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June 26, 2013

Review: Ink by Amanda Sun


Title: Ink (Paper Gods, #1)
Author: Amanda Sun
Publisher:
 Harlequin Teen 

Publication date: June 25, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Fantasy/Mythology)
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Pages: 377
On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.
Being a major fan of the Japanese culture and art, I was very excited to start Ink. Katie Greene had to move to live in Japan with her aunt after her mother died. For Katie, it was all new to her. She felt homesick, and she couldn't wait to get out of Shizouka. The book started off with Katie at school, witnessing a break up between Tomohiro (senior) and his girlfriend Myu. Myu saw a sketch of a pregnant girl in his notebook, and that made her question his faithfulness towards her. What Katie couldn't believe was that she saw the sketch of the pregnant girl actually move! When she immediately asks Tomohiro why it moved, he just told her to leave. The story then unfolds, and we learn so many things about Tomohiro's powers, and how it is all connected to Katie. Tomohiro being the bad guy with his copper red hair, Tanaka and Yuki (Katie's friends), told her to stay away from him because he is mixed in a lot of trouble. Katie was still determined to figure out why these sketches move.
What I most loved about this book was the incorporation of the Japanese culture in so many ways. There was also some Japanese text that was included, but I wasn't really bothered by it since I understood most words written. Being a huge fan of Japan, it was great to see how Amanda Sun was able to really show the typical Japanese lifestyle in her book. The little tiny thing that the Japanese do, it all added up and was really great. The book also had a couple of sketches in between. It is always cool when there are extra things added in a book, because it always makes the experience just much more realistic. I loved the addition of Yuki and Tanaka. They were such great friends to Katie, and they always had her back. Tomohiro was a typical Japanese bad boy (I know because I've watched my share of Japanese dramas). I loved him to bits because there was just so much to learn about him. Ink started off really great, but then it kind of slowed towards the middle, but I'm glad it was able to pick it's pace back in the end.
Overall, Ink was a great read to start off my summer. I seriously loved all the Japanese culture that was included, and the art was just beautiful. Ink wasn't just about romance and high school drama, but it was about family, culture, and friends. The ending was amazing, and I don't think I would have wanted to change anything. I'm really glad that this book did not disappoint me at all, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Paper Gods series. A big clap for Amanda Sun's debut novel. Recommended to those who love Japanese culture, and those who are into mythology! You will totally fall in love with this story and these characters!

17 comments:

  1. I didn't realize that this had so much Japanese culture in it. It sounds like a really interesting book!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  2. Ooohhh JAPANESE CULTURE<333333 I've been to Japan before and I absolutely adore their culture and customs<3 Unfortunately, I've read many mixed reviews for this & have previously decided to skip it. However, I'm reallly interested in the incorporation of Japanese culture and also I like the sounds of the characters<3 I'm really glad you enjoyed this Farah!

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  3. I've heard super mixed things about this one, but it's that Japanese culture that's really been nagging me, I want to read about it so badly! It sounds so beautifully unique and intriguing, and I'm glad Sun was able to pull it off so well. I'm glad you loved this one, lovely review, Farah!

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  4. Hmm, maybe I do need to read this. I've been on the fence with this one...

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  5. I have this and definitely want to read it. I don't know a huge amount about Japanese culture, but I've been to Japan a few times and loved it! Great review :)
    You can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics

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  6. I'm glad you liked this one too! I enjoyed it myself. Sure I had some issues, but I read through it no problem and was very engaged. Great review Farah!

    Jessica@Lovin' Los Libros

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  7. I also loved how much Japanese culture was in INK too, it was so interesting! It was definite plus. Although there was a little too much romance for me, I am glad you liked it :) Great review!

    Alise @ Readers In Wonderland

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  8. I'm glad to see we liked some of the same things about this book. It's a great summer read.

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  9. I loved the Japanese culture in INK!! Awesome review :) Mine should be up in the next couple of weeks :D

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  10. Okay so now I know I have to read this one! I was liking it even before I read your review but knowing that there was a lot of Japanese culture in the book makes me super stoked.

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  11. Oh. Fantastic review! I have a copy from HarlequinTEEN Aus. and I'm definitely looking forward to reading this after your review!

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  12. I've been reading so many mixed reviews about this book, but this one really reassures me. I love Japan and its culture as well, and see how much you enjoyed that aspect of the book really makes e want to read it. Great review :)

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  13. After seeing some really bad reviews for this one it's nice to see that some people like it! I'm really curious about it as it sounds really different and appealing. Great review! :)

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  14. I'm waiting for this to hit the stores. The cover is gorgeous and the plot sounds original. Plus.. I'm curious about Japanese mythology. Lovely review, Farah.

    -Dannielle

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  15. I'm so glad it incorporated a lot from the culture-- definitely going to check this one out! Great review!

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  16. At first a lot of the reviews I was reading on this one were mixed, but the last 3 I've read have been mostly positive and I am very happy :D I'm a big fan of Japanese Culture and since Ink is going to be MY next read, I appreciate the more positive thoughts on this one! Thanks so much for the GREAT review!!

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  17. I have this book and I will admit that it hasn't really called to me. But I love your review. Gonna need to find time for it.


    Valerie
    StuckInBooks.com

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