Night of the Dragon (Shadow of the Fox, #3) by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Master storyteller Julie Kagawa concludes the enthralling journey into the heart of the fantastical Empire of Iwagoto in the third book of the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector will face down the greatest evil of all. A captivating fantasy for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Sarah J. Maas and Marie Lu.

Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has given up the final piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers in order to save everyone she loves from imminent death. Now she and her ragtag band of companions must journey to the wild sea cliffs of Iwagoto in a desperate last-chance effort to stop the Master of Demons from calling upon the Great Kami dragon and making the wish that will plunge the empire into destruction and darkness.

Shadow clan assassin Kage Tatsumi has regained control of his body and agreed to a true deal with the devil—the demon inside him, Hakaimono. They will share his body and work with Yumeko and their companions to stop a madman and separate Hakaimono from Tatsumi and the cursed sword that had trapped the demon for nearly a millennium.

But even with their combined skills and powers, this most unlikely team of heroes knows the forces of evil may be impossible to overcome. And there is another player in the battle for the scroll, a player who has been watching, waiting for the right moment to pull strings that no one even realized existed…until now.

"I hoped they would not interfere; I wasn’t afraid of what they would do to me, but if Yumeko was hurt or killed because of it, this forest would burn to ash before I was done."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I finished reading Night of the Dragon late last night, and I'm still crying! Seriously, I had tears in my eyes the last 30% of this book. My husband thought someone IRL had died, but then saw me cradling my Kindle Fire like it was a package of toilet paper. I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes, but who cares about him! (Me! I totally care about him, but he does not get my attachment to fictional characters.)

Kagawa knows how to make you really care for the people in her books, and this one was no exception. I loved Yumeko and her youthful innocence. She didn't know the world could be cold and cruel, her life lived with monks mostly uneventful, until she suddenly lost everything that was important to her. She was always willing to take a chance on people, even when others said they weren't worth her time or energy (some of those people became her very best friends). Yumeko conversed with creatures that others had written off as evil or irredeemable, and always managed to see past the exterior and into the heart of everything. She was an incredible person and a kitsune that I will miss going on adventures with.

Tatsumi started this story a little worse for wear, and thinking about his upbringing still makes me cringe. No child should have to endure what he did, and I hate what was done to him. I'm happy it brought him to Yumeko, but their journey was difficult and filled with strife. They lost and found each other over and over again, and had to learn to accept the changes that happened along the way. He was the Kage Demonslayer, but he was also Tatsumi. A boy that fell in love with a kitsune girl.

Okame was the snarky one in their group, and I love the comic relief he provided. He teased Reika and called Daisuke a peacock. His banter with the group always made me smile, and I was so happy when he finally found his people. He'd thought so little of himself for so long, it was wonderful to see him appreciated and accepted for who he was. I especially loved his relationship with the Taiyo.

Daisuke was an incredible swordsman that was always looking for the next challenge. He was constantly trying to improve himself by fighting the best fighters in the world. He was happiest when he was in the midst of a battle and evenly matched. His goal was to eventually fight the Kage Demonslayer, but the two fought together and earned the other's respect on the battlefield. Daisuke was also a noble and samurai, but he didn't adhere to the rules quite so strictly. He took pride in himself, and always wanted to do the honorable thing, but he also followed his heart. His big, beautiful heart that shined brightly for one ronin in particular.

Reika was a miko, or shrine maiden, and somewhat of a mother figure to Yumeko. The kitsune grew up with monks, so Reika was the first female to really play a role in her life. She was often frustrated by the antics of the others, but she cared deeply about them all. She kept Okame from being inappropriate (most of the time), reminded Tatsumi not to let Hakaimono take control, and supported Yumeko while reprimanding her for doing something foolish. She was a solid part of their group, and a fierce fighter that never faltered.

Hakaimono was the demon in Tatsumi's sword, and why he's called the Kage Demonslayer. Tatsumi's always kept a tight leash on his emotions, and kept the demon from taking over his body. It's a constant struggle, and one new friendships threatened to tip in the demon's favor. I understood Hakaimono and why he was the way he was, but I also felt like he had some redeemable qualities as well. I had a grim appreciation for him at the end, which is why he's claimed a small spot in my heart. Without him, I don't think our group of heroes would have made it as far as they did. He played a large role from the start, and went from an unwilling participant to a willing player in the unfolding events.

There are so many threads woven into this story, and the author expertly reveals information that completely changes what you thought you knew. I was constantly making assumptions based on the facts I had, but new information would have my head spinning in an entirely different direction.

I don't like to talk about the story too much at the end of a series, because I think it's something you need to experience for yourself! I don't want to spoil anything! Night of the Dragon is something you want to experience without any previous knowledge. It's a fantastic world with amazing characters, and one I know I will revisit in the future. Kagawa has completely destroyed my heart, but also given me hope. If this series wasn't on your radar before, it needs to be now! (★★★★★)

Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox, #2) by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.

Now he has broken free.

Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.

Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Julie Kagawa never fails to surprise me! I was completely blown away by the events that unfold in Soul of the Sword, and was disappointed when the story reached its conclusion. Thankfully, there's going to be a third book! I cannot wait to see how this new group dynamic is going to work, and which souls will be triumphant in the end. ;)

I've had a feeling about Seigetsu from the beginning, and while nothing was confirmed, I do think my suspicions were correct. However, he's still an enigma, and I'm excited to see what his role is in all of this. He's clearly had a hand in everything that's happened, although we don't know why he's so invested in the events of this story. I enjoyed his companion, Taka, and would love to know more about how that partnership/friendship started. 

There are so many wonderful characters in this book! I've really enjoyed learning more about each of them, and seeing how their relationships have developed over time. They've all grown close as a group and as friends, but love is in the air... and it's an amazing, heartwarming romance. I swooned underneath that tree with them, and really wish Yumeko had stuck around longer! Haha!

I'm sad Tatsumi didn't have a larger role in Soul of the Sword (for obvious reasons if you've read the first book), but did enjoy learning more about his past and how he became the Kage demonslayer. His upbringing had been rigorous and challenging before being chosen to weild Kamigoroshi. Once he was selected for that...ugh. It was interesting to see what aspects of himself he'd chosen to lock away, and to understand how hard it had been for him to keep Hakaimono under control.

I adore Yumeko and her inability to understand most metaphors. She's determined and fiercely protective of her friends. She wouldn't risk their lives for anything, and frequently puts herself in danger to lend a helping hand. Reika is a maternal presence, and you can tell she really cares for the kitsune and the rest of their group. Chu is amazing even though he doesn't speak, and resembles a dog most of the time. Okame is hilarious and adds humor to the story. Everyone else is pretty serious, but he chooses to be obstinate on principal, even at the expense of others. However, he's a loyal friend that frequently puts himself down because he doesn't think he's worth very much. Daisuke is our noble, although he never acts like he's better than anyone else. He sees everyone as equals and looks forward to testing his skills against demons and humans alike. He wants to die with honor, which means on his feet and in the throes of battle (despite that being what he wants, I'd like for him to stay alive indefinitely).

Julie shows us more of the world she's created, and Iwagoto is a beautifully vivid and complex place. There are multiple clans and territories, but we've only traversed a few of them as the characters try to reach the Steel Feather Temple. The Shadow Clan's castle was both unique and fascinating, although I wish they'd encountered more issues within its walls during their visit (it's supposed to be impossible to navigate, but they didn't seem to have too much trouble). I hope we get to experience more of this world in the next book, although I'm worried the group is going to be too distracted to enjoy their surroundings. 

I really liked the relationship between Tatsumi and Hakaimono. They're enemies, but it's so much more complicated than that. I can't really say more without spoiling what happens in this book, but I'm really curious about their situation and how it's going to play out. There are so many moving parts in this story! I have no idea how the author manages to keep track of all the different pieces. I briefly felt bad for Hakaimono, it was really a flicker of fear on his behalf, because the Oni has been suffering for centuries. It takes skill to make me feel concern for something that is wholly evil. 

Suki has been with us from the beginning, although her story has been mostly sad. I'm not sure what happened to her at the end of this book, but I have a feeling she still has a role to play in the outcome of this story. 

Shadow of the Fox was one of my favorite reads last year, and Soul of the Sword is already one of the best books I've read this year. Julie Kagawa is truly an artist, and she paints a rich and vibrant world with authentic and endearing characters. I want all of them to get a happy ending when this is over, but I don't know if Kagawa will be so kind...

Shadow of The Fox (Shadow of the Fox, #1) by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish—and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.

Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.

Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll.

There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost. Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.

With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.

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I received an ARC from a friend, because they're awesome! My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Damn that was good! I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I'm bummed that I have to wait so long. Shadow of the Fox was perfection, and exactly what I expected from Julie Kagawa. The Iron Fey series is one of my all-time favorites, and I've enjoyed her other books, but this one is in a league of its own.

You might not know this about me, but I love anime! Inuyasha is a show that I really enjoy, and one I've seen multiple times. Shadow of the Fox reminded me of this show, but only because of the terminology and the content. Both have yokai, kistune, demons, etc., and the time periods are similar. I really liked immersing myself in the culture and customs referred to throughout the book.

Yumeko was an amazing character! She's half kitsune and half human, and she's constantly balancing the two versions of herself. The monks that raised her encouraged her to use her magic productively, and even trained her. Yumeko frequently played small tricks on a few of the monks (they really needed to lighten up), which would result in hours of chores. I think being raised there was good for her in the end, because it taught her compassion and understanding. The world isn't fond of yokai, especially kitsune, and I think she would have become jaded if left to her own devices out in the world. 

Yumeko was always kind and considerate of others. She doesn't really understand sarcasm at first, and tends to take everything at face value. I believe that's why she and Tatsumi get along so well, because he isn't one to say something without a reason, and jokes really aren't his style. Yumeko's personality is what turned their duo into a small group, and kept their journey lively and interesting. It was really great to have an honest, good-hearted character to read about. She wanted to help everyone no matter what was going on in her personal life.

Tatsumi is a wonderfully complex character, and I enjoyed trying to figure him out. He is literally battling with himself every second of every day, and allowing others to get close to him can be dangerous. Yumeko might be his one and only weakness, and I liked watching him sort out his thoughts and feelings. He was an admirable character, though his actions weren't always good. He was raised to be a weapon and nothing else, which is why the constant concern and compassion from Yumeko was able to breach his impenetrable walls. Her actions weren't something he understood or had experienced for himself.

One thing that irked me about Tatsumi... he is constantly referring to himself as nothing but a weapon. I grasped the general concept after he mentioned it the first time, but it's something he repeats fairly often. All of the following were said back-to-back, in like two pages:

"I was an empty vessel, a weapon for the Shadow Clan, and my only requirement was to complete my mission."

"...because my life was not my own."

"I was the Kage demonslayer; this was my job."

"I was simply a weapon. A weapon did not question the intention of those who wielded it."

"The clan had demanded his death; I had simply been the instrument to carry it out."

"It wasn't my place to ask questions; all that mattered was completing the mission."

Dude, I get it. He says it a few more times throughout the story, but waaaay too many times at the start.

Speaking of the story, it's fantastic! Everyone is after the Dragon's Scroll, and there are so many moving parts. A few people are only mentioned briefly at the beginning, but we learn later that they play a larger role. Some are connected in ways I never would have expected! Then there are those that haven't revealed themselves yet. Everyone is vying for the same thing, but we never really know who is doing it for the right reasons. 

I really love the way Julie Kagawa thinks, and how she wrapped this story around itself. Everything overlaps. Everything has a purpose. Everyone plays a role, whether large or small, and you should never dismiss someone as simply a secondary character. Each person is important and controls some aspect of the story and how it progresses.

I want more! I cannot wait to immerse myself in this world again. It was an incredible experience, and one I'm still thinking about days after turning the last page. There are small fights, large battles, unexpected friends, and surprising enemies. It's hard to know where everyone stands, even the people within Yumeko's own group. Her little circle kept growing as the story continued, and I'm really happy with where it is now. They all have something unique to offer, and their skills really compliment one another. Their personalities are all drastically different, but that makes it fun!

In case my raving review wasn't obvious, I loved this book! It will be one that I give as a gift for the holidays, because I want to share what I love. I think a lot of people will be able to enjoy this one! The characters were well-developed and layered, the story was engaging and captivating, and the villains were people you just love to hate. Shadow of the Fox is easily one of my top reads for 2018!