Storm. Amanda Sun
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A DARK POWER IS RISING IN JAPAN
After almost a year in Japan, Katie Greene has finally unearthed the terrible secret behind her boyfriend Tomohiro’s deadly ability to bring drawings to life—not only is he descended from Kami, the ancient Japanese gods, but he is the heir to a tragedy that occurred long ago, a tragedy that is about to repeat.
Even as the blood of a vengeful god rages inside Tomo, Katie is determined to put his dark powers to sleep. In order to do so, she and Tomo must journey to find the three Imperial Treasures of Japan. Gifts from the goddess Amaterasu herself, these treasures could unlock all of the secrets about Tomo’s volatile ancestry and quell the ink’s lust for destruction. But in order to complete their quest, Tomo and Katie must confront out-of-control Kami and former friend Jun, who has begun his own quest of revenge against those he believes have wronged him. To save the world, and themselves, Katie and Tomo will be up against one of the darkest Kami creations they’ve ever encountered—and they may not make it out alive.
“The descriptions of life in Japan...create a strong sense of place, and set an exotic backdrop for this intriguing series opener by a debut author.”
—Booklist
“The unique setting and observing how Katie learns to live in...foreign surroundings...make this story special.”
—VOYA
“An enjoyable peek at a world very different from America, yet inhabited by people whose hearts are utterly familiar.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A harrowing and suspenseful tale set against the gorgeous backdrop of modern Japan. Romance and danger ooze like ink off the page, each stroke the work of a master storyteller.”
—Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Fey series
“With smart, well-drawn characters, cool mythology, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you on your toes, Ink is a modern day fairytale that reminds us: Sometimes you need to get a little lost in order to find your true self.”
—Amber Benson of TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer and author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones novels
“Amanda Sun’s Ink is a captivating story of love, passion, and the choices people make to keep themselves safe. The vivid portrayal of Japan kept me completely intrigued and immersed. A beautiful story!”
—Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate and Asunder
“An imaginative and totally unique debut. Japanese gods, mysterious magics, beautiful boys, and an exotic setting. Ink is a fresh brushstroke.”
—Zoraida Córdova, author of The Vicious Deep trilogy
The Paper Gods series (in reading order):
SHADOW (e-novella)
INK
RAIN
STORM
Storm
Amanda Sun
For Kevin
Contents
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Glossary
Acknowledgments
Extract from Rain by Amanda Sun
Ways to Put a Kami to Sleep Forever 1. Leave Japan 2. Die
I tapped my pencil against the paper propped on my knees. Ten minutes, and I only had two ideas, the latter scribbled in Tomo’s handwriting. If I went to live with Nan and Gramps, if I left Japan for good, maybe Tomo would be better off. There was ink trapped in me, kami power that didn’t belong, darkness that caused Tomo’s power to spiral out of control. But even if I distanced myself, it wouldn’t put the kami in him to sleep. He’d struggled before I’d even arrived here. And if he left the country, who knows what would happen? He could run, but the power would still lurk in him. I didn’t think it would work.
And the second on the list wasn’t an option, not at all.
How to put a dark power to sleep, one that whispered in your ear that you were a demon, one that gave you nightmares and brought your drawings to life with teeth and claws?
“Maybe a really good lullaby?” I suggested. Tomo rolled his eyes.