I wanted to love this book. The cover is absolutely stunning, and the premise and the fact that it revolved around Kitsune and Yokai meant that I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.

The main issue I had with it as the overuse of romanji in the text. It might have worked better if the words hadn't been italicized as well, because the change in font kept throwing me out of the text. However, it was also the inclusion of unnecessary words. I could understand using the romanji for certain words like 'torii' and the names of the Gods, but most of the words were easily translated and would have had more impact if the english had been used. It felt as though the language was being used as a crutch to create the setting, rather than the worldbuilding, and I feel that a bit more time spent on the world-building would have created the same effect. What I did like was the glossary at the start, which was well laid out in segments, although it was fustrating having to turn back so often for the words that I didn't know.

However, I also found the characters and world somewhat lacking, and I found myself unable to become invested - especially with the characters which fell a little more flat especially the main characters - Ketsue-chan and Yamato, and they felt stiff around one another, and while I understand they didn't like one another especially at the start it lacked any kind of dynamic to make me want to care about them or their interactions.

Overall, this was a disappointing read for me. However, I do feel that it will appeal to certain readers, especially younger ones, as to some extent it felt as though the writing was targeted at the younger end of YA.