The novel Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate opens and closes as “Moon Viewing at Shijo Bridge” from the collection Yamada Monogatari: Demon Hunter. Even though I loved that short story collection, this made the novel a slow start because, having already read the short story, the word-for-word repeat was not interesting. Especially not for 50 pages. I am glad I kept going though. Between Yamada and Kanemore figuring out Princess Teiko’s death and Yamada’s final few paragraphs of contemplation, this story presents a […]
Ghostbusters Medieval Japan edition
I normally don’t enjoy short story collections until Yamada Monogatari: Demon Hunter. It’s just the right mix of adventure, comedy, fantasy, mythology, history, and drama. Yamada is an impoverished nobleman making his living busting evil spirits, ghosts, and monsters in medieval Japan. Two other characters show up through multiple stories who are both typecasts but still interesting: the warrior Prince Kanemore and the not-always-priestly exorcist priest Kenji. What makes them interesting is their interactions with Yamada because these conversations and adventures bring out details of […]
Tesla Lives in an Age of Witches and Ghosts
After a series of natural and manmade disasters, the steam-punk city of New Pittsburgh is under the control of a shadow government, and supernatural beings inhabit the darkness. This setting provides the backdrop for most of the story, although the action starts in London. Jake Desmet, his cousin Veronique (Nicki) LeClerque, and his best pal Rick Brand are completing a retrieval mission that does not go as smoothly as they would have liked. Jake and Rick’s fathers run an import business that extends to helping […]
In Honor of Krampusnacht
Today is December 5th which makes tonight Krampusnacht and tomorrow St Nicholas Day. These holidays are mostly German and Eastern European, but I started celebrating St Nicholas with a Polish aunt about eight years ago. Some time ago I saw this book on the shelf of a favorite independent bookstore and almost bought it. Then 2 months ago I saw it again, and I bought it on a whim. I am very glad I did. Krampus is frequently a figure in horror movies and fiction, […]