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Fated Blades #3
Disciple of the Wind
LETHAL JUSTICE
When Tokyo falls victim to a deadly terrorist attack, Detective Sergeant Mariko Oshiro knows who is responsible, even if she doesn’t have proof. She urges her commanding officers to arrest the perpetrator—an insane zealot who was just released from police custody. When her pleas fall on deaf ears, she loses her temper and then her badge, as well as her best chance of fighting back.
Left on her own, and armed with only her cunning and her famed Inazuma blade, Mariko must work outside the system to stop a terrorist mastermind. But going rogue draws the attention of an underground syndicate known as the Wind. For centuries, they have controlled Japanese politics from the shadows, using mystical relics to achieve their nefarious ends—relics like Mariko’s own sword and the iron demon mask whose evil curse is bound to the blade. Now the Wind is set on acquiring Mariko.
Mariko is left with a perilous choice: Join an illicit insurgency to thwart a deadly villain, or remain true to the law. Either way, she cannot escape her sword’s curse. As sure as the blade will bring her to victory, it also promises to destroy her….
When Tokyo falls victim to a deadly terrorist attack, Detective Sergeant Mariko Oshiro knows who is responsible, even if she doesn’t have proof. She urges her commanding officers to arrest the perpetrator—an insane zealot who was just released from police custody. When her pleas fall on deaf ears, she loses her temper and then her badge, as well as her best chance of fighting back.
Left on her own, and armed with only her cunning and her famed Inazuma blade, Mariko must work outside the system to stop a terrorist mastermind. But going rogue draws the attention of an underground syndicate known as the Wind. For centuries, they have controlled Japanese politics from the shadows, using mystical relics to achieve their nefarious ends—relics like Mariko’s own sword and the iron demon mask whose evil curse is bound to the blade. Now the Wind is set on acquiring Mariko.
Mariko is left with a perilous choice: Join an illicit insurgency to thwart a deadly villain, or remain true to the law. Either way, she cannot escape her sword’s curse. As sure as the blade will bring her to victory, it also promises to destroy her….
528 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
20 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 26, 2015
Absolutely non-stop badass! THIS ladies and gents is how GOOD urban fantasy is supposed to be written. Notice the heroine isn't decked in a corset and stilettos and posed in some manner better suited to a layout in Vogue magazine. No, this heroine looks plenty ready to kick major ass. And NOTICE that she's Japanese. On the cover. The world didn't come to an end.
I had Disciple of the Wind on my Amazon wish list for an entire year and was chomping at the bit. I seldom pre-order books but I most certainly did this one. This is a brilliant fusion of Japanese history, mythology and gritty police procedural. Mariko is one of my favourite all-time heroines. I thought poor Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect had it bad with the odious sexism, but Mariko deserves a medal for all the fuckwittery she has to endure. Yes, I understand how patriarchal Japanese culture can be, but that still doesn't make it easy to take, especially because Mariko keeps putting life and limb on the line.
Yes, this series needs to be a miniseries.
I had Disciple of the Wind on my Amazon wish list for an entire year and was chomping at the bit. I seldom pre-order books but I most certainly did this one. This is a brilliant fusion of Japanese history, mythology and gritty police procedural. Mariko is one of my favourite all-time heroines. I thought poor Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect had it bad with the odious sexism, but Mariko deserves a medal for all the fuckwittery she has to endure. Yes, I understand how patriarchal Japanese culture can be, but that still doesn't make it easy to take, especially because Mariko keeps putting life and limb on the line.
Yes, this series needs to be a miniseries.
June 13, 2017
*Source* Library
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Disciple of the Wind is the third installment in author Steve Bein's Fated Blades series. It follows Year of the Demon (10/13) and Daughter of the Sword (10/12). The stories in this series alternate between the years 2010 and 1588. The series features a heroine in 27-year old Mariko Oshiro who grew up in Illinois, before moving to Japan where worked her way up the ladder in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. She's a Detective Sergeant (Narcotics) who follows the Bushido Code.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 06/13/2017*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* April 7th 2015 by Roc Trade
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Disciple of the Wind is the third installment in author Steve Bein's Fated Blades series. It follows Year of the Demon (10/13) and Daughter of the Sword (10/12). The stories in this series alternate between the years 2010 and 1588. The series features a heroine in 27-year old Mariko Oshiro who grew up in Illinois, before moving to Japan where worked her way up the ladder in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. She's a Detective Sergeant (Narcotics) who follows the Bushido Code.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 06/13/2017*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* April 7th 2015 by Roc Trade
December 18, 2015
Loved it. What a satisfying end to a great series! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and the two story lines were beautifully converged by the integrity of the main characters. Fair warning: it definitely didn't shy away from the gruesome. But if you're looking for shootouts, sword fights, and action/adventure, you've come to the right place. It kept up a great pace and was rife with references to Japanese culture. The author's writing is witty too, with clever synonyms that remind me of Memoirs of a Geisha. I want more. ^_____^
May 18, 2024
Пълен с действие край на трилогията. В Токио от наши дни и в Япония от 16-ти век една полицайка и един обсебен водач на смъртоносен култ, един ронин и един любимец на властта, един вълшебен меч и една не по-малко вълшебна маска се срещат във (не)финален сблъсък. Екшънът е гръмовен. Но не ми поднесе нищо ново, което да го няма и в предните две части, липсва завършеност, действието се провлачва на места, липсва допълнително развитие на героите и концепцията. Но пък е приятно за четене между другото. Жалко, че “Сиела” се запънаха да не превеждат тази последна част.
July 29, 2015
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
You know you've read a really good book when you finally put it down and want to re-read it right away just to be immersed in the world again. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND is one such book. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND has everything you'd want in a thriller from frantic chases, diabolical city destroying plots, and compelling characters you want to root for. I especially liked the fact that it is set in Japan as it was great to read a novel set in a place I don't read about much in urban fantasy. You learn a little about the geography of Japan, its history, and even the language throughout this story. The glossary of Japanese terms used in this book was also very enlightening and helpful as I found myself going back to it many times.
The modern day part of the story has the completely badass, take no prisoners Mariko who has to deal with police bureaucracy while racing to defeat a man who has an enchanted mask and is bent on destroying Tokyo. I love her and her gumption and grit and ability to show up the men in her police department. Also, her magical sword usage and fighting skills are pretty awesome. While the chapters that take place in the 21st century come off like a police procedural, the part that take place in Japan's past are a sort of hero's quest for Daigoro as he goes in search of a mystical sword that plays a big part in Mariko's story in the present. The evolution of the connection of past and present was really well done. I liked taking a small break from the fast pacing of modern Japan and seeing a bit of Japanese history and mythology with Daigoro.
The thing about this book is that with a cursory glance its light on the fantasy but the magic and fantastical are there guiding the story constantly. There are magical swords that are very important role in the end and while they aren't used a ton when they are the effect is startling. There is a ton of mythology behind these blades that has been slowly and carefully built up over the series and boy do these blades do amazing things that normal swords only wish they could. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND is a seriously well written, intensely researched, and exhilarating thriller with a vein of magic in it.
Sexual content: N/A
You know you've read a really good book when you finally put it down and want to re-read it right away just to be immersed in the world again. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND is one such book. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND has everything you'd want in a thriller from frantic chases, diabolical city destroying plots, and compelling characters you want to root for. I especially liked the fact that it is set in Japan as it was great to read a novel set in a place I don't read about much in urban fantasy. You learn a little about the geography of Japan, its history, and even the language throughout this story. The glossary of Japanese terms used in this book was also very enlightening and helpful as I found myself going back to it many times.
The modern day part of the story has the completely badass, take no prisoners Mariko who has to deal with police bureaucracy while racing to defeat a man who has an enchanted mask and is bent on destroying Tokyo. I love her and her gumption and grit and ability to show up the men in her police department. Also, her magical sword usage and fighting skills are pretty awesome. While the chapters that take place in the 21st century come off like a police procedural, the part that take place in Japan's past are a sort of hero's quest for Daigoro as he goes in search of a mystical sword that plays a big part in Mariko's story in the present. The evolution of the connection of past and present was really well done. I liked taking a small break from the fast pacing of modern Japan and seeing a bit of Japanese history and mythology with Daigoro.
The thing about this book is that with a cursory glance its light on the fantasy but the magic and fantastical are there guiding the story constantly. There are magical swords that are very important role in the end and while they aren't used a ton when they are the effect is startling. There is a ton of mythology behind these blades that has been slowly and carefully built up over the series and boy do these blades do amazing things that normal swords only wish they could. DISCIPLE OF THE WIND is a seriously well written, intensely researched, and exhilarating thriller with a vein of magic in it.
Sexual content: N/A
July 13, 2024
Finalmente mi sono decisa a leggere l'ultimo capitolo della trilogia "Le Cronache delle Spade Inazuma" di Steve Ben. Siccome Fanucci Editore non ha mai tradotto e pubblicato il terzo volume della saga, ho deciso di recuperarlo in inglese (cosa che penso di fare anche per le due short story) e wow! Che conclusione degna di questo nome.
Continuiamo a muoverci tra la Tokyo di oggi e il Giappone del XVI secolo con la nostra protagonista Oshiro Mariko, ventisettenne cresciuta nell'Illinois e trasferirsi in Giappone dove ha fatto carriera nella polizia metropolitana di Tokyo. É un sergente investigativo della Narcotici, tenace ed astuta, che segue il codice Bushido e che affronterà un'antica società segreta che influenza la politica e l'economia giapponese.
Una poliziotta con un alto senso di giustizia e un leader ossessionato da un culto mortale; una ronin e un favorito del potere; una spada con poteri mistici e una maschera altresì mistica e misteriosa. L'azione è fragorosa: sparatorie, duelli con la spada, azione e un gran ultimo mistero. Ha ritmo eccellente che ti porta capitolo dopo capitolo in un viaggio nel tempo: la parte moderna della storia sembra un procedural police ha un personaggio femminile estremamente forte, caratterialmente parlando, come Mariko che si muove tra la burocrazia della polizia e un leader di una setta pronto a distruggere il Giappone intero, in un continuo tentativo di bilanciare la cultura giapponese, l'onore e anche le leggi della polizia con il suo atteggiamento e i suoi sentimenti. Adoro lei, la sua grinta, la sua capacità di denunciare gli uomini del suo dipartimento di polizia per comportamenti misogini e scorretti. Inoltre, il suo uso della spada e la cura della sua forma di combattimento sono davvero fantastici.
I capitoli che si svolgono nel passato del Giappone sono una sorta di ricerca dell'eroe per il personaggio di Daigoro: nato con un handicap di cui le persone hanno cercato di approfittarsene, perdendo, però, la vita. É alla ricerca di una spada portentosa e, senza saperlo, getterà delle problematiche e degli eventi che Mariko affronterà nel suo tempo. L'evoluzione della connessione tra passato e presente è stata davvero ben fatta: le due trame convergevano magnificamente grazie all'integrità dei personaggi principali e alle spade, mi è piaciuto prendermi una piccola pausa dal ritmo frenetico del Giappone moderno e vedere un po' di storia e mitologia giapponese con Daigoro.
Questo é un'altra nota estremamente positiva: é pieno di riferimenti alla cultura, alla lingua e alla storia giapponese. Bein mi ha davvero impressionato con la sua conoscenza approfondita e con il perfetto equilibrio che ha trovato tra storia, crime e qualche elemento sovrannaturale: ci sono spade mistiche, dotate forse di poteri magici, che alla fine hanno un ruolo molto importante, e c'é un sacco di mitologia dietro queste lame costruite lentamente e con attenzione nel corso della trilogia.
Anche la scrittura dell'autore è spiritosa, con metafore e richiami intelligenti. Bein costruisce un'avventura contemporanea, un crime avvincente e una fantastica parte storica, che parla di fare la cosa giusta, di fare scelte difficili, di lealtà. É un battaglia tra destino contro libero arbitrio e diritti individuali contro il bene superiore.
Una meravigliosa trilogia, che ritengo non abbia avuto la pubblicità che meritasse e di cui cui non vedo l'ora di leggere i due racconti brevi collegati.
Continuiamo a muoverci tra la Tokyo di oggi e il Giappone del XVI secolo con la nostra protagonista Oshiro Mariko, ventisettenne cresciuta nell'Illinois e trasferirsi in Giappone dove ha fatto carriera nella polizia metropolitana di Tokyo. É un sergente investigativo della Narcotici, tenace ed astuta, che segue il codice Bushido e che affronterà un'antica società segreta che influenza la politica e l'economia giapponese.
Una poliziotta con un alto senso di giustizia e un leader ossessionato da un culto mortale; una ronin e un favorito del potere; una spada con poteri mistici e una maschera altresì mistica e misteriosa. L'azione è fragorosa: sparatorie, duelli con la spada, azione e un gran ultimo mistero. Ha ritmo eccellente che ti porta capitolo dopo capitolo in un viaggio nel tempo: la parte moderna della storia sembra un procedural police ha un personaggio femminile estremamente forte, caratterialmente parlando, come Mariko che si muove tra la burocrazia della polizia e un leader di una setta pronto a distruggere il Giappone intero, in un continuo tentativo di bilanciare la cultura giapponese, l'onore e anche le leggi della polizia con il suo atteggiamento e i suoi sentimenti. Adoro lei, la sua grinta, la sua capacità di denunciare gli uomini del suo dipartimento di polizia per comportamenti misogini e scorretti. Inoltre, il suo uso della spada e la cura della sua forma di combattimento sono davvero fantastici.
I capitoli che si svolgono nel passato del Giappone sono una sorta di ricerca dell'eroe per il personaggio di Daigoro: nato con un handicap di cui le persone hanno cercato di approfittarsene, perdendo, però, la vita. É alla ricerca di una spada portentosa e, senza saperlo, getterà delle problematiche e degli eventi che Mariko affronterà nel suo tempo. L'evoluzione della connessione tra passato e presente è stata davvero ben fatta: le due trame convergevano magnificamente grazie all'integrità dei personaggi principali e alle spade, mi è piaciuto prendermi una piccola pausa dal ritmo frenetico del Giappone moderno e vedere un po' di storia e mitologia giapponese con Daigoro.
