I have read comparisons to Babel and think they’re fairly apt. Both are pretty prescriptive and really want their messaging to come across. And again, their characters manage to dictate the plot, which is my main gripe with both novels. This is better than Babel in overall plot work and character work, yet Babel pulls ahead for me for tone, setting, and the novel magic system that this one does not pull off. Moreover, the direct symbolism in both systems is better in Babel, and wildly less so here.

A shame, because I really really enjoyed Kaigen, and was hoping for something more. I would bet if this wasn’t so massively hyped up I would have settled in and enjoyed it more. As is, unfortunately, this felt overhyped. But I’m very glad for its success for the author (as I am Babel, too).