Member Review

The Book of Fallen Leaves is a rich tapestry of lore, mythology, and palace intrigue. Set in a feudal Japan-like island nation dominated by an empire ruled by clans. The wounds of recent history, the long memory of the different factions/castes, and a supernatural undertone are all at play as subterfuge and strife rear their nasty heads. This book is full of growth, loss, strategy, and struggle, all told in a unique and well-worn environment. If you are a fan of a Song of Ice and Fire (aka Game of Thrones), Shogun, or Empire of the Wolf, this is a book for you. A.S. Tamaki's debut novel, the first in the series, is compelling and captivating. If you are looking for something that is not the typical European adjacent fantasy or composed of the familiar high fantasy elements of elves, dwarves, and dragons, this should be at the top of your TBR. As a debut novel, this is highly impressive and would receive a 4.25 out of 5 stars if the rating system allowed for it. The book does take a little bit to get going and has a large lexicon of terms, titles, names, and places. The prose is direct but at times choppy, but ultimately leads to a fantastic read. I, for one, am extremely excited for the next book in the series and look forward to more from A.S. Tamaki.