The Book of the Shadow by Carrie Asai

Read a synopsis here!
Number of pages: 215
(I love how squat and square these books are!)
This was a really good sequel to the first book. Tons of action and there was more romance integrated into this book!
As I was reading through one part of the book, I felt that Heaven was beginning to become a little whiny but then again, her brother had been killed and she had been attacked multiple times. I got over that thought pretty quickly. The story plot seemed a tiny bit repetitive. There was various small fighting scenes, which lead to the main focus of a large fight at the end of the story. (Same as the first book.)
I did like how this book focused less on her parents and more on other kids or adults(?) around her age. More of the people she knew.
I don't think I will be reading the next books in the series because I've sort of lost interest for the series because it was a bit repetitive. I really like how more and more of the entire story develops over the course of the books. It doesn't feel like it's just being made up as it goes along but that it's been strategically plotted out to avoid plot holes.
Great book! I give this the Paige-Turner stamp of approval! Check it out!
See you soon!
-Paige

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The Book of the Sword by Carrie Asai

Read a synopsis here!
Number of pages: 214
When I saw this book in my used bookstore I HAD to pick it up. I had read the back and I remembered watching a miniseries called Samurai Girl on ABC Family 2 or 3 years ago and this book is what that little series was based off of! (There's an entire series of like 6 books I found out!) So I grabbed the first two in the series because they were there and I might order the rest later.
Anyways, the first book was great! The point of view is through Heaven, but you also get little snippets of other characters diaries or thoughts which is really beneficial to the story. There's also really cool illustrations throughout the book. Normally, I don't really notice illustrations but these were really nice and they flowed with the story.
I love books like these that take place in the early 2000's because it was a time I remember growing up in and it's cool to have them describe bands and clothing styles that were popular at the time. (Leather pants and Backstreet Boys anyone?) It's just cool to kinda reminisce.
Tons of action and a little romance but I actually liked the action better in this book. Normally I'm a romance girl, but I just loved all the fighting and sword-play! I also really liked how they incorporated the Japanese culture and how Heaven has to cope with being in America and not understanding all our ways and crazy sayings.
I can't wait for the next book and this is a definite Paige-Turner!!!
See you soon!
-Paige
P.S. Sorry I didn't post anything in awhile, I'm having finals this week and I've been studying like crazy!

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