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The Yakuza Path #3
One Thousand Cranes
When a body goes missing, a young Yakuza’s life hangs in the balance…
Aki Hisona’s latest promotion is a cause for celebration. But because his new job is working as the personal secretary for the Yakuza's Kyoto-based godfather, it’s also a cause for dangerous envy. He takes an invitation from a friend for congratulatory drinks, but Aki never thought the night would end with a deadly knife fight…
Aki is tasked with disposing of his friend’s corpse, but there’s one problem: the body is missing. As body parts surface around town, it’s only a matter of time before the police piece together the clues. But keeping one step ahead of the cops may not matter if Aki can’t solve the mystery before his cold, unforgiving godfather boss does…
The Yakuza Path: One Thousand Cranes is a pulse-pounding standalone thriller in the ongoing series of Japanese mafia stories. If you like gritty settings, page-turning whodunits, and accurate portrayals of Kyoto traditions, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s gripping tale.
Aki Hisona’s latest promotion is a cause for celebration. But because his new job is working as the personal secretary for the Yakuza's Kyoto-based godfather, it’s also a cause for dangerous envy. He takes an invitation from a friend for congratulatory drinks, but Aki never thought the night would end with a deadly knife fight…
Aki is tasked with disposing of his friend’s corpse, but there’s one problem: the body is missing. As body parts surface around town, it’s only a matter of time before the police piece together the clues. But keeping one step ahead of the cops may not matter if Aki can’t solve the mystery before his cold, unforgiving godfather boss does…
The Yakuza Path: One Thousand Cranes is a pulse-pounding standalone thriller in the ongoing series of Japanese mafia stories. If you like gritty settings, page-turning whodunits, and accurate portrayals of Kyoto traditions, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s gripping tale.
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2017
10 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Amy Tasukada
17 books82 followersInternational best-selling author Amy Tasukada writes thrilling times of crime, love, and gore. Readers who crave diverse characters, unique settings, and edge-of-your-seat action will devour her Yakuza Path series. Readers who seek less blood and more love will swoon over the Yakuza Path Romance and Would it Be Okay to Love You? Series. Amy is an atheist, queer author who enjoys drinking tea, Japanese street fashion and visual kei music. Her calico cat, O’Hara, is never far from her side. Amy lives in North Texas, but is always planning her next trip to Japan. Amy is also sought-after speaker for her lectures on author newsletters, writing LGBT+ characters, and cultural proficiency, diversity, and inclusion.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 9, 2021
Short novella told from Aki's POV. We get to see Nao through Aki's eyes - his deep respect and his devotion. There is still nothing physical between two men despite the fact of how much Aki wants it. Again we delve into world of Yakuza, Japanese traditions and relationships between recruits and their bosses. I really liked how Nao handled the situation in the end. I think Aki and Nao suit each other well. I do hope that we get something between them in the coming books. One wants some kind of declaration of feelings from them by now if nothing else. Well written fast paced story.
April 23, 2019
Still loving this series. On to the 4th one. :)
December 13, 2017
This is the third book in The Yakuza Path series by Amy Tsukada. This is the first book that I have read in the series, and I can't wait to go back and read the first two books after reading this one. I loved One Thousand Cranes. The story was well written, and I found the characters to be developed and complex. I loved Aki and his crush on his boss, Yakuza godfather Nao. I also liked how everybody keeps underestimating what his job is for his boss. They see him as only a tea maker and phone answer. A job that anybody can do. He also gets ribbed for having to bend over a desk whenever his boss wants to take him. However, those rumors aren't true even if Aki really wished that they were. He would love nothing more than to be his boss's new toy. The book is part of a series, so it does end in a happy for now, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 11, 2018
I am soooooooooo glad I got the chance to read this! I am so in love with this series. And even though it was just a novella, it was just as important and just as good as the full lengths. I am hooked!
If you've been keeping up with this series, which I hope you have, then you will know this is a story for Aki. Aki we met in book two as a recruit and he ended up as Nao’s secretary. But there is jealousy amongst the ranks as everyone thinks Aki gets away with anything because he's Nao’s love interest. Or boy toy. However you look at it. Even though he really isn't. So people he thinks are his friends since he was younger suddenly attack him on the way home from a bar one night. But Aki somehow managed to defend himself and stabs his opponent in the gut, killing him. He is terrified thinking Nao will banish him or worse and thinking he deserves it for killing the Yakuza Golden boy. He cleans everything up the best he can, planning on disposing the body later. Only when he goes to dispose of it, it's gone. Someone is setting him up. Riddled with guilt at every mention of the dead guy's name, Aki does all he can to find the body. Before the police do and before Nao banishes him or worse.
I fell in love with Aki the minute I read about him. I was so happy he got a little story of his own. Aki is such a sweet little soul who just wants to make Nao happy. Ever since Nao involved him in his little escape plans, he has been dying for Nao to follow through. But Nao remains distant and Aki feels like he is dying. When he disappoints Nao in this story, he wishes he was the one that died in that fight. Aki is so brave. Being different has made things hard for him but he tries so hard. He lives for Nao and his pleasure. Being in a Yakuza is hard enough. Being gay in one is torture. Dealing with the body issues he has is like a triple threat and I find him so beautiful. He doesn't give up no matter how bad it gets. He thinks of others before himself most of the time. His devotion and loyalty are the tops. He's just amazing. Of course he makes mistakes like us all, but he tries to rise above it. I need me an Aki lol. Sweet sweet boy.
You need to continue with this series and read this book! And if you haven't started…..go start now! It is an amazing series. Beautifully written with so much intrigue, suspense, and just about anything you are looking for.
If you've been keeping up with this series, which I hope you have, then you will know this is a story for Aki. Aki we met in book two as a recruit and he ended up as Nao’s secretary. But there is jealousy amongst the ranks as everyone thinks Aki gets away with anything because he's Nao’s love interest. Or boy toy. However you look at it. Even though he really isn't. So people he thinks are his friends since he was younger suddenly attack him on the way home from a bar one night. But Aki somehow managed to defend himself and stabs his opponent in the gut, killing him. He is terrified thinking Nao will banish him or worse and thinking he deserves it for killing the Yakuza Golden boy. He cleans everything up the best he can, planning on disposing the body later. Only when he goes to dispose of it, it's gone. Someone is setting him up. Riddled with guilt at every mention of the dead guy's name, Aki does all he can to find the body. Before the police do and before Nao banishes him or worse.
I fell in love with Aki the minute I read about him. I was so happy he got a little story of his own. Aki is such a sweet little soul who just wants to make Nao happy. Ever since Nao involved him in his little escape plans, he has been dying for Nao to follow through. But Nao remains distant and Aki feels like he is dying. When he disappoints Nao in this story, he wishes he was the one that died in that fight. Aki is so brave. Being different has made things hard for him but he tries so hard. He lives for Nao and his pleasure. Being in a Yakuza is hard enough. Being gay in one is torture. Dealing with the body issues he has is like a triple threat and I find him so beautiful. He doesn't give up no matter how bad it gets. He thinks of others before himself most of the time. His devotion and loyalty are the tops. He's just amazing. Of course he makes mistakes like us all, but he tries to rise above it. I need me an Aki lol. Sweet sweet boy.
You need to continue with this series and read this book! And if you haven't started…..go start now! It is an amazing series. Beautifully written with so much intrigue, suspense, and just about anything you are looking for.
December 13, 2017
If you follow Amy Tasukada’s Yakuza Path series you’ve probably been waiting for this one with a bated breath. I know I did. It is a very good short, quick thriller that furthers the whole story around the young Yakuza boss, Nao and his secretary, Aki.
