This book is problematic. Rather than specifically discussing the topic it proposes to discuss (ikigai), it covers a weird mish-mash of Asian traditions, some of which are not native to Japan or Japanese culture. It gives cliched advice about eating vegetables, exercising and meditating. To me, this read as an exoticization of Asian cultures, and I’m not here for it. I was hoping it would actually cover ikigai which was briefly covered in the first chapter but barely grazed below the surface of what ikigai is before moving into things already covered (and covered much better) by the book The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. The book was unorganized and unoriginal and problematic. Do not recommend. 

 Oh my gosh, I enjoyed this so, so much. The relationship between King and Dove is intense, sexy, lusty, confusing, and so much fun. I adore the “I hate everyone but you” trope and the overprotective hero. I enjoyed the way Amo Jones wove together the story of the circus/carnival and the mafia families. It demanded my attention from every page because I HAD TO KNOW what was going on and why. There was so much intrigue and mystery. It also had elements of ballet, and dark carnivals, and I love those themes. There was some kink in here that I don’t necessarily jive with (at least I think it would be called kink?) but see nothing wrong with it being in the book because it makes sense for the characters (and I also am not judging ANYONE if that IS their kink). There were some proofreading issues that I think I can blame on the editor more so than Amo Jones. There weren’t tons but there were enough typos for me to notice. It didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment though. As always, check your triggers–it’s called a dark romance for a reason. 

 

This volume was emotional. Two characters I’d grown to love do something courageous and heartbreaking. For the first time, I’m starting to see a possible resolution for these kids that doesn’t just mean living in constant survival mode. The pacing started to work itself out in this volume and didn’t have their weird time jumps volumes’ 11 and 12 had. It definitely felt all the feels. On to volume 14!