I received this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.

I honestly do not know where to start with this review. There is so much that I absolutely loved about this book. The book starts off in a way that left me wary, where was this going, what could I expect from this book? And then just wow. I do not think there was ever a part of this story that I was bored or that I wanted to sit the book down and come back to it later. All of the characters are compelling and that is saying something based on all the characters that appear in this story. The way that the author weaved everyone's story together was so utterly satisfying and something that you do not usually get when perspectives jump back and forth.

And Yumeko the main character is such a refreshing breath of air when it comes to main female characters. She is such a strong female character, but she is also such a kind character. She has her faults, she is not a perfect person by any means, but I do not hate her for her faults, they endear me to her. I just really wanted every chapter to be Yumeko but it is also wonderful to see her through the eyes of the other main character. Authors, give me more of characters that are so full of dimensions as Yumeko!

The only fault I have for this book is a personal preference. I hate when books in conversation switch between languages. I do not find it necessary to say Thank you or yes in Japanese woven between English words, when all of the dialogue is in English. I feel it breaks me from the conversation and these basic words are not teaching much to readers to have them in there.

Buy this book, read it!

I love Julie Kagawa. I read the Iron Fey Series ages ago and when I saw this ARC come up as available, I jumped right on it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow of the Fox. Yumeko - a half kitsune and Tatsumi are a great pair. I really liked my introduction to Japanese folklore because I've read very little of it (and I have never seen an anime before, either). So I felt like I was jumping straight into something fresh.

This sort of fantasy is not overdone, it's very new to the Young Adult scene and I'm interested to see where the series goes. The world building was beautiful and I appreciate good descriptions. I really enjoyed the scarier bits.

I didn't understand some of the Japanese words and mannerisms that are interspersed but I think anyone more familiar with the culture would enjoy it.

Absolutely a 5/5 title for me. I'm looking forward to more!

Another exciting read by Julie Kagawa! Jumping right into Japanese folklore, it was thrilling right from the start. Through the up's and down's, you grow attached to the characters right away. It's a book you don't want to put down!

Okay upon further reflection, I'm rounding my review up from 3 to 4 stars.

Shadow of the Fox is told from several points of view, all of which center around our heroine Yumeko. Yumeko is an awesome heroine because she isn't constantly complaining about how unfair everything is, has skills of her own and isn't dependent on strong male characters to save her, and is a yokai - a spirit. In her case, she is half fox, half human. Which means she can pass as human (unless someone sees her ears and tail in her reflection) but she also has the use of fox magic. Yumeko was abandoned as a child and has been raised by monks in the Silent Winds temple, and lives there still, until her temple is attacked by monsters, everyone she has ever loved is slain, and she has a terrible, difficult task thrust upon her right as all she's ever known comes crashing down.

Yumeko's journey leads her to join up with several side characters, including a disgraced samurai, an assassin, and a member of the royal family. I absolutely loved the use of setting. Feudal Japanese culture is really done justice here in a way that I found myself wishing for in Flame in the Mist. These two stories have a LOT in common, but I couldn't stand Flame in the Mist; the heroine is insufferable and can't stop talking about how "clever" she is (she's not) and the romance is poorly done. Shadow of the Fox does everything right that Flame in the Mist got wrong.

Overall a great start to a new series.

A thousand years before, a wish was granted and the land of Iwagoto suffered. Now is the time for a new age, a new wish and a new world, but that wish will only be granted to the holder of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. One half-kitsune raised by monks will be tasked with a part of that precious scroll and a quest to find the rest. The fate of her world will rest on her shoulders, but she will not journey alone as an unlikely group of allies join with her, unaware she hides a piece of the prize.

SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa is a beautiful tale of magical beings, mystical places and a journey that will test the mettle of all who take it. Mystery abounds, suspense hangs heavy and demonic danger will nip at their heels as good races against evil for the future of the world.

Julie Kagawa has used fabulous descriptions to draw readers in while deftly twisting her tale just enough that the “light at the end of the tunnel” is just out of reach, keeping readers guessing at what will happen next.

