The Twelve Kingdoms, Book 1: Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea, Part 1 cover art

The Twelve Kingdoms, Book 1: Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea, Part 1

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The Twelve Kingdoms, Book 1: Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea, Part 1

By: Fuyumi Ono
Narrated by: Grace Lynn Kung
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The epic novel series that inspired a hit anime returns with an all-new translation! Experience a quest for survival and self-discovery as one girl finds herself lost in a strange, unknown world.

When high school student Youko Nakajima is approached by an enigmatic, blonde-haired stranger named Keiki, her life is turned upside down. Whisked away into the perilous world of the Twelve Kingdoms--a realm teeming with mythical beasts, ancient prophecies, and political intrigue--Youko finds herself alone and hunted. With danger at every corner, she must fight to survive, all while grappling with shocking revelations about her true identity that could shatter everything she thought she knew. Shadow of the Moon, Shadow of the Sea introduces listeners to a breathtaking fantasy world, where nations rise and fall, and destiny awaits those who dare to seize it!

©1992, 2012 Fuyumi Ono, Akihiro Yamada (P)2012 Fuyumi Ono, Akihiro Yamada Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Fantasy Survival Royalty
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I first read this many years ago hoping to get some closure after the anime adaptation ended, only for the books to stop being translated as well. So I was very excited to see that not only have they been picked up again, but there is now an audio book as well.

The story starts off first quickly and then slows right down. The main character, Yoko, is not the most likable straight away either. However as the book progresses, the world starts to expand, and the characters develop, it really finds its feet. I recommended sticking with this series to the end of Book 1 Part 2 if you can before judging too harshly.

The same is true of the narration. It starts of very roughly, bad reading grammar and a low range of voices making it hard to tell characters apart. However even at its worst the books are more than serviceable, and by the start of the second book the reading has improved immeasurably.

All in all, despite a bit of a rough start, I can't wait to follow this series through.

Starts slow, but worth sticking with

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