Ink

Author: Amanda Sun
Goodreads Rating: 3.64
Pages: 3.26
Format: ARC from BEA13

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.
Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.
Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

So at first I wasn't that into this book. I've never been that into Japanese Culture, so this was out of my comfort zone the same way that Katie was out of her comfort zone through the entire book. There were a lot of things that made it really difficult for me when I started this book because it wasn't something I was used to. Sort of like how I avoid fantasy because I have no idea whats happening? Yeah it was like that, but unlike with fantasy, I was able to find a groove and get comfortable with the book.

My biggest problem and the biggest reason that I was lost through the book was not only was there the references to Japanese culture that went over my head, but there was also a use of the the language that really through me off because while it was more authentic, it was confusing. There was a glossary of terms at the end of the book, but I didn't know about it until the end, which defeated the point of me really having it and being able to really understand.

I really liked Katie but her infatuation with Tomo was really annoying. Once they were together I had no problem with them, but getting them together seemed a little unnatural. Katie was almost chasing Tomo who was decidedly no good for her. He warned her about being bad news and she persisted. While I appreciate that it moved the plot along, I think that there was a better way for them to have gotten together.

I loved how original this idea was. There are plenty of books about Greek Gods and a few other gods, but Japanese culture? Not so much. I really enjoyed learning about this completely different type of lore. There was so much to love about this book. Not just the lore, but I also adored the characters and the complex plot. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

The Courts Decision: