I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues to write more books in the future. I can't wait to see what the author releases in the future.

* Thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgally for an advance copy for review purposes *

An even darker book than its predecesor, The Keeper of Night. Ren's mother is a Japanese Shinigami, and her father a British Grim Reaper, but has always felt as an outsider wherever she is. Years after the ill fated wedding ceremony where Ren took over the underworld, she continues to search for her brother. The search is disrupted after a deity with the face of her defunct groom warns her of an army of grim reapers coming to hunt her down.

I was very keen on reading a fantasy filled with Japanese lore; I particularly enjoyed learning the story of Amaterasu and seeing more yokai, specially a knowledge related one. The action scenes are exciting and filled with magic. The language is a little more flowery than I like to tell her story. Ren is still not a very sympathetic character, she is filled with rage and is short sighted and rash. Her character arc does resolve nicely, but it takes almost the entire book for her growth to become apparent.

Let's take a short moment to appreciate the cover. The linework and colors are stunning, and very fitting for the contents of the book. Worth zooming in and appreciating all the little details.

I would love to see the author take on a story around Tamamo no Mae and her prior (or future!) adventures.

Unfortunately, after numerous attempts, I was not able to download this book to the Shelf App or my Kindle, and I will be unable to provide feedback for this title.

I DID IT. This arc took me a MONTH to read because the formatting was SO BAD. No chapter breaks. Random spaces after the letter F. It felt like one giant run on sentence.

THAT SAID I loved this one. I absolutely love the world of Japanese lore and think Kylie does an amazing job building the world and keeping it action packed start to finish. We love to see it!

Just a heads up: this one is EVEN MORE gory than the first! But I loved the resolution and the ending to Ren’s story enough to forgive the blood and guts and eye gouging and skin falling off.

Can’t wait to see what KLB writes next! Thank you net galley for the advanced copy of one of my most anticipated books!

This is a dark fantasy YA novel with lots of gore and demons, but not of the keep you up all night scared af type. It’s a very character driven story that’s formed around a quest to save Japan.

The sequel opens and we’re ten years past the events of the last book.

No matter how much Ren wishes it so, her dearest brother, Neven is lost to her, and the only one with the potential to give her true understanding, her lover, Hiro is long dead. Her regret is a constant painful companion and her vast loneliness enough to swallow all of Yomi.

Turns out, even a Goddess can be disrespected and hated, when everyone from fellow gods to her Shinigami think she doesn’t belong.

But she has a plan to fix what she can: swallow enough souls to gain enough power to break down the wall separating her from the deep darkness, a mysterious realm filled with silence, absolute blackness and lurking beasts.

You know what they say about the plans of mice and men…

Her peaceful existence is shattered by the horrible news of an invasion of Reapers in Japan, worse yet, her old nemesis and unrepentant bully, Ivy, the new Ankou, is leading the charge.

Ren sets off on another quest with some familiar faces, in order to prepare to slay her very own personal demon and has some moments of beautiful self reflection.

Overall, I thought this was a very successfully done sequel, it wrapped up all entanglements neatly, but also left room for the imagination of the reader to fill in some of the ending, which I quiet enjoyed!

The world of Yomi and historical Japan was so lushly laid out for us and meeting new Yokai and some of the pantheon of gods are really the parts of this story that shine!

There was some head scratching at a few plot points, but this was minor.

It was also lovely to see how the author’s craft had improved over the course of the two books, the emotional beats of REN’s story were really felt and there were so many beautiful lines of prose to highlight.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to write an honest review of this book, in exchange for an eARC.

