Red Winter

The Red Winter trilogy left me utterly spellbound. For anyone with even a passing interest in Japanese culture, this book is a must-read. It follows the journey of a shrine maiden preparing to become the vessel for the goddess Amaterasu on Earth, leading to a whirlwind adventure involving Youkai, Kami, hidden magic, heavenly secrets, and significant character growth for the gods, demons, and mortals alike.

Despite its modern setting, the story didn't feel overly urban. I felt spirited away the entire time.

The book is also incredibly accessible even for those unfamiliar with Japanese, the author does a great job so integrating new words naturally and explaining them quickly.

While the beginning may feel slow, once the story gains momentum, it's an exhilarating ride. And for fans of ‘Inuyasha' or ‘Kamisama Kiss,' this trilogy is an absolute treat.