A morning knife fight born out of envy leads to the need for keeping secrets and the tension they create. The plot develops amidst the superbly described setting, but again if you follow this author this is not a surprise. Amy Tasukada is an expert in the contraposition of the quiet and solemn scenery of the Japanese city with the turmoil inside the character’s mind, this time Aki. We don’t know until the last moment if Nao is aware of the fight or not and what his reaction would be.
There was something else I expected to happen and I can’t say because spoilers.. All I can say is that there will be another book and I’m really glad about it.
A word of advice: One Thousand Cranes can’t be read as a standalone but if you like fast paced thrillers with interesting characters, superb descriptions and twists and a bit of a slow burn romance, you’d do yourself a favor if you start the series now.
A morning knife fight born out of envy leads to the need for keeping secrets and the tension they create. The plot develops amidst the superbly described setting, but again if you follow this author this is not a surprise. Amy Tasukada is an expert in the contraposition of the quiet and solemn scenery of the Japanese city with the turmoil inside the character’s mind, this time Aki. We don’t know until the last moment if Nao is aware of the fight or not and what his reaction would be.
There was something else I expected to happen and I can’t say because spoilers.. All I can say is that there will be another book and I’m really glad about it.
A word of advice: One Thousand Cranes can’t be read as a standalone but if you like fast paced thrillers with interesting characters, superb descriptions and twists and a bit of a slow burn romance, you’d do yourself a favor if you start the series now.
May 18, 2018
The third installment of The Yakuza Path, One Thousand Cranes, is a great addition to the series. We see this book through the eyes of Aki, Nao's new secretary. Aki has much to deal with in his new role including jealousy from his roommates over his promotion, his relentless crush on his boss, oh, and a missing body.
One Thousand Cranes is shorter than the other two books, but it packs in just as much of a thrill ride as the rest of the series. Aki is one of my favorite characters in the series. His loyalty, bravery, and humility make him stand out, and I wasn't surprised when his boss suggested that Aki was maybe too sweet to be there.
If you have started the series but have not read this one I urge you to go get it. If you haven't started the series yet then I recommend that you start from the beginning and give it a try.
One Thousand Cranes is shorter than the other two books, but it packs in just as much of a thrill ride as the rest of the series. Aki is one of my favorite characters in the series. His loyalty, bravery, and humility make him stand out, and I wasn't surprised when his boss suggested that Aki was maybe too sweet to be there.
If you have started the series but have not read this one I urge you to go get it. If you haven't started the series yet then I recommend that you start from the beginning and give it a try.
September 27, 2021
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
One Thousand Cranes is the third book in The Yakuza Path series. When Aki Hisona becomes Nao’s personal secretary, he is unprepared for the jealously that it will bring even amongst those whom he thought were his friends. A night out turns deadly, and Aki finds himself having to dispose of his attacker and friend’s body. However, when the corpse disappears Aki find himself in a race against time to find out what happened before both the police and his new Boss do.
One Thousand Cranes is written from Aki’s point of view rather than Nao’s. I found this a welcome change as we get to learn a lot more about the man whom Nao’s has placed so much trust in. Aki is more capable than himself or Nao think and he proves again and again why he was the best choice for the position. However, he does experience his share of inner turmoil as he finds himself doubting the faith that Nao has in him. Despite all that he is going through, Aki still remains loyal to his Boss and everything that he does is with Nao’s best interests in mind. Through Aki, you get to feel the love that he has for Nao more intensely. Aki is unsure if Nao is even aware of it, however from reading the other novels in the series and with more of an insight into Nao’s mind than Aki, I knew Nao’s reasons for not letting Aki close. I am hoping that with events in this novel, it may help bring the two of them together.
As with the last two books in the series, the detail that has gone into the Japanese culture and way of life is excellent and you really find yourself living Aki’s world.
Another great instalment in this series, which I highly recommend!
One Thousand Cranes is the third book in The Yakuza Path series. When Aki Hisona becomes Nao’s personal secretary, he is unprepared for the jealously that it will bring even amongst those whom he thought were his friends. A night out turns deadly, and Aki finds himself having to dispose of his attacker and friend’s body. However, when the corpse disappears Aki find himself in a race against time to find out what happened before both the police and his new Boss do.
One Thousand Cranes is written from Aki’s point of view rather than Nao’s. I found this a welcome change as we get to learn a lot more about the man whom Nao’s has placed so much trust in. Aki is more capable than himself or Nao think and he proves again and again why he was the best choice for the position. However, he does experience his share of inner turmoil as he finds himself doubting the faith that Nao has in him. Despite all that he is going through, Aki still remains loyal to his Boss and everything that he does is with Nao’s best interests in mind. Through Aki, you get to feel the love that he has for Nao more intensely. Aki is unsure if Nao is even aware of it, however from reading the other novels in the series and with more of an insight into Nao’s mind than Aki, I knew Nao’s reasons for not letting Aki close. I am hoping that with events in this novel, it may help bring the two of them together.
As with the last two books in the series, the detail that has gone into the Japanese culture and way of life is excellent and you really find yourself living Aki’s world.
Another great instalment in this series, which I highly recommend!
January 9, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
For the full review , visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cDU on 1/10
From that review: " The first story in this series,Blood Stained Tea (The Yakuza Path, #1, was going to be hard to surpass for any author. It was bloody, shocking, and brilliant in it's execution. And yet for Nao Murata and the series to continue, Amy Tasukada had to figure out how to grow this admittedly psychotic character, expanding Nao past the persona we know and his universe as well. The author has done so with each new story, figuring out a way to move her characters forward, into new situations, while keeping the past (which is key to Nao's personality) and including new components and people.."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
For the full review , visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cDU on 1/10
From that review: " The first story in this series,Blood Stained Tea (The Yakuza Path, #1, was going to be hard to surpass for any author. It was bloody, shocking, and brilliant in it's execution. And yet for Nao Murata and the series to continue, Amy Tasukada had to figure out how to grow this admittedly psychotic character, expanding Nao past the persona we know and his universe as well. The author has done so with each new story, figuring out a way to move her characters forward, into new situations, while keeping the past (which is key to Nao's personality) and including new components and people.."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
September 4, 2021
I've enjoyed every book in this series and I'm very grateful Tasukada has chosen to vary the traditional mafia romance by showing us the Yakuza in action. Here, the mystery of the missing body and its parts that continue to appear drives the plot and we get to see Aki trying to deal with his feelings about his friend, his boos and the business he's gotten himself involved in. What starts as a simple night out for drinks quickly goes to pieces. We learn more about Aki's relationship with his boss and what he'd like it to be in this book. Great setting, wonderful character development and some edge of your seat suspense. As these just continue to get better, I can't wait to see what is in store in the next book.
May 4, 2026
This book follows Aki, Nao’s secretary. Who, also has a major crush on Nao. His friend is killed and the body disappears, sends Aki Spiraling. Thinking Nao wouldn’t notice, he tries to solve it by himself, while his guilt eats at him. His internal struggle is once again so nicely written. Not only being gay in that environment but also having troubles with the ranks and order.
March 10, 2018
While I liked this book it was far shorter than the previous two. I had hoped it would continue with Nao's perspective, but I thought it was nice of the author to give him a little break.
May 8, 2018
This book was unputdownable!
I loved the story from the start. These book series is the perfect blend of mystery, who'd done it, yakusa drama, romance and the right touch of culture. It's original, well written with a great plot and well.developed characters. Nao and aki hav stolen my heart!
I loved the story from the start. These book series is the perfect blend of mystery, who'd done it, yakusa drama, romance and the right touch of culture. It's original, well written with a great plot and well.developed characters. Nao and aki hav stolen my heart!