p.s. I can’t believe people actually like Neven.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
This is book two in a duology about a half British reaper and half Japanese Shinigami named Ren Scarborough. This is the story of Ren's journey to find her identity among a mix of cultures that will not accept the part of Ren that's different from their own.
Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
Book one left off in a very dark place, so I'm curious to see where this book takes Ren. I love the cover with its authentically Japanese feel, and the blurb tells me everything I need to know going in.
Actual Reading Experience:
The plot of The Empress of Time is very much like book one, The Keeper of Night, with a quest adventure that makes the pages flip very quickly and holds my interest without fail. The quests take the reader to visit different gods, goddesses, and even creatures. I especially loved that there was a dragon in this one, which made my heart happy.
Both book one and book two are equal in every way, and one is not better than the other. So, if you enjoyed The Keeper of the Night, chances are, you will enjoy The Empress of Time and vice versa. The writing for both is beautiful – at times, it's almost lyrical. Other times it's dark and gritty with the realities of Ren's life, but both set the stage for a poignant story about a girl who is rejected and bullied all her life.
I love the mythology and creatures in both books. I did not know much about Japanese mythology until reading this story. Still, I have a whole new appreciation for the artistry, beauty, and darkness that comprise its gods and stories. In some ways, it is very much like the mythology of western cultures. Still, in other ways, it has a uniqueness that comes from a culture so different from our own.
Characters:
All of the characters, particularly Ren, are incredibly complex. Whether the bully, the bullied, or the loved ones – they all have formed layer upon layer of complexities due to years of constant negativity.
Ren Scarborough's father is a British Reaper, and her mother is a Japanese Shinigami. She grew up among the British but had to deal with constant bullying from other reapers and rejection from her father. Years of this have led to an overwhelming need in her to find a place where she is accepted for who she is.
Narration & Pacing:
The narration is done in the first person, with Ren telling us her tale. This is an excellent choice as it's a personal story of not fitting in and being accepted. No other narration could explain all that Ren goes through like she can since much of it is the emotions she feels at the hands of people who will not accept her for who and what she is.
The story is action-packed, which keeps the pace relatively fast, but it does slow down from time to time, so I'll split the difference and call it medium-paced. I never felt bogged down in the story, but since it is told in the first person, there are a lot of thoughtful details to sit through. My reading never felt burdened by these details, though.
Setting:
Various places in Japan and the Japanese underworld are the sole settings for this second part of the duology. I love learning about the country and its mythology, and I knew nothing about it before reading this duology.
Read it if you like:
• Japanese mythology and reaper lore
• Dark fantasy
• Medium pace
• A mix of plot and character-driven stories
• Strong character development
• Complicated and diverse characters
• Flawed main character (morally gray)

This sequel picks up right where Kylie Lee Baker left off with The Keeper of Night! It is fast-paced, dark, magical and dare I say a bit romantic? I loved the first book and was incredibly excited to have the chance to read an advanced copy of this book! The conclusion to Ren’s story is bittersweet but I loved watching the growth of her character as well as Neven’s. I also loved being introduced to new characters, yokai and celestial beings. Can’t wait to read more by Baker!

I like that this book can be read as a stand-alone story. I didn’t read The Keeper of Night, but the author provided enough backstory for me to understand the characters’ current predicament. I also like that the reader gets immersed in the world of Japanese gods and goddesses who walk amongst humans but have their own problems, too, like how to find peace with their siblings or understand why their parents push them away. Who knew gods were so much like us?

Even though most of the characters are gods, they are forthcoming about their needs and desires which makes them seem very relatable and human-like. You can understand where they’re coming from, even if their methods are a little less than moral sometimes. The author does a brilliant job of creating rich and intriguing characters who are as multidimensional as the rest of us. An exciting read from start to finish.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Set in 1900s Tokyo, Japanese Goddess of Death, Ren Scarborough is half reaper, half Shinigami. Since she killer her fiancé, Hiro, and her brother was lost to darkness, her life hasn’t been the same. Tsukuyomi, god of the moon, shows up to warn Ren that English Reapers have shown up in Japan. Soon, Ren discovers that the British Goddess of Death and bully from her past, Ivy Cromwell is coming to hunt her down. To save Japan, Ren must seek the help of the gods who hate her. Can she save Japan?

Full of intrigue, gore, fear anger, love, and forgiveness, the author weaves an intricate tale dealing with who to trust, identity, kindness, weakness, and feeling of belonging. The world building is immersive and enthralling. The characters are flawed and their relationships complex. Readers who enjoy dark fantasy, mythology, or stories about identity will want to pick this one up.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No compensations was received.

I received an e-galley of The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker from Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.

Ren is back in this follow up novel to The Keeper of Night after that incredible ending/cliffhanger. I've been waiting eagerly to find out what happens to Ren and to Neven. And this sequel did not disappoint. We do start off this novel with a some time passing from the first book - as Ren has been trying everything she can to rescue her brother from the deep darkness. And while that is playing out, a new danger is approaching as Ivy, Ren's tormentor, has now become Britain's Death Goddess. And Ivy is determined to come to Japan to attack Ren, already sending ahead some of her Reapers. Faced with an incoming enemy and her own Shinigami who are still reluctant to respect her as their Goddess of Death, Ren turns to the other gods for help. She's sent on mission after mission as she tries to bargain help from these gods. I found this adventure to be just as exciting and enthralling as the first one. There seems to be more character development for Ren and Neven. And a nice surprise twist near the end that brings it all to a fantastic conclusion to this duology.

This is one of those book that are marketed as YA but they could also be marketed as dark fantasy/grimdark as there's violence, gore, and the characters flawed and morally grey.
That said I enjoyed and think that the author developed a fascinating world and intriguing characters.
The world of The Keeper of the Night is complex, dark, and I loved how the author made it so fascinating.
The characters are well developed, not always likeable, intriguing in they're being damaged and flawed.
It could have be a 5* but the brusque start ten years after the first book made being involved a bit harder. A summary of what happened would have helped.
I enjoyed it and enjoyed the series. Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The book started off a little jarring since it starts of ten years after the first book's cliffhanger. We do get filled in with what happens in those years but it's more like cliff notes of how the loneliness affected Ren.

We follow the journey of Ren and Neven of them overcoming the hatred in their hearts, learning to forgive themselves, and each other. Ren is truly a morally gray character. Ren is still the same character build as in the first book with the same sense of right and wrong, all centered around Neven and what is best for him. She doesn't go out of character even when she does horrific and terrifying things. She does have some character growth in the story which is always a positive. Even as the goddess of Death her Shinigami refuse to respect her and the other gods mock her. She grows into her role as the goddess of death and her character growth shows.

This duology is great for those who love Japanese mythology, morally gray female MCs, and a bit of dark chilling gore.

There is so much about this book that makes it an excellent fantasy story. The characters are somewhat villainous. There are definitely some morally grey decisions throughout. There is even a bit of drama *cough cough backstabbing* that adds to the appeal.
I was not a fan of the time jump transition. It is really hard for authors to pull off well, but it just felt like so much happened. So much important stuff happened in ten years and we got a mere summary.
I look forward to future works by Baker, because she is talented at world building and creating tension among characters. The duology overall was really great and the ending was *chef's kiss*. I can't wait to see what else Baker comes up with!

Thank you NetGalley for this e arc in exchange for my honest review.

I don't think I enjoyed this quite as much as book one, which is why I knocked off the half point, but overall I think it's a pretty solid duology -- even if it won't be a new favourite.

This story really shines in both the tone and the worldbuilding/setting. It's dark but somehow also vibrant. However, much of this one does feel a bit wheel spinny in the sense that Ren is sent running around Japan for.. reasons.. and only one of the encounters along the way was actually interesting. This side quest in the run-up to the big conflict does give a little breathing time for a certain reunion but it does also end up feeling like a lot of nothing happens between those bits. And this isn't a short book!

Having said that, I was really pleased with how everything went down at the end. Unlike book one, I actually enjoyed the big conflict and how that resolved. I finished this feeling very satisfied and that's a win despite some of the middling middle bits.

If this is on your radar, I would definitely suggest you give it a try. I will be very interested to see what comes next from this author.

As a half English Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami hybrid, there is literally nowhere on Earth that Ren belongs. Instead, through sheer bloody determination, she carved out a place for herself as a Death Goddess. Her kingdom is meaningless as long as her brother Neven remains lost, though. Her quest to rescue him by any means necessary is interrupted when the Reapers, led by her old nemesis Ivy, invade Japan. Accompanied by her dead fiance's brother, Ren goes on a mission to save a land that barely tolerates her. Another fast-moving, gruesome adventure for the morally grey heroine.

