Review - Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

I highly recommend that if you are going to read this book, that you do it with a hard copy instead of an Ebook reader. I say this because there are a bunch of terms in the back of the book (Glossary) that you will need to familiarize yourself with as you are reading along with Kristoff's story. If you have a Kindle, Nook, or Kobo, you can always go to the end and read the glossary first while taking copious notes like I did. It makes things so much easier to understand the world that Kristoff has created, and therefore, you can get the best out of your reading experience.

I would also say that if you liked the book Shogun, or The Last Samurai, you will most likely love this book as well. It surrounds the Japanese feudal system and a 16 year girl who has the capability of talking to animals and setting things wrong that have happened to her family and her country. It's not just about talking to animals or payback. It's about an awesome relationship with an animal that is part eagle and part tiger that becomes more of a brother to her than anything else. The story also contains a bunch of steampunk angles including Guildmen and Diribles as well as many different weapons that come into play.

Be prepared. The book takes on a mind of its own from the first page onward. I had some minor difficulties getting started because it was different from anything I've read. The world building is key here. It's beyond reproach since the author has to meld feudalistic Japan with Steampunk influences. It's also the first book of a series which is always the most important of the series.

If you are looking for a fun character to follow and one that you can feel every emotion that she's feeling, then you will like Kitsune Yukiko. I liked the fact that she's 16 years old, yet, she's pretty much grown up into a world where her father is the Master Hunter for the Shogun Emperor. I like the fact that yes, there are sex scenes but they aren't thrown in our face, or graphic in detail. I absolutely love her interaction with Buruu the Thunder Tiger she becomes friends and equals with. I really felt her emotions in the end when she is put into a tough position and ends up defying every expectation that has been determined for her.

In the end, I will definitely be looking forward to the second book in this series!

*Recvd via Netgalley on 07/16/2012* Expected publication: September 18th 2012 by Thomas Dunne Books -

Title - Stormdancer
Author - Jay Kristoff
Publisher - Thomas Dunne Books
Released - September 18, 2012