susanvoss18

We learn more about The Tribe and their militant structural need for complete obedience from it’s members. At the end of Book 1, Takeo made an agreement with The Tribe – to join them willingly for their assistance. We pick up right where we left off at the end of Book 1 and follow along on Takeo’s shoulder as he undergoes basic training, Tribe style. He’s in for a rough time, as he has already made Tribe enemies.

Kaede is understandably deeply saddened at Takeo’s choice. She returns home to find her mother has passed, her sisters are near-strangers, her father lives in disgrace with addled wits, and the family in whole is impoverished. And this is where Kaede starts to shine – by taking control of the situation. Her character was interesting in Book 1, but definitely was less developed than Takeo’s; it was good to see her develop into a strong woman of her own.

What I Liked: How the book bounces back and forth in point of view between Kaede and Takeo; learning more of The Tribe, Takeo’s powers, Kaede’s strength; the beautiful, simple language of the story.

What I Disliked: Occasionally, I feel like Nakasone paces herself too slowly in reading (of course, this may just be my eagerness to enjoy the story).