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Yamada Monogatari
Yamada Monogatari: The Emperor in Shadow
Lord Yamada is called away one last time from his newly restored estates in Kamakura to help Prince Kanemore ensure that Princess Teiko s son, Takahito, inherits the Chrysanthemum Throne. Unfortunately, assuming the throne proves to be the easy part. Yamada must then help Takahito renounce that throne in such a way as to hobble the power of the Fujiwara clan forever!"
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2016
7 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Richard Parks
141 books112 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2017
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review or rating.
3.5
I made a mistake, I thought it was a standalone novel, but it is one of the series, even so, I was able to really enjoy it. I am an Asian study, Japanese module Bachelor's degree graduate, so reading about an ancient Japan felt very atmospheric and comforting to me.
I jus wish I would start from the fist books and now I am not sure if I should pick them up.
Still, do recommend.
3.5
I made a mistake, I thought it was a standalone novel, but it is one of the series, even so, I was able to really enjoy it. I am an Asian study, Japanese module Bachelor's degree graduate, so reading about an ancient Japan felt very atmospheric and comforting to me.
I jus wish I would start from the fist books and now I am not sure if I should pick them up.
Still, do recommend.
January 10, 2021
I became fascinated after reading Yamada Monogatari: Demon Hunter that I’ve pretty much burned the series down about as fast as possible; I’ll just a
Say a good and imaginative series. That said I just finished The Emperor in Shadow and say very impressive. Between 4.5 and 5 stars; and here’s what I’m going to say...
While I’ve been impressed with the entire series I’m going to say Mr. Park’s raised his game with this one and I was impressed with the earlier books (feel free to look at my reviews for the rest of the series). While time has passed (three years in between books) Lord Yamada and Kenji pick up their game right away from where they were. Lord Yamada is now more like a lord, seeing things more globally than he did while retaining his center; Kenji, well he’s more settled and a little more of a supportive role than earlier. This shows though out the story with Lord Yamada seeing things and able to anticipate things before they happen (except the ending... guess you need to be Prince Kenemore). This is shown repeatedly with Lord Yamada and Kenji being in the right spot at the right time.
What this a 5 star book for me was that while things this book follows the earlier stories Mr. Parks did change things up while bringing the series to a conclusion (I’ll admit I’d like to see things continue). The best part is there some surprises as the story unfolded though I’ll admit I predicted the eventual conclusion (though not whom was trying to kill the princess in the later attempts [though I was in the ballpark]). A worthy conclusion to the series and I’ll say topped the series off nicely.
Say a good and imaginative series. That said I just finished The Emperor in Shadow and say very impressive. Between 4.5 and 5 stars; and here’s what I’m going to say...
While I’ve been impressed with the entire series I’m going to say Mr. Park’s raised his game with this one and I was impressed with the earlier books (feel free to look at my reviews for the rest of the series). While time has passed (three years in between books) Lord Yamada and Kenji pick up their game right away from where they were. Lord Yamada is now more like a lord, seeing things more globally than he did while retaining his center; Kenji, well he’s more settled and a little more of a supportive role than earlier. This shows though out the story with Lord Yamada seeing things and able to anticipate things before they happen (except the ending... guess you need to be Prince Kenemore). This is shown repeatedly with Lord Yamada and Kenji being in the right spot at the right time.
What this a 5 star book for me was that while things this book follows the earlier stories Mr. Parks did change things up while bringing the series to a conclusion (I’ll admit I’d like to see things continue). The best part is there some surprises as the story unfolded though I’ll admit I predicted the eventual conclusion (though not whom was trying to kill the princess in the later attempts [though I was in the ballpark]). A worthy conclusion to the series and I’ll say topped the series off nicely.
December 19, 2023
The final book the in the trilogy and it is my least favorite. Overall, the plot is very weak and the pay off is not very satisfactory. With that being said, I certainly enjoy the characters themselves and the dynamic between them. I do still like this series very much and it scratches a very unique itch of ancient Japan mixed with mythology and folklore. A niche I wish there was more of.
February 13, 2017
[I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley.]
First, please note this is not a standalone novel, contrary to what I thought when I requested it, but part of a series (and very likely the last volume). However, I didn't find it difficult to follow the story and understand the characters: when the narrator alludes to events of the past or people he had previously met, he always adds a couple of sentences, nothing too long, just enough for a reader to understand the context. So this was good with me.
The setting here is that of feudal Japan (the Emperor and his court, bushi, military governors, geisha and courtesans) with a dash of supernatural: ghosts and youkai are common knowledge, and onmyôji and priestesses have actual power. In this world, Yamada and his faithful friend Kenji are confronted to attempted murder and political intrigue, from the Ise temple to the capital and the Emperor's court; I found the mystery decent enough, not too complicated (my guesses about a few things turned out to be right) yet not too easy either for the characters to understand, without convenient deus ex machina bringing the answers (Yamada deducted those).
It took me a couple of weeks to read, but it definitely wasn't boring (that was much more a matter of having lots of things to do and needing to prioritise other books in the meantime). The events made sense, the characters were likeable, and even though it's not my favourite novel ever, it was entertaining and believable.
On the downside, there were instances of Yamada 'hiding' things from the reader, which I don't particularly appreciate in mystery novels, and the female characters, while attaching, didn't have much to do apart from conveniently be here when a specific piece of information was needed, or wait in their palace for the men to do all the work. Granted, the setting itself doesn't lend itself to a lot of female freedom (aristocratic constraints, expectations placed on princesses, and so on), but it didn't help.
Conclusion: Still enjoyable in spite of these flaws.
First, please note this is not a standalone novel, contrary to what I thought when I requested it, but part of a series (and very likely the last volume). However, I didn't find it difficult to follow the story and understand the characters: when the narrator alludes to events of the past or people he had previously met, he always adds a couple of sentences, nothing too long, just enough for a reader to understand the context. So this was good with me.
The setting here is that of feudal Japan (the Emperor and his court, bushi, military governors, geisha and courtesans) with a dash of supernatural: ghosts and youkai are common knowledge, and onmyôji and priestesses have actual power. In this world, Yamada and his faithful friend Kenji are confronted to attempted murder and political intrigue, from the Ise temple to the capital and the Emperor's court; I found the mystery decent enough, not too complicated (my guesses about a few things turned out to be right) yet not too easy either for the characters to understand, without convenient deus ex machina bringing the answers (Yamada deducted those).
It took me a couple of weeks to read, but it definitely wasn't boring (that was much more a matter of having lots of things to do and needing to prioritise other books in the meantime). The events made sense, the characters were likeable, and even though it's not my favourite novel ever, it was entertaining and believable.
On the downside, there were instances of Yamada 'hiding' things from the reader, which I don't particularly appreciate in mystery novels, and the female characters, while attaching, didn't have much to do apart from conveniently be here when a specific piece of information was needed, or wait in their palace for the men to do all the work. Granted, the setting itself doesn't lend itself to a lot of female freedom (aristocratic constraints, expectations placed on princesses, and so on), but it didn't help.
Conclusion: Still enjoyable in spite of these flaws.
May 29, 2017
This is the likely end of the series of book on Yamada (four in total), who starts as a disgraced noble (from the action of his father) to being reinstated and here working to secure the Chrysanthenum throne for another.
The book has a prolonged suspenseful feel as throughout the main characters do not know why they are being instructed by their allies and superiors to take the actions they must carry through.
As always the story is interesting and intricate, the characters are intelligent, the setting of Heian japan is exotic, and the supernatural elements are fascinating. Parks is a great story teller both in language, attention to detail, and overall story line. As the story progresses Yamada and his sidekick the Abbot Kenji understand more and more of the mystery surrounding their orders with the final denouement at the very end.
The story has a puzzle at its center that is partially easily guessed by the reader. Usually, I dislike stories where the main character can't see the answer in front of them, but in this case it is a singular instance of a flaw in character that is excusable.
As with almost every book I have read of Parks, a great read. I strongly recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
The book has a prolonged suspenseful feel as throughout the main characters do not know why they are being instructed by their allies and superiors to take the actions they must carry through.
As always the story is interesting and intricate, the characters are intelligent, the setting of Heian japan is exotic, and the supernatural elements are fascinating. Parks is a great story teller both in language, attention to detail, and overall story line. As the story progresses Yamada and his sidekick the Abbot Kenji understand more and more of the mystery surrounding their orders with the final denouement at the very end.
The story has a puzzle at its center that is partially easily guessed by the reader. Usually, I dislike stories where the main character can't see the answer in front of them, but in this case it is a singular instance of a flaw in character that is excusable.
As with almost every book I have read of Parks, a great read. I strongly recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
October 27, 2020
This book is so well written with lots of Japanese mythologies and facts. This book also talks about yokai, spirits, and demons that Lord Yamada gets to interact with and either fights or reasons with them. In this book there is also a lot of action and mystery that gets in Lord Yamadas way that makes him yearn to search for the truth that lies through his voyage. Lord Yamada also has a great friend named Kenji that always stays by Lord Yamada’s side unless he sees some beautiful women. The other great thing about this book is that there is a bit of comedy within YAMADA MONOGATARI which helps the story not be so serious and tense. This book also helps others from escaping reality and going to their imagination picturing what Lord Yamada has been going through throughout his voyage seeking answers that he doesn’t know until he meets the end of his adventure which is so cool and mysterious .
This book is meant for people 12+, the genre is also a anime composer, and lastly this book is made by an amazing man named Richard Parks. I will gladly give this book a 5 stars for giving me an amazing Fantasy/fictional book and with a culture that I love because of their amazing stories from the past.
This book is meant for people 12+, the genre is also a anime composer, and lastly this book is made by an amazing man named Richard Parks. I will gladly give this book a 5 stars for giving me an amazing Fantasy/fictional book and with a culture that I love because of their amazing stories from the past.
October 29, 2020
Exceptional ending to the Yamada series. I really enjoyed this book and it had all of the things that made me love this series; plenty of action, youkai, magic, as well as a lot of detective work. I won't spoil anything here, but the ending was perhaps my favorite part, and it really tied together all of the loose threads in the story. I know Richard Parks has another (perhaps a few?) short story with Yamada-sama, but I will definitely miss reading his and Kenji's adventures.
December 7, 2016
The Emperor in Shadow concludes the Yamada Monogatari series in a satisfying manner. Parks has maintained a good feel of the era and historical milieu while also giving a decent mystery. The writing is solid and the plot brisk. There is also some great character development as Yamada's situation continually morphs, causing him to question his mission and its implications. In all, a good read.
March 19, 2022
I was able to follow the clues and guess the mystery and who was behind the attacks, and I am very happy with the ending. I do think the short lifespan of the emperor is a bit sad and disappointing, 4 books and man isn't on the throne for long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
Still a good plot, but less exciting than it's predecessors.
February 7, 2017
Spoilers abound, partially because this appears to be the last book in the series and partially because I need to address a very specific plot point.
If you've ever wanted to read a book that felt like a cross between a noir detective novel and a Kurosawa film, with a touch of the supernatural thrown in, this is the series for you. These books read kind of like an urban fantasy novel, with their first person narration, mystery plots, and a charming cast of secondary characters, but rather than being a story about vampires in NYC, it's samurai and ghosts in Japan.
So yeah needless to say if you like Legend of the Five Rings you'll also enjoy these books, I always start jonesing for an L5R campaign after reading them.
The Emperor in Shadow picks up three years after the end of the previous book. Yamada and Kenji live in the country now, the former the lord of a small new clan and the latter now an abbot of a shrine on Yamada's estate. They are possibly a little bored and missing their life of adventure, so of course adventure finds them.
There's a plot against the emperor! There's a damsel in distress! There's a mysterious femme fatale (a fox spirit, naturally)! There's demons and ghosts and assassins and yin yang magic!
I'm giving this four stars because I enjoyed it and feel like it wrapped up the story nicely, but it was not without its flaws.
-This series has always been guilty of having the narrator hide things from the reader to artificially draw out the mystery or build tension, and I feel like it was too much in this one.
-The attitudes towards women are rather noir-ish, and when combined with the restricted roles that women had in feudal Japan, it means the female characters don't have a lot to do.
-But let's get to the big thing. TW for pregnancy loss.
So one of the plot points is that Yamada and Kenji have to deal with the ghost of the emperor's late wife. The princess's ghost has been attacking and even killing people who come to her own home. In the course of his investigation we find that she was driven by a strong desire for children, with little success.
Now on the one hand it's really tiring to see the plot of "OMG WIMMEN JUST WANT BABBIES" but on the other hand, it could be argued that she was under societal and family pressure to provide an heir.
Anyway we learn that she had a fake naming ceremony for the three children she wanted to have. She also had two miscarriages and a stillbirth. See where this is going?
Yep, the princess is living in her house with three hungry ghosts who have taken on the names of the three babies she wanted to have, they are implied to perhaps be the ghosts of her three dead children kind of infused with demon spirits?
Anyway that's a shitty enough plot line but out hero makes it shittier by saying (and I had bookmarked this to get the exact quote right but my Kindle app seems to have lost my bookmark, so I have to paraphrase) that the two miscarried babies and the stillborn baby were not actual children.
What shitty, heartless, back-asswards thing to say. Now I don't know a lot about the various spiritual traditions in Japan, nor the attitude towards such things in Japan in the era of this book, so maybe it was appropriate to the character... But sometimes appropriate characters are shitty. Most families who have lost a baby to miscarriage or stillbirth say that one of the worst parts is how people act like you didn't actually have a baby.
So yeah. Fuck that whole subplot.
Otherwise a pretty good book.
If you've ever wanted to read a book that felt like a cross between a noir detective novel and a Kurosawa film, with a touch of the supernatural thrown in, this is the series for you. These books read kind of like an urban fantasy novel, with their first person narration, mystery plots, and a charming cast of secondary characters, but rather than being a story about vampires in NYC, it's samurai and ghosts in Japan.
So yeah needless to say if you like Legend of the Five Rings you'll also enjoy these books, I always start jonesing for an L5R campaign after reading them.
The Emperor in Shadow picks up three years after the end of the previous book. Yamada and Kenji live in the country now, the former the lord of a small new clan and the latter now an abbot of a shrine on Yamada's estate. They are possibly a little bored and missing their life of adventure, so of course adventure finds them.
There's a plot against the emperor! There's a damsel in distress! There's a mysterious femme fatale (a fox spirit, naturally)! There's demons and ghosts and assassins and yin yang magic!
I'm giving this four stars because I enjoyed it and feel like it wrapped up the story nicely, but it was not without its flaws.
-This series has always been guilty of having the narrator hide things from the reader to artificially draw out the mystery or build tension, and I feel like it was too much in this one.
-The attitudes towards women are rather noir-ish, and when combined with the restricted roles that women had in feudal Japan, it means the female characters don't have a lot to do.
-But let's get to the big thing. TW for pregnancy loss.
So one of the plot points is that Yamada and Kenji have to deal with the ghost of the emperor's late wife. The princess's ghost has been attacking and even killing people who come to her own home. In the course of his investigation we find that she was driven by a strong desire for children, with little success.
Now on the one hand it's really tiring to see the plot of "OMG WIMMEN JUST WANT BABBIES" but on the other hand, it could be argued that she was under societal and family pressure to provide an heir.
Anyway we learn that she had a fake naming ceremony for the three children she wanted to have. She also had two miscarriages and a stillbirth. See where this is going?
Yep, the princess is living in her house with three hungry ghosts who have taken on the names of the three babies she wanted to have, they are implied to perhaps be the ghosts of her three dead children kind of infused with demon spirits?
Anyway that's a shitty enough plot line but out hero makes it shittier by saying (and I had bookmarked this to get the exact quote right but my Kindle app seems to have lost my bookmark, so I have to paraphrase) that the two miscarried babies and the stillborn baby were not actual children.
What shitty, heartless, back-asswards thing to say. Now I don't know a lot about the various spiritual traditions in Japan, nor the attitude towards such things in Japan in the era of this book, so maybe it was appropriate to the character... But sometimes appropriate characters are shitty. Most families who have lost a baby to miscarriage or stillbirth say that one of the worst parts is how people act like you didn't actually have a baby.
So yeah. Fuck that whole subplot.
Otherwise a pretty good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog.
I received a free copy of Yamada Monogatari: The Emperor In Shadow for my honest opinion.
I assumed that Yamada Monogotari: The Emperor In Shadow was a standalone book but apparently it is not. It is actually the fourth book in the Yamada Monogotari in this series.
We follow Yamada on a mission from his home to the capital with multiple stops and happenings occurring that make him question the true nature of his mission. Once he gets to the capital the mysteries do not solve themselves and Yamada finds himself in quite a different situation to what he thought that he was getting into.
If you have read the other books in this series then I suspect that you would enjoy this conclusion, and you also may enjoy it if you have not read the rest of the series but it was not for me.
I received a free copy of Yamada Monogatari: The Emperor In Shadow for my honest opinion.
I assumed that Yamada Monogotari: The Emperor In Shadow was a standalone book but apparently it is not. It is actually the fourth book in the Yamada Monogotari in this series.
We follow Yamada on a mission from his home to the capital with multiple stops and happenings occurring that make him question the true nature of his mission. Once he gets to the capital the mysteries do not solve themselves and Yamada finds himself in quite a different situation to what he thought that he was getting into.
If you have read the other books in this series then I suspect that you would enjoy this conclusion, and you also may enjoy it if you have not read the rest of the series but it was not for me.
December 6, 2016
From what I could tell after a brief Goodreads scan--those who gave it a lower rating where trying to read this book as a standalone novel. I recommend reading the short stories and the other two novels in succession. Otherwise I like the way this trilogy of Noir detective/fantasy/historical fiction was wrapped up. I also felt we got to see Yamada learn to appreciate his foil/Dr Watson (Kenji) a bit more.
November 17, 2016
A very solid and well written novel. Not something I'd normally read, but still enjoyed it.
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher
I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher
April 24, 2017
I think Richard Parks is an under rated writer in the field, he writes classy, engaging stories and tells them in a satisfying, fresh and elegant way. With that in mind this was something of a disappointment. The Yamada stories have often not entirely revolved around a supernatural element but it has traditionally been a major element of the stories in this one I felt the supernatural elements played too small a role in the narrative and too much of the first third of the book was spent bringing people not familiar with previous stories up to speed in a way that would only work well for someone who had read the previous two novels some time ago and forgotten them. Still this is a good novel and I would recommend it to fans of the Yamada series but not to go into it with too high expectations as previous books in the series have justified as this is strong, but not as strong.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews