Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Stormdancer (Lotus War, #1)

by Jay Kristoff

Griffins are supposed to be extinct. So when Yukiko and her warrior father are sent to capture one for the Shogun, they fear that their lives are over. Everyone knows what happens to those who fail him. But the mission proves less impossible and more deadly than anyone expects. Soon Yukiko finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in her country's last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled griffin for company. Alhough she can hear his thoughts, and saved his life, all she knows for certain is he'd rather see her dead than help her. Yet trapped together in the forest, Yukiko and Buruu form a surprising and powerful bond. Meanwhile, the country verges on collapse. A toxic fuel is choking the land, the machine-powered Lotus Guild is publicly burning those they deem Impure, and the Shogun cares for nothing but his own dominion. Authority has always made Yukiko uneasy, but her world changes when she meets Kin, a young man with secrets, and the rebel Kage cabal. She learns the horrifying extent of the Shogun's crimes, both against her country and her family.
Returning to the city, Yukiko and Buruu are determined to make the Shogun pay -- but what can one girl and a flightless griffin do against the might of an empire?

Reviewed by Kelsenator on

4 of 5 stars

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(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.

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  • Started reading
  • 21 July, 2012: Finished reading
  • 21 July, 2012: Reviewed