An amazing journey, a captivating read and incredibly likable characters makes this tale a strong foundation for what promises to be an entrancing series!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Harlequin Teen!

Series: Shadow of the Fox - Book 1
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

I'm so happy this is going to be a trilogy. There is so much Japanese lore and legend in these pages, so much action, and the two main characters are perfectly balanced: one adorable and one frightening. The only reason I marked one star down is that the middle sections dragged for me a bit, but the ending absolutely blew me away. Well done, and I can't wait to recommend this series to everyone!

I wasn't into this one. Which is a HUGE bummer because back in the day I was the biggest fan of Kagawa's work. SOTF started off interesting with the setting beginning in the past with the servant girl's depressing short story, and when it switched to present time it seemed so promising. Then as I got in about 30 percent I started losing interest, got confused at some points and kept mixing up characters. It felt a little overplayed with the whole "girl meets guy and they go on an adventure to find an object together" plot. I felt like I was missing parts of the story...or maybe the story just flew over my head. Either way I'm bummed. Maybe I'll pick it back up down the line but as of right now it wasn't my jazz.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't as good as her Iron Fey series but I still liked it. I do feel that there were some places were the story dragged on but I liked the characters enough to keep reading.

Commence squeeling and fangirling. Squeeee….Okay now that we got my little episode out of the way we can start the review. Julie Kagawa can publish her to do list and it will be epic, for an author who can write from faeries to vampires and dragons I am not surprised how well she handled Japanese mythology. Shadow of the Fox follows to main characters. Yumeko is a half human half yokai (haf demon) She is part Kitsune pronounced (Kee-Tsoo-Nay) is a trickster fox whose skills rely on tricks and illusions. Kage Tatsumi is a samurai who wields a sword possessed by a demon who tries without end to possess him. After Yumeko’s home is burned down she is thrust into a partnership with Tatsumi on a epic adventure. This book is steeped in Japanese lore and mythology, the aesthetics are amazingly detailed. This could be turned into a movie would be beautiful. The plot moves along easily and there is plenty of action. I really enjoyed Yumeko she is a very sympathetic character having her home burned down and hiding her half demon self from everyone could be very hard for anyone to deal with and she handles it very well. We also have some background characters in Daisuke a nobleman and Okama a ronin who add some delightful comedic relief. There is also a very evil villainess which I am glad to see more in YA women can be quite vicious when we need to be. Overall this is a great ne take on the fantasy genre full of Japanese folklore. I believe manga and anime fans will gobble this up and will also cater to those ho want something more than just your typical European based fantasy.

From the first chapter, I felt immersed in this beautiful world of Japanese folklore.

Yumeko lives among monks in a temple secluded in the mountains. Yumeko is half kitsune (half human, half fox) and they are known tricksters and troublemakers - so I loved her from the start. Her personality is so fun and refreshing and I found myself giggling and taking pride in her “pranks”. I also loved the little details about her ears twitching or flattening throughout the story.

Tatsumi is the demonslayer of the Shadow clan - “a weapon with no feelings” meant to complete his mission only. You alternate perspectives between these two and it is nice to see his character growth too.

Their paths cross when evil strikes and they need each other to find parts of the ancient scroll that will summon a dragon to grant one person any wish as it has once every thousand years. Of course, they are not the only ones looking for the scroll and come across many other enemies, allies, and supernatural creatures along the way. All while trying to conceal their own secrets as well.

This book was an adventure and such a fun read! The writing was so beautiful and descriptive, and I loved how deep you went into this world of Japanese mythology and folklore. I loved the characters and ugh, that ending!! Very much looking forward to book 2!

I received this ebook in return for an honest review.
This is the story of a half human, half kitsune girl who was raised in a monastery. She was abandoned there when very young with a prophecy. She finds out about the prophecy the night the monastery is attacked my demons and an oni. She escapes with a scroll. While fleeing, she runs into a mysterious man that was on his way to the monastery to steal the scroll. She doesn't know this, but thinks he is samurai and he can protect her on her quest to the capital and the Steal Feather monastery. What she doesn't know about is that he is an assassin of the Shadow Clan and carries a cursed sword that contains an extremely powerful demon that he has to struggle to contain.
They come across many interesting people and creatures in their travels as each tries to fulfill their oaths.
The characters are well thought out, the story is well written, and the atmosphere comes to life. Julie Kagawa is an author I have always enjoyed, and she does not disappoint this time.
This book would appeal to readers of any of Julie Kagawa's other books, and readers of dark fantasy.

Hands down one of the best books I've read this year! Shadow of the Fox weaves fantasy and Japanese folklore to create an action-packed story, with intriguing characters and an unfamiliar yet fascinating landscape. I found myself picturing it as anime as I went along, and am now trying to get my talented daughter to read it and maybe draw some characters! Anxiously awaiting the second book.

I couldn't get into it. Maybe it got better? Basically, it's a story of a demon girl (fox spirit) and a demon-killing boy (with a demon possessed sword) who are going to, presumably, save the world somehow and also fall in love. I'm not positive. I only made it 20% into the thing. There's a scroll and a kami (god/spirit thing) and a wish and they have part of the scroll and have to collect the others and stop other people from getting it and not let ultimate power corrupt them and ugh, basically it was a lot of pressure and I wasn't feeling it. It could have just been my mood. Definitely don't take my opinion to heart. if you like Julie Kagawa's books or writing or you ... I'm not sure if you're really into Japanes folklore/history/myths/settings that you will enjoy this? Because I like all those things (MA in Asian Studies here) but I didn't like this sooo... Maybe if you like them without already knowing a lot about them? No, I don't know. Anyway, you may like it! I don't know!

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa is a book that I received from Net Galley as an ARC copy to read and review. This book is scheduled for release later this year in the beginning of October. Julie Kagawa has become an auto-buy author for me, so when I heard about this book I was wicked excited for its release. I was even more excited after I read the synopsis. This book was different from her others. When Net Galley approved me I definitely squealed more than I’m willing to admit.
Our story starts with a girl, Yumeko, who is part human and part kitsune. I loved getting to see the world through her eyes as she went on the adventure in this book. She’s been raised by monks in an isolated part of the world that Kagawa has created. She has learned everything she knows about the world from the monks that raised her. So when everything falls apart and she needs to flee the only place that she’s ever known as home and essentially go and save the world. A lot of responsibility for a girl who’s never been out into the real world, so it was funny and interesting to see the world through her fresh eyes, to learn things as she embarks on her journey. She sees the best in everyone and looks on the bright side of everything.
This brings us to our second perspective, Tatsumi. He’s the complete opposite of Yumeko. He thinks the worst of everyone. He’s been all over the world doing his samurai duty. He’s seen the worst of the worst of people and other sorts of things. He is mostly pessimistic until he starts to travel with Yumeko. She starts to break down his walls, which may not be the best thing for him.
I so loved seeing them interact. These two characters were so opposite and it made for a funny and interesting story. The story itself was fabulous. I loved the Japanese mythology aspect of it. It’s something that I haven’t really read much about so it was new and unique to me. Because of this I had to take my time with the book. It’s not a book that could binge because there’s so much information that I needed to read slowly and make sure I didn’t miss anything. Shadow of the Fox was a fascinating story and I don’t know when the second book comes out which makes me so sad.
Kagawa has done it again with a wonderfully written and extremely entertaining story that left me wanting so much more. She built an incredible world filled with characters that made me laugh and shake my head. I took like two weeks to read this book because I just did not want it to be over. For the readers out there that like mythology, this is for sure a book to keep your eye out for when it’s released this upcoming October.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

Review: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

Kagawa's ability to create such likeable characters and believable worlds are her greatest assets. Throughout each of her book series, you will root for her characters to succeed against all odds. 

 I loved Yumeko. Her kitsune nature was fascinating and the warring influence of her human and supernatural sides was amazing. Tatsumi's coldness made him quite unlikeable for me at first. He did grow on me over the course of the book, but seeing him through Yumeko's eyes was much more enjoyable than his own perspective.

Shadow of The Fox also boasted some great side characters. The monks who featured at the beginning of the novel were very well developed, especially considering how short their page-time was. Funny and charismatic Okame added some humour to the later part of the book, reminding me of the effect of Jackal in Blood of Eden. The villains were also great.

One thing I found a little frustrating, though, was the shift from the first chapter to the main section of the book. In the space of only a few pages I managed to get oddly attached to a young maid character. She was soon killed off, with the story shifting to Yumeko. While a resolution to that strange opening character does come later in the novel, I did find that it made for a slightly disjointed beginning. 
Once I'd got past that initial uncertainty, I fell in love with this novel. The world-building was incredible and I loved the use of Japanese culture. I felt completely absorbed in the group's journey. Towards the end all of the tension ramps up and I flew through the final pages, waiting to see what will happen next.  I'm already looking forward to the sequel! 

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin TEEN and Julie Kagawa for the opportunity to read SHADOW OF THE FOX.

Holy hot damn this book is incredible!!!!! Julie Kagawa is a new author to me so I had no idea what to expect when I got the ARC. From the moment I started reading I was transported to Iwagoto, a land filled with samurai, monks, yokai (creatures of the supernatural) and characters who I want to follow everywhere!

Yumeko and Tatsumi are two characters who we get to see change and grow as they journey from the Silent Winds temple to the capital to find the one person who knows where the legendary Steel Temple is. Yumeko and Tatsumi encounter other characters along the way who help them because Yumeko sees the best in others. Something that really struck me is how Julie shows the reader the complexity of human nature with each of these characters. Selfishness is apparent in all of them but also a need to help someone who has helped you, the willingness to stand up for others less fortunate and how working together usually leads to a favorable outcome.

Things get spoilery from here so if that’s not something you enjoy, you can stop reading here and skip to the bottom for preorder information!

•••••••

Okay if you’re still reading, some thoughts on the story. I really like the relationship that grows over time between Yumeko and Tatsumi. Yumeko is not fully human and she grew up in a temple with monks. Tatsumi is a shinobi, a samurai warrior who is only sent out to kill for his clan. He’s in a constant struggle to maintain his humanity in the face of a powerful demon trapped in his sword. These two young people meet and have to figure out how to trust each other even though they’re both hiding things from each other. Because this is the first book I can’t wait to see how Yumeko and Tatsumi get past her omission of her true nature. Julie created characters I’m so invested in, that I’m rooting for them to get past this hurt and somehow stop the dragon from being summoned.

The other characters also fascinate me because Julie has given us just enough to make us curious. I want to know what happened to Okame, a masterless samurai who brings such humor throughout the book with his sarcastic observations like "So, you're coming with us, to make sure Kage-san stays alive, so you can kill him later." How the Shadow Clan and Lady Hanshou ever got Hakaimono trapped in the cursed sword Kamigoroshi and why Tatsumi was chosen to bear it. I also want to know why Taiyo Dasuke, a cousin to the emperor is looking for the ultimate fight that could end in his death and what Suki's spirit will do now that Lady Satomi has been taken care of by Seigetsu, a character shrouded in mystery. I have so many questions and I can't wait to see where this story goes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even missed a stop or two while commuting to work because I was so engrossed. Mark your calendars for October 2, 2018 and get this book, because you're going to love it.

P.S. If you have school or work, you'll be sleep deprived because you won't be able to put it down.

Julie Kagawa's newest book does not disappoint!! Shadow of the Fox is one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Thoughtful world building and really well developed characters make this one hard to put down. I cannot wait to get the next book of the trilogy!

