Gate to Kagoshima (Ancestor Memories, #1)
Poppy Kuroki
In this exciting historical romantasy in the spirit of The Hurricane Wars and The Time Traveler’s Wife—Outlander set in Japan—a young Scottish woman is magically transported to the last Samurai era, where she encounters ghosts from the past, her own Japanese ancestry, and a love that transcends time. While in Japan researching her family’s history, a vicious typhoon sends Isla Mackenzie 128 years back in time, to the dawn of the Satsuma Rebellion. There she meets her ancestors, and a charismatic samurai, Kei, with whom she unexpectedly finds romance. But, unlike her Beloved, Isla knows about the looming Samurai rebellion—and Kai’s fate. Should she attempt to change history or somehow make her way back to the life she’d had before? Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.
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0Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In Gate to Kagoshima, Isla Mackenzie sets out for Kagoshima, Japan, to trace her family lineage and uncover the story of her great-great-great-grandfather. However, her journey takes a fantastical turn when a typhoon and a mysterious white torii gate transport her to feudal Japan. Caught between a burgeoning romance and the weight of historical events, Isla must decide whether to intervene or let history run its course.
While the premise was intriguing, the execution left me conflicted. The author’s dedication to historical accuracy and cultural detail is evident, but at times, the narrative felt bogged down by an overwhelming amount of information. This "info-dump" style occasionally pulled me out of the story, disrupting the pacing and emotional engagement.
It’s hard not to compare this book to Outlander, as the similarities are undeniable, from the time-travel romance to the historical setting. However, this story leans more toward YA in tone, which sometimes clashed with its adult themes, particularly the open-door romantic scenes. These moments felt out of place and even awkward, making me wonder if a fade-to-black approach might have suited the story better.
Although the ending wrapped things up neatly, the overall storyline and romance felt rushed, leaving little room for character development. While the setting and cultural elements were compelling, the book ultimately struggled to stand apart from its inspirations or find a cohesive balance between its themes.
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