When she first moved to Japan, American Katie Greene had no idea she would get caught in a battle between the Japanese mafia and the supernatural forces that have governed Japan for most of its history. Despite the danger, Katie is determined to stay put. She’s started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can’t imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she’s fallen in love with.
But the decision to stay is not as simple as she thought. She’s flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.
When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo’s dark ancestry, as well as Katie’s, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.
“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 and The Savage Blue
“Ink is astonishing. Fresh, vibrant, and impossible to put down. Amanda Sun is now on my must-read list. Very highly recommended.”
—Julie E. Czerneda, author of A Turn of Light
A Junior Library Guild selection
A Summer 2013 Children’s IndieNext Pick
A Chapters Indigo Top Teen Pick for 2013
A Bookish Young Adult Book for Summer 2013
A USA TODAY Young Adult Book for Summer 2013
Rain
Amanda Sun
For Mum and Dad, who always believed in me
Contents
Glossary of Japanese Words and Phrases
“Hold still,” Yuki said, threading the thick obi ribbon through the back of the bow. She pulled the loops tight. “Okay, now breathe in.”
I