Yumeko is hiding her true identity and powers. She is really a Kitsune fox girl (shapeshifter) who has been raised by monks in the temple. When the temple is attacked by demons she must flee with a piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. Her duty is to protect the scroll and get it to the lost temple. Scared and alone she must find her true power.
Tatsumi is a Kage Samurai who has been entrusted with a sword containing a powerful demon. His mission above all else is to find the scroll and kill anyone who stands in his way.
Fate brings the two together for an epic adventure. But, will their secrets lead to mistrust and death? Can they learn to trust each other? Will they discover that they are enemies?
Kagawa use of amazing descriptions helps the reader to be in the story with the characters. The story is based in Japanese Mythology and is fantastically written. This is a great book for those who like fantasy adventures set in eastern realms such as Eon by Goodman or books by Sarah J. Mass.

Yomeko has escaped her temple home with their greatest treasure, everyone else there has died including her master that helped train her in her fox kitsune way, now she must travel to another temple that she promised to take this treasure too. Yomeko ran into a samurai running from the demons that attacked her temple and he, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan, helped save her, but his job, why he was there, is to get the treasure she holds, what will happen when he finds out she has it, and what she really is?

This book is so good, it is filled with a lot of Japanese lore and rich characters that no matter which side they are on at one moment, their allegiants might just change the next. There is so much action it will tire you out and you will find yourself holding your breath at times with the suspense and tensions in parts. This book will transform you to a different time and place as you read it and you will feel like you are there with them and because of this you won't want to put the book down and when you get to the end you to will be clamoring for more.

Review will appear on blog 2Oct18

Shadow of the Fox is the first in a new series by Julie Kagawa and you will be immersed in gorgeous world building and Japanese mythology. Straight out of the gate you are dropped into a cruel and brutal character introduction that sets the tone through the rest of the book and you barely have enough time to catch your breath before the next thing hits the fan.

Our MC is Yumeko who has lived with monks her entire life and is completely innocent to the ways of the outside world. She is a kitsune - half fox - and with that comes a fun, trickster personality. When evil hits too close to home, she is tasked with taking a piece of a sacred scroll - the Dragon's Prayer to a safe temple. She swears to protect the scroll at all costs.

With the scroll hidden safely away, Yumeko sets out to find the temple, but immediately runs into Tatsumi - a demonslayer who wields a sword called the Kamigoroshi that is possessed by the nastiest of demons by the name of Hakaimono, who demands bloodlust and destruction. Tatsumi has to be on his toes at all times, keeping his emotions in check, because if he lets that curtain fall just once Hakaimono will be unleashed and will take over Tatsumi leaving those around him no choice but to kill him.

Tatsumi's only mission set forth by the Shadow Clan is to retrieve the scroll - no matter what. Without knowing that Yumeko actually has the scroll on her person, he agrees to take her to the hidden Steel Feather Temple where Yumeko claims the scroll is and where Tatsumi plans his ultimate betrayal of taking the scroll and killing Yumeko and anyone who stands in his way. Unaware that Yumeko is a kitsune and believing she is a mere peasant, he agrees to be her protection on the road. So a tense journey begins, with neither showing their full hand, and Yumeko knowing that Tatsumi is as dangerous as the demons he kills himself.

Along the way they "acquire" Okame who is a ronin (a once samurai that has lost their status and doing whatever he can to survive) and boy was he fun! Clearly the comic relief that forever wore Tatsumi's last nerve and introduced Yumeko to the finer things in life - like how to be sarcastic!

Split between 3 different POVs - two being Yumeko and Tatsumi - you really get to see Yumeko's world open up with different experiences, emotions, and interactions that she never had before. With Tatsumi - watching Yumeko experience all these things for the first time with wide eyed wonder and innocence, as well as showing him kindness and trust while knowing full well what he is and what he is capable of - the wall Tatsumi built to keep out anything happy and beautiful starts to crumble which he knows will have dire consequences.

The 3rd POV is from the evil in this story and it carries the title well - swift, vicious, and unapologetic. The monsters unleashed by this evil seriously had my skin crawling at times and I was pretty sure I would have nightmares. Eeesh!

While the ending is not a punch-to-the-gut cliffhanger, it definitely sets up a delicious direction for Book 2. Sign me up and take my money! Do not miss out on this explosive introduction to your new favorite series!