The fun story takes a very dark and serious turn in this second novel—returning to the dark intro of the first, diving deep into a tangled and twisted web of relationships wrought with tarnished histories, tapping into fantasy elements of magic and the depths of these maturing characters. 

The storytelling interludes are a nice stylistic touch. 

And the twists and turns are a rollercoaster of woes and life-threatening conflicts colliding and reaching an abrupt climax … and it would have been satisfying without the extended end at the ending. 

An adventurous 21st Century Westernised take on a blend of beautiful ancient Japanese folklore and historical stories. 

But I also *smile* liked the ending.