The Sword of Kaigen

The core of the book is really good, character work is amazing and if the book ended about 80% of the way through it would've been perfect. The set up and execution up to this point bounces between 2 characters and feels flawless, the contrasts and similarities in perspective colouring the world around you. After this point though the narrative shifts into almost a set up section which felt unnecessary for a stand alone story separate from the other books in the universe. I loved the dive into grief and duty but the usual “person(s) in power is corrupt/selfish” felt like it could've been handled a bit more interestingly