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Miraibanashi #1
Code of the Kyoushi
IN THE SHADOW of Mt. Fuji, in a far future Japan, the oppressive Batsu government controls the rebuilding of the devastated country, bestowing boons on privileged citizens while leaving most to fend for themselves on the fringes. After a disastrous job ends with Batsu enforcers hunting him, reformed thief Roshike runs—right into the heart of their regime, the fortified Gaku complex, to take on an almost impossible task. And he just might stand a slim chance of success, if only he’ll accept some help. But first he has to decide who he can trust…
(*Miraibanashi Book 1 was originally published as Whispers of the Dead.)
(*Miraibanashi Book 1 was originally published as Whispers of the Dead.)
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
86 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
James Litherland
21 books126 followersI’m a graduate of the University of South Florida, and I now reside as a Virtual Hermit in the wilds of West Tennessee. I've lived various places and done a number of jobs – been an office worker and done hard manual labor, worked (briefly) in the retail and service sectors, and been an instructor. But through all that, I've always been a writer.
I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth on Nancy Drew and devoured all the pulpy adventure stories I could get my hands on before moving to genre greats like Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov. Then in junior high I became a writer. I started studying the craft of writing – reading books and magazine articles, joining a writers’ group, and taking creative writing classes – and I wrote short stories, eventually a novel, and even some poetry. After thirty years of practice I thought I’d learned a little something, and that’s when I wrote and published my debut novel, Certain Hypothetical. And I learn a bit more with every book I write.
I’m a Christian who tries to walk the walk (and not talk much.)
I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth on Nancy Drew and devoured all the pulpy adventure stories I could get my hands on before moving to genre greats like Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov. Then in junior high I became a writer. I started studying the craft of writing – reading books and magazine articles, joining a writers’ group, and taking creative writing classes – and I wrote short stories, eventually a novel, and even some poetry. After thirty years of practice I thought I’d learned a little something, and that’s when I wrote and published my debut novel, Certain Hypothetical. And I learn a bit more with every book I write.
I’m a Christian who tries to walk the walk (and not talk much.)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 28, 2015
Ok. Litherland definitely has me hooked on this new series. I found myself completely wrapped up in the story, trying to guess what would come next while also loving the intricate world that he’s created. The plot was intriguing. Litherland kept me on my toes throughout, always wanting to know more yet loving where the story was in the moment. The characters that he has created round out the story well. They were the type of people that I instinctively wanted to get to know on every level. I loved how Litherland develops them slowly, leaving more for me to get to know later as if I had truly met these individuals in person.
World building in this novel was complex but also easy to follow. All aspects of the world came to life in very unique manner that really allowed me to picture it. I enjoyed the way that many aspects are developed subtly, creating an even more poignant and loud development. At the same time, Litherland has also left room for further development in future novels in the series.
Litherland is a wildly imaginative and skilful author who draws readers into the new and complex worlds that he creates. This is a fantastic launch to his new series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
World building in this novel was complex but also easy to follow. All aspects of the world came to life in very unique manner that really allowed me to picture it. I enjoyed the way that many aspects are developed subtly, creating an even more poignant and loud development. At the same time, Litherland has also left room for further development in future novels in the series.
Litherland is a wildly imaginative and skilful author who draws readers into the new and complex worlds that he creates. This is a fantastic launch to his new series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
Covering the ground from Osaka to Tokyo, James Litherland’s Whispers of the Dead takes readers to a curious future, where the mysterious Batsu rule from fortified cities, and the people outside struggle in slums of abject poverty. But the land is still beautiful, and the author’s writing brings many peoples and places to life, as he follows rebellious but fiercely principled Roshike from failure to the promise of a brave new task.
The history of this future world is nice hidden, with bits and pieces revealed very naturally – enough to satisfy the reader’s immediate curiosity without denying imagination. Of course, Roshike himself doesn’t know, and won’t learn everything in this book. There’s enough to reveal the slavery of security, the evil of financial ruin, and the flavor of good vs evil without ever quite knowing the why, though this reader, for one, hopes more will be revealed in future books. Roshike and his allies are surely a force for great change, filled with mystery, loyalty, strength and secret goodwill.
From technological marvel to mountain of peace, from hardscrabble city to smooth clean streets, and from death outside to life within, Whispers of the Dead is an enjoyable complete novel with the promise of more to come.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I offer my honest review.
The history of this future world is nice hidden, with bits and pieces revealed very naturally – enough to satisfy the reader’s immediate curiosity without denying imagination. Of course, Roshike himself doesn’t know, and won’t learn everything in this book. There’s enough to reveal the slavery of security, the evil of financial ruin, and the flavor of good vs evil without ever quite knowing the why, though this reader, for one, hopes more will be revealed in future books. Roshike and his allies are surely a force for great change, filled with mystery, loyalty, strength and secret goodwill.
From technological marvel to mountain of peace, from hardscrabble city to smooth clean streets, and from death outside to life within, Whispers of the Dead is an enjoyable complete novel with the promise of more to come.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I offer my honest review.
February 12, 2022
Simple but lacks world building
It has a simple storytelling and nothing complicated but I think that i what it lacks. Has no world building and I cant picture out any Osaka or Kyoto base on what was told on the first 25%. I had to drop it and move on.
It has a simple storytelling and nothing complicated but I think that i what it lacks. Has no world building and I cant picture out any Osaka or Kyoto base on what was told on the first 25%. I had to drop it and move on.
March 24, 2022
Great read
I thought the book was different then it was which was a pleasant surprise. The characters are well developed, the story is believable and has a good place. I highly recommend this book if you like dystopian stories.
I thought the book was different then it was which was a pleasant surprise. The characters are well developed, the story is believable and has a good place. I highly recommend this book if you like dystopian stories.
November 25, 2018
ok, story, ok, characters but not great!
December 19, 2018
Outstanding!
Well written great plot....addicting and ready to go all the way with these wonderful characters. Definitely looking forward to second in series
Well written great plot....addicting and ready to go all the way with these wonderful characters. Definitely looking forward to second in series
November 24, 2019
It took a while for me to get used to the authors style with this one. The setting he has created and the story he is telling soon took my attention off that, however, and I enjoyed the tale.
April 11, 2020
A dystopian society that "takes care" of the people and a group that looks to tell the people the truth of its origins. One mercenary orphan boy is tasked with getting proof of that truth.
June 12, 2020
A rather complex society seen from the eyes of Roshike. Many characters were found all over there story and each with their own story to tell. Overall I enjoyed it.
December 11, 2020
I loved everything about this book.
The setting, the characters and the pace.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The setting, the characters and the pace.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 24, 2021
Atypical good read.
Although this is not the type of book I typically read I found that I could not put it down.
Although this is not the type of book I typically read I found that I could not put it down.
March 2, 2017
Wow... I really liked this book. I didn't know what to expect really and I was thrown into the action right away. Unlike other books with dystopian themes, this one does not completely and immediately describe the new world and how it works. Instead, it is slowly revealed throughout the book which I found to be fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. (Note: I received a free copy to read and provide an honest review.)
November 17, 2015
I would like to thank the author, James Litherland, for providing me with a copy of Whispers of the Dead, in exchange for an honest review.
While helping his employer, Teresa, gain proof that the Batsu government was corrupt and not a fair representation of all of its people, Teresa was shot and Roshike barely escaped with his life. Now on the run from the Batsu enforcers, Roshike needs to put his life in the hands of the Yes Network. He is hired to continue the work he started for Teresa by infiltrating the very system that he despises. Exposing the corrupt Batsu government for what it truly is could be the beginning of a revolution to make society a right for all. The job proves to be more difficult than Roshike realizes and many surprises await him along the way.
Evenly paced with an interesting main character, Whispers of the Dead is a great spy novel with a twist of science fiction. Roshike's abilities and willingness to help all individuals, whether citizens or not, is admirable and speaks well to his character. With the help from some allies, whose interests align with Roshike, his mission has many possibilites for action in future books. Whispers of the Dead is just a taste of Roshike's life and I am looking forward to experiencing his journey as the books move forward.
While helping his employer, Teresa, gain proof that the Batsu government was corrupt and not a fair representation of all of its people, Teresa was shot and Roshike barely escaped with his life. Now on the run from the Batsu enforcers, Roshike needs to put his life in the hands of the Yes Network. He is hired to continue the work he started for Teresa by infiltrating the very system that he despises. Exposing the corrupt Batsu government for what it truly is could be the beginning of a revolution to make society a right for all. The job proves to be more difficult than Roshike realizes and many surprises await him along the way.
Evenly paced with an interesting main character, Whispers of the Dead is a great spy novel with a twist of science fiction. Roshike's abilities and willingness to help all individuals, whether citizens or not, is admirable and speaks well to his character. With the help from some allies, whose interests align with Roshike, his mission has many possibilites for action in future books. Whispers of the Dead is just a taste of Roshike's life and I am looking forward to experiencing his journey as the books move forward.
November 7, 2015
I received this book for free directly from the author and at his own expense.
I admit I already love this author and his works so I was excited to receive his start to a new series. I did draw some parallels with his Slowpocalype series but this time the hero is on the outside. I enjoyed the book and did not expect the ending.
It will appeal to fans of spy dramas which is also a new direction for the author. The author writes believable characters and situations that although futuristic play to the human strengths in a way few authors do. I also like the fact his characters use technology and technology does not use them.
I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
I admit I already love this author and his works so I was excited to receive his start to a new series. I did draw some parallels with his Slowpocalype series but this time the hero is on the outside. I enjoyed the book and did not expect the ending.
It will appeal to fans of spy dramas which is also a new direction for the author. The author writes believable characters and situations that although futuristic play to the human strengths in a way few authors do. I also like the fact his characters use technology and technology does not use them.
I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
March 1, 2016
An interesting story, but I wish there had been a bit more detail about the political/social situation in the book....I felt a bit lost at times, almost as if I had missed something. Overall, it was an enjoyable book, but I really wish it had been expanded a little. Also, the ending did not truly feel like an ending....I know this is just the first book of a series, but there did not seem to be much of a climax to the book....
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 11, 2016
The fantastic start of a new series!
5 STAR!
To describe any of the plot is to spoil the reading enjoyment to be discovered with the unique storyline.
5 STAR!
To describe any of the plot is to spoil the reading enjoyment to be discovered with the unique storyline.
February 11, 2016
I actually do like this one and I got this one as apart of the author set of other books and I can't wait to see where this new series goes!
June 18, 2017
Light, fun beach read, but don't expect more. This is a run, spy and steal story.
In fairness to the author 0.99p is a fair price for a beach read.
Personally I felt disappointed but I think that's to do with how it's being sold. Nothing much in the way of intrigue plus shallow characters. Plus I was hoping for a book set in Japanese culture, albeit a future one. Instead it's American and could have been set in California just by changing a few names. The only hint of Japanese being the names of the people and places.
In fairness to the author 0.99p is a fair price for a beach read.
Personally I felt disappointed but I think that's to do with how it's being sold. Nothing much in the way of intrigue plus shallow characters. Plus I was hoping for a book set in Japanese culture, albeit a future one. Instead it's American and could have been set in California just by changing a few names. The only hint of Japanese being the names of the people and places.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews