This book really set the tone for the last book of the series. Kagawa continues to set the scene for her books with her fabulous writing and prose. I enjoyed seeing how things were wrapped up in the end. Some parts equally heartfelt and heartbreaking but the conclusion was well done and I enjoyed reading!!

"Soul of the Sword" by Julie Kagawa is a mesmerizing sequel that delves deeper into a world of Japanese mythology and supernatural beings. Kagawa paints a vivid picture of the rich and enchanting setting, while her characters continue to evolve and grapple with their destinies. The book's exploration of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of power adds layers to the story. With its well-paced action, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, "Soul of the Sword" is a captivating read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Something I have established.... I really love books with pretty covers. So much so that I apparently don't read the whole description and just jump head first without realizing I'm starting in the middle of a series.
So here I am, kinda confused. But still loving the book.
When I realized what I had done it was like this ah ha moment. And I went bavk and started from book one. Which made things make so much more sense haha.
And I truly did enjoy this book.

Unfortunately, I waited to long to read and review and was unable to really enjoy this story. In no way do I think my not liking it had anything to do with the author or the story itself, just that my own reading preferences have changed. Thank you for the opportunity.

I’m always looking for fun YA books to recommend to my friends with teens and Julie’s books are always on the top. The way she writes fantasy always keeps me interested and turning the pages. Plus DRAGONS!!

I hadn't realized at first this was a sequel. Even though I read the premise just below the area that stated it was a sequel *face palm* that said, I still found it delightful to dive into a world of Kitsune, dragon spirits, and divine destinies. I loved it so much, I rushed to buy and read book one as well.

This is the second book in the Shadow of The Fox series penned by the amazing author Julie Kagawa. The world building for this series is phenomenal we are introduced to various creatures from Japanese mythology each one more intense and scarier than the last. The story centers around the legend of the dragon scroll that was separated into 3 pieces and is be protected at various temples. Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko is protecting one piece and in this book, she is on her way to ancient steel feather temple and she is determined to save Kate Tasumi who been possessed by an evil spirit who been released from a sword.

I thoroughly enjoyed that in this one there is a lot more action and riddles that have to be hashed out along the way. Also my favorite character Yumeko really comes into her fox magic. It becomes so much more then what she thought it was and the description of how awesome it is breathtaking. Their a few heart-wrenching deaths in this book which is to be expected with the task that has been laid at the group’s feet.

This second book does not suffer from being boring at all is darker, scarier, and much more action-packed than the first. The characters really grow into their own and you really want to see them succeed. The stakes are higher than ever before which makes for a compelling ending that will propel us into the 3 books of the series. I thoroughly have enjoyed this series.

I hadn’t realized this was a sequel (I’m a fool) so while I enjoyed it I got lost a lot and definitely plan to read the first!

I'm currently clearing out all of the books that were published in 2019-20 from my title feedback view!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Didn't read the first book first (lol im an idiot) but this book was still really good! will have to reread the series from the start lol

This series really is incredible and so underrated. Just the way Julie Kagawa has woven this story together, with all of its twists and turns and the plot building as time progresses, has me in awe.

If you’re looking for an incredible Japanese inspired fantasy, this one should be near the top of your stack, because it’s simply that good.

What I especially enjoyed about this book was more mythology and even more fantastic character building! I adore Yumeko and Tatsumi, but this book gave the side characters even more page space and time. I loved getting more of them!

So many of my questions from the previous book, that had me like 🤯 are answered and pieces are falling into place, and now there’s even more wild stuff happening to leave me like 🤯🤯🤯.

Really though, try this one out, you won’t regret it.

This sequel was a better novel than its predecessor. The characters were fleshed out and the world-building was more expanded upon. This novel reminds me of an anime. I recommend this fans of Japanese lore.

I enjoyed this continuation of the story. The author provided just the right amount of cliffhangers and undone strings to see me return for the finale.

I had just been thinking of this story and decided to research if the squeal had been published or was still in the works, luckily it had been published! And doubly lucky I was granted an ARC from NetGallery in return for this review.

The story of Yumeko continues with many bumps and surprises as well! I don't want to say too much about plot except that some romance happens where I was not expecting it, and I enjoyed it! I liked where the story went and is going, the ending was pretty good at catching me off guard as well. If you liked the first one then definitely pick this one up!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved the first book and was super excited to be able to read the sequel. It did not disapoint. I loved it. Pick up this series.

If you haven’t started this series yet my advice is…don’t start now. You’re going to want to wait to the third and final book comes out. Actually, scratch that, you definitely need to start this series now, then you can understand my pain. And, it isn’t that this book ends on a cliff-hanger. It’s just that I am desperate to know what Yumeko and her motely group of companions are going to do next. This book ends at such an interesting point, I was frantically poking my kindle hoping that another chapter, another page would appear so that the story didn’t have to end.

As you can tell, I kind of liked this book. The second book in the Shadow of the Fox continues to deliver a magical young adult fantasy story set in an alternative and ancient Japan. It has everything that I love in a story; plenty of adventure and magic, but also friendship and love. There’s even a star-crossed gay love story between two of Yumeko’s travelling companions which I am dying to how it pans out.

In this book Yumeko and Tatsumi were been separated for the majority of the book. Admittedly I missed seeing them together, one of the things I loved about the first book was seeing their relationship develop. However, Soul of the Sword offered something else; the POV of the demon Hakaimono who has now possessed Tatsumi’s body, and thus trapping his soul. I love seeing the bad guys POV, so I really enjoyed these sections of the book. I also think seeing the POV of both Hakaimono in this book and Tatsumi in the first book was very important given how this book ends. Have I intrigued you yet?

This was a great book, if you want some action and adventure interspersed with some poignant moment and a little fun, then you need to pick this series up. For now, I am eagerly awaiting the third and final part in this trilogy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

I listened to the audiobook of this novel (as I did with the first) and the world and characters were so richly woven through the spoken word. The character development, increased stakes and challenges, and that ending all solidify it as another great installment in this world.

Julie Kagawa is one of my favorite authors, and the Shadow of the Fox trilogy has not disappointed! Although I didn't feel like Soul of the Sword was as interesting as the first book, I did enjoy continuing Yumeko's story, and I loved the fast pace of the book and the rich detail and mythology. 3.5/5 stars.

I was very excited to receive a copy as this is one of my anticipated sequels of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it as much as the first book. There’s a spark that is missing and I believe the lack of Tatsumi is to blame. I felt like the sequel fell short and missed the mark.