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Hyo and the Deep-Rooted Demon
A breath-taking YA mystery fantasy, illustrated with stunning Japanese-inspired artwork, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Xiran Jay Zhao and R.F. Kuang.
Meet the Hakai Family Hellmakers: Purveyors of artisan hells and unlucky days to inflict upon your enemies.
They'll make it personal... But for a price!
Onogoro is in the middle of electing a new chief - but, as the deadline looms, a sword-wielding serial killer comes to town. Hyo, busy trying to solve a kidnapping mystery, soon crosses paths with the serial killer himself, who reveals a sinister conspiracy with the future of the island at stake. Promising vengeance, Hyo embarks on her strangest special commission yet - and learns more about the powers of being a Hellmaker...
The second YA fantasy from author and illustrator Mina Ikemoto Ghosh. This beautiful package is highly illustrated with Manga style art. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows, Iron Widow and Spirited Away.
Meet the Hakai Family Hellmakers: Purveyors of artisan hells and unlucky days to inflict upon your enemies.
They'll make it personal... But for a price!
Onogoro is in the middle of electing a new chief - but, as the deadline looms, a sword-wielding serial killer comes to town. Hyo, busy trying to solve a kidnapping mystery, soon crosses paths with the serial killer himself, who reveals a sinister conspiracy with the future of the island at stake. Promising vengeance, Hyo embarks on her strangest special commission yet - and learns more about the powers of being a Hellmaker...
The second YA fantasy from author and illustrator Mina Ikemoto Ghosh. This beautiful package is highly illustrated with Manga style art. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows, Iron Widow and Spirited Away.
- GenresFantasy
560 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
Part Crime Noir, part YA High Fantasy; Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s gorgeously illustrated follow up to Hyo the Hellmaker was a mystery-filled, atmospheric and unputdownable read that I couldn’t get enough of!
Delving even deeper into the lore surrounding the island of Onogoro: it’s Gods, high stakes power plays and political practices. Ghosh’s prose brings a grittier, almost Lovecraftian sense of depth to the narrative that really builds on that feeling of anxiety and tension. And made our ensemble characters feel even more compelling. (Though I did have a rather visceral reaction to that sentient ship.)
I especially loved finally exploring Hyo and (her brother) Mansaku’s past in more depth! It was one of the things I wanted to see more of, and Ghosh really doesn’t disappoint here.
From Hyo’s relationship with her brother, the generational curse their family carries (which forces Hyo to seek out victims of wrongdoing and bring justice.) To the magical binding that forged Mansaku into a living weapon; the interconnected level of detail is exquisite.
I’m in awe at how effortlessly everything came together. And will definitely have to go back and reread, as the twists and revelations were so cleverly orchestrated.
I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything so I’ll leave things there. But I will say, I loved the slow burn mystery, complex world building and found family dynamics. (The latter of which made the parallels to real world issues feel less pessimistic.)
Overall, a must read for YA Fantasy lovers, fans Japanese mythology and Edo-era storytelling (or plots involving Gods, curses and spirits.)
Also, thanks to Scholastic UK for the PB copy.
Part Crime Noir, part YA High Fantasy; Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s gorgeously illustrated follow up to Hyo the Hellmaker was a mystery-filled, atmospheric and unputdownable read that I couldn’t get enough of!
Delving even deeper into the lore surrounding the island of Onogoro: it’s Gods, high stakes power plays and political practices. Ghosh’s prose brings a grittier, almost Lovecraftian sense of depth to the narrative that really builds on that feeling of anxiety and tension. And made our ensemble characters feel even more compelling. (Though I did have a rather visceral reaction to that sentient ship.)
I especially loved finally exploring Hyo and (her brother) Mansaku’s past in more depth! It was one of the things I wanted to see more of, and Ghosh really doesn’t disappoint here.
From Hyo’s relationship with her brother, the generational curse their family carries (which forces Hyo to seek out victims of wrongdoing and bring justice.) To the magical binding that forged Mansaku into a living weapon; the interconnected level of detail is exquisite.
I’m in awe at how effortlessly everything came together. And will definitely have to go back and reread, as the twists and revelations were so cleverly orchestrated.
I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything so I’ll leave things there. But I will say, I loved the slow burn mystery, complex world building and found family dynamics. (The latter of which made the parallels to real world issues feel less pessimistic.)
Overall, a must read for YA Fantasy lovers, fans Japanese mythology and Edo-era storytelling (or plots involving Gods, curses and spirits.)
Also, thanks to Scholastic UK for the PB copy.
August 25, 2026
Much like Hyo the Hellmaker, this is very much deserving of more attention than it seems to be getting.
Much like book 1, a mystery is at the centre of this one, but whereas the lore of the world drove the first book, politics of the world are more central to the plot this time around. With a constant commentary at external manipulation of political systems, deliberate control of information, and the side effects that can have on the empathy of a population towards others running as connective tissue throughout, timely considering real world events.
Some of the imagery is also stunningly and at times disturbingly described as well, with the god-ships description and lore being the creepiest highlight. All this is paired with the fact this book once again is stunning, with illustrations throughout aiding in the descriptions, with some page colours inverting at times depending on what is happening on the page.
If I had 1 criticism, it is that a lot of the world bullding and reveals come in detail heavy dialogue rather than allowing things to be discovered by context, which can feel at times more like info-dumping rather than actual conversation. It was an issue at times in Hellmaker, and feels more prevalent in Deep Routed Demon.
Despite those gripes though, this continues to be a fascinating world read, aided by the books strong presentation, and I hope we do get a continuation of the series, and that more people discover these gorgeous books.
Much like book 1, a mystery is at the centre of this one, but whereas the lore of the world drove the first book, politics of the world are more central to the plot this time around. With a constant commentary at external manipulation of political systems, deliberate control of information, and the side effects that can have on the empathy of a population towards others running as connective tissue throughout, timely considering real world events.
Some of the imagery is also stunningly and at times disturbingly described as well, with the god-ships description and lore being the creepiest highlight. All this is paired with the fact this book once again is stunning, with illustrations throughout aiding in the descriptions, with some page colours inverting at times depending on what is happening on the page.
If I had 1 criticism, it is that a lot of the world bullding and reveals come in detail heavy dialogue rather than allowing things to be discovered by context, which can feel at times more like info-dumping rather than actual conversation. It was an issue at times in Hellmaker, and feels more prevalent in Deep Routed Demon.
Despite those gripes though, this continues to be a fascinating world read, aided by the books strong presentation, and I hope we do get a continuation of the series, and that more people discover these gorgeous books.
June 27, 2026
I received a review copy from the publisher in preparation for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.
HYO AND THE DEEP-ROOTED DEMON returns to a world of gods, curses, and a girl trying to navigate them.
This world is a lot of fun, with gods just wandering around and getting involved in things. This time we see a different form of godly power than in HYO THE HELLMAKER - ships made from the bodies of gods. It was cool to see another part of the world explored here, as well as digging deeper into the object-person bond that's so key to Hyo's brother.
The heart of the book is whether the case can give them a chance to save her brother, as he's also dying from being bonded to an object. It's a useful way to give the story emotional stakes but it resolves in a far more emotional complex way than I expected (mirrored in the way the election storyline ends too). I liked how the author's note acknowledges this and explains why she chose these endings - it makes a lot of sense and I appreciate the sentiment.
I liked how this linked into HYO THE HELLMAKER. It takes up a hanging thread and uses that as a starting point for a new mystery. It's a nice way to link the mysteries together into a series bound by more than just the same detective. The kidnapping ends up being less important than you'd expect, but that was fine as the other one was very interesting.
I don't know if there's going to be another book or not. This was sold as a two book set and there isn't a hanging mystery thread at the end here, unlike previously. There is an interpersonal thread that's loose, though the final lines could be taken as some form of closure. I'd like another!
HYO AND THE DEEP-ROOTED DEMON returns to a world of gods, curses, and a girl trying to navigate them.
This world is a lot of fun, with gods just wandering around and getting involved in things. This time we see a different form of godly power than in HYO THE HELLMAKER - ships made from the bodies of gods. It was cool to see another part of the world explored here, as well as digging deeper into the object-person bond that's so key to Hyo's brother.
The heart of the book is whether the case can give them a chance to save her brother, as he's also dying from being bonded to an object. It's a useful way to give the story emotional stakes but it resolves in a far more emotional complex way than I expected (mirrored in the way the election storyline ends too). I liked how the author's note acknowledges this and explains why she chose these endings - it makes a lot of sense and I appreciate the sentiment.
I liked how this linked into HYO THE HELLMAKER. It takes up a hanging thread and uses that as a starting point for a new mystery. It's a nice way to link the mysteries together into a series bound by more than just the same detective. The kidnapping ends up being less important than you'd expect, but that was fine as the other one was very interesting.
I don't know if there's going to be another book or not. This was sold as a two book set and there isn't a hanging mystery thread at the end here, unlike previously. There is an interpersonal thread that's loose, though the final lines could be taken as some form of closure. I'd like another!
August 25, 2026
Hyo the Hellmaker was one of my favorite reads of 2025, and I was shocked that Scholastic decided not to publish book two in the US. I’m so glad I reached out to the author, Mina Ikemoto Ghosh, who directed me to a site where I could order it from the UK. THANK YOU MINA! It was so worth it! It definitely was darker than the first book, but I liked how it focused more on the Hakai family and their complex relationships.
I really love the characters in this series. Hyo and Mansaku are such a great duo and it was nice to see more of a sibling relationship between the two. The mystery in the book is so good and the world is so cool. Learning more about the Harbourlakes and the pater in pieces was super interesting (but kinda nasty). I thought the book did a great job connecting the plot from book one, while still having its own unique plot, that grew to be more important than just tying up loose ends from the first book.
The book series has such a unique style and magic system, so I sincerely hope that there is a book three or even more. I need to know what happened after that ending!! Definitely try out this series if Japanese folktales, Studio Ghibili, beautiful illustrations, or just fantasy in general interests you.
5 stars for the book and 5 stars for Mina Ikemoto Ghosh, the best author around! 😆
I really love the characters in this series. Hyo and Mansaku are such a great duo and it was nice to see more of a sibling relationship between the two. The mystery in the book is so good and the world is so cool. Learning more about the Harbourlakes and the pater in pieces was super interesting (but kinda nasty). I thought the book did a great job connecting the plot from book one, while still having its own unique plot, that grew to be more important than just tying up loose ends from the first book.
The book series has such a unique style and magic system, so I sincerely hope that there is a book three or even more. I need to know what happened after that ending!! Definitely try out this series if Japanese folktales, Studio Ghibili, beautiful illustrations, or just fantasy in general interests you.
5 stars for the book and 5 stars for Mina Ikemoto Ghosh, the best author around! 😆
September 24, 2026
Returning to the world of Hyo and the Deep-Rooted Demon was a long-awaited pleasure after absolutely loving the first book. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh has created something genuinely special here: a wonderfully strange, darkly imaginative fantasy brought to life through absolutely gorgeous illustrations that make every page a delight.
Hyo and Mansaku's adventures are packed with mythology, unsettling creatures, mystery and gloriously bizarre worldbuilding, but it's the characters and the sheer originality of this world that really won me over. I adored being back in Onogoro, and the illustrations make the experience feel all the more magical.
Overall: A strange, ambitious and beautifully illustrated fantasy with plenty of heart beneath its unsettling exterior. Hyo remains a fascinating protagonist, and I'm definitely invested in seeing where this series goes next.
Hyo and Mansaku's adventures are packed with mythology, unsettling creatures, mystery and gloriously bizarre worldbuilding, but it's the characters and the sheer originality of this world that really won me over. I adored being back in Onogoro, and the illustrations make the experience feel all the more magical.
Overall: A strange, ambitious and beautifully illustrated fantasy with plenty of heart beneath its unsettling exterior. Hyo remains a fascinating protagonist, and I'm definitely invested in seeing where this series goes next.
April 14, 2026
This was just as fantastic as the first book. I continue to be blown away by the art and how it’s incorporated into the story itself.
I loved how this gave us more of Mansaku and I’m hoping the next one gives us more of Natsuami and Tokifuyu because I loved them in the last book and loved what we got of them in this one. The found family feels in this are really good. As is the bond between Hyo and Mansaku.
The continuing world building was excellent and I really enjoyed the expanding world. The politics (local elections are important!) and godly intrigue were so well done.
Also Hyo is so badass. I love her a lot.
I honestly can’t wait for more!
I loved how this gave us more of Mansaku and I’m hoping the next one gives us more of Natsuami and Tokifuyu because I loved them in the last book and loved what we got of them in this one. The found family feels in this are really good. As is the bond between Hyo and Mansaku.
The continuing world building was excellent and I really enjoyed the expanding world. The politics (local elections are important!) and godly intrigue were so well done.
Also Hyo is so badass. I love her a lot.
I honestly can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A barnstormer of a follow up from Mina, this time focusing much more on Hyo's relationship with Mansaku and his complicated role as a living weapon the spirit of which is slowly killing him.
She also deftly pulls the strands of book one together into book 2 creating a fascinating villain in the Scholar and dystopian political situation familiar to anyone with access to current affairs.
This series is a standout with gripping narrative. fascinating religion, eldritch horror boats, and characters and relationships I want so much more of. Can I have book 3 immediately please?
She also deftly pulls the strands of book one together into book 2 creating a fascinating villain in the Scholar and dystopian political situation familiar to anyone with access to current affairs.
This series is a standout with gripping narrative. fascinating religion, eldritch horror boats, and characters and relationships I want so much more of. Can I have book 3 immediately please?
June 10, 2026
I wish these books had a bigger of a fandom
I think that I will forever be a tad confused with these books but I don’t care . All the new things like The Pater in Pieces , Frogfish and the concept of the living ships were so interesting along with the additional political world building
I understand why Natsuami and Toki took a second place role but I wished they played a bigger role especially Natsuami since I’m probably the first Natsuami x Hyo shipper
Can’t wait for the next one
I think that I will forever be a tad confused with these books but I don’t care . All the new things like The Pater in Pieces , Frogfish and the concept of the living ships were so interesting along with the additional political world building
I understand why Natsuami and Toki took a second place role but I wished they played a bigger role especially Natsuami since I’m probably the first Natsuami x Hyo shipper
Can’t wait for the next one
July 14, 2026
Sometimes hard to follow and keep track of all the gods, spirits and places involved. Overall a fun mystery and slightly gore-ish story whoch sometimes lacks direction when describing the surroundings.
June 21, 2026
I liked how this one had a different focus than the first, in a good way, good twists and the artwork is still stunning. 👌
June 26, 2026
Once again beautifully strange
June 6, 2026
God the idea of god-meat being propagated and then grown into giant, sentient, floating fucking flesh ships that its occupants must consume… 4.5
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews