Kindling

Currently face down in a puddle of my own tears (that's it, that's the review)

Beautifully written during the quiet, contemplative moments as well as the moments of intense action and feeling. This is a historical fantasy novel based on The Seven Samurai, and wow does it deliver. I had a little trouble at first with the second person narration, but over time I really came to appreciate how Chee was able to keep the characters so distinct in this way. The whole story is a bit heartbreaking (what with the traumatized child warriors and all) but there was a lot of hope here too. Overall, an intensely satisfying book I will be happy to recommend.