Seconds away from becoming kitty-food, Mio is saved by Shinobu, a mysterious warrior boy.
But it's already too late. Mio has ruptured the veil between the mortal realm and the Underworld, and now the gods and monsters of ancient Japan stalk the streets of London, searching for her and the sword.
With the help of her best friend Jack, a fox spirit named Hikaru - and the devoted protection of the bewitchingly familiar Shinobu - Mio attempts to discover the true nature of the sword and its connection to the Yamato family.
Because if she doesn't learn how to control the katana's incredible powers, she's in danger of being overwhelmed by them. And if she can't keep the sword safe from the terrible creatures who want it for their own, she'll lose not only her own life... but the love of a lifetime.
There's no doubt that Zoe Marriott's
I can't compare it to any other trilogy, because the author has created her own unique route in YA. How often have you come across a katana in a house in the UK? Seriously kudos for originality!Mio isn't your stereotypical character either, her Japanese heritage makes her stand out from the rest. She is small but feisty and deals with the quick turnaround of events in her life with ease and maturity.
It felt like her family's past was inbred into and released as soon as she retrieved the katana. Shinobu's feelings were obviously strong for her from the beginning, but then he had experienced many years to cultivate them. I look forward to watching the growing relationship between Shinobu and Mio.
Hikaru was my favourite character of all. I loved him as soon as his bushy tail appeared. His modern, young,voice contrasted well with Shinobu's mature, classical one. The characters present a very British feel to this book; their constant banter is so realistic and dry in humour. The author has managed to make fantasy appear very real.
I loved that this was set in the UK. The inclusion of Battersea Power Station really excited me. I'm surprised it hasn't made an appearance in more YA
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