Review Detail

Reader reviewed by John Kingston

The Twelve Kingdoms is a very sucessful Japanese Fantasy Series. It has been made into an anime, which has been released in America, but this is the first time the novels have been released in the English speaking world.

This book shines on all fronts. It's a story of personal growth and of a world of wonders. Youko is not a typical fantasy protagonist. On one hand, she is distinctly unhappy to be kidnapped and then abandoned in a strange world. On the other hand, her seriousness and sense of duty gives her suprising strength. The world is both magical and well thought out. It's a world where babies grow on trees - and the social consequences of this are explored.

In addition to our heroine, there are plenty of other interesting characters. Of of them does come across as stiff and a bit wooden, but that's because he is stiff and a bit wooden, not because of any fault in the writing. We meet the kindly and wise Rakushun, the easy going but intelligent king of En and others.

It's also a surpisinigly dark work. Lost and abandoned in a strange world with no friends or family, Youko considers suicide, saved only by her strong will and desire to return home. All the characters, even the good ones, have complex motivations and their own needs, desires and duties.

In summary - but this book. Buy your friends copies as well. you won't regret it.