Kirkus Reviews "Best Books of 2020"
National Indie Excellence Awards-Finalist
Indie B.R.A.G. gold medallion winner
Indies Today 2020 Award-Finalist
Book Viral Millennium Award-Finalist
Readers Favorite Awards--Bronze Medalist
Literary Titan Gold Medal Recipient
Named a Must-read, Best Book of 2020 by the Uncorked Librarian
Named one of the Best WW2 Historical Fiction Books by RT Book Reviews
“This is an extraordinarily imaginative and compelling exploration of love, death, race, and patriotism with countless unusual twists to keep the reader guessing. Thorough research and stylish execution make for a striking tour de force.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Harmon skillfully mines the brutality of WWII and the desire for redemption in this ambitious story of tragic characters overcoming hate, cultural indifference, and duty. Any reader will be moved by this graceful, original take on Japanese-American relations and life in Japan during WWII."--Publishers Weekly
"One part historical fiction, one part romantic fable, I thoroughly enjoyed this truly unique, mythic, multi-cultural journey."--Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy and Hotel On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
“In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow is gentle, hopeful, and thoroughly engrossing.”—D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review
“To say it is a remarkable story would be a complete understatement and I find myself struggling to express the impact this novel had on me, and the impact it is likely to elicit from everyone who reads it.”—ReaderViews.com
“A sensitive, restrained, and deeply affecting tale of love under extreme duress and conflict.” (5 stars)—BookPleasures.com
“A compelling and thought provoking novel, indeed!” (5 Stars)—ReadersFavorites.com
“This powerful story of guilt, suffering, and sacrifice transitions into a beautiful tale of otherworldly love while gifting readers with unique insight into Japanese culture.”—IndieReader.com
“A tremendously visual, enthralling and thought-provoking read, In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow is sure to win Harmon a host of enthusiastic followers and is recommended without reservation.”—BookViralReviews.com
“A touching and important story.” --Laila Ibrahim Amazon bestselling author of Paper Wife and Yellow Crocus
“In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow is a breathtaking spiritual journey that will cause you to reconsider your view of those in the world around you and make you think more deeply about how we all treat one another.” ★★★★★ –Indies Today
“To read this marvelous book is to steep yourself in a magic realism narrative that is a fantastical imagining by author Kenneth W. Harmon.”—Nina Romano, Ippy Award-winning author of The Secret Language of Women and The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley
“Kenneth W. Harmon gifts us with a historical fiction, magical realism odyssey that explores the individual effects of and reactions to World War II. Funny, loving, and harrowing, this novel is sure to encourage you to hug the ones you love and take a chance on those you wish to love.”—Independent Book Review
“I got lost in the poetic, lyrical quality of the writing, enveloped by the story, and felt if I closed my eyes I could imagine myself in Hiroshima. The narrative is lush, evocative, and surrounds the reader with the beauty of Japan and its cultural history.” I give this book (a rare) 5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐--theBookDelight.com
“A fascinating, heartbreaking read and a beautifully human balance to the often heavily militarized view of the war.” —San Francisco Book Review
“The unusual combination of historical fiction as seen through ghost/fantasy, the experiences of the dead, and dreams create a tale with moral lessons of love and forgiveness. The author's research and personal knowledge of WWII, and the bombing of Hiroshima, "blast" this novel to the top of the culturally enlightened historical genre.”—AuthorsReading.com
“An exceptional World War Two story, set in Japan that gives the reader a complete package of
spectacular descriptions, history, romance, and the paranormal.”—Sublime Book Review
“I had a blast reading this book. It’s heartwarming, sweet, has an interesting premise and likable characters, and is very well-written. If you like historical romance with a side of the supernatural…you will love this book.”—Online Book Club
“In this riveting merging of magical realism and historical fiction, Harmon goes above and beyond to portray the destruction and devastation of World War II Japan. Harmon spectacularly portrays that even amidst the horrors humans cause, there is still hope and beauty in humanity, even if just in the simple kindness of strangers.”(Recommended)—The US Review of Books
“In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow is a nuanced historical relationship story. It’s a great read for anyone interested in Japanese life at that time as well as WWII fiction.”—LoveReading.co.uk
"There is much to admire about this book. Pre-atomic bomb Hiroshima is depicted in stunning detail. I really felt as if I could see, hear and smell it. The story is interesting and enjoyable."--Discovering Diamonds.blogspot.com
"An engrossing story that combines feelings that are terrifying, whimsical, and humorous. The words craft vivid images. It is professionally researched and beautifully written. In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow has something for everybody." (5 stars)--Book Junkie Reviews
"This is a wonderfully crafted novel; the story flows smoothly and the writing drew me in from the very beginning. I could hardly believe that I had reached the end--I completely lost myself in the story line I hadn't realized that it was imminent. A magical, memorable read and one I'm very happy to give a full house of stars!"--Reviewerlady G
“History and fiction meld seamlessly in this novel to deliver a captivating story.” (5 stars) --Literary Titan Book Reviews
"Poetic writing and a beautiful, heart-wrenching plot that will leave you thinking about this book long after you've finished it." (5 stars)--Reedsy Discovery
"The prose is elegantly constructed, bringing to life the emotions and experiences before and after the atomic bomb. Harmon has created a tale of improbably love, redemption, and finding hope in the midst of destruction. Recommended."--Historical Novel Society
Enthusiasts of history, drama, the supernatural, and traditional religions will be moved by this bittersweet novel of war, love, and understanding.—booklife (Editors Pick)