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Shadow of the Fox Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,577 ratings

In this first book of her Japanese mythology-inspired Shadow of the Fox trilogy, bestselling author Julie Kagawa weaves a stunning, high-stakes tale of alliances and deceptions, characters who aren’t what they seem, and secrets that could change the fate of the world.

Every millennium, whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers has the power to call the great Kami Dragon from the sea and ask for one wish. The time is near...and the missing pieces of the scroll will be sought throughout the land of Iwagoto.

When demons kill half-kitsune Yumeko’s adoptive family, she’s forced to flee her home with one part of the ancient scroll. Fate thrusts her into the path of mysterious samurai Kage Tatsumi, who is Yumeko’s best hope for survival. But he’s under orders to retrieve the scroll. An uneasy alliance forms, and Yumeko begins the deception of a lifetime, knowing her secrets are more than a matter of life or death—they’re the key to the fate of the world.

Books in the Shadow of the Fox trilogy:
  • Shadow of the Fox
  • Soul of the Sword
  • Night of the Dragon

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From the Publisher

shadow of the fox series julie kagawa ya young adult fantasy fiction japanese mythology japan

shadow of the fox series julie kagawa ya young adult fantasy fiction japanese mythology japan

shadow of the fox series julie kagawa ya young adult fantasy fiction japanese mythology japan

shadow of the fox series julie kagawa ya young adult fantasy fiction japanese mythology japan

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Shadow of the Fox has just become one of my all time favorite fantasy novels! I'm in love with this book, its characters, its worldbuilding! Oni, giant centipedes, flesh eating ghosts, and terrifying half women/half spider things that will give me nightmares for weeks to come, this book is filled with terrifying Asian mythological creatures that make Medusa look like a mean grandma with a bad wig. Not to mention a lovable kitsune, a sexy demonslayer, and quite a few side characters that are larger than life and have completely wormed their way into my heart. I'm so invested in their lives and their quest and I cannot wait for the next installment of my new favorite series. In the meantime, I plan to re-read Shadow of the Fox again and again until I can be reunited with Yumeko and Tatsumi soon. So dear Julie, please write faster!"
-Ellen Oh, author of the Prophecy and Spirit Hunters series

"Kagawa (Inferno, 2018, etc.) uses elements of Japanese mythology and folklore to spin an epic yarn...readers will be drawn into the world of Kagawa's first Japan-based fantasy; with its engaging action scenes and the cliffhanger ending, they will look forward to the next volume. Action-packed adventure." –Kirkus Reviews

"Kagawa's series starter never disappoints; she's a vet at putting realistic characters within believable worlds, here doused in Japanese folklore. Fans will be right at home and anticipate the next chapter." –Booklist

"[E]xcellent writing and skillful plotting... [A] fresh and imaginative thrill-ride." -Publishers Weekly on The Immortal Rules, starred review

"The Iron Daughter is a book that will keep its readers glued to the pages until the very end." -New York Journal of Books

"Kagawa's fine storytelling elevates this novel within the crowded field of fantasy romance." -BookPage on Talon

"Julie Kagawa is one killer storyteller." -MTV's Hollywood Crush blog

About the Author

Born in Sacramento, CA, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things; how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks, and that writing stories in math class is a great way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate.

Julie now lives is Louisville, KY with her husband and furkids. She is the international and NYT bestselling author of The Iron Fey series. Visit her at juliekagawa.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07843G18J
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harlequin Teen; Original edition (October 2, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4098 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 430 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,577 ratings

About the author

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Julie Kagawa
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Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Fey and Blood of Eden series was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. So, at the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos, and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish, and the odd eel.

When not swimming for her life, Julie immersed herself in books, often to the chagrin of her schoolteachers, who would find she hid novels behind her Math textbooks during class. Her love of reading led her to pen some very dark and gruesome stories, complete with colored illustrations, to shock her hapless teachers. The gory tales faded with time (okay, at least the illustrations did), but the passion for writing remained, long after she graduated and was supposed to get a

real job.

To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dog trainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full time.

Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where the frequency of shark attacks are at an all time low. She lives with her husband, an obnoxious cat, an Australian Shepherd who is too smart for his own good, and a hyper-active Papillion.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,577 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging with its action and mystery elements. They describe the book as an enjoyable, fun read with likable characters. The writing style is described as beautiful and engaging. The book introduces the reader to Japanese folklore and myths, immersing them in rich culture. Opinions differ on the pacing - some find it brisk and smooth, while others feel it's slow at times.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

46 customers mention "Story quality"43 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the characters likable, the book action-packed, and the mysteries intriguing. They enjoy the scenes, style, and concept. The book is full of magic, mayhem, and amazing folklore. There is some profanity and exciting fighting. It's the first book in a trilogy, and customers are eagerly awaiting the next book.

"...She has taken me on so many different kinds of adventures and put me through a variety of heartache and laughter and now the journey continues with..." Read more

"...you would find in a Japanese fantasy like samurai, ninjas, evil oni-summoning mages, martial arts monks, magical weapons, monsters and a legend of a..." Read more

"...There’s lots of trickery, magic, secrets, and a few twists. There’s demons, witches, ghosts, spirits, samurai, and so many more things in this book...." Read more

"...Shadow of the Fox is full of action and slow burn romance...." Read more

39 customers mention "Enjoyment"39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it a fun read with an interesting setting. The book was well-written and executed until the end.

"...This was a fun read for the setting was different from what I've read in previous fantasy stories...." Read more

"...Beautifully written and well executed to the end. The wait for the sequel is going to be so hard. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for everyone...." Read more

"...I thought it a perfect read...." Read more

"...Now I’m mad I read it so fast because it was so good and I don’t want to wait for the sequel. Wah...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"17 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the characters real and emotion-provoking, with a brave heroine. The author doesn't rush introducing characters, which is an amazing feat as a writer.

"...Julie Kagawa is truly a master of writing! Her characters are always so incredible!..." Read more

"...Her travel companions are very likable as well. She has a tremendous effect on them and every aspect of the world she touches...." Read more

"...Julie doesn't rush introducing characters, too, which is an amazing feat as a writer. I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK TWO! CAN I HAVE IT NOW??!!" Read more

"...Every character was relatable in one way or another (at least to me) and I found the dialogue quite good...." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it engaging and colorful, setting the tone for the book. Readers appreciate the intricate world and bold cover design.

"...Julie Kagawa is truly a master of writing! Her characters are always so incredible!..." Read more

"...Shadow of the Fox is a nicely paced adventure that gives off an Inuyasha vibe sans the boredom." Read more

"...It had everything I need and love in a fantasy novel. Beautifully written and well executed to the end...." Read more

"...It did set the tone of the book, the mystery, and the action, and I did like the end of the first chapter...." Read more

9 customers mention "Lore"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's lore. They find it interesting and immersing in Japanese culture. The book introduces them to Japanese folklore and myths, with beautiful writing and illustrations. Readers appreciate the rich culture and mythology, including yokai, kami, and daimyo.

"...It's filled with such rich culture and mythology. Julie Kagawa is truly a master of writing! Her characters are always so incredible!..." Read more

"It was definitely well written and the knowledge of Japanese culture is evident and added a great deal to the story...." Read more

"...me realize how little I’ve read books (outside of manga) inspired by Japanese mythology, and oh how I need more like this!..." Read more

"...As a history buff, I was immersed in the Japanese culture here, from the glittering elegance of court intrigue, dusty roads leading to mysterious..." Read more

9 customers mention "Pace"6 positive3 negative

Customers have differing views on the book's pace. Some find it brisk and engaging, with excellent flow and character development. Others feel it slows down in certain parts, especially in the second book.

"...of the Fox will keep you at the edge of your seat with it's fast paced action and incredibly rich storytelling rife with mythological creatures!..." Read more

"...I thought it a perfect read. Yes, it's pretty slow, but it's because of all the culture that needed explained, and to introduce such a large cast of..." Read more

"...The writing style was very accessible and kept the adventure moving at a brisk pace...." Read more

"...to say that 'Shadow of the Fox' is the start of a series that is quicker flowing and a better read than 'Talon'...." Read more

Couldn't put it down
4 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down
I very much enjoyed this book! I love the lore and action and I became attached to the characters and their banter!Glad I already bought book two so I can immediately start
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018
    Ever since I read The Iron King, I have been a fan of Julie Kagawa! She has taken me on so many different kinds of adventures and put me through a variety of heartache and laughter and now the journey continues with her newest series and it's first installment, Shadow of the Fox! This time around we're dealing with the mystical creatures known as kitsune...which thanks to a very elective fantasy and paranormal reading, I was already familiar with!

    What's great about new series is getting to see how the author will make the magic her own! I only had the vaguest knowledge of what a kitsune is and Julie is quick to give us a little kitsune 101. Our heroine, Yumeko is half kitsune. She never knew her parents and was raised by monks where she was taught, in some sense, how to control her abilities and basically keep them a secret. This book is filled with secrets, such as the one the monks have been protecting for centuries.

    There is a series of prayers that one can recite in a certain place that will call forth a dragon, and this dragon will grant you one wish, and as we know wishes are powerful. The prayers have been divided into three pieces and the monks protect one of them. Yumeko was told to take it to a safe place known as the Steel Feather temple, but she can't get there alone.

    The mysterious Tatsumi comes along, he is a member of a secret group that has been trying to find the pieces of the prayer to call forth the dragon. These prayer pieces are a hot commodity and nearly everyone is looking for them. Tatsumi is not your ordinary guy either, he's like a specially trained samurai with an edge, his sword is possessed by a demon called Hakaimono. He's basically the ultimate samurai. When he meets Yumeko he's sort of puzzled by her, as interacting with people outside of killing them is pretty new to him. He agrees to take her to the the Steel Feather temple for she says that's where she needs to go to be safe and she told him that's also where the monks sent the scroll of prayers that the monks had.

    The two start off on their journey and naturally, encounter many perils along the way. They also pick up new friends along the way as well.

    This was a fun read for the setting was different from what I've read in previous fantasy stories. It had an air of realism to it as well as a heavy dose of fantasy what with all the demons and monster-like creatures that Yumeko and Tatsumi encounter. It seems there is someone else who is very powerful and has powerful connections that is after the scroll with the prayers as well and she will stop at nothing to get it and gain the wish that will come with raising the dragon.

    The pacing to this one was done remarkably well. The beginning kind of threw me off for we meet a character that wasn't our heroine. Though it wasn't long at all before things get back on course to meeting the characters the description mentioned. The other bit that was a slight stumble in the reading was the introduction of a few Japanese words. I mean, sometimes there was a translation that followed it, but I kept wanting to flip to a nonexistent glossary, I'm hoping the final copy will have one, it makes it easier to flip back just to get a direct translation, especially when you're just in the moment.

    We're not completely without some budding romance either! Though it truly is more of a budding romance than anything. Naturally, there just seems to be some chemistry brewing between the innocent Yumeko and the dangerous Tatsumi. What's nice is they have a a very slow buildup going on, first partners, then moving into friendship and it's really not until the near end where there might be the possibility of more.

    I truly love how innocent Yumeko is! She grew up sheltered in the temple with the monks and doesn't quite understand everything about the world, such as sarcasm. But she's not incompetent. She knows how to do some things, especially mastering the trade of her powers, which is trickery.

    Shadow of the Fox is the start of what's going to be an amazing trilogy! It's filled with such rich culture and mythology. Julie Kagawa is truly a master of writing! Her characters are always so incredible! I feel like I can see a little bit of the Iron Fey gang within some of the characters we meet here, and if you've read that series, I think you might notice it too. It's just the littlest of things, probably the way they make me laugh or just all of my reactions from them!

    The ending to this one was nothing short of shocking...so basically, true Julie fashion! I am already dying for the next book and it's not even October at the time of my reading this! I am in deep trouble! But I never regret reading a Julie Kagawa book as soon as possible! Shadow of the Fox will keep you at the edge of your seat with it's fast paced action and incredibly rich storytelling rife with mythological creatures! I am already dying for the sequel! This will be a read you do not want to pass up!

    Overall Rating 5/5 stars
    26 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
    It's a Japanese fantasy with a main character that's easy to root for. She's naive but in a good way—a way that's refreshing because the evils of the world haven't jaded her. Her travel companions are very likable as well. She has a tremendous effect on them and every aspect of the world she touches.

    The story has tons of action and many cool things that you would find in a Japanese fantasy like samurai, ninjas, evil oni-summoning mages, martial arts monks, magical weapons, monsters and a legend of a dragon that grants wishes.

    Shadow of the Fox is a nicely paced adventure that gives off an Inuyasha vibe sans the boredom.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2018
    Words….what are words? I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to writing about what I thought of Shadow of the Fox. My thoughts and my love for this book are everywhere right now. I was pretty hooked right from the start and by page 88 I was already feeling all the feels and even shed some tears. I knew from that point on this book was going to mean the world to me.

    The world building was spot on and so detailed. I loved all the Japanese legends and culture so much. I was instantly filled with so much excitement while reading Shadow of the Fox. I thought it had a fairly fast pace and so much was going on. The cast of characters was amazing and I loved every single one of them. They all had their own little quirks and reasons why I loved them. I won’t go into too much detail about who they are, because they play parts in the bigger story and I don’t want to risk spoilers.

    Yumeko is a Kitsune shapeshifter (half human, half fox) which is totally awesome! One of my favorite things about her is that she never left her temple before, so she knew nothing about the outside world, so she was curious about everything. She asked so many questions and it was funny at times, especially when she would fall for everyone’s sarcasm because she truly didn’t understand or know. Tatsumi and Yumeko are on this journey together and they meet some interesting people along the way (one of them becoming my favorite character) and run into so many crazy things and obstacles.

    Overall, I loved everything about Shadow of the Fox. There’s lots of trickery, magic, secrets, and a few twists. There’s demons, witches, ghosts, spirits, samurai, and so many more things in this book. It’s quite the adventure and I had so much fun reading it. It had everything I need and love in a fantasy novel. Beautifully written and well executed to the end. The wait for the sequel is going to be so hard. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for everyone. There’s a couple characters that I feel are going to play an even bigger role in the coming books and I am curious to see if I’m right. I highly recommend reading!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stephanie Bouchard
    5.0 out of 5 stars so much fun!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2021
    If you like the fast-paced action of ya fiction this one's really great. It really held my attention, I love her style of writing! Now I'm just waiting for the other two to arrive.
  • Joey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Mesmerizing Tale
    Reviewed in India on September 15, 2022
    I slowly got out of reading slump with this book. I loved it so much so I decided to buy the next book. I'm enamored by Yeumeko Chan.
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    Joey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Mesmerizing Tale
    Reviewed in India on September 15, 2022
    I slowly got out of reading slump with this book. I loved it so much so I decided to buy the next book. I'm enamored by Yeumeko Chan.
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  • Amy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Germany on August 3, 2021
    This books starts the trilogy based on an adventure of an enchanting girl and the friends she meets along the way. I really enjoyed the journey with this strong yet naïve female protagonist and the way Japanese culture/tradition is intertwined in the story. After finishing this book I immediately ordered the next 2.
  • Patrícia Ferreira
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interessante
    Reviewed in Spain on March 15, 2021
    Chegou rápido, uns dias antes do indicado. Estou curiosa para ler os livros de Julie Kagawa!
    Customer image
    Patrícia Ferreira
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interessante
    Reviewed in Spain on March 15, 2021
    Chegou rápido, uns dias antes do indicado. Estou curiosa para ler os livros de Julie Kagawa!
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  • NSEFoden
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and Riveting Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2020
    Set in a world based on fudal Japan, with a whole host of demons, ghosts and mythical creatures as well as samurai and ronin, this is an ingrossing read from start to finish.
    There is a very natural and enjoyable banter between the characters, especially where Yumeko is concerned as she has a very mischievous personality due to her nature which is counter pointed by a naivety due to her upbringing.
    The story is well paced and full of fascinating and interesting aspects of of the society it is based on which kept me engaged throughout.
    If you enjoy fantasy but would like a change from the more abundant medieval based storylines then this is one to try.

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