Reviews

The Tengu's Game of Go: Book 4 in the Tale of Shikanoko by Lian Hearn

zarul_afandi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

theladysiona's review against another edition

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5.0

Really great finale. All of the characters’ stories were wrapped up in a satisfying way for me. There was a slight bit of Dues ex machina at the climax, but I think given the way the story had worked leading up to it, it isn’t an issue.

This is definitely connected to her other series, but I’m not sure if I ever will read those books. Partly because I’m just not that interested, but also I can never seem to find them all in similar covers that I like, or in some cases at all. I guess the series is so old it’s out of print now.

Regardless, I think this is a really great Japanese fantasy, and would recommend it highly.

yuck1209's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Fairly consistent with the rest of the series. I don’t have any new complaints that haven’t already been mentioned in my reviews of the previous books. 

I’ve not read Hearn’s Tales of the Otori, although after the ending it’s clear this is a setup for the world that takes place in. 

linda_helmi's review against another edition

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3.0

#3 - 2022
Genre: Fantasy

matthewcoots's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging medium-paced

3.5

introvertinsane21's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm just here to say, all that trouble for the Emperor who is not only don't want the throne, but has a naive view of everything? Bruh...

laura_buecker's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

heathergstl's review against another edition

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5.0

Such a bittersweet thing it was to finish this book, thus finishing the series! Everything did not turn out the way I had hoped, but I am overall very pleased with the ending! These characters truly touched my soul deeply! If you have not read this series, put it on your TBR. This series has earned a coveted spot on my shelves right next to Lord of the Rings!

songwind's review against another edition

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4.0

I literally put this audiobook in my to-be-read list because it involves go. I may be obsessed.

However, what I got was a very interesting tale, full of many layers of characters, struggle, intrigue and history.

The setting evokes feudal, Shogun-era Japan without actually *being* Japan, or being constrained by Japanese history. Instead, it fully embraces myth and folktales like the tengu, guardian spirits, immortals and more. It's a story about struggles for power. It's a story about identity. And it's a story of a family both blessed and cursed by its history.

I didn't realize until I was already into it that this is the 4th and final part of a series. Despite this, I was able to follow along well.

I'll definitely be reading the rest of *The Tale of Shikanoko*, and very likely other books by the author as well.

cheems's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25