Review: Storm (Paper Gods #3) by Amanda Sun

Title: Storm

Series: Paper Gods #3

Previous books in this series: Shadow (#0.5) | Ink (#1) | Rain (#2) | Rise (#2.5)

Author: Amanda Sun

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, Japanese mythology

Publication date: June 2015

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: After almost a year in Japan, Katie Greene has finally unearthed the terrible secret behind her boyfriend Tomohiro's deadly ability to bring drawings to life—not only is he descended from Kami, the ancient Japanese gods, but he is the heir to a tragedy that occurred long ago, a tragedy that is about to repeat.

Even as the blood of a vengeful god rages inside Tomo, Katie is determined to put his dark powers to sleep. In order to do so, she and Tomo must journey to find the three Imperial Treasures of Japan. Gifts from the goddess Amaterasu herself, these treasures could unlock all of the secrets about Tomo's volatile ancestry and quell the ink's lust for destruction. But in order to complete their quest, Tomo and Katie must confront out-of-control Kami and former friend Jun, who has begun his own quest of revenge against those he believes have wronged him. To save the world, and themselves, Katie and Tomo will be up against one of the darkest Kami creations they've ever encountered—and they may not make it out alive.

My rating: ★★★★☆

With Tomohiro being unable to control his Kami powers, he and his friends are trying to find a way to put them to sleep... without getting him killed 😨

Review: Rise (Paper Gods #2.5) by Amanda Sun

Title: Rise

Series: Paper Gods #2.5

Previous books in this series: Shadow (#0.5) | Ink (#1) | Rain (#2)

Author: Amanda Sun

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, Japanese mythology

Publication date: May 2015

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Source: Purchased ebook

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Synopsis: A long, long time ago, before the world was as we know it, Izanami and Izanagi came into being. Two of the first of the ancient gods of Japan, they crafted the world from ink and their own imaginations. Izanagi wants, more than anything, to be with Izanami—but one moment of pride could tear them apart forever.

Yuki and Tanaka have been friends for as long as they can remember, but lately deeper feelings have been bubbling beneath the surface. How do they navigate the transition from friendship to true love without destroying the powerful bond between them?

Set a millennia apart, can these two couples, living parallel love stories, find their happily-ever-afters?

My rating: ★★★★☆

This novella tells two intertwined stories, one of Yuki and Tanaka, Katie’s friends, and the other of the gods Izanagi and Izanami.

Review: Rain (Paper Gods #2) by Amanda Sun

Title: Rain

Series: Paper Gods #2

Previous books in this series: Shadow (#0.5) | Ink (#1)

Author: Amanda Sun

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, Japanese mythology

Publication date: June 2014

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.

When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Tomohiro is stuck between two groups of people who want him for his abilities: The Yakuza who obviously want to use his powers for nefarious reasons, but there’s also the Kami, others like him. Kami are descendants of the Shinto goddess Amaterasu, and all they want to do is take the gangsters and crime out of the world. Not so bad, right? Wrong! They have this god complex and think they’re superior. Ugh. I understand their intentions, but they’re going about it all wrong. Katie is also trying to figure out how she’s connected with the Kami, because there IS a connection, even though she’s American and all. And then we find out and... whoa!

Review: Ink (Paper Gods #1) by Amanda Sun

Title: Ink

Series: Paper Gods #1

Previous novella in this series: Shadow (#0.5)

Author: Amanda Sun

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, Japanese mythology

Publication date: June 2013

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Source: Borrowed paperback from library

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Synopsis: On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I was very excited to read this because I love mythology, and yet I know nothing about Japanese mythology. Lol.