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wannabekingpin's review
3.0
The rest of this long-winded review is at [Night Mode Reading]: Author, in my opinion, tried far too hard to “japanize” the story, as a result giving me as a reader and as a translator a lot of discomfort. Little bits he tried to use as “natural parts of speech” came off as “these people speak English among themselves in Japan, while being Japanese“, which is absolutely not the case, and yet the sensation stayed in my head. There’s also a small, but after you get annoyed by overuse of “neh?”, noticeable inconsistency with what does one call in Japanese titles, and what in English. If sake is underlined, why isn’t soba? But that’s probably a pull at editors, not the author. The story? Well. Author did try to put a twist or a turn there and here, but neither went well. Soon you realize that Fate is taken seriously here, so whatever happens, all of the fated characters will be saved by the fate, helped by the fate, sheltered by the fate, and nothing will ever stay in their way to fate too long. In short: the book is extremely predictable, which rendered reading as duty for me, rather than pleasure. So all in all, book gets 3 out of 5 from me, for I can’t give more, as much as I’d like to, but really don’t wish to give any less either. And maybe someday I’ll indulge in the other ones. Mariko IS a well written female character, which I find to be rare and lovely. Well done on that.
pillywiggin's review
4.0
This is another good urban fantasy/mystery set in modern-day Japan, with flashbacks that are set 500 years ago.
chromatick's review
5.0
I never pre-order books. However after reading the first two novels in this series, I simply had to show my support for this author and his work in the hopes that he will continue to produce more novels in this universe.
I absolutely love how he pulls the reader into Japanese culture, both in present times and in the far past. Mariko is an amazing heroine as a member of the Tokyo Police, and Daigoro is awesome in his story in the past. Each time it would switch points of view I'd be excited and disappointed at the same time.
Plenty of action and a great plot knocked this one out of the park for me.
Don't let us down Steve, please write another!
I absolutely love how he pulls the reader into Japanese culture, both in present times and in the far past. Mariko is an amazing heroine as a member of the Tokyo Police, and Daigoro is awesome in his story in the past. Each time it would switch points of view I'd be excited and disappointed at the same time.
Plenty of action and a great plot knocked this one out of the park for me.
Don't let us down Steve, please write another!
melli80's review
5.0
Omg this book. First let me say I did not realize that this was the third book in the series but I decided to read it anyways. Plus through the book there's mentions of things that have happened in other books with a little detailing to link it so I didn't feel lost.
What I really really enjoyed was the historical aspect of the story. And how it links to the present. And how the author switches between past and present without making you feel lost and confused. It was fun and action packed. I was hoping that Mariko's story will continue. So Mr Bein if you happen to check out this review, are there anymore books in the works. You have a new fan. Now let me go and order the first two.
What I really really enjoyed was the historical aspect of the story. And how it links to the present. And how the author switches between past and present without making you feel lost and confused. It was fun and action packed. I was hoping that Mariko's story will continue. So Mr Bein if you happen to check out this review, are there anymore books in the works. You have a new fan. Now let me go and order the first two.
melli80's review against another edition
5.0
Omg this book. First let me say I did not realize that this was the third book in the series but I decided to read it anyways. Plus through the book there's mentions of things that have happened in other books with a little detailing to link it so I didn't feel lost.
What I really really enjoyed was the historical aspect of the story. And how it links to the present. And how the author switches between past and present without making you feel lost and confused. It was fun and action packed. I was hoping that Mariko's story will continue. So Mr Bein if you happen to check out this review, are there anymore books in the works. You have a new fan. Now let me go and order the first two.
What I really really enjoyed was the historical aspect of the story. And how it links to the present. And how the author switches between past and present without making you feel lost and confused. It was fun and action packed. I was hoping that Mariko's story will continue. So Mr Bein if you happen to check out this review, are there anymore books in the works. You have a new fan. Now let me go and order the first two.
taciturn_sprocket's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
silkemaria's review
4.0
A very satisfying end to an interesting ride I took with so many interesting characters in past and present Japan.
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