I read this book during my middle school days and was completely entranced by it.

The world that the author has created within the pages is truly perfect. Yoko, the main character, is a brilliant portrayal of a high school girl facing real strife. She is trying to fight her way to obtain any information in a world where she was unceremoniously dropped.

Since the first time I read this book, I have revisited it several times, and each time it has been an incredible experience. I often find myself wishing that I could go back in time and acquire the other books in the series.

Unfortunately, they are now extremely expensive, which is understandable considering their value and popularity. Nevertheless, the memories and impact that this book has had on me will always remain, and I will continue to cherish it.

I had watched the anime series before reading the book, and I definitely enjoyed noting the differences.

The anime presented the story in a vivid and visually appealing way, with colorful animations and engaging characters.

When I picked up the book, I was excited to see how the written word would bring the story to life.

However, I quickly noticed that the translation seemed to be a little off for me.

Some of the sentences didn't flow as smoothly as they did in the anime, and there were a few words and phrases that didn't quite convey the same meaning.

Despite this, I still managed to enjoy the book and gain a deeper understanding of the story and its characters.

It was interesting to see how the author had developed the plot and how the different elements fit together.

Overall, while the translation may not have been perfect, it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the book.

I would still recommend it to fans of the anime series or anyone who enjoys a good adventure story.

3.5 stars.

I'm currently in the middle of reading three other books, but what do I do? I sit down and read a bit of Sea of Shadow, the first Twelve Kingdoms book. Then, I promptly breeze through the rest and throw a small tantrum because I don't have access to the second one. Yes, this book is that good.

Essentially, Average Everyday Schoolgirl Yoko Nakajima is snatched by a Mysterious, Long-Haired Man who proclaims her to be the Chosen One and whisks her off to a fantasy kingdom. It's standard young adult portal fantasy fare, except that she vehemently refuses and ends up lost in an unknown world, penniless, homeless, friendless, and constantly attacked by monsters, with only a sword for survival.

What follows is probably my favorite part of the book - Yoko's gradual growth from a meek, insecure girl who is too blindly obedient and rather spineless into a much stronger, more confident, and self-reflective person. And it's not just in the typical grimdark way of learning to toughen up after being forced to endure brutal experiences (because she does as well as can be expected for a middle-class girl constantly besieged by killer monsters in an unknown kingdom that is prejudiced against kaikyaku, people from the other world), but also in clarifying what kind of person she is, what she wants to do, and who she wants to become. In fact, even though she does toughen up, she then has to learn to undo this harsh exterior and find the bits of humanity within her that haven't been squeezed out.

Although less page-turningly compelling, the world-building is quite unusual and interesting, if a bit overly detailed - I had to have the Twelve Kingdoms wiki beside me while reading to keep track of all the titles and politically important characters. The book establishes a cool political system and set of conflicts within and between the kingdoms that seem to be explored in later books, which I now REALLY want to read.

However, the book loses points for the really clumsy prose. Look, I know not everyone can be a Tanith Lee or a Frances Hardinge, but if Fuyumi Ono (or the book's translator) had paid more attention to style and language, it would have been a much more engaging and evocative book than it is now.

Sometimes a publisher's desire to capitalize on a popular genre can actually yield positive results. Take Fuyumi Ono, the author of the Twelve Kingdoms series. She typically excels in the horror and mystery genres, which perhaps explains the detailed and gory descriptions in the fighting scenes. Her editor suggested she explore the fantasy genre, which was popular at the time. Ono ended up creating one of the major works of modern Asian Fantasy.

The main character, Yoko, is initially quite annoying. She is a real wimp, not a brat but a crybaby and extremely passive. She starts as an obedient, shy girl who is preoccupied with mundane things like watching her favorite TV series and doing her school homework. She doesn't want to stand out in any way. However, she was born with naturally red hair in a country where everyone has black hair, and dyed hair is considered rebellious behavior. In response, Yoko tries even harder to fit in by being a model student. She is unable to stand up for herself, let alone for others. But then, she is suddenly thrust into the magical world of the Twelve Kingdoms, all alone and in constant danger.

Sea of Shadow is very much Yoko's story. As mentioned, she is annoying in the first chapter, but luckily, there are already hints in the second chapter that she will develop. She slowly starts to act instead of cry, and her character development continues throughout the book as she comes to terms with herself and grows a backbone. I liked that Yoko initially behaves not heroically at all but like a scared, lonely girl. The standard "quest journey" is also handled differently here. It doesn't go as planned, Yoko is completely unprepared, and she doesn't get her own "fellowship" to travel with. She is on her own for a large part of the way.
The writing may not feel very polished (although I had the impression that it improved as the story progressed), and the pacing is far from perfect. For me, the story only really became interesting in the second half, once the other major characters were introduced. As readers, we start out in the same situation as Yoko, thrown into the unknown and understanding nothing about the world of the Kingdoms. We receive information at the same time as Yoko does on her journey. There are several big, main questions to be answered, and the author takes her time to reveal things. But when she does, I found the answers to be very interesting and creative. There is also some social criticism related to Yoko's changes, concerning uniformity, hypocrisy, and self-confidence.
All in all, I love the world of the Twelve Kingdoms. Despite the main character being a Japanese girl, the fantasy setting and world-building are actually inspired by Chinese history and mythology, and it is wonderfully different from everything else I have encountered in the fantasy genre. I have also grown fond of the various characters, a diverse cast that includes half-beasts and unicorns. Rakushun is adorable, Keiki is a likeable snob, Rokuta and Shoryu are a hilarious combo, and considering I started out hating Yoko, I am amazed at how much I like her now.
In the end, Sea of Shadow is little more than an introduction to the setting. The main focus is on Yoko's journey of self-discovery, accompanied by a lot of fighting for her life. Therefore, a bit of patience is probably required until you reach the second half of the novel, but for me at least, it was well worth it. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Asian Fantasy, talking rats, or unicorns. Sea of Shadow can be read as a stand-alone novel.

It offers a unique and engaging world that will draw you in and keep you hooked until the very end.

At 13%, on page 89, and in chapter 10, I made the decision to give up on this book. The main reason for this is just how incredibly inept and dumb the main character comes across.

Here we have a situation where there are beasts lunging at her in a world full of unknowns. Yet, she continuously gives up the very thing that protects her while whining and crying every single second. It really isn't a difficult decision to make. Things are out to kill her, and all she has to do is open her eyes and keep them open. Literally, her helper will take care of the rest. But no, she persists in closing her darn eyes and crying.

Is this a realistic behavior for an average Japanese female of high school age? To be honest, I have no idea. Either way, it is not the least bit interesting or enjoyable to read. In fact, it feels like a chore.

Also, in chapter 10, no significant plot has been developed yet. We know that she has entered a presumably new world, but other than her giving up her only means of protection within a few pages, there is nothing else of note.

Sorry, but reading 89 pages of a girl's constant whining was simply not a pleasant experience. It's a shame too, considering that the prose and writing in this book are flawless.

The main character initially comes across as quite annoying, and it can be a real challenge for people to look beyond that.

Nonetheless, her development and growth throughout the story is not only highly believable but also truly amazing.

The fantasy ideas presented in the narrative are ones that I have never encountered before, which makes it all the more captivating.

I have become a HUGE fan of this work.

Moreover, I also have a great love for the anime adaptation.

The combination of the unique story and the well-executed anime has made this a truly unforgettable experience for me.

I can't wait to see what further adventures and developments await the main character and how the story will continue to unfold.

Overall, this is a must-read and must-watch for anyone who loves fantasy and engaging characters.

This book had been sitting on my shelf for approximately a year, seemingly taunting me with its width and the bright blue dust jacket. There was this peculiar attachment I had to it, something I couldn't really explain or fully understand. It was as familiar as walking into the room and seeing my cat curled up on the couch. Whenever I picked it up and looked at its cover, I'd wonder why it caught my attention so much and why, despite that, I still hadn't read it yet.

Well! That wonderment has now come to an end! I must admit that due to this strange sense of wonder I experienced for nearly a year before finally reading it, the book fell a little short of my expectations. However, it was still an excellent read and was actually quite different from what I had anticipated. I don't think it's fair to compare it to Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away (my favorite movie), as they are presented in two distinct mediums and are their own individual works, but there are notable similarities. The most significant similarity (and to my great delight) is the character growth of the main characters.

Yoko grows tremendously in this book. And I adore it. I don't mind a main character who starts out as a sniveling, annoying brat, as long as I can witness their progress as their journey unfolds. They don't even have to become a good person; as long as their actions and experiences shape them, it's... exquisite *kisses fingers and gestures in the Italian fashion*.

This book (or perhaps books? It seems Tokyopop combined two in translation) serves as a very solid foundation for the series (or so I assume), but it doesn't feel like one long prologue that you have to grudgingly endure just to understand what's going on for the rest of the series. It is a rather lengthy book, but you're rewarded with little drawings every 60 pages, providing a nice break and a refresher on where the characters are in terms of location and appearance.
Also refreshing is the absence of instalove. There aren't even any crushes. That is truly refreshing in a young adult book. Granted, there aren't really any characters who stick around long enough for a relationship to develop, but I've seen YA books that introduce a male character only to take him away again, leaving the heroine helplessly in love and doing everything in her power to see him again.
All in all, it's a good book. I will continue with the series as soon as I can get my hands on the next book. Tokyopop only translated the first four (*cough*they went under and left me with so many unfinished series*cough*), but fortunately, there seems to be a French company that translated the entire series, and I am conveniently fluent in French (thanks, mom)!

It's becoming increasingly difficult to obtain copies of these books, so for any of you who are interested in reading this series but don't know French or don't have the resources to get the books in print, there are online translations of most of the books in this series and its side series. Conduct a simple Google search and it should be one of the first results. You didn't hear that from me, though!

So let's get it out of the way.

This book commences with the most clichéd concept ever to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun:

A uniformed schoolgirl is abruptly whisked away to a strange world. There, she incessantly whines, complains, and cries. However, fortunately, this tiresome phase is confined to the first chapter of the book.

Once Yoko starts exploring the land where she has been dropped, the real essence of this book begins. And there are indeed a plethora of fine cuts of steak within this one.

I wholeheartedly loved this book and could scarcely put it down. The story is truly fantastic, the characters are well-developed and fleshed out, and the fantasy world is incredibly vivid and complete.

I don't desire to disclose too much more, aside from stating that this is a wonderful read for everyone.

One thing to bear in mind, though there are two books available subsequent to this, they are not a continuation. Instead, each one tells a separate story of the Over There world.

It's important to note this distinction, as readers might expect a seamless continuation but will instead be treated to two distinct and engaging tales set in the same captivating fantasy realm.

This aspect adds an interesting layer to the overall collection, allowing for a diverse range of experiences and adventures within the Over There world.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply looking for an entertaining read, this book and its subsequent installments are well worth checking out.

I've watched the anime before, and it's truly my all-time favorite anime series. However, I can state without any hesitation that the book is better.

In the book, we are able to be completely inside Yoko's head. This eliminates the need for those pointless characters that are used in the anime to create the conflict necessary to展示 viewers/readers Yoko's character growth.

By directly experiencing Yoko's progress, I felt so much more for her. We see her transform from a helpless, pathetic coward ruled by fear to a hardened survivor. Months of isolation, betrayal, abuse, and every living thing seemingly out to get her have led to her distrust of all humanity.

I admit that I shed a tear or two for Yoko. I cried for the loss of her innocence and for the moment when she reclaimed her faith in people. I love that feeling of being so deeply connected to a character that you cry when they're losing their way.

Honestly, I cannot emphasize enough how much I love this series. Coming back to read the novels after watching the anime years ago was definitely a great decision. Seriously, the world of the Twelve Kingdoms is truly beyond amazing.

This was such a truly unique and incredibly remarkable find.

When I first began reading, I did have my reservations. The writing style was rather blunt, lacking in those exquisite details that one might expect. It seemed a bit blah-blah-blah at first.

However, it didn't take long for all of that to fade away and become completely immaterial. This novel was, without a doubt, one of the very best plot-based novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

It was fast-paced, filled with bloody and intense scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. The energy that pulsed through the story was palpable. At the same time, it had its depressing moments that tugged at my heartstrings, yet it also managed to be funny in unexpected ways.

The world that was created within the pages of this book was top-notch. The politics, the religion, the people and their societies - it was all so vastly different from our own world. And yet, it was crafted in such a way that it wasn't impossible to imagine.

The struggles that Yoko had to face were all too real. She was shrouded in self-doubt and misery, with her past constantly colliding with her future. From the very first day, you find yourself rooting for her, and you can't help but think the same way as she does.

Not to mention, the ending was flawlessly executed. It allowed this novel to be a one-stop-shop, providing a satisfying conclusion, while still giving just enough of the world to leave the possibility of continuing onward.

Overall, this was an outstanding read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking story.

I have a great admiration for the character-building work and the elements of political fantasy present in this series.

As an opener, "Sea of Shadows" truly excels in establishing the world and handling the exposition in a way that is never excessive. Evidently, the world that Youko ventures into is incredibly rich and fascinating. Its governance style, the diverse peoples and cultures, reproduction methods, and religious beliefs all play integral roles in the character arcs of this series, and the payoff is always satisfying.

The development of Youko as the main character is also of utmost importance in this book, and I am extremely glad about it. Apart from a few minor differences here and there, I am astonished at how closely the anime series follows the books. Now I understand why Youko's friends seemed so out of place in the anime.

The only potential issue might be the writing style, which is often lacking in imagination and rather basic. However, knowing the story allows one to overlook this shortcoming. The story itself is so captivating that one can't help but desire a more outstanding writing. I have a deep affection for the characters from En, and of course, I'm eager to hear about Taiki and how his story concludes. This is one drawback of the anime, as it leaves that plot somewhat unresolved and hanging.

I've watched the anime before delving into this novel, and I must admit, I have a strong preference for the novel.

Without the bothersome presence of Sugimoto and Asano tagging along with Youko on her journey, I was able to witness more of her internal growth and self-reflection. This allowed me to have a deeper appreciation for her character.

Although she was already an extremely cool and badass individual, I grew tired of her unwavering desire to return home, to the extent that she even considered going back, regardless of the thousands of lives that might be sacrificed.

However, after the scene where she had a conversation with Rakushun about her misgivings regarding being a ruler (which is one of my favorite scenes), we gained a bit more insight into her true feelings and the turmoil she was experiencing.

Prior to that, Youko simply went with the flow, attempting to please everyone. But I understood that her hesitation wasn't solely due to her longing for home; it was also because she didn't want to make a hasty decision and wanted to think things through for herself.

Moreover, the world of Twelve Kingdoms truly captivated me. I'm not reading this particular version but rather Eugene Woodbury's translation, yet I still had to include this book because it's truly amazing.

Also, Youko undergoes one of the most intense character transformations I have ever encountered in my reading, and I absolutely love it.