever having to touch it. I was utterly addicted to this story and I hated that it had to end. I was blown away with how strong of a book this was, considering this is Kristoff’s debut.

The story feels completely unique thanks to it’s Japanese setting as well as the use of actual Japanese language. I love Japanese culture so this was absolutely perfect for me. It’s a wonderful alternate Feudal Era where there are still shoguns and samurai, but there is also a wonderful steampunk aspect though it’s far more grungy and poisonous than any other steampunk tech I’ve seen before. I found the use of the Japanese language to be an awesome addition and adds to the authentic feel, it helps to submerse you in their way of life. I will say that the language usage may be a problem for some, but Kristoff does a pretty good job of making sure you understand what it is before moving on and if there is something you still don’t quite get there is a glossary in the back. If awesome Japanese culture and steampunk isn’t enough then I’m positive the Yokai, demons and intrigue will be. The writing is so detailed that everything comes to life without much effort; I could see the city and the black polluted waters, and I could smell the oil and chi smoke. I loved the usage of the Red Lotus and how it’s affected everyone and how invested the entire country is on maintaining it’s growth.

The characters are just as wonderful as the setting and just as detailed. Yukiko is a strong young woman who can hold her own and possesses the ability to speak and connect with animals. It’s a fantastic gift that could get her killed, and so she spends a good deal of her life hiding it. Her past is revealed in a rather raw way and the way she grows into a true leader is admirable. Baruu is a type of Yokai named Arashitori or Thundertiger, which is basically a griffin with a bit more ‘umpf’ and a cool connection to thunderstorms. He is such a strong character and even though he doesn’t have very much to say he leaves an impression, and because of that he’s one of my favorite characters. The way he and Yukiko connect is both unique and rather touching, and I’m completely jealous that she gets to share thoughts with such an amazing creature. The Guild as a whole really freaked me out, mainly because of their metal suits and mindset regarding those with gifts. I could tell immediately that they were up to no good, and as I continued the feeling got worse until the proof was given and I ended up with chills.

Overall this is a book worth reading, and it’s definitely one of my favorites for the year. I’m so excited for everyone else to read it and I can’t wait for the next book.

I received this from Thomas Dunne Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda]

This and other reviews can be found on my blog: (un)Conventional Bookviews.

ARC from Netgalley received on July 16th 2012. YAY! Thank you Netgalley + publisher :D

WOW! This book had me amazed from beginning to end, and I want more and I want it now!!

[Ashley]

So I finish the book and THEN realize that there is a super helpful glossary of words at the back. LOL oops. XD

Moving on.. this book is FREAKIN' AWESOME. I'm ready to go out and find my own thunder tiger. Like right now. Who needs university when you can ride a thunder tiger - seriously.

Full review coming closer to publication 3

[Kelsenator]

(3.5)
Originally posted on my blog Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf

I first want to thank the publisher for giving me a copy of this to preview from NetGalley!

This book has a lot of things going for it. I loved all of the Japanese themes, and all the myths and terms associated with a more feudal era were carried into this book perfectly. The steampunk element is still kind of new to me, and I did like it even though it took me some getting used to. Both of these actually work really well, more than I would have figured.

The people are ruled by the lotus. Not only can they smoke it and become addicted, but it serves many purposes like fueling their vehicles and airships, even used for rope. However it has turned the blue sky to red and many people suffer from being in its pollution after a while. Most citizens wear goggles and a protective mask of some sort to protect themselves.

The first chapter starts off with action and a battle, but then a good portion of the book slows down, and there’s lots of descriptive paragraphs. I understand that the world and all the elements had to be set up and built for the rest of the series, but I do have to admit that I was looking forward to a little more action and samurai-style fighting at the beginning. There was also a lot of depth to the bond between Yukiko and Buruu as the story went on, and there were definitely flashes of excitement and long secrets revealed.

The Shogun (kind of like the king) decided one day that he wants a Griffin (Thunder Tiger). Most of these creatures among many others have been extinct for ages, the only things that lie out there are the Oni (demons). He sends his Black Fox hunter and his comrades to go and fetch him one, even though they know it will be nearly impossible. The daughter of the hunter is Yukiko, part of the Kitsune (fox) clan. On a side note, there are currently 4 clans for Tiger, Dragon, Fox and Phoenix and all who hail from these clans has a tattoo on their arm representing it.

Anyway, off they go to find this creature, and do they find him or what. He’s awesome, proud and defiant, and he can make lightning. Eventually Yukiko and the Griffin end up on the ground, trying to survive so close to the Oni. With her ability to talk to creatures, they start to become friends, which helps with all that they have to go through in the wilderness, and when they get back to the city.

This was definitely a good book and it was hard to rate because I liked it, but at times it felt slow and I would have liked there to be more action and a faster pace. The writing was good and so was the story overall and it got really good closer to the end, the end being totally awesome! There is so much more that goes on in this book, but I don’t want to give too much away, so go read it! Also the cover looks amazing!

Recommended for fans of Steampunk and Japanese-styled stories.