I have a hard time putting into words how this book has affected me. Like there’s an intensity and realness to the people and events in this book. It’s a story about family, loss, love, duty, pain and so much more. The lessons and wisdom… I could come back to this book years to come and I would still gain something. Misaki is flawed, but in a way that feels like I know her, she’s me and I am her. Her guilt, resentment, struggles as mother.. it was just everything for me. She’s up there in my all time favorite characters. The character work in Sword of Kaigen is amazing especially for a stand-alone. This fantasy has stunning worldbuilding, vivid imagery, and prose that will stick with me. The fight scenes are so so good. THE ELEMENTAL MAGIC SYSTEM HELLO??? the intricacies in the caste system, language, religion, ML WANG ATE. God I devoured this book and miss it already. I cried so many times but so worth it, this will be with me for awhile.