Questo é un'altra nota estremamente positiva: é pieno di riferimenti alla cultura, alla lingua e alla storia giapponese. Bein mi ha davvero impressionato con la sua conoscenza approfondita e con il perfetto equilibrio che ha trovato tra storia, crime e qualche elemento sovrannaturale: ci sono spade mistiche, dotate forse di poteri magici, che alla fine hanno un ruolo molto importante, e c'é un sacco di mitologia dietro queste lame costruite lentamente e con attenzione nel corso della trilogia.
Anche la scrittura dell'autore è spiritosa, con metafore e richiami intelligenti. Bein costruisce un'avventura contemporanea, un crime avvincente e una fantastica parte storica, che parla di fare la cosa giusta, di fare scelte difficili, di lealtà. É un battaglia tra destino contro libero arbitrio e diritti individuali contro il bene superiore.
Una meravigliosa trilogia, che ritengo non abbia avuto la pubblicità che meritasse e di cui cui non vedo l'ora di leggere i due racconti brevi collegati.
April 18, 2018
Exciting follow up and the quality didn't drop. However, a personal desire: if the author considers a sequel, I hope it would feature new set of characters.
Great series in general.
Great series in general.
May 14, 2015
I lovelove Mariko's story and would put up with a lot to be able to read that so even if the historical part wasn't going anywhere it wouldn't matter too much. But I dig the historical part too, even though it tends to be a little slower for me. And it was definitely faster paced this book than previously for some reason, I think I was almost as caught up in Daigoro's historical fiction part of the story this time as I was with Mariko's police procedural tale in modern Japan. Even though the connection between them was kind of thin. Yes, they're both stories that at their foundation have the swords in them, and the mask, and now the knife too, but they're not significant factors in the stories. Or maybe it's more that they're pivotal but not significant when it comes to how much time they appear in the stories. Anyway, the connection between the past and present seems tenuous so far other than affirming that Mariko isn't crazy for thinking that the mask or weapons have some supernatural properties, which I think probably wouldn't take half of three books to affirm. And now The Wind is also a tiny part of Daigoro's story and a larger part of Mariko's story. So I'm sure there is going to be a stronger connection at some point but we'll see, maybe the next book will focus more on The Wind and their obsession with the weapons. I'm pretty much taking it on faith throughout most of this that the connection between this interacting historical story and this super modern story is going somewhere eventually because the writing is really enjoyable and I don't have any reason at all to think the author would lead me wrong. Plus the part about loving reading about Mariko, I mentioned that, right?
May 4, 2016
This book's got a good concept. The main character is a female detective working in Tokyo. Her enemy is a cult leader with some supernatural powers apparently conferred by an iron demon mask that he wears.
There's a lot of action and the pace is fast. The author also inserts a story of feudal Japan, about a powerful mystical sword (which also shows up in the present, along with the mask) and the politics that surround it and its wielder.
While the ingredients for a good story are all there, I never really warmed to Mariko. She didn't quite feel like a real person to me. The same for the feudal characters, especially the women. In the flashback part of the book, many pages are taken up by infodumps about the political situation, feudal Japanese culture, and characters' backstory. It wasn't very smoothly done, and it made me impatient. Plus the villain is gay, or at least willing to pleasure the emperor sexually, and it feels like his sexual orientation is thrown in there to make him seem more villainous-not cool.
If you're not worried about characters as much as plot and don't mind big infodumps about feudal Japan, you can probably just enjoy the action. While the action was perfectly fine, I needed a bit more to really enjoy the book.
There's a lot of action and the pace is fast. The author also inserts a story of feudal Japan, about a powerful mystical sword (which also shows up in the present, along with the mask) and the politics that surround it and its wielder.
While the ingredients for a good story are all there, I never really warmed to Mariko. She didn't quite feel like a real person to me. The same for the feudal characters, especially the women. In the flashback part of the book, many pages are taken up by infodumps about the political situation, feudal Japanese culture, and characters' backstory. It wasn't very smoothly done, and it made me impatient. Plus the villain is gay, or at least willing to pleasure the emperor sexually, and it feels like his sexual orientation is thrown in there to make him seem more villainous-not cool.
If you're not worried about characters as much as plot and don't mind big infodumps about feudal Japan, you can probably just enjoy the action. While the action was perfectly fine, I needed a bit more to really enjoy the book.
April 28, 2015
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!
April 14, 2015
Need more fast! Excellent read for fans of Japanese culture and history
Excellently plotted urban fantasy(?) mythology set in modern day Japan. This is third instalment (all are stand alone) continues the authors meticulously plotted and researched American raised female cop heroine as she races to stop essentially Japan's deadliest urban terrorist.
The interplay between Japan's historical past frames the action in the present with the actual actors driving the story to be almost sentient swords.
Part of the fun is in the historical section trying to separate fact from fiction. More Mariko soon please.
Excellently plotted urban fantasy(?) mythology set in modern day Japan. This is third instalment (all are stand alone) continues the authors meticulously plotted and researched American raised female cop heroine as she races to stop essentially Japan's deadliest urban terrorist.
The interplay between Japan's historical past frames the action in the present with the actual actors driving the story to be almost sentient swords.
Part of the fun is in the historical section trying to separate fact from fiction. More Mariko soon please.
April 7, 2016
Fantastic. I'm saddened to know that this was the last book in the series. I really do hope the author will return to this universe
February 24, 2020
Disciple of the Wind is the third and final book in the Fated Blades series written by Steve Bein. It is a highly detailed blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo staring Detective Sergeant Mariko Oshiro.
Mariko has faced severe challenges, lost her trigger finger on her right hand, destroyed her career after shooting a terrorist while saving dozens of innocents, and has no remote control for her emotions or her attitude towards incompetent supervisors.
Furthermore, she is the only voice within the Department who knows how dangerous the villain of this book really is, because she had a chance to stop him once, and failed. Mariko's path takes her into the realm of the Disciples of the Wind who have access to every part of Japan's society. They may be the only avenue she has in order to stop the villain from destroying the Japan that she has come to call home.
Disciple of the Wind is written rather well. Bein's writing wonderfully twists a bit of paranormal into a modern world with a fantastic heroine. Bein impressed me with he learned knowledge of Japanese culture and impressively weave a story in the ancient past in 1588 and how they are connected through fated swords.
Overall, the Fated Blades trilogy is written rather well and deserves more recognition than currently given. Bein has wonderfully blended a police procedural with the Bushido code, Japanese culture and ancient history with Japanese mysticism. He manages to blend two distinct stories one in the present with Mariko Oshiro and the other in 1588 with Diagoro and how their stories connect in particular in one fated blade.
All in all, Disciple of the Wind is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
Mariko has faced severe challenges, lost her trigger finger on her right hand, destroyed her career after shooting a terrorist while saving dozens of innocents, and has no remote control for her emotions or her attitude towards incompetent supervisors.
Furthermore, she is the only voice within the Department who knows how dangerous the villain of this book really is, because she had a chance to stop him once, and failed. Mariko's path takes her into the realm of the Disciples of the Wind who have access to every part of Japan's society. They may be the only avenue she has in order to stop the villain from destroying the Japan that she has come to call home.
Disciple of the Wind is written rather well. Bein's writing wonderfully twists a bit of paranormal into a modern world with a fantastic heroine. Bein impressed me with he learned knowledge of Japanese culture and impressively weave a story in the ancient past in 1588 and how they are connected through fated swords.
Overall, the Fated Blades trilogy is written rather well and deserves more recognition than currently given. Bein has wonderfully blended a police procedural with the Bushido code, Japanese culture and ancient history with Japanese mysticism. He manages to blend two distinct stories one in the present with Mariko Oshiro and the other in 1588 with Diagoro and how their stories connect in particular in one fated blade.
All in all, Disciple of the Wind is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
September 2, 2025
While I did ultimately enjoy this book, it fell ever so slightly short of the standards set by the first two books in my view. Daigoro and Mariko's stories felt more scattershot and sluggish a lot of the time - especially Mariko's - and while characters like Nene made great additions, Joko Daishi lost a lot of his menace in this book.
The events around the conclusion worked for me. But the beginning and middle of the book fell short of my expectations, and while it didn't make the book a slog by any means, it means the book is probably an 8 or an 8.5/10. B- , B.
Most of the series' strengths are still present in this conclusion, but I'm giving it 4/5 stars as a sin eater for the flaws in the prior books which weren't reflected in my 5 star rating.
The events around the conclusion worked for me. But the beginning and middle of the book fell short of my expectations, and while it didn't make the book a slog by any means, it means the book is probably an 8 or an 8.5/10. B- , B.
Most of the series' strengths are still present in this conclusion, but I'm giving it 4/5 stars as a sin eater for the flaws in the prior books which weren't reflected in my 5 star rating.
February 4, 2020
2.5 really.
The second and third books seem to go together a lot more than the first one does with the rest. Diagoro's storyline and Mariko's parallel each other's nicely. I liked this series, even if it ended up not being what I thought it was when I started. There isn't really any magic as such. The swords that make up the "fated blades" have curses on them that sometimes work in your favor and sometimes against. In both of the main storylines, the owners of these artifacts deal with the limitations of the curses in different ways.
I deducted a star because Mariko becomes insufferable in this book. I suppose the author is attempting to draw a parallel between the Bushido code and Mariko's dedication to the law, but at least the samurai don't act like a-holes while they're doing it. Mariko is unreasonably rude so much that I was getting irritated at her.
October 16, 2018
Ties things up very satisfyingly, and ups the magic quotient some.
___
These girls were raised on Facebook and Twitter. They had no sense of privacy, nor even any sense that privacy was desirable. Their lives were open to the world.
Of all the wondrous inventions of mortal man, he'd never imagined a soft, clean, warm, dry bed was foremost among them. Life as a samurai could never have taught him that; he could learn it only as a fugitive.
"You don't owe me anything."
"True. A ronin swears oaths to no one and no one swears oaths to him. He's alone in this world except for his friends. I don't owe you friendship. But you have it from me anyway."
___
These girls were raised on Facebook and Twitter. They had no sense of privacy, nor even any sense that privacy was desirable. Their lives were open to the world.
Of all the wondrous inventions of mortal man, he'd never imagined a soft, clean, warm, dry bed was foremost among them. Life as a samurai could never have taught him that; he could learn it only as a fugitive.
"You don't owe me anything."
"True. A ronin swears oaths to no one and no one swears oaths to him. He's alone in this world except for his friends. I don't owe you friendship. But you have it from me anyway."
June 25, 2019
An impressive conclusion to the Fated Blade Series by Steve Bein. This is a well written story set in modern-day Japan, where main protagonist, a tough and street smart Tokyo narc officer Mariko Oshiro faces her greatest challenge in the form of an ancient secret society influencing Japanese politics and economy. Just as the previous two books in the trilogy, the author places his protagonist in interesting and challenging situations that are sometimes dangerous and unpredictable. Mariko's character development is strong, and the storyline moves smoothly from start to finish. Well gone!
David Crane Author of Demon Heart and Demon Heart 2 Never Say Die
David Crane Author of Demon Heart and Demon Heart 2 Never Say Die
November 17, 2025
The sexist Kusamo is continually befuddled by Oshiro, even when she is not present (e.g. a terrorist demands to see her and proclaims Kusamo to be an idiot and only Oshiro would understand).
There was again the historical backstory with the Bear Cub outmaneuvering stronger and more numerous opponents.
There were many funny moments.
There was again the historical backstory with the Bear Cub outmaneuvering stronger and more numerous opponents.
There were many funny moments.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed the first - couldn't get the 2nd so skipped it. THe third, possibly as a result, felt like had strayed too far into mysticism and over-state views.
SO while still held me, and liked the last 3rd wrap up, was not as good as recall the first.
SO while still held me, and liked the last 3rd wrap up, was not as good as recall the first.
January 4, 2018
Good sequel to the series. Love the two timelines. Nice twist in both eras. Modern setting very apt.
Hope he writes more.
Hope he writes more.
September 9, 2015
Steve Bein's Fated Blades series, continues with Disciple of the Wind. This is really, really good Urban Fantasy. It combines a police procedural with mythology and Japanese history and also has a streak of magic in it, complete with mystical Japanese swords. Bein's lead character Mariko defies stereo-types and kicks some serious butt. Be it cop or rogue, she is one amazing heroine! Readers who enjoy urban fantasy will love it and if you're new to it, this is a good place to start.
What I liked:
I don't even know where to start with what I liked about this one, there is simply so much that I could talk about. First of all, I read a lot of urban fantasy, though that is not the prevailing theme of my blog, it is one of my favorite genres for personal reading. Urban fantasy is different from Paranormal Romance, because there is often no romance at all or very little. The focus is on the paranormal more so than romance. It is a lot about strong characters with magical influences, strong themes and tends to be a little darker and more edgy. Steve Bein's is a writer who understands those differences and uses them to his complete advantage.
In Disciple of the Wind readers get a gritty, raw reading experience that takes things like magic and mythology and makes them more accessible and realistic than a book based on romance does. I quite frankly, haven't read too many urban fantasy titles that are based in the Japanese culture and I was completely sucked in by this one. I loved everything from the cover, to the blurb on the back. Bein uses a deft hand with his characters and he blends the past a present in a way that makes sense to me as a reader. It shows the importance of history and how that history can affect the present. Just an amazing use of historical background!
Mariko is a heroine like few others I have ever read. She is driven, hot tempered and the wielder of a magical sword that would be the envy of any superhero. She has a strong sense of duty and what is right and wrong. Being a cop she has to deal with a lot of politics about what she can and can't do. Being a rogue she still has to worry about outside influences that can pollute her quest for justice. She was magical in every way. She kicked butt and took names all in the name of fighting terrorism in present day Japan. An amazingly written character that readers will not soon be able to forget.
The parts of Mariko's story that deal with the imminent attack on Tokyo are largely written like a police procedural. Those can get a little boring at times in my opinion but not this one. I loved all of the discussion about the Wind and how their form of justice was different from Mariko's ideas. Good stuff! The action is fast paced and never lets up. But the reader gets a breather when the author goes back to the past with the quest of Diagoro and his mission to find the mystical sword. The Japanese history and legends that Bein tells the reader about give this book a feeling of being on a hero's journey. I am a big fan of history and legends and this part really sang to my soul. Very well written and with exceptional attention to detail. Everything worked so well together and past and present blurred in a sense. Great writing!
Bottom Line:
This was just a fantastic book! One of my favorites of the year in this genre. Can't say enough good things about it. Excellent characters, remarkable use of blending the past and present, an urgency that pervaded the book, but with sequences that slowed it down just enough. So much that I loved about this one. I didn't want this one to end, but the ending was so well crafted that I wanted to skip to the back just to experience it. How many books can you say that about? Wow! That's about the best way to sum it up. I want more, quickly...lol!
What I liked:
I don't even know where to start with what I liked about this one, there is simply so much that I could talk about. First of all, I read a lot of urban fantasy, though that is not the prevailing theme of my blog, it is one of my favorite genres for personal reading. Urban fantasy is different from Paranormal Romance, because there is often no romance at all or very little. The focus is on the paranormal more so than romance. It is a lot about strong characters with magical influences, strong themes and tends to be a little darker and more edgy. Steve Bein's is a writer who understands those differences and uses them to his complete advantage.
In Disciple of the Wind readers get a gritty, raw reading experience that takes things like magic and mythology and makes them more accessible and realistic than a book based on romance does. I quite frankly, haven't read too many urban fantasy titles that are based in the Japanese culture and I was completely sucked in by this one. I loved everything from the cover, to the blurb on the back. Bein uses a deft hand with his characters and he blends the past a present in a way that makes sense to me as a reader. It shows the importance of history and how that history can affect the present. Just an amazing use of historical background!
Mariko is a heroine like few others I have ever read. She is driven, hot tempered and the wielder of a magical sword that would be the envy of any superhero. She has a strong sense of duty and what is right and wrong. Being a cop she has to deal with a lot of politics about what she can and can't do. Being a rogue she still has to worry about outside influences that can pollute her quest for justice. She was magical in every way. She kicked butt and took names all in the name of fighting terrorism in present day Japan. An amazingly written character that readers will not soon be able to forget.
The parts of Mariko's story that deal with the imminent attack on Tokyo are largely written like a police procedural. Those can get a little boring at times in my opinion but not this one. I loved all of the discussion about the Wind and how their form of justice was different from Mariko's ideas. Good stuff! The action is fast paced and never lets up. But the reader gets a breather when the author goes back to the past with the quest of Diagoro and his mission to find the mystical sword. The Japanese history and legends that Bein tells the reader about give this book a feeling of being on a hero's journey. I am a big fan of history and legends and this part really sang to my soul. Very well written and with exceptional attention to detail. Everything worked so well together and past and present blurred in a sense. Great writing!
Bottom Line:
This was just a fantastic book! One of my favorites of the year in this genre. Can't say enough good things about it. Excellent characters, remarkable use of blending the past and present, an urgency that pervaded the book, but with sequences that slowed it down just enough. So much that I loved about this one. I didn't want this one to end, but the ending was so well crafted that I wanted to skip to the back just to experience it. How many books can you say that about? Wow! That's about the best way to sum it up. I want more, quickly...lol!
February 17, 2017
This is a great fusion of historical fiction and a modern day crime/cop drama.
The author has clearly done a lot of research while writing and developing this book and this series. Both the modern day and historical plots show evidence of this. While I am hardly any kind of authority on anything Japanese there is still a distinct difference between someone who is simply a fan of Japan and someone who truly knows, understands and has researched the culture, people, and setting they are writing about. It's something that I can feel as I read through the book and I congratulate the author on their willingness to put in such effort.
Again Mariko continues to be my favorite part of the series. She's such a fascinating character and so well done. A driven woman who faces a lot of misogyny and arrogance towards her and what she does or is trying to do. She faces a lot of disrespect throughout the book and it's easy to understand why she gets so fed up with it. Her attempt to balance Japanese culture, honor and also police laws with her own attitude and feelings makes for some tough decisions at times.
The story that started in the last book continues in both modern and past settings. The Divine Wind enacts their plan across Japan with devastating results and there are some definite moments of nail biting tension as Mariko races around trying to solve and stop this dangerous cult.
This was a great book and one that is very well written and researched. This is a must have for those looking for historical or modern Japanese themed fiction.
The author has clearly done a lot of research while writing and developing this book and this series. Both the modern day and historical plots show evidence of this. While I am hardly any kind of authority on anything Japanese there is still a distinct difference between someone who is simply a fan of Japan and someone who truly knows, understands and has researched the culture, people, and setting they are writing about. It's something that I can feel as I read through the book and I congratulate the author on their willingness to put in such effort.
Again Mariko continues to be my favorite part of the series. She's such a fascinating character and so well done. A driven woman who faces a lot of misogyny and arrogance towards her and what she does or is trying to do. She faces a lot of disrespect throughout the book and it's easy to understand why she gets so fed up with it. Her attempt to balance Japanese culture, honor and also police laws with her own attitude and feelings makes for some tough decisions at times.
The story that started in the last book continues in both modern and past settings. The Divine Wind enacts their plan across Japan with devastating results and there are some definite moments of nail biting tension as Mariko races around trying to solve and stop this dangerous cult.
This was a great book and one that is very well written and researched. This is a must have for those looking for historical or modern Japanese themed fiction.
March 10, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Now that I have finished book three, I see the ending has been left open for another book. I surely hope there will be a fourth novel.
I've greatly enjoyed the jumps back in time, looking at the Azuchi–Momoyama period of Japanese culture. Steve Bein has done his research well and has a real gift for drawing the reader back to the time of the Samurai and the code of Bushido.
The story of Daigoro reaches a conclusion that I won't spoil. His brush with the wind and encounters with the Inazuma blades help set the stage for the present age crisis in which Mariko finds herself embroiled. In this volume, she faces off again against Joko Daishi, but without some of the resources she has had in the past.
She faces some very difficult moral choices and her decisions make for some exciting reading. This is smart urban fantasy at its best, with just a touch of magic to spice things up. Mariko is one of the best heroines I've read in a long time, and these three books are at the top of the heap of books I've read this year.
I knew nothing about Japanese history when I started this series, and I have enjoyed looking at the rich and storied path of honor at its heart.
One final note, I have enjoyed all three of these books in audiobook format. Allison Hiroto's reading has been excellent. Had I read them either in ebook or paper-bound format, My unfamiliarity with the pronunciations might have lessened my enjoyment. Her reading was consistently good, and only added to my enjoyment.
I've greatly enjoyed the jumps back in time, looking at the Azuchi–Momoyama period of Japanese culture. Steve Bein has done his research well and has a real gift for drawing the reader back to the time of the Samurai and the code of Bushido.
The story of Daigoro reaches a conclusion that I won't spoil. His brush with the wind and encounters with the Inazuma blades help set the stage for the present age crisis in which Mariko finds herself embroiled. In this volume, she faces off again against Joko Daishi, but without some of the resources she has had in the past.
She faces some very difficult moral choices and her decisions make for some exciting reading. This is smart urban fantasy at its best, with just a touch of magic to spice things up. Mariko is one of the best heroines I've read in a long time, and these three books are at the top of the heap of books I've read this year.
I knew nothing about Japanese history when I started this series, and I have enjoyed looking at the rich and storied path of honor at its heart.
One final note, I have enjoyed all three of these books in audiobook format. Allison Hiroto's reading has been excellent. Had I read them either in ebook or paper-bound format, My unfamiliarity with the pronunciations might have lessened my enjoyment. Her reading was consistently good, and only added to my enjoyment.
March 19, 2016
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.
October 4, 2015
This is the third in the series (Year of the Demon, Daughter of the Wind) and equally good. Detective Mariko Oshiro has a cursed Inazuma blade and is still fighting the evil holder of an also cursed mask who thinks he should control the world. Her boss at the police precinct in Tokyo is worthless and she has to try to work around him to solve the mystery of what will happen next and how she can prevent it. Her partner is very likeable but has his own career to think of even though he tosses it away to help her when she needs him, which is not often because she is a pretty kick-butt kind of girl. The author left room for the continuation of the series so we may have more of these to look forward to. For more stories with an unusual lead character, try Jay Kristoff’s “The Lotus War” series.
December 16, 2016
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.
May 6, 2015
This series just gets better and better. The last book ended with Mariko narrowly heading off a terrorist attack by the Divine Wind cult and their mad leader Joko Daishi. That should make her a hero, but instead she's demoted, and eventually suspended. It's up to her to turn things around, and the mysterious Wind shinobi clan are after her too. Between chapters of the present day are sprinkled the historical deeds of the ronin Daigoro, who also wielded Mariko's Inazuma sword, Glorious Victory Unsought.
November 27, 2016
A contemporary adventure and historical fantasy about doing the right thing, making hard choices, loyalty, learning that “sometimes you are only what you can make yourself believe you are,” fate vs. free will, and individual rights vs. the greater good. There is danger, suspense, terrorist attacks, police investigation, philosophical discussions about honor and morality, and mystical (or divine) mask and blades. I was enthralled by Mariko’s struggle to retain her honor while saving lives and by Daigoro’s commitment to keeping his honor while working to defeat his enemy.
May 5, 2015
It seems like with this book Mariko crossed more lines than she ever thought she would and didn't feel really good about it. I can see why Mariko felt that way, but sometimes you have to look at the big picture instead of the small one. I do like that Han knows what Mariko did and understands her trepidation. He can also be someone to hold her in check.
The past story with the Bear Cub was great, I liked how he managed to be one move ahead of everyone and how things ended for him.
The past story with the Bear Cub was great, I liked how he managed to be one move ahead of everyone and how things ended for him.
May 18, 2015
What a fitting conclusion to the Fated Blades series. Or, maybe not a conclusion? I hope for many more from Bein. His characters of Mariko and Daigoro are vividly written. I'd trust Mariko to have my back in a fight, or anything else. Bein's research is incredible, but, first and foremost, the story is the point. He jumps from 2010 to 1588 with ease. I would recommend these books to anyone who loves great writing and an excellent story.
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