Loved the second instalment to the Forest Series!

RTC soon.

Edited : 17/11/2022
(Lowkey I'm in a huge writing slump and finally , she's back with full speed.

The second instalment to The Forest Series, and one that still gives me that calming and soothing vibes while reading a book. The continuation from the first instalment of the series The Easy Life in Kamusari, brings another perspective which is still intriguing; paired with the author's witty telling, there is a sense of warmth with this series and how Shion Miura portays her characters which makes it such a unique one.

Personal Ratings : 4🌟

Unlike the first book, the second book continues Yuki's story as he ventures out from an teenager to being an adult. I love his growth in the series and I liked how the story is told in specific events in Yuki's lives in Kamusari. Its like reading an old friend's journal who is up to no good ( in a funny way).

If the first book focuses more on the surroundings, Yuki having to adjust his life in Kamusari and learning the ropes of being in the forestry industry, the second book is more on the Cultures, History and the Beliefs of the people in the mountain. Its honestly very interesting to read as we ventures into the stories of myths, and how the mountain came to be, how the Gods of the mountains were somewhat a being that keeps the mountain and the people alive, and how the culture is being retained, even if times are moving forward in the modernization era.

The progression of the second book is slightly slower than the first (hence the ratings), but I honestly still enjoyed it. Shion Miura has a way in her writing, that its obvious that not only she does extensive research and puts loads of care in her work, she had also introduced on various cultures and beliefs in Japan that, even until today, are the rituals that are still being continued. Even if Kamusari is an imaginary place that is based on Mie Prefecture in Japan, it is not far off from reality to the beliefs of the people nowadays. I liked that it brings light to some rituals that is still alive and brings more insight depth of the workings in Japan. Even in Malaysia, we do adhere to some beliefs which makes it an interesting read for this one.

Whilst I enjoyed the first book more, the second book is no less good. It brings us into another perspective of a place that is filled with stories, history and beliefs. Its a story that will still make you smile due to the characters and remains a heartwarming read for me. Loved this!

Also I highly suggest you follow the sequence while reading the book as there are certain informations from the first book needs to be understood before diving into the instalment. Nevertheless, I will recommend this read for everyone to read! Its light and fast-paced and fills with warmth of a found family in an unfamiliar place that still feels like home.

Thank you so much to Times Reads for this gifted copy! I truly appreciate it :)