A mother, a boy, a sword, and their empire. The Sword of Kaigen is a story about propaganda, war and survival. The story starts off strong with a great and colorful setting, up in the mountains tucked away in a little pocket of the world, seemingly out of sync with the rest of the world’s bustling cities.
Taking place in a version of Japan with a heavy traditional influence which comes through very clearly. While the time period has an older feel to it due to the values and traditions the village that our story is taking place in holds on too, the time period is something closer to a time like ours. In this fantasy world there is a strong magical undercurrent, and it makes itself present in various ways through the setting and characters.
The Sword of Kaigen: Magic and Mystery
The book itself follows two characters, Mamoru and his mother Misaki. Mamoru is 14 years old and has grown up in a rich family. As part of the Matsuda clan, his family is in charge of protecting and serving their people and the empire. Mamoru’s family is very traditional and has a strict view of the world and their purpose for being here. Between studying and learning ancient fighting styles and how to master a sword, he is also tasked with learn the mystic arts his family is known for-mastery over the element of water.
A student like you, who can absorb what he is told but also think beyond it, is capable of anything.
His mother Misaki grew up very differently from her son. Her life was contrasting to the strict and conservative life she leads now. Growing up on the other side of the world, learning to fight as a women, in both swords and knives, she thinks out side of the box. She saw the world for what it was and not what people shape it to be. And now she is doing her duty to her family and is subduing that part of herself to be a mother and raise children. Chosen by her father, she never had a say about who her husband would be, however she was told that having a family would be worth sacrificing herself for.
The story really follows Misaki and how she raises her family, and being forced to be a part of something that she never had a choice in. Tackling several aspects of motherhood such as losing yourself dealing with postpartum depression, this is a fantasy novel that never strays from larger, real life issues. In contrast to Misaki, Mamoru’s story is truly that of a child learning to be an adult and finding his place in the world. From childish conflicts to unlikely friendships and learning how to control yourself when you just want to lash out, the split perspectives are very distinct, and never feel overwrought or cliche.
But if I learned one thing from Firebird, it’s that a person’s tragedy doesn’t define them or cancel all the good in their life.
The Sword of Kaigen: My Thoughts
I find that oftentimes two POVs in a novel lead to one mostly supporting the other, however in the case of Misaki and Mamoru, each is their own individual and layered character, thanks in large part to Wang’s storytelling abilities. Both are equally as defined and sympathetic as the other.
Overall I highly recommend The Sword of Kaigen. I think it is a great addition to any fantasy book collection, and should be added to your to be read list. I’m awaiting the next book in the series with baited breath, and cannot wait to be pulled back into this fascinating world and to learn more about these characters. You can check out the other books and see when the second book is coming out here! As always, happy reading fantasy lovers.
The Review
The Sword of Kaigen
Overall I highly recommend The Sword of Kaigen. I think it is a great addition to any fantasy book collection, and should be added to your to be read list. I’m awaiting the next book in the series with baited breath, and cannot wait to be pulled back into this fascinating world and to learn more about these characters.
PROS
- Story
- Plot
- Character development
CONS
- Could be two separate stories
