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Yamada Monogatari
Yamada Monogatari: The War God's Son
The Abe clan and its allies are in full rebellion. When the Emperor's greatest military leader, Yoshiie, is targeted for assassination by magic, it is up to the newly sober Lord Yamada and his exorcist associate Kenji to keep the young man alive long enough to put down the uprising before the entire country is consumed by war. Yamada knows how to deal with demons, monsters, and angry ghosts, but the greatest threat of all is one final assassin, hidden in a place where no one—especially Lord Yamada—would ever think to look.
Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
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About the author
Richard Parks
141 books113 followersI write mostly fantasy, both short stories and novels. My third short story collection, On the Banks of the River of Heaven was published in November, 2010. My second novella with PS Publishing, The Heavenly Fox, was released in early 2011. I've been a finalist for both the World Fantasy Award and the Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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August 18, 2016The novels are not as elegant or wonderful
As the short stories but this is still very much a pleasing and satisfying read. Most of the puzzle and mystery elements wrere easily guessed but that didn'tmatter
As the short stories but this is still very much a pleasing and satisfying read. Most of the puzzle and mystery elements wrere easily guessed but that didn'tmatter
November 24, 2020
Ok, I got sucked in pretty deep into Mr. Parks Yamada Monogatari series and here's a review on my latest read. Have to say good stuff! I love Yamada and Kenji makes a good foil for Yamada to work with, when one doesn't see the path, the other does and it makes them a good "Sherlock/Watson" team.
The story this time is a little different, seems our hero is sober and has his A game going. Have to love it. As usual he's with Kenji but rather than directly confronting ghosts, oni, and other spirits of Japan he's hired as a body to protect a general (Minamoto no Yoshii) in an upcoming campaign (don't worry, that's about all the plot I'll give you, you need to read it rather than a summary:-). This makes the story different but there's good similarities, namely his relationship with Kenji is the same but better (the bond is stronger and have to love how Yamada is stepping his game up). What's also interesting is Yamada has maintained his relationship to Prince Kanemore who's still his patron and has put him up to the task of protecting Yoshii.
For me this is a pretty solid 4 star book. While I'm not surprised by to much here I like to story telling and how Mr. Parks is developing our hero and bringing a little more of Japan's (and a little of China's) mythos/magic into the game while using history as a the backstop. There's a few surprises here (interestingly I picked up on the main one fairly early and the twist at the end is a little forced in my opinion) and I'll admit I enjoyed the "Chinese magic" but will also say a little over the top with it too (might have raised it past 4 stars if that hadn't been the everything here). A fun series no matter.
The story this time is a little different, seems our hero is sober and has his A game going. Have to love it. As usual he's with Kenji but rather than directly confronting ghosts, oni, and other spirits of Japan he's hired as a body to protect a general (Minamoto no Yoshii) in an upcoming campaign (don't worry, that's about all the plot I'll give you, you need to read it rather than a summary:-). This makes the story different but there's good similarities, namely his relationship with Kenji is the same but better (the bond is stronger and have to love how Yamada is stepping his game up). What's also interesting is Yamada has maintained his relationship to Prince Kanemore who's still his patron and has put him up to the task of protecting Yoshii.
For me this is a pretty solid 4 star book. While I'm not surprised by to much here I like to story telling and how Mr. Parks is developing our hero and bringing a little more of Japan's (and a little of China's) mythos/magic into the game while using history as a the backstop. There's a few surprises here (interestingly I picked up on the main one fairly early and the twist at the end is a little forced in my opinion) and I'll admit I enjoyed the "Chinese magic" but will also say a little over the top with it too (might have raised it past 4 stars if that hadn't been the everything here). A fun series no matter.
May 2, 2024
Best one of the series, good plot, not too much, and not too little action. Was really tense, and even when I as a reader knew what the plot was, it was still exciting if and when Yamada would discover what he needed to discover.
October 30, 2015
If you've ever wanted to read a noir detective story set in feudal Japan, this is the series for you. Lord Yamada and his loyal companion Kenji the monk solve crimes, right wrongs, and fight the supernatural, all while chiding each other gently about their flaws. It's pretty enjoyable.
One thing I like about this series is that Yamada is not extraordinary. He's pretty clever, but he's not Sherlock Holmes smart. He can hold his own in a fight, but he's not the greatest swordsman. He has knowledge of how to interact with the supernatural, but he needs Kenji to provide charms and handle exorcism. This makes him a much more believable character. Also his lack of supernatural powers means there's none of the power creep that seems to happen in similarly-themed urban fantasy novels, where the narrator grows stronger in each book.
My one complaint is that while Yamada is clever and good at solving problems, the author sometimes relies on making him conveniently forget or overlook something he learned, to stop him from figuring out the mystery. I spotted an upcoming plot twist pretty much as soon as the character involved in it was introduced, but it took Yamada many more chapters to figure it out.
Over all, though, I really enjoyed this book. It was well-paced, I like Yamada and Kenji's relationship and their interactions with the other characters. I like how much Parks seems to have researched Japan. His portrayal of supernatural creatures such as kitsune and kappa seems pretty traditional, and there's lots of little details about clothing and armor and etiquette and scenery that help the reader feel immersed.
At the end of this book, there's some significant changes to Lord Yamada's life and I almost thought that the series was wrapping up already, but apparently there's another book coming next year, so hopefully this will prove to be a series that doesn't insist on keeping its characters locked into status quo and instead allows growth and change. I'll definitely pick up the next one!
One thing I like about this series is that Yamada is not extraordinary. He's pretty clever, but he's not Sherlock Holmes smart. He can hold his own in a fight, but he's not the greatest swordsman. He has knowledge of how to interact with the supernatural, but he needs Kenji to provide charms and handle exorcism. This makes him a much more believable character. Also his lack of supernatural powers means there's none of the power creep that seems to happen in similarly-themed urban fantasy novels, where the narrator grows stronger in each book.
My one complaint is that while Yamada is clever and good at solving problems, the author sometimes relies on making him conveniently forget or overlook something he learned, to stop him from figuring out the mystery. I spotted an upcoming plot twist pretty much as soon as the character involved in it was introduced, but it took Yamada many more chapters to figure it out.
Over all, though, I really enjoyed this book. It was well-paced, I like Yamada and Kenji's relationship and their interactions with the other characters. I like how much Parks seems to have researched Japan. His portrayal of supernatural creatures such as kitsune and kappa seems pretty traditional, and there's lots of little details about clothing and armor and etiquette and scenery that help the reader feel immersed.
At the end of this book, there's some significant changes to Lord Yamada's life and I almost thought that the series was wrapping up already, but apparently there's another book coming next year, so hopefully this will prove to be a series that doesn't insist on keeping its characters locked into status quo and instead allows growth and change. I'll definitely pick up the next one!
August 10, 2016
This is the third of Richard Parks' books featuring the wandering Lord Yamada no Seboru, following a book of short stories (Yamada Monogatari: Demon Hunter) and a novel (Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate). I'd read the former and found it charming but never saw the latter. I picked up The War God's Son on the basis of the collection of Lord Yamada short stories.
The War God's Son finds Yamada and his friend Kenji (a most unpriestly priest) in the middle of a war that could lead to the eventual fall of the Emperor as a rebellious clan attempts to arrest full autonomy away from the capital.
Like the previous books, The War God's Son is set in a medieval Japan populated by humans, demons, ghosts and monsters. It reads unlike any fantasy series I've ever encountered (including a few set in ancient and modern Japan).
Lord Yamada is an honorable man whose misfortune it is to be the son of a disgraced lord (who was executed for his alleged crimes) who has rooms in a bordello. Kenji is more than a little debauched, but turns priestly at the strangest times (frequently perplexing himself as much as Lord Yamada).
They make an interesting team and this leads to adventures that are, to say the least, uncommon. In this case, they are to protect a clan leader's son as he takes the battle to the aforementioned rebellious clan.
Regular characters Lady Kuzunoha, a fox demon, and Prince Kanemore, the Crown Prince's uncle (and a good friend of Lord Yamada's) also play small but significant roles - as does Lord Yamada's sister, Lady Rie.
Parks writes in a very straightforward way, though his style in these books definitely reflects the culture and period in which his characters live.
Since I love to read novels set in different periods and utilizing different myths, legends and magic systems - as long as they also feature delightful, unique characters - I have to say that The War God's Son is a lovely read.
Now I have to seek out that middle book.
The War God's Son finds Yamada and his friend Kenji (a most unpriestly priest) in the middle of a war that could lead to the eventual fall of the Emperor as a rebellious clan attempts to arrest full autonomy away from the capital.
Like the previous books, The War God's Son is set in a medieval Japan populated by humans, demons, ghosts and monsters. It reads unlike any fantasy series I've ever encountered (including a few set in ancient and modern Japan).
Lord Yamada is an honorable man whose misfortune it is to be the son of a disgraced lord (who was executed for his alleged crimes) who has rooms in a bordello. Kenji is more than a little debauched, but turns priestly at the strangest times (frequently perplexing himself as much as Lord Yamada).
They make an interesting team and this leads to adventures that are, to say the least, uncommon. In this case, they are to protect a clan leader's son as he takes the battle to the aforementioned rebellious clan.
Regular characters Lady Kuzunoha, a fox demon, and Prince Kanemore, the Crown Prince's uncle (and a good friend of Lord Yamada's) also play small but significant roles - as does Lord Yamada's sister, Lady Rie.
Parks writes in a very straightforward way, though his style in these books definitely reflects the culture and period in which his characters live.
Since I love to read novels set in different periods and utilizing different myths, legends and magic systems - as long as they also feature delightful, unique characters - I have to say that The War God's Son is a lovely read.
Now I have to seek out that middle book.
January 6, 2017
4.5 Stars
A continuation of the series consisting of a collection of short stories and 3 novel about Yamada, a noble and swordsman and Kenji a somewhat reprobate Buddhist monk set in the Japanese past (Heian?).
The stories are the classic form of buddy detective stories but set in a sometimes war torn Japan. As befitting the time, the stories are full of supernatural elements including ghosts, foxes, conjured beings (from pieces of paper) and onmyoji (wizards). Yamada is not a superman like Sherlock Holmes but very sharp and with the aid of a priest who is an able Watson they are able to work their way through problems set to them by Prince Kanemore to help the empire, becoming his capable agents as their history progresses. The books are very well written with clever and intriguing plots. In this one, the duo is sent to protect a lord of one of the allied clans who is a key general in the current war. The enemy recognizes the general's value and will make any attempt whether natural or supernatural to have him killed. It involves the pair having to leave the capital and march to war as part of the story.
A continuation of the series consisting of a collection of short stories and 3 novel about Yamada, a noble and swordsman and Kenji a somewhat reprobate Buddhist monk set in the Japanese past (Heian?).
The stories are the classic form of buddy detective stories but set in a sometimes war torn Japan. As befitting the time, the stories are full of supernatural elements including ghosts, foxes, conjured beings (from pieces of paper) and onmyoji (wizards). Yamada is not a superman like Sherlock Holmes but very sharp and with the aid of a priest who is an able Watson they are able to work their way through problems set to them by Prince Kanemore to help the empire, becoming his capable agents as their history progresses. The books are very well written with clever and intriguing plots. In this one, the duo is sent to protect a lord of one of the allied clans who is a key general in the current war. The enemy recognizes the general's value and will make any attempt whether natural or supernatural to have him killed. It involves the pair having to leave the capital and march to war as part of the story.
October 7, 2015
It was great to have another adventure with Yamada and Kenji. They are both such great characters. Parks' writing on this one was top notch, his use of FP POV was masterfully done and his pacing was great.
The story itself is a great one with plenty of stakes that kept me turning the pages. There was enough foreshadowing that I never got lost and I always had an idea of where things were headed without completely ruining the mystery. When each facet of the mystery did start to become clear for me as a reader I was eager to see how Yamada would figure it out for himself despite his shortcomings. How Yamada solved the riddles and took his solutions a step further than I anticipated was what made the book so memorable. Very masterfully done without any dull moments.
Thanks for another fantastic Yamada book!
The story itself is a great one with plenty of stakes that kept me turning the pages. There was enough foreshadowing that I never got lost and I always had an idea of where things were headed without completely ruining the mystery. When each facet of the mystery did start to become clear for me as a reader I was eager to see how Yamada would figure it out for himself despite his shortcomings. How Yamada solved the riddles and took his solutions a step further than I anticipated was what made the book so memorable. Very masterfully done without any dull moments.
Thanks for another fantastic Yamada book!
September 23, 2016
Awesome! I have read the previous two books in the series and although this one is an independent book (with few exceptional links) I have rated it above the previous two works. Strictly speaking it is not comparable with book 1, as that is collection of short stories but i enjoyed this one better.
The story has some amazing twists which are possible only in fictional world, and that is why i enjoy them. It also has very good amount of suspense and investigation work based in ancient Japan. Make sure you are open for ghosts, demons and politics. Surprisingly, this book also has good amount of war fare and strategy which was not there in previous books. This is an improvements.
Enjoy!
Thank you author! keep up the good work! :)
The story has some amazing twists which are possible only in fictional world, and that is why i enjoy them. It also has very good amount of suspense and investigation work based in ancient Japan. Make sure you are open for ghosts, demons and politics. Surprisingly, this book also has good amount of war fare and strategy which was not there in previous books. This is an improvements.
Enjoy!
Thank you author! keep up the good work! :)
February 1, 2016
Splendid Historical Fiction
Feudal Japan with supernatural beings added to the story that includes intrigue and humor. Hero's sister Rie is a finely developed character and her fate was unexpected and original.
Feudal Japan with supernatural beings added to the story that includes intrigue and humor. Hero's sister Rie is a finely developed character and her fate was unexpected and original.
February 23, 2016
I received this book as a First Reads Giveaway winner. I enjoyed this book all around. Very sound writing, solid characters, great story. Would for sure read more books by Mr. parks.
December 6, 2016
The second novel with this main character. Nice blend of noir detective and fantasy/paranormal mysteries. I appreciate the main characters wit.
April 20, 2017
The Yamada books are a great, easy read that is a ton of fun. The setting is so unusual for Western fantasy writers that it makes for a really fresh experience. From what I know and have heard from others the Japanese elements are well researched and presently fairly accurately.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews