I love this so much!

The character development of Yoko and others is truly remarkable. We get to see them grow and change throughout the story, facing various ordeals that shape their personalities. The world-building is also top-notch, creating a vivid and immersive environment that draws the reader in. What I particularly like is the somewhat realistic presentation, which makes the story feel more relatable and engaging.

It sort of reminded me of another favorite of mine, namely Basara. Both stories have similar elements that appeal to me, such as strong characters, exciting plotlines, and a unique world. I started this not expecting much, but here I am completely bedazzled. The author has done an excellent job of creating a captivating story that keeps me hooked from beginning to end.

I wish there were more reads like this. It's rare to find a story that can both entertain and move me at the same time. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

I rarely bestow 5-star reviews, but I simply must do so here.

Every solitary chapter of this book is truly outrageously wild. Within the initial approximately 20 pages, we are introduced to the protagonist at her high school. Suddenly, the school gets blown away, a colossal mythical bird attacks, fierce fighting ensues, a giant ape and then a panther carry her to the moon, and there is even more fighting. She nearly dies a whopping 10 times. She wakes up half-drowned on a shore, and the book is like, "Okay, that's the conclusion of chapter 3. We're just commencing."

The overarching theme of the story pertains to trust, regarding both giving and receiving it, weighing one's own self-interest against the desire to at least outwardly appear as a good person, and how prosperous societies and empires are constructed upon these principles. Youko's story offered me quite a bit to contemplate on this subject.

The writing is of very high quality. It is notably excellent considering it is a translation from Japanese of a story that heavily depends on East Asian language mechanics, such as the distinction between the spoken and written (kanji) meanings of special words, of which this story has a plethora. It became a bit challenging to follow towards the end where there is a substantial exposition dump, but for the most part, I feel that idioms and such came across rather clearly - even malaphors like "the sharpest apple in the barrel," which elicited a good laugh from me. The pacing is also quite well executed; scenes and characters do not linger overly long, and the end of almost every chapter simply compels you to keep reading to discover what occurs next. I eagerly anticipate continuing this series.

This story manages to avoid the cheesiness often associated with works like Fushigi Yuugi. The reason is that Yoko is thrust into this strange world all by herself, completely in the dark regarding the larger political and world-spanning plot. She has no choice but to fend for herself and learn the language from scratch.

Yoko's character development is truly remarkable. I was astounded by how swiftly and effortlessly she transformed from a crybaby to a badass. It was a pleasure to witness her growth and evolution throughout the story.

The illustrations in this novel are also a plus. They are much nicer and more engaging than the typical fare found in Japanese light novels. They add an extra layer of depth and visual appeal to the story, making it even more enjoyable to read.

Overall, this is a great story with a strong and relatable protagonist, an interesting plot, and beautiful illustrations. It's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of light novels or fantasy stories.

A beautiful tome.

THE TWELVE KINGDOMS is a remarkable work of high fantasy that doesn't shy away from revealing the weaknesses, follies, and arrogance of its characters in the face of overwhelming responsibility.

I have read and reread this book several times, always in awe of Ono's masterful use of poetic language to convey vastness, violence, and the indecision of the heart. Ono's characters are a rare breed of reluctant heroes who are aware of their fate yet never aspire to it, feeling unworthy. It then becomes the reader's task to encourage them, sometimes with a gentle chide, to be a better person. As the main character Yoko states, the consequences of not being one's best far outweigh remaining "an incomplete person."

THE TWELVE KINGDOMS' hazy use of shadows and inward frowns disguises what other fantasy novels would present as pure villainy. In this novel, and throughout the entire series, there is no clear-cut villain. In fact, the darkness within a character's heart is often the greatest threat to their success and the stability of the relationships they pursue. This is both Ono's greatest achievement and, I suspect, her most amusing hindrance. High fantasy is often based on a clear distinction between what is good and what is not. However, it should be noted that a reader's inability to recognize this is not Ono's fault.

Yoko is an incredible character. This first novel merely scratches the surface of her struggles to come to terms with her newfound responsibility as a monarch. The girl's stunning red hair and deadly sword skills are a striking and complementary visual to that of a young woman on the cusp of maturity, a girl becoming a woman in a foreign land with unfamiliar ways. But she overcomes it all.

A great book and highly recommended for those who love fantasy.

It is set in a more or less medieval-style fantastic world, which is made very original as it is based on Eastern mythology, thus resulting in something new and interesting. This is enhanced by the fact that it is quite well constructed. It has its flaws and overly convenient rules (such as the geography of the kingdoms or the way the rulers are chosen) that you simply have to accept, but overall it is well-crafted and seems believable. You really feel it is alive.

The story doesn't lag behind. Despite starting from a typical premise, it manages to subvert it. We have the normal protagonist who turns out to be something special and is taken to another world, but she is not a Mary Sue chosen to save the world. What happens to her is by chance, her abilities are those of a normal person unless she receives help, and she is human in every sense of the word, with flaws and virtues. Moreover, she has a believable and well-developed evolution. And we also have the handsome and mysterious boy who takes Youko to another world, but he is not the love interest because (hallelujah!) there is no romance (I hate when they shoehorn in romances when they are not relevant and here it wasn't as Youko is too busy surviving in an unknown and hostile world) and, in the end, he is the one who has to be saved. The only thing is that sometimes it is guilty of relying on overly convenient coincidences to advance the plot, but it is acceptable.

PS: Although I still don't understand why there are sexes if they are literally born from a tree when you drink from it. Did the deity that created the world give them specific genitals just to enjoy sexuality? It would have been interesting to develop that.

One of the, if not, the best isekai I've read is "The Twelve Kingdoms." It is absolutely beautifully written.

Youko, the protagonist, has to face her inner demons and her past, and we get to see how she overcomes them. I wasn't as annoyed at her character in the beginning as some others. After all, it's only natural to react that way when suddenly abducted to another world and having to face monsters.

This novel also taught me numerous life lessons. I will always remember what Youko said when she was betrayed for the nth time.

'The betrayer only betrays his cowardice. It does me no harm. But better betrayed than be the betrayer.' This quote gave me goosebumps.

'Whether she trusted others had nothing to do with whether or not she was betrayed. Whether or not others were kind to her had nothing to do with whether she was kind to them in turn.' This quote too is so profound! I literally noted down all my favorite quotes from "The Twelve Kingdoms."

The world-building in this novel is phenomenal. How Fuyumi Ono created such a complex yet realistic (within the boundaries of the said world) is just pure genius. I also really like that instead of Youko being the cliché 'chosen one' to be empress, her origins are actually from the Twelve Kingdoms world. I feel extremely lucky to have encountered this absolute underrated gem.

A whiny school girl finds herself in a rather unexpected situation. She gets knocked around, and through this experience, something remarkable happens. She gradually stops being whiny. The story doesn't just focus on this transformation though. It also features fantastic world-building. The author has created a vivid and detailed world that draws the reader in. The pace of the story is speedy, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. There are no dull moments as the events unfold rapidly. Additionally, the characters are interesting. Each one has their own unique personality and backstory, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, it's a story that combines elements of character development, world-building, and a fast-paced plot to create an engaging and enjoyable read.

I read this book a long time ago. However, it is truly special and, in my opinion, deserves more attention. I truly desire to go back and revisit it at some point.

Basically, a Japanese schoolgirl has dreams of being chased by monsters. Eventually, the monsters catch her, and she is dragged into a brutal pseudo-Chinese medieval world. She is expected to defend herself with a sword that she doesn't know how to use. She wanders the countryside, half-dead, and desperately tries to figure out what she is doing in this new world. Once again, it is rather brutal. But she meets charismatic friends along the way, and the story is just wild.

It is definitely recommended. This unique tale combines elements of horror, adventure, and mystery, creating a captivating and unforgettable reading experience. The vivid descriptions of the strange world and the characters' struggles make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether you are interested in Japanese culture, medieval settings, or simply a good story, this book has something to offer.

Yoko is an exemplary girl. She is the sort who is always well-behaved and endeavors to remain unnoticed.

Therefore, it comes as a great shock to her and everyone else when a mysterious man appears at her school one day, proclaiming that she is his master and that she is in peril.

Suddenly thrust into a new and unfamiliar world, separated from those who might safeguard her, and constantly under attack by demons, Yoko must fight to survive and find a way back home.

The hunger, the cold, and the demon assaults are almost secondary to the real battle taking place within Yoko as she confronts, for the very first time, the essence of herself.

This, however, is not merely a story about a girl discovering her identity. It is a tale of a girl who faces the darkness within and triumphs over it.

It is also worth noting that the book retains the scattered artwork from the Japanese release. So, approximately every hundred pages, there is a charming picture to illustrate the characters.

While it is not a graphic novel, having interior artwork in an English novel is an interesting addition.

It is easy to understand why the anime made the alterations it did. After finally having the opportunity to read the book, I cannot say that one is superior to the other. I have a deep affection for both.

I believe there is significant value in experiencing the story in both ways, especially since the book emphasizes the internal struggle, while the anime, due to the difficulty of portraying such a struggle, externalized much of it.

There were very few errors, which was a pleasant surprise. I never had the impression that I was reading a translated work. Tokyopop took great care in ensuring that the prose sounded natural to English speakers without simplifying the language for younger readers.

I did notice a few formatting errors, typos, and the like, but there were perhaps only five instances in the entire 460 pages. So, I consider them to be honest mistakes and will not deduct any points from the book for them.

Although the book concludes well, I am eagerly anticipating the sequels. I also earnestly hope that Ono-sensei will return to this world with another book (and hopefully initiate a second season in the anime as well!) Highly recommended.

Absolutely high fantasy that will leave you stunned. The world building in this story is truly a work of art. Every detail is carefully crafted, from the sprawling landscapes to the mysterious cities and hidden realms. It feels as if you can step right into this fantastical world and explore its every nook and cranny.

The character progressions are equally exquisite. Each character has a unique and engaging backstory, and their growth throughout the story is both believable and captivating. You'll find yourself rooting for them as they face challenges and overcome obstacles, and you'll be invested in their every decision.

Overall, this is a must-read for any fan of high fantasy. The combination of stunning world building and well-developed characters makes for an unforgettable reading experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I truly desired to have a liking for this book. However, having to read numerous pages that depict a weak and constantly whining girl really starts to grate on me.

It is true that she gradually toughens up as the story progresses, yet the repeated emphasis on the blood and guts of monsters simply fails to hold my attention.

What I craved was more of the mystery surrounding how she ended up in that particular situation, rather than being bombarded with so many fight scenes.

I yearned for a deeper exploration of the circumstances that led her to that place, which I believe would have made the story far more engaging and captivating.

Instead, it seems that the author focused too much on the action-packed fight sequences, which, in my opinion, overshadowed the potential for a more intriguing and thought-provoking narrative.

She didn't belong to that other world. That was why she had never felt at home there. She found the thought very comforting. And at the same time, very sad.

I loved reading Youko's journey to seizing her destiny, though this is only the beginning for her. Her reunion with Keiki and acceptance of their covenant is one of my favorite moments because they both notice how much Youko has changed and grown since the start. Fuyumi Ono has created such a fascinating world filled with intriguing characters and creatures that I always want to return to.

(Side note: I'm very happy the license for this series has been rescued so that we can finally have the whole series officially in English. I'll definitely be rereading!)

This story takes us on a captivating adventure with Youko as she discovers her true self and her place in a strange and wonderful world. The relationship between Youko and Keiki adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. Ono's vivid descriptions bring the world and its inhabitants to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The rescue of the license is truly a cause for celebration, as it allows English-speaking fans to fully experience this amazing series. I can't wait to reread and explore this world all over again.