Rain by Amanda Sun

Title: Rain
Author: Amanda Sun
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:


When she first moved to Japan, American Katie Green had no idea she would get caught in a battle between the Japanese mafia and the supernatural forces that have governed Japan for most of its history. Despite the danger, Katie is determined to stay put. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. 

But the decision to stay is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control. 

When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.

Buy Links

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My Thoughts

Danger and romance combine to make a thrilling sequel. 

Just like the first book we are given a lot of detail about modern Japan, which is one of my favorite parts of this series. We really get a good look at the different cultures and how Katie learns to interact with her surroundings. In this one we get to see a festival and even my favorite activity catching fish! I like how this author can add all of this detail in without making the pacing to slow or seeming forced. In fact this book starts out with a bit of a bang. 

Katie was doing great in the first book learning how to better fit in, however with new threats and rivals its becoming a lot harder. In this book we get to see a bit more of a vulnerable side to Katie as she makes mistake after mistake. It was understandable though considering everything on her plate. It also made the differences between her and Tomo really come to light.

 Aside from the threats against them their relationship is still heating up. There are definitely some differences in dating with an American girl and Japanese boy. The author brings some of these issues up in a way that not only helps to move their relationship along, but add to the overall story line. 

Tomo is doing his best to combat the Ink's power, but it seems like the harder he tries to resist, the worse it gets. He really is a great hero with a lot of heart, but also a lot of issues. I liked getting to see more of his background in this book and why he is the way he is. 

This book is action packed and as the danger escalates its hard to tell just who is friend and foe. 

I highly recommend this amazing sequel to the Ink series. If you are a fan of paranormal romance and/or Japanese culture this is one story you won't want to miss!