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The Sword of Kaigen

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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M. L. Wang

The Sword of Kaigen

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

651

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kaigen Islands • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang follows the Matsuda family through a tale of courage and loss as they face threats to their traditional martial society. Central characters must reconcile their personal struggles with their duty to defend their home. The story explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the complexities of family bonds.

Emotional

Dark

Adventurous

Gritty

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.6

50,540 ratings

90%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang is lauded for its intricate world-building, emotional depth, and complex characters. The novel's prose and intense combat scenes are particularly praised. Critics note that the pacing can be uneven, and some found the extensive background information overwhelming. Overall, it is a powerful and engaging read with memorable storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sword of Kaigen?

Readers who enjoy deep character development, intense action sequences, and a blend of fantasy and martial arts will love M. L. Wang's The Sword of Kaigen. Comparable to fans of Patrick Rothfuss' The Name of the Wind and Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, they appreciate intricate world-building and emotional resonance.

4.6

50,540 ratings

90%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Matsuda Misaki

Misaki is the oldest daughter of the Tsusano family and a skilled fighter known for her expertise in the Blood Needle technique, alternating as a dual protagonist alongside her son, Mamoru, in the novel.

Mamoru is Misaki and Takeru's oldest son, a 14-year-old skilled swordsman who shares the narrative perspective with his mother before his world changes dramatically.

Takeru is Misaki's husband, known for his cold and reserved demeanor, and is a master of the Whispering Blade technique within their family.

Setsuko is married to Takeru's brother, Takashi, and builds a supportive friendship with Misaki that plays a significant role in Misaki's personal growth.

Robin, a half-Carythian, half-Disan refugee, is a friend of Misaki during their time at Daybreak Academy and played a role in the formation of a vigilante group.

Hyori is the wife of a respected teacher and a close friend of Misaki, characterized by her delicate beauty and adherence to traditional Shirojima femininity.

Chul-hee is a teenage boy from the north of the Kaigenese Empire who becomes friends with Mamoru and challenges his perceptions of their society.

Book Details
Pages

651

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kaigen Islands • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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