This book was somewhat good, though I feel it could have been developed more. The book centers around a boy named Matsuo, who is being trained to be a samurai, However, he wishes to be a poet instead. Without giving anything else away, the book hits several emotional beats very well, and is excellent for any readers who want a historical fiction novel that delves into romance too. Please be aware of hoe emotional this book was- it caught me off guard, and I had a much different idea of what the story would be. The prose here is excellent- it paints a very vivid picture of Japan, and it is extraordinarily clear that the author was very familiar with the historical setting, and did a lot of research into creating the story. Please be ready for any number of plot twists in this journey, but also be ready to fall in love with some characters- and to extremely dislike others. Happy reading, signing off! Please take of yourself :)

this was a beautifully woven tale of poetry, passion, and destiny set in medieval Japan. blending historical adventure with a touch of fantasy (i loved this pairing!), this story follows Matsuo, a warrior who chooses words over swords, embarking on a journey of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. read this if you love lyrical storytelling and historical intrigue!

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!