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Connor Burke and Yamashita Sensei #3
Tengu: The Mountain Goblin
[Japan] An intelligence analyst is murdered on temple grounds. [Manila] Two embassy guards go missing and a bizarre execution video is discovered by a special-forces team. [New York] Martial arts expert Connor Burke is hired as a consultant for an elite US Army training program. [Mindanao Philippines] A young Japanese ethnographer from Harvard University is kidnapped by a terrorist cell of Abu Sayeff. A renegade martial arts Sensei known as the Tengu has been recruited to train a splinter group of Asian terrorists with links to Al Qaeda. The Tengu mourns the vanished prestige and cultural heritage of Imperial Japan. He, like the men he trains, believes the West is responsible for destroying the spiritual essence of a once-great culture. In a series of violent clashes spawned by the bizarre intersection of contemporary fundamentalist terrorist ideology and the personal vendettas of the Tengu, Connor Burke and his martial arts teacher Yamashita are pawns in a game that will ensnare them while they search for the most deadly of the Tengu.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2008
18 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
John Donohue
36 books87 followersJohn Donohue is a novelist and martial artist whose novels in the Burke Yamashita series, Sensei, Deshi, Tengu and the forthcoming (July 2011) Kage all explore the world of elite martial arts training and the implications of a life of action
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 9, 2022
A Japanese woman from a prominent family is kidnapped in The Phillipines. It's all a scheme to get Burke's Sensei over to the islands. Connor Burke, along with his brother go over to rescue them. Things don't turn out as planned.
As usual, it's amazing how naive Burke is. I suppose that's the point of the series.
As usual, it's amazing how naive Burke is. I suppose that's the point of the series.
December 2, 2010
Donohue gets a little bit outside the territory he established in Sensei and Deshi. Burke travels to the Philippines to rescue Yamishita, his sensei, who has been kidnapped. Tengu is more special forces and less dojo. I'm not a big thriller fan, but I enjoy Donohue's work because it reflects the sensibilities of a mature martial artist. In Tengu the insights into the interior aspects of the martial arts are thinner than his other two books--hence the two stars. If, however, you do like thrillers this is a solid one.
April 19, 2018
Each book in the series gets better and better. I do recommend this particular book and its predecessor but not so much the first one (Sensei).
I was going to get the fourth book but it is almost double the price...just a tad over nine dollars; way too much considering the sourcing (Kindle). I will wait until the price is a little more reasonable
I was going to get the fourth book but it is almost double the price...just a tad over nine dollars; way too much considering the sourcing (Kindle). I will wait until the price is a little more reasonable
September 6, 2017
I really like Mr. Donohue's style. I've enjoyed all the books in this series.
July 6, 2023
It was a nice touch having some characters from the past return again. Even if only briefly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
I am enjoying this series of books like I enjoyed reading James Clavell novels.
December 6, 2008
Tengu is the 3rd book in this series. The focus of the stories is on Connor Burke and his attempts to master the martial arts with his Japanese teacher, Yamashita.