JAY KRISTOFF grew up in the most isolated capital city on earth and fled at his earliest convenience, although he's been known to trek back for weddings of the particularly nice and funerals of the particularly wealthy. Being the holder of an Arts degree, he has no education to speak of. He is the award-winning author of THE ILLUMINAE FILES and THE GODSGRAVE CHRONICLES, among other tiles.
He is 6'7 and has approximately 13,870 days to live. He lives in Melbourne with his wife, and the world's laziest Jack Russell Terrier.
"Kristoff's imaginative debut, the first in a series, presents the
feudal, dystopian Shima Empire, a menacing Japanese-inspired
setting... The innovative setting, fast-moving plot, vivid
descriptions, and thrilling action scenes make this a refreshing
addition to the steampunk canon." --Publishers Weekly, starred
review"Soars higher than the arashitora Kristoff writes about;
superb." --Kirkus, starred review"With its geisha girls in gas
masks and canvas blimps spewing black exhaust as they chug across
the sky, Stormdancer paints a vivid picture of a decrepit,
steampunk Japan. It's startling to witness a country that so
reveres nature presented in such an environmentally compromised
position, as it is in the kickoff to Jay Kristoff's "The Lotus War"
series. But it's this inventive juxtaposition that makes
Stormdancer such a thrilling addition to the increasingly tired yet
continuously expanding dystopian scene.... [A] fast-paced,
fantastical adventure [that] is sharp as a Shogun's sword." --The
LA Times"What's that? You say you've got a Japanese Steampunk novel
with mythic creatures, civil unrest, and a strong female
protagonist? I'm afraid I missed everything you said after
"Japanese Steampunk." That's all I really needed to hear."
--Patrick Rothfuss, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The
Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear"With airships, demons, and
lashings of revolutionary swordplay, this chi-fueled vision of a
steampunk feudal Japan will blow your split-toed socks off."
--Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling author of
Leviathan"Jay Kristoff pushes the steampunk genre exactly where it
needs to go, away from Victorian London's over-trodden lanes and
into the great wide world. With its rocketing action, eccentric and
convincing characters, and deep immersion in heroic Japanese
culture, Stormdancer slammed my head into an updated vision of the
great chanbara films of Kurosawa and Kobayashi. I'll be waiting for
more from Mr. Kristoff." --K.W. Jeter, author of The Kingdom of
Shadows"Set in a complex and richly imagined world, Stormdancer
draws on inspirations as widespread as epic fantasy, steampunk, and
Japanese mythology, effortlessly piecing them together into an
alternate history that is as vibrant as it is disturbing. Yukiko is
an admirable heroine, made of compassion and courage, but it's the
remarkable friendship forged between Yukiko and the majestic
thunder tiger, Buruu, that readers will find truly unforgettable.
In this breathtaking debut fantasy, Kristoff has given us an
adventure teeming with impossible quests and betrayals, rebellion
and murder, jealousy and harbored secrets. I eagerly look forward
to seeing where his imagination takes us next." --Marissa Meyer,
New York Times bestselling author of Cinder"Jay Kristoff's Yukiko
and her indomitable thunder tiger's entertaining adventures have
just sent steampunk gloriously Asian." --Stephen Hunt,
internationally bestselling author of The Kingdom Beyond the
Sea"Kristoff's debut is a lyrical triumph of chainsaw swords and
thunder tigers that steampunk fans and mythology buffs will
devour." --Kevin Hearne, author of The Iron Druid
Chronicles"Stormdancer is an intoxicating joyride into
steampunklandia with a magical dose of mythology, the supernatural,
violence, dystopian themes, and a top-notch brassy heroine who
rivals Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games. Yes, I did say that!"
--Huffington Post..".the plot takes off when the mythical
arashitora (literally 'stormtiger') forms a strong bond with the
heroine, Yukiko. Her relationship with the griffin-like creature is
especially poignant in light of the personal losses she reveals as
the story unfolds... it's the bonds of family and friendship that
feel the truest, with heartwrenching effect." --Romantic
Times"Japanese Steampunk unafraid to engage with the dark side of
the subgenre. The Lotus must bloom!" --SF Signal"If you enjoy rich
detail and sensual writing, you'll dig it.... Bristling with energy
and enthusiasm, this is the start of what should be a deservedly
popular series." --Library Journal"Think Lassie, if Kurosawa had
been the director and Lassie had been three tons of angry mythical
demon-shredding sass bent on pushing Timmy down the well... A
colorful cast of supporting characters and thoughtful plotting add
further to Stormdancer's appeal, but, really, Kristoff has the
reader at "girl meets griffin." The captivating backdrop, graceful
prose and army of mechanized samurai are all just added bonuses."
--Shelf Awareness"Compelling characters--particularly Yukiko, the
Arashitora Buruu, and the artificer Kin--a strong environmental
message, and a thrilling battle setting the stage for the sequel.
Offer this to fans of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan trilogy or
Philip Reeve's Hungry City Chronicles." --Booklist"A steampunk
fantasy with richly drawn mythical creatures and a tough female
protagonist.... Packed full of surprising twists and turns, nonstop
action, and intense dialogue." --School Library Journal
Kristoff's imaginative debut, the first in a series, presents the
feudal, dystopian Shima Empire, a menacing Japanese-inspired
setting The innovative setting, fast-moving plot, vivid
descriptions, and thrilling action scenes make this a refreshing
addition to the steampunk canon. Publishers Weekly, starred review
Soars higher than the arashitora Kristoff writes about; superb.
Kirkus, starred review With its geisha girls in gas masks and
canvas blimps spewing black exhaust as they chug across the sky,
Stormdancer paints a vivid picture of a decrepit, steampunk Japan.
It's startling to witness a country that so reveres nature
presented in such an environmentally compromised position, as it is
in the kickoff to Jay Kristoff's "The Lotus War" series. But it's
this inventive juxtaposition that makes Stormdancer such a
thrilling addition to the increasingly tired yet continuously
expanding dystopian scene . [A] fast-paced, fantastical adventure
[that] is sharp as a Shogun's sword. The LA Times What's that? You
say you've got a Japanese Steampunk novel with mythic creatures,
civil unrest, and a strong female protagonist? I'm afraid I missed
everything you said after "Japanese Steampunk." That's all I really
needed to hear. Patrick Rothfuss, #1 New York Times bestselling
author of The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear With
airships, demons, and lashings of revolutionary swordplay, this
chi-fueled vision of a steampunk feudal Japan will blow your
split-toed socks off. Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling
author of Leviathan Jay Kristoff pushes the steampunk genre exactly
where it needs to go, away from Victorian London's over-trodden
lanes and into the great wide world. With its rocketing action,
eccentric and convincing characters, and deep immersion in heroic
Japanese culture, Stormdancer slammed my head into an updated
vision of the great chanbara films of Kurosawa and Kobayashi. I'll
be waiting for more from Mr. Kristoff. K.W. Jeter, author of The
Kingdom of Shadows Set in a complex and richly imagined world,
Stormdancer draws on inspirations as widespread as epic fantasy,
steampunk, and Japanese mythology, effortlessly piecing them
together into an alternate history that is as vibrant as it is
disturbing. Yukiko is an admirable heroine, made of compassion and
courage, but it's the remarkable friendship forged between Yukiko
and the majestic thunder tiger, Buruu, that readers will find truly
unforgettable. In this breathtaking debut fantasy, Kristoff has
given us an adventure teeming with impossible quests and betrayals,
rebellion and murder, jealousy and harbored secrets. I eagerly look
forward to seeing where his imagination takes us next. Marissa
Meyer, New York Times bestselling author of Cinder Jay Kristoff's
Yukiko and her indomitable thunder tiger's entertaining adventures
have just sent steampunk gloriously Asian. Stephen Hunt,
internationally bestselling author of The Kingdom Beyond the Sea
Kristoff's debut is a lyrical triumph of chainsaw swords and
thunder tigers that steampunk fans and mythology buffs will devour.
Kevin Hearne, author of The Iron Druid Chronicles Stormdancer is an
intoxicating joyride into steampunklandia with a magical dose of
mythology, the supernatural, violence, dystopian themes, and a
top-notch brassy heroine who rivals Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger
Games. Yes, I did say that! Huffington Post the plot takes off when
the mythical arashitora (literally stormtiger') forms a strong bond
with the heroine, Yukiko. Her relationship with the griffin-like
creature is especially poignant in light of the personal losses she
reveals as the story unfolds it's the bonds of family and
friendship that feel the truest, with heartwrenching effect.
Romantic Times Japanese Steampunk unafraid to engage with the dark
side of the subgenre. The Lotus must bloom! SF Signal If you enjoy
rich detail and sensual writing, you'll dig it . Bristling with
energy and enthusiasm, this is the start of what should be a
deservedly popular series. Library Journal Think Lassie, if
Kurosawa had been the director and Lassie had been three tons of
angry mythical demon-shredding sass bent on pushing Timmy down the
well A colorful cast of supporting characters and thoughtful
plotting add further to Stormdancer's appeal, but, really, Kristoff
has the reader at "girl meets griffin." The captivating backdrop,
graceful prose and army of mechanized samurai are all just added
bonuses. Shelf Awareness Compelling characters--particularly
Yukiko, the Arashitora Buruu, and the artificer Kin--a strong
environmental message, and a thrilling battle setting the stage for
the sequel. Offer this to fans of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan
trilogy or Philip Reeve's Hungry City Chronicles. Booklist A
steampunk fantasy with richly drawn mythical creatures and a tough
female protagonist . Packed full of surprising twists and turns,
nonstop action, and intense dialogue. School Library Journal"
Gr 9 Up-Set in feudal Japan, Stormdancer is a steampunk fantasy with richly drawn mythical creatures and a tough female protagonist. Yukiko and her father are sent to the hinterlands to capture a Thunder Tiger, which is rumored to exist there. Dogged by disaster from the start, Yukiko fights to take a stand against corrupt political systems and personal betrayal. Along the way, she discovers the truth behind her family history and dreams of redemption for herself, her homeland, and the crippled Griffin, with whom she makes an alliance. While this first book in the series paints a descriptive backdrop, casual readers may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of original terms and concepts they'll need to digest. The plot is similarly dense, packed full of surprising twists and turns, nonstop action, and intense dialogue. Committed readers will enjoy the original and genre-bending world that the author creates, but it will take time and effort.-Sunnie Sette, New Haven Public Library, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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