October 24, 2019
My only quibble is the author's intention in keeping Aki and Nao apart despite the potential for great their giving much greater love and support to each other. Otherwise - a great read.
December 12, 2017
Aki Hisona is secretary to the Yakuza godfather, Nao who he has been in love with for a long time, however it is unrequited or so he thinks. While out for an evening with friends he gets into a fight with one of them who draws a knife on him. During the struggle the friend is stabbed and in his panic Aki hides the body. When he goes to hide the body, he is stunned to find it has gone missing. Now he needs to find it before he is found out and loses his position.
This is a superbly written short story, however all is not revealed so we need to anxiously wait for book 4!
This is a superbly written short story, however all is not revealed so we need to anxiously wait for book 4!
January 5, 2018
3.5*
This story is told in Aki's POV.
There's some treachery against him by some fellow recruits and an accident occurs. Aki wants to take it into his own hands not wanting to dishonor the family, but he runs out of time. Thinking he can deal with it the next day, only to find it's missing.
On top of that he's also getting razzed about being "the bosses toy". For those of us that read the other stories know this isn't true, but Aki never defends himself for some reason. He's also afraid other recruits are after his job, so he ends up lashing out at the wrong person. On top of that, someone is trying to "frame" him and they're doing it in a manner that the Yakuza would never do it in.
Just like Nao makes his tea to clear his mind, Aki makes his origami cranes. He usually donates them to a foundation that does chains, but this time it's for his own personal well being. If he makes a thousand, he gets to make a wish. I found this particular hobby quite intriguing. I have half a mind to pick up an origami book :)
Another thing is I love Aki's "flaws". He has a skin condition and I think that makes him stick out as a character. He's this sweet man who almost seems too soft for the Yakuza, yet he's so brave because it can't be easy living with the judgement from others like that.
What didn't particularly please me with this book was the secret Aki is trying to hide, when it disappears he doesn't seem that freaked out about it. He just figures he'll "find it the next day". It's a pretty large object and quite important to lose. So the urgency wasn't there and I found that a little baffling.
There's a few errors in the story, but being that I read the ARC version, I'm hoping those will be cleaned up before pub. I also felt a lot of repetition in feelings and wordage in this one, phrases used multiple times in a chapter.
This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger or even an HEA or HFN really... more like we're just getting a continuation, as there's still loose ends.
This story is told in Aki's POV.
There's some treachery against him by some fellow recruits and an accident occurs. Aki wants to take it into his own hands not wanting to dishonor the family, but he runs out of time. Thinking he can deal with it the next day, only to find it's missing.
On top of that he's also getting razzed about being "the bosses toy". For those of us that read the other stories know this isn't true, but Aki never defends himself for some reason. He's also afraid other recruits are after his job, so he ends up lashing out at the wrong person. On top of that, someone is trying to "frame" him and they're doing it in a manner that the Yakuza would never do it in.
Just like Nao makes his tea to clear his mind, Aki makes his origami cranes. He usually donates them to a foundation that does chains, but this time it's for his own personal well being. If he makes a thousand, he gets to make a wish. I found this particular hobby quite intriguing. I have half a mind to pick up an origami book :)
Another thing is I love Aki's "flaws". He has a skin condition and I think that makes him stick out as a character. He's this sweet man who almost seems too soft for the Yakuza, yet he's so brave because it can't be easy living with the judgement from others like that.
What didn't particularly please me with this book was the secret Aki is trying to hide, when it disappears he doesn't seem that freaked out about it. He just figures he'll "find it the next day". It's a pretty large object and quite important to lose. So the urgency wasn't there and I found that a little baffling.
There's a few errors in the story, but being that I read the ARC version, I'm hoping those will be cleaned up before pub. I also felt a lot of repetition in feelings and wordage in this one, phrases used multiple times in a chapter.
This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger or even an HEA or HFN really... more like we're just getting a continuation, as there's still loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews