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The Sword of Kaigen: A Theonite War Story
M. L. Wang
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“Better to die sharp in war than rust through a time of peace.”
A mother struggling to repress her violent past, a son struggling to grasp his violent future, a father blind to the danger that threatens them all. When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even reach their shores?
High on a mountainside at the edge of the Kaigenese Empire live the most powerful warriors in the world, superhumans capable of raising the sea and wielding blades of ice. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire’s enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name The Sword of Kaigen.
Born into Kusanagi’s legendary Matsuda family, fourteen-year-old Mamoru has always known his purpose: to master his family’s fighting techniques and defend his homeland. But when an outsider arrives and pulls back the curtain on Kaigen’s alleged age of peace, Mamoru realizes that he might not have much time to become the fighter he was bred to be. Worse, the empire he was bred to defend may stand on a foundation of lies.
Misaki told herself that she left the passions of her youth behind when she married into the Matsuda house. Determined to be a good housewife and mother, she hid away her sword, along with everything from her days as a fighter in a faraway country. But with her growing son asking questions about the outside world, the threat of an impending invasion looming across the sea, and her frigid husband grating on her nerves, Misaki finds the fighter in her clawing its way back to the surface.
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Posts about this title from Discotopia | Diverse Books
Discotopia | Diverse Books\ \ Disco (he/they)\ \ • May 3
Sci-fi / fantasy recs for AAPINH month
Loved all of these! Books listed: The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang In the Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu Babel by R.F. Kuang The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake Good Mourning, Darling by Azalea Crowley Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach #booktok #aapiheritagemonth #aapi #bookrecommendations #scififantasy
9 books
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Posts about this book from across Bindery
DocoftheDarkArts\ \ Bob Stuntz\ \ • Jun 4
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The Sword of Kaigen: A Messy Masterpiece
Despite some early struggles, Wang impresses in this standalone fantasy favorite!
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Jana’s Book Recs\ \ Jana\ \ • May 6
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8 books
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Discotopia | Diverse Books\ \ Disco (he/they)\ \ • May 3
Sci-fi / fantasy recs for AAPINH month
9 books
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DocoftheDarkArts\ \ Bob Stuntz\ \ • Mar 6
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[Hi everyone! \ \ We finished up polling for our book club picks for April - June, and we have some amazing books to read coming up here in the spring! So here they are:\ \
- April: The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins\ \
- May: The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang\ \
- June: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson\ \ \ If you are not a member, and you want to participate, make sure to sign up as a member here on Bindery and check out the pinned post about how the book club works. The book club is always free, but of course paid members get a lot of great stuff in addition to the book club (including early access to YouTube videos, a weekly reading update, picking a book for me to read each month, a private Discord server channel, and more)!\ \ Also, if you are interested in getting these books to read, or any of the books I post about on here, you can order by clicking them either on my shelves or on this post here on Bindery, and buying through here helps me out a bit! It gives you the option to order fro Amazon or Bookshop (when available), which gives you a good choice. \ \ Hope to see some new faces joining us here in the spring, and let me know if you have any questions! And of course, we are always welcoming new members to our Discord server, where we have a great community of people talking books, doing buddy reads, and sharing great bookish conversation. you can click the link in my profile, or when you join as a member you'll get an invite link. Hope to see some folks there as well!](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/OU0EL22tQTVT5K8ucQia/)
And the book club winners are...
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DocoftheDarkArts\ \ Bob Stuntz\ \ • Feb 27
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Everything You Wanted to Know About Our Book Club!
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DocoftheDarkArts\ \ Bob Stuntz\ \ • Feb 14
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[Poll:\ \ April - June 2026 Book Club Picks\ \ Hi everyone, very excited to do our poll for the next quarter of our book club! While I'm sure most of you are aware, I thought I'd run through what we did differently this time:\ \
- Proposals in a forum format where you provided the synopsis and rational with content warnings\ \
- Reactions/comments were provided\ \
- I went with less books for the poll this time so the vote would be less diluted (had 13 books last time, picked 9 this time. We can decrease next round if needed).\ \ \ You all had some amazing selections. Here's how I picked them out (for full transparency):\ \
- I looked at all the reactions, comments, and the tally of each. I then went through the comments to see what were "substantial" comments. For example, people saying it was really good, sounded great, versus comments about how to post in the forum. I also looked at how many people said they had read versus had not.\
\
- From this, there were three standouts\
- I then look at the next tier of aggregated reactions/comments (books in the teens). I did all of the above again, I tried to make sure we had a variety of authors (don't want two of the same author), book sizes (I'm ok with one really big book per cycle, but also want them to be reasonable and not have all chokers), and a variety of people who made suggestions.\
\
- There were three that made it in here.\
- Everything else was pretty close in terms of objective stuff, so for the last three selections I looked at all of the above and then I picked out books that I was really interested in -(sorry, there should be some perks here) as well as positive comments.\ \ \ So, see below. Vote for your top three choices. Voting will close on February 28, selections announced March 1!\ \ Join for free or login](https://docofthedarkarts.binderybooks.com/item/ZggjvUiU7bgEZfrELz1f/)
9 books
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Alysha Fortune Reads\ \ Alysha\ \ • Jan 14
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Women Fantasy Authors that arent romantasy
Here is my completed list of fantasy and scifi books written by women that aren’t Romantasy! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #Romantasy #womenauthors
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Alysha Fortune Reads\ \ Alysha\ \ • Dec 13 2025
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My top 10 reads of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026
I’ve read 75 books this year (so far) and here are my top 10! This has been such a good reading year I even read my favorite book of all time this year! What was your favorite read this year? #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #fantasybookrecs #favoritebooks #mustreads
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Alysha Fortune Reads\ \ Alysha\ \ • Nov 4 2025
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I sometimes get comments about why does it matter if it’s written by a woman or not or why do I make the distinction between Romantasy and non Romantasy and I wanted to address this! My favorite fantasy is often written by women and anytime I can get you guys to read them I’m gunna! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasy #fantasybooks #womenauthors #fantasybookrecs
12 books
Bookwyrm Ink\ \ Bookwyrm Ink\ \ • Oct 2 2025
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71 Books I totally recommend. 📚In song!
71 Books I totally recommend. 📚In song!
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Bookwyrm Ink\ \ Bookwyrm Ink\ \ • Jun 22 2025
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\ \ Join for free or login](https://azthiabookwyrm.binderybooks.com/item/zcOxRYKwumZht2ZiUabB/)
I usually don't go for hyped up books on booktok or bookstagram. But here are some that definitely deserve attention.
5 books
The Inkborne Society\ \ Azhangia\ \ • May 7 2025
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[Welcome to the Inkborne Society ✨- I'm so glad you're here! To kick things off, I’ve put together a few Q&As to share a bit more about me, what this space is for, and what you can expect around here. Can't wait to build this community together!\ \ Why are you excited to join Bindery?\ \ The best stories are the ones we experience together, and I’m thrilled to join Bindery to connect and build community in a new way, share a broader range of content, and uplift diverse voices across all genres, especially fantasy, sci-fi, and dark academia.\ \ What can members expect?\ \ Expect a space to connect, share, and celebrate the books we love, access to a community Discord, buddy reads, and exclusive Bindery content including editing tutorials, long-form reviews, monthly lists of new SFF releases, book recommendation articles, thoughts on book-to-screen adaptations, and more!\ \ What are some of your favorite books and series?\ \
- Piranesi (Susanna Clarke)\ \
- Blood Over Bright Haven (M.L. Wang)\ \
- The Broken Earth Trilogy (N.K. Jemisin)\ \
- The Poppy War Trilogy (R.F. Kuang)\ \
- Circe (Madeline Miller)\ \
- The Sword of Kaigen (M.L. Wang)\ \
- The Paper Menagerie (Ken Liu)\ \
- Best Served Cold (Joe Abercrombie)\ \
- This is How You Lose the Time War (Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone)\ \
- A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. Martin)\ \
- The Spear Cuts Through Water (Simon Jimenez)\ \
- The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)\ \ \ What’s in the Discord, and how do I access it?\ \ The Inkborne Society Discord is linked at the top of my site and features channels to discuss books, film/tv, content creator tips and tricks (including ARC requests and influencer programs), and much more! To make sure your Bindery subscriber tier transfers over to Discord, please integrate your account.\ \ Update: As of September 2025, our newly launched community book club will also be holding discussions on Discord!\ \ What is Bindery?\ \ Bindery is a community-powered book publisher - think of it as part publishing house, part Substack, part Patreon, and part content hub all rolled into one. It gives creators a place to bring everything together: they can link content from across social platforms, share exclusive Bindery content (like articles, rec lists, videos, and polls), and connect with their audience more directly. There are also perks like Discord communities, book clubs, and whatever else creators dream up!\ \ One of the coolest parts of The Bindery is that Tastemakers (that’s what content creators are called on the platform) who grow strong, engaged communities have the chance to launch their very own imprint, and the community gets to be part of the entire journey - from acquisition all the way to publication!\ \ A Little More About Me\ \ Hi! My name is Amanda - I’m in my mid-twenties and based in New York City. I started creating book content about two years ago using the moniker "azhangia" and it’s been such a joy to connect with others who love stories as much as I do.\ \ Fantasy, mythology, sci-fi, dark academia, and literary fiction are some of my favorite genres, and I often find myself gravitating towards sad books (the more devastating, the better). When I am not reading, I can be found listening to film scores, attending dance classes, or lurking around in dessert spots around the city!\ \ Thank you so much for being here, and once again, welcome to The Inkborne Society.](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/9FIRo8zNLlDddLHPu3jy/)
Welcome to The Inkborne Society ✨
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Bookwyrm Ink\ \ Bookwyrm Ink\ \ • Apr 23 2025
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\ \ Join for free or login](https://azthiabookwyrm.binderybooks.com/item/8yNx7AT6NeDwCQ9y7ykl/)
New to Fantasy? Here's a good place to start!
Any books you would add to the list? 🤔📚
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Kirstyn's Bookshelf\ \ Kirstyn\ \ • Mar 31 2025
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25 Amazing Books I Want to Read in 2025
My 2025 TBR goes hard. I seriously could not be more excited to read these books. What are you reading this year?
Thank you for being here:)
CONTACT ME: hello@lareesocial.com
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzn.to/40DKoWe
JOIN MY COMMUNITY INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/3zodqNo GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/40DKgWK
Music: Mornings Musician: Jeff Kaale
23 books
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Daph's Reads 📚✨\ \ Daphne\ \ • Mar 25 2025
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My entire fantasy physical TBR!
My entire fantasy physical TBR! 📚🔮⚔️
#booktok #fantasybooks #tbr #toberead #bookhaul #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #fantasy
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Fantasy & Frens\ \ Zoranne\ \ • Mar 25 2025
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standalone fantasy book recommendations i think are worth reading!
standalone fantasy book recommendations i think are worth reading! if you have read any of these books, let me know your thoughts! books mentioned: - the sword of kaigen by m. l. wang - tress of the emerald sea by brandon sanderson - crueler mercies by maren chase - and the sky bled by s. hati - the spear cuts through water by simon jimenez - piranesi by susanna clarke - swordheart by t. kingfisher - babel by r. f. kuang - this is how you lose the time war by amal el-mohtar and max gladstone #fantasybooktok #standalonefantasybooks #zorannereads
9 books
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Enchanted Echoes\ \ Deirdre\ \ • Feb 28 2025
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One of my goals this year is to actually sit and process what I'm reading with a bit more intention and I'm hoping that will transition into more of these longer form type of videos where we talk about what I'm loving and maybe not loving in the books I'm reading.
- - Personal Links ✨IG: @deirdrerosemorgan https://www.instagram.com/deirdrerosemorgan/ ✨Tik Tok: @deirdrerosemorgan https://www.tiktok.com/@deirdrerosemorgan?lang=en
10 books
Enchanted Echoes\ \ Deirdre\ \ • Feb 28 2025
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Brining back The Favorites Video style 1. because I want to and 2. I love seeing what has continued to impress me throughout the month. Everything from beauty to my own content, the items are vast! I've pulled together the prompt list along with links in case you are interested. As always lets chat about what you've been loving this month
Prompts with links - some of these are affiliate links Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volumizing and Curling Mascara https://rstyle.me/+E5iCAuQQedvCZ-pA5r7lBw
Skincare Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum https://www.sephora.com/product/mandelic-acid-exfoliating-clearing-serum-P514512?country\_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=2836583&om\_mmc=ppc-GG\_17798154149\_\_\_2836583\_\_9004077\_c&country\_switch=us&lang=en&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpYYvrJlOM4sfoLyUC4rfVf5\_rU5Dxe7JO-ilKVx7miAGnKJMddubfxoCSv0QAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Nails: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish, That’s A Blazing https://www.sallybeauty.com/nails/nail-color/nail-polish-and-lacquer/thats-a-blazing-nail-color/SBS-020381.html?gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpdp66rTepsg-7rQiAIGDQvMt3KC-nfgpX7g5POlmSj-S5Yb16MvM3xoCwycQAvD\_BwE
Fragrance: Forvr Mood You Remind Me https://rstyle.me/+ll0\_99PB-ch1XZeBINU6BQ https://rstyle.me/+KZRx0qNlwQfOHpxdr3hytg Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb https://rstyle.me/+PpnhpB1wfemm8\_PoY8fe2w August & Piers Star https://www.augustpiers.com/collections/scented-candles
Snack: Popcorn
Recipe Mushroom Asada recipe from Trejo’s Tacos https://rstyle.me/+ZHRjSbTDU766s5wpun6hSQ
Photo I Took
Video I Posted
TV show:Traitors
Movie: Marked Men: Shaw and Rule
Book: The Favorites by Layne Fargo https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-favorites-layne-fargo/1145412537?ean=9780593732045 Paladin’s Faith by T. Kingfisher https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paladins-faith-t-kingfisher/1144390478?ean=9781614506140 Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Kaigen-Theonite-War-Story/dp/172019386X/ref=tmm\_pap\_swatch\_0?\_encoding=UTF8&sr=
Purse Coach Cassie 19 https://rstyle.me/+cGW3BwxaUuTSyxiSNK7jTA
Shoes Vince Camuto Seshon Wide Calf Boot https://rstyle.me/+0vZFrwKCFMR6L2rfA\_Lx\_Q
Purchase Theater Tickets - - Personal Links ✨IG: @deirdrerosemorgan https://www.instagram.com/deirdrerosemorgan/ ✨Tik Tok: @deirdrerosemorgan https://www.tiktok.com/@deirdrerosemorgan?lang=en
3 books
Enchanted Echoes\ \ Deirdre\ \ • Feb 28 2025
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What I Read This Week | Jan. 17, 2025
It’s been a great reading week so here is what is likely to be the final reading update #grwm #farewelltour #tiktokban #whatireadthisweek #deirdrerosemorgan #booktok
3 books
Enchanted Echoes\ \ Deirdre\ \ • Feb 25 2025
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Fae, Magic Swords, and Embarrassing Encounters | Reading Vlog Ep 1
It's the first reading vlog of 2025!!!!! I am slowly getting a handle on how to record my thoughts as I read a book and I feel like this is a great step in the direction of doing these more regularly! I started filming the first weekend of the New Year because I really wanted to focus on finishing some books I had brought into 2025 and find something to do with the first few days of the new year. Fast forward through 3 weeks of videos and here we are.
3 books
Kist Reads\ \ Kist\ \ • Nov 23 2024
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Immersion Read These Fantasy Books
3 books
Skies Press\ \ Emma\ \ • Oct 26 2024
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If you need a good cathartic cry, maybe try some of these 😭
7 books
Skies Press\ \ Emma\ \ • Oct 25 2024
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My emotional journey through The Sword of Kaigen
I was so unprepared for this 😭
1 book
Paws, Pages and Brews\ \ Sammie\ \ • Sep 5 2024
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\ \ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://pawspagesandbrews.binderybooks.com/item/4ElsCJuwH2aLTvFiY3e5/)
Hi everyone! I hope this week is treating you well. I am currently reading four books. August was a bit of a nightmare for me health wise so I didn't get to finish Chain Gang All-Stars, but I am fi...
4 books
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Paws, Pages and Brews\ \ Sammie\ \ • Sep 1 2024
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For the month of September our book club will be reading Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang!
1 book
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Skies Press\ \ Emma\ \ • Aug 7 2024
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Books you might not know are on Kindle Unlimited (part 2)
***on KU in the US at the time of posting***
5 books
Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Jun 28 2024
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Fifteen Special Editions I loved and would recommend
Fifteen Special Editions I loved and would recommend
15 books
Skies Press\ \ Emma\ \ • Jun 22 2024
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Book Recs: SFF with grown adult characters!
Stitch with @yeahwhateverdude for some SFF recs with adult characters! Let me know some of your faves too, I have a bunch more if y'all want 'em. (This is a scheduled post while I'm travelling, so if you don't see me in the comments for a couple days that's why!) 📚
10 books
Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Apr 8 2024
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Five (Six) Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time
I adore these books and will forever chase the feeling of reading them for the first time.
6 books
Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Mar 28 2024
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I love that I randomly pointed and still got my faves.
5 books