Words on Ink by Amanda Sun (The Paper Gods #1)

Artists and Japanese mythology
Jan 8, 2015
2 min read

Following the death of her mother, Katie Greene is sent to live with her aunt, who may as well be a stranger, in Japan, across the world from her home in Canada. She does her best to adapt to her new life, trying to make friends and stuggling to learn a new language.

Everything changes (Ok, so more than it already has.) when she meets Tomohiro Yuu, one of her classmates. Even though he's brooding, closed off, and kindo of a jerk, Katie feels drawn to him. (Wow, like we haven't seen that before.) Around Yuu, strange things happen, and his drawings seem to move and leap off the page.

Katie learns Yuu is related to the Kami, god-like beings. His powers over ink are dangerous - even he has trouble reining in his drawings - but some people you do not want to mess with are searching for him, and now they're starting to ask questions.

Let me just say, I was delighted to find a glossary of Japanese words in the back, because there is no way I can speak Japanese. And the cover? Splendid. Beautiful. Perfect.

Katie's transformation from a scared girl in a country that she knows next to nothing about to a brave young woman is great and I love how Yuu slowly warms to Katie. Katie's friend, Yuki, offers comic relief and can always lighten the mood. And best of all? No insta-love. :)

The story was crative and I loved the idea of drawings coming to life. The book also introduces the reader to some Japanese culture and mythology, which made it more interesting. The characters were great and there was just the right amount of comic relief and romance woven in with the action! The interior drawings enriched the story and were beautiful. This is a awesome book that you won't be able to put down! 4.5/5 stars. I can't wait for the sequel!