The Fox and the Dragon (Shrine and Shadow)

Thoroughly enjoyed The Fox and The Dragon, so much so that I told my friend to read it as well and she loved it as well. Highly recommend! It's got romance, it's got fantasy, and it's got such beautiful world building.

Classic and clean good-vs-evil fantasy. Excellent pacing. Fully developed characters in a preindustrial Japanese influenced setting. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

I definitely liked this one, the beginning is great, the middle dragged a little for me, and the ending is also great. I really liked the characters and the magic.

SK Ehra presents a well-told story of both quiet and not-so-quiet heroism. The war between the Anu and Huli led the Anu to commit acts of savage desecration that have unleashed uncontrollable evil. The Huli have turned semi-divine beings into weapons - a different kind of desecration.The female lead is one of those semi-divine beings (a teenage shrine maiden), who's been hidden away, but has now been discovered. Shen's well-drawn, realistic in her reactions to suddenly being ripped from all that is familiar. The male lead, Kisho, is relatable too. He's a minor lord on the ragged border dividing the warring nations. He has a secret, too.The supporting cast has excellent depth of character, not caricatures. I found myself rooting for some of the minor characters' arcs and pitying some of the others. The villains (and there are a fair few) also have depth of character and most of them see themselves as the heroes of the story.If I could give a a sixth star I would. I liked this even better than the author's supernatural, modern thrillers in the Crossroads series.

"The Fox and the Dragon" by SK Ehra is a captivating fantasy tale that immerses readers in a meticulously developed world. The story weaves together compelling drama, heartwarming romance, and a well crafted magic system.The pacing guides readers through a series of captivating events, allowing the characters to grow and evolve naturally. The attention to detail in the world-building and the hints of mystery create an engaging backdrop for the story. The integration of the magic system adds depth and wonder to the plot.As the first book in a promising series, "The Fox and the Dragon" leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. SK Ehra's storytelling expertise shines through, making this an enchanting adventure worth experiencing.In conclusion, if you're seeking an engaging fantasy novel with a richly developed world and intriguing characters, "The Fox and the Dragon" is a recommended choice. SK Ehra's talent for storytelling keeps readers enthralled and eager for more.

The Fox and the Dragon takes inspiration from Japanese and Chinese folklore to build a world that feels lived in, complete with its own political drama, religions, and culture. War rages between the northern country of Huli and the southern country of Anu, Huli trying to exert control over Anu and Anu fighting for its own independence. As a countermeasure against the encroachment of the more powerful Huli military, Anu destroyed the shrines keeping the nightbeasts at bay making travel between the two countries dangerous. The dual protagonists Shen, a shrine maiden with unrealized abilities from a temple in Huli and Kisho, a minor lord from Anu bearing the curse of a decision made long ago are thrown together on the same path when Shen is taken and married off to a reluctant Kisho against her will. Read this for its complex characters with fleshed out motivations protagonist and antagonist alike, unromanticized love story, fantastic and immersive world building, and its exploration on the meaning of duty and sacrifice.

I bought this book from the author at a convention I attended recently. I was first drawn in by the gorgeous cover art. Then I asked the author, "So how would you describe the vibe of this story?" She replied, "Well, have you ever seen Princess Mononoke?" I was sold on it immediately. XDIt did not disappoint! This is an epic story in an Asian-inspired setting, filled with fantastical creatures, terrifying gods and demons, and a cast of lovable characters who keep you cheering for them. I very much enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Shen, a shrine maiden who has been stolen from her home by foreign warriors, and Kisho, the war-weary but kind noble whom she is forced to marry. Seeing the two of them grow in love and trust through their trials was probably my favorite part of the book.There's plenty of intense action, nefarious villains, and fascinating worldbuilding as well. I loved the concept of the shapeshifting Tanin and their unique set of powers--how they are not only fearsome warriors, but also healers. The unique magic system was very satisfying.My only nitpicks about the book were some small but consistent misuses of grammar/punctuation. It didn't ruin my reading experience, but it was a little distracting. (Then again, I am a writer as well and thus hypersensitive to these things. XD)Overall, would definitely recommend, and I hope there are more books forthcoming in this series!

You know those fantasy books that stay with you for years after you read them? The ones that you think about out of the blue from time to time because the world and the story are just that impactful? This is one of those. Excellent world building, interesting and consistent lore, the right balance of comedy and horror, all wrapped up in a plot supernatural mystery, curses, and intrigue.It promises to be the first in a series and let's hope that (unlike GRR Martin or Patrick Rothfuss) the author doesn't leave us hanging.

Effortlessly immersive plot, rich yet unobtrusive worldbuilding and memorable characters.Story moves along at a brisk pace, so don't fear the 500 plus page count.Personal favorites were the antagonists who showed up once Kisho and Shen cross the border. Been a while since I encountered such interesting villains.Fantasy action romance or romance fantasy action, either way, a rollicking fun read.