Himiko (the protagonist) is a Japanese historical figure but the author definitely takes a lot of liberty in this story since there is not a lot know about Himiko. I liked the premis of the story but felt the book could have lost a hundred or more pages. Just drug on in parts. When it started to really get interesting it ended (lined up for the next book). I don't know if I will read the next in the series. It was fun to learn a little about ancient Japanese culture though! Friesner does well with writing scenes where she is communicating with the spirits. She’s also not afraid of having some of the characters you love die.There are a few downsides. Even though I was captivated with the story, it became somewhat predictable in the middle of the novel. Himiko spent a lot of the story in childhood (6-10 years old) which grew a little dull to me. This may be due to the fact that I’m not younger, because this could be classified as children’s literature.Overall, this is a good book. It is more likely that a child or preteen will probably like this more than the average teen or adult.
Himiko begins as a young, slightly spoiled child and matures into a shaman worthy of her clan.
—kkwall13
Review will come later when I have time.
—139386
3.5
—safiya123