When I first started The Sword of Kaigen, I have to admit I was confused. The opening chapters throw you into a richly built world with unfamiliar names, history, and a complex political backdrop. At first, I had trouble following what was happening, but as I kept listening, everything started to click, and the story pulled me in completely.
The character development is truly top tier. For a long time, I thought Mamoru, Misaki’s oldest son, was the main character. He’s strong, determined, and clearly being set up for something great so when that tragedy happened, it completely caught me off guard. It was devastating but powerfully written. It marked a turning point in the story and in my emotional investment.
What really stood out, though, was Misaki’s growth and especially the development of her husband, Takeru. At first, he comes across as cold and distant, but as the layers of his character start to unravel, we see just how much pain, duty, and internal conflict he carries. Watching his arc evolve was incredibly satisfying, and I actually hope that if there’s ever a sequel, we get to see more of his journey maybe even redemption.
The ending left me with questions, especially about “the man of many names”—the mysterious figure connected to the child kidnappings. I really hope M.L. Wang writes a follow-up that dives deeper into that storyline. There’s so much more I’d love to explore in this world.
Overall, The Sword of Kaigen starts out a bit dense, but it’s more than worth sticking with. It’s a powerful, emotional, and unforgettable read that blends action, heartbreak, and rich character work beautifully.