The Empress of Time begins ten years after Ren became Goddess of Death and Neven was sent to the darkness. Ren has spent the past ten years consuming human souls in an effort to find and reunite with Neven and her moral ambiguity continues as she tries to protect the ones she loves. The worldbuilding is as descriptive and atmospheric as the first novel and delves a little deeper into Japanese mythology. The focus on Ren's feeling of belonging and identity was discussed more and she faces the same issues of being too Japanese for the British but too British for the Japanese, but comes to understand the power that she has in being herself. The light romance between Ren and Tsukuyomi would have been better left as either a familial relationship or friendship. A good conclusion to the duology and would recommend to anyone who enjoys Japanese mythology.

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed The Keeper of Night, so I’m thankful to have received this ARC!

I enjoyed the story of The Keeper of the Night, but I am such a scaredy-cat that I definitely had to limit reading it to daytime only. With this one, it’s even darker and scarier than the first book. So if you struggle with scary books, you might want to think twice about this series! Ren is still morally grey in this book which was such an fascinating concept with this character. Having a main character that you’re rooting for but is technically a villain? Amazing. And then there’s sweet little Neven who is the light to the dark if his sister. The adventures are dark and twisty and all the scary heart pounding moments you’d expect from the sequel to TKON.

The ARC format was really hard to read, which I’m sure will be better in the final copy though!

The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker
Book 2 in duology
YA Fantasy
Publication Date: October 4, 2022

A decade has passed since Neven entered the deep darkness and Ren took up the mantle as the Goddess of Death. In that time, she hasn’t stopped trying to get Neven back and her efforts are complicated when Ivy and the British Reapers show up on Japan’s shore.

What a satisfying conclusion to a duology featuring a main character that at times you genuinely questioned, and at others you wanted nothing more than to pick her up, give her a hug and tell her how she’s worthy. I thought given the ending of the first book, and its reading like an origin story for a villain, this book would be a little different in content. Yet, it somehow managed to balance her character Ren becoming the perfect anti-hero.

The novel deals with racism and the hardships faced by a mixed race individual who is not accepted by either culture. She’s too Japanese for the British and too British for the Japanese. We follow Ren’s journey to acceptance and love throughout the duology.

The betrayals are endless. I never really know where any character’s allegiances lie. The worldbuilding is fascinating and dark. The action is detailed and exciting and at times even gorey.

I recommend this series if you’re looking to pick up a fantasy based series, extremely light on romance, and enriched by Japanese mythology.

Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing an advanced reader’s copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an eARC. I rated this book 4.25/5 stars. The Empress of Time takes place a decade after the first book. We once again follow old characters, as well as some new on a quest. I can't say too much without easily spoiling a lot of the book, but I felt it was a great conclusion to the duology. I enjoyed learning more about Japanese mythology. Once again Kylie Lee Baker wrote a beautifully dark and atmospheric story. The FMC, Ren had a lot of character development. She is grumpy and ruthless, but also has a power struggle with her morals throughout. Tsukuyomi was a great addition, but I would have liked to learn more about his character. Overall, it was a great ending with a lot of twists, action, and betrayal. A must read for lovers of morally grey FMCs, mythology, and dark fantasy.

I really enjoyed this! It's dark, gritty, atmospheric, and gory.

I love Ren - she is one of my favorite morally gray female characters. She has a very interesting sense of right and wrong, which seems to center around what is best for Neven. She does a lot of horrible things and a lot of good things. I really liked seeing her journey and growth as a Death Goddess fighting to keep her country afloat paired with her own internal struggles of belonging, anger, betrayal, and regret.

The story is compelling and full of twists and turns. I really loved the continued theme of betrayal and I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen next. I do wish we had been able to see the early days of Ren's ascension as a Death Goddess and I found the 10 year time jump a little jarring at first.

This was such a great conclusion to the duology and I really loved the continued themes that carried over from The Keeper of Night! A great read.


Thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for a the ARC!