This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Stephanie is a writer based in the Victorian mining town of Leadville, Colorado, where she lives at 10,251 feet with her husband, five chickens, two bantam English game hens and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. After a former life in big cities–New York City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Boston, Mexico City, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Santa Fe–she now enjoys the bustle and birdsong of Leadville, population 2,700 in town and 7,000 in the county, not counting dogs, burros and the occasional bear. She likes her Victorian attire spiced with a little neo-Victorian futurism and the biggest bustle possible.
She published her debut novel Toru: Wayfarer Returns, the first installment in her Sakura Steam series, in February 2016 through her own imprint, Palantir Press. She is working on her second novel, a historical novel set in 1520s Mexico.
Reviewed by Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie Sorensen is book one in the Sakura Steam series. Set in the late 1800s, the story follows a young man named Toro, who returns to his homeland of Japan. Toro was shipwrecked and taken to America, and returns to Japan, despite the threat of death from an evil shogun (who doesn't want anyone who has left to come back). Toro must utilize all of his knowledge and skills in order to outsmart and stay ahead of those who wish him and his country harm. The plot and the world of this book form a unique combination of genres. It was so interesting to not only read about shoguns, samurais and ancient Japan, but to also have airships and other steampunk elements. This really elevated the story to a new level.
First off, I just want to say that I love the book cover! I think it really embodies the plot of the book (the unique combination of feudalistic Japan and steampunk) and will really catch readers' eyes. I found Toro to be a likable hero; he was stubborn and resilient, but also flawed and uncertain at times; I think this gave him a very realistic appeal. And fans of strong female characters are sure to love Masuyo! She was the perfect companion for Toro and I really enjoyed all of their conversations and interactions.
You can tell that Sorensen took great care to research this period in Japanese history. All of the authentic little details and accurate descriptions really lend not only credibility, but also believability to the storyline. Sorensen takes a variety of real historical facts and seamlessly blends them together with exciting steampunk elements, creating one entertaining story! I would recommend Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie Sorensen to all fans of action, adventure, historical and steampunk genres.
