The Mononoke Saga: A Gripping Tale of Banishment, Self-Discovery, and Daring Adventures
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- The characters in this series are all charismatic and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
- The world-building is top-notch, with a richly detailed alternate Japan that's a joy to explore.
- The series offers a full immersion in its historical setting, making it feel like you're right there with the characters.
- The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.
- The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, suspense, and quiet moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
- The themes of self-discovery and growth are well-explored, making it a series that resonates with readers on a deeper level.
- The series has a great sense of atmosphere, with a blend of magic, adventure, and historical detail that's hard to put down.
- The characters' relationships with each other are complex and nuanced, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
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- Some readers may find the series to be a bit slow-paced at times, particularly in the earlier books.
- The supporting characters can feel a bit one-dimensional at times, although this is not a major issue.
- The series relies heavily on fantasy tropes, which may not appeal to readers who prefer more original storytelling.
- The world-building can be a bit overwhelming at times, particularly for readers who are new to the series.
- The series has a bit of a cliffhanger ending, which may leave some readers feeling frustrated or unsatisfied.
- The themes of banishment and self-discovery may be triggering for some readers, particularly those who have experienced trauma.
- Some readers may find the series to be a bit too long, particularly if they're not used to reading epic fantasy.
- The series has a few plot holes that may be frustrating for readers who are looking for a more polished story.
Editor's Summary
I'm hooked on this author's work, and 'The Mononoke Saga' is no exception. This series is right up my alley, with its captivating characters and immersive world-building. I'm particularly impressed with the standalone title 'Mono no Akuma', which has been a standout in 2025 so far. With its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, it's easy to get sucked into the world. The series offers a full immersion in its historical setting, making it feel like you're right there with the characters. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, suspense, and quiet moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. The themes of self-discovery and growth are well-explored, making it a series that resonates with readers on a deeper level. I've enjoyed every minute of this series, and I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy and adventure.
Specifications
I'm hooked on this author's work, and 'The Mononoke Saga' is no exception. This series is right up my alley.
Mono no Akuma is a standout title of 2025 so far. With a pin, it's easy to get sucked into the world.
Where to buy: Chayka-Gorod online store.
Price: 645 rub.
Age restrictions apply – 16+.
I'm consistently impressed by the author's imagination. Anastasia has created a multitude of worlds, and her heroes are ones I've grown to love.
Summary:
In the country of Izanami, four commandments are held in high esteem: live by your heart, work with your mind, respond to kindness with kindness, and if you die unjustly, rest in peace. However, following these principles is easier said than done. Hundreds of vengeful spirits, defying Izanami's sacred decrees, inhabit the land. These spirits are known as mononoke, and their presence can be terrifying.
To restore peace, people often turn to exorcists or wait for the mysterious Stranger. It's said that spirits fear the name of one person. Young Kyoko Hakuro, from a poverty-stricken family of hereditary exorcists, believes that the only way to restore her family's honor is to surpass the Stranger. But first, she needs to find him... and convince him to become her teacher.
This story takes place in an alternate Japan, where a country called Izanami exists. From the first pages, we're introduced to the main heroine – Kyoko Haruko. Her life started with death, but she was saved by her grandfather, Yorimasa, an exorcist who specializes in dealing with mononoke – spirits that seek revenge on their tormentors.
Kyo's family is a line of hereditary exorcists, but they're struggling to survive. There's no male heir to inherit the family business, and they're on the brink of bankruptcy. They sell whatever they can, perform the ritual dance known as Kagura, and barely scrape by.
Kyo wants to become an Onmyoji, an exorcist who can deal with mononoke. She hopes to restore her family's honor and prestige, but everything seems to be working against her. Her grandfather refuses to teach her, and she's secretly taking action to find the famous Stranger and convince him to become her teacher.
She's got a lot on her plate, and things are about to get a lot more complicated. We're in for some wild adventures, life-or-death situations, secrets, and betrayals. The journey will take us from city to city, village to forest.
The author does an excellent job of dropping us right into the atmosphere of the Iznami country from the very first pages. I love how she weaves together the different storylines and characters.
The heroine, Kyoko, is a young woman with a lot of spirit. She's impulsive, makes mistakes, but she's determined to succeed. She's smart, cunning, brave, reckless, and loyal – a True hero.
The book is divided into three tales:
1. The young lady and the cunning demon.
2. The blind Daimyo from the Kai province.
3. The Imperial Palace of Cats.
The illustrations are stunning, and I loved all three tales. As we journey with the heroes, we get to know them a bit better. The incredibly enigmatic, mysterious Wanderer is a character I'm eager to learn more about.
He agreed to teach, but he didn't teach; he answered questions, but somehow K'eko never got the answers she was looking for; he led her along, but never took her anywhere; and all he did was annoy her, tease her, and taunt her.
I won't give away the plot, but the book has a small entry barrier. You need to get used to the terms and the world-building. At the end of the book, there are the Tales, which explain the events and characters. In the book, there are footnotes with explanations.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the world-building. I got swept up in it and read the book in a joint reading with the author. Nastya explained some parts in the chat, and she just told the story in a really engaging way.
Read it. The story is worth your attention. Trust me.
– What? – K'eko exclaimed, bursting into laughter. – I look like a woman who'd reject a man because of a scar? Another proof that you don't know me at all.
Nothing could stop a man if he was determined to get home, and home was a woman.
– «Tuta » and «tama » – where exactly are they? – the Wanderer sighed, taking off the box with his player and setting it down on the ground. K'eno had wanted to be somewhere «tama » for ages, just not «zdes » in the heat.
Books by the author that I've really enjoyed:
The first book in the Lake Champlain Cove series
Samainstown is my top pick for a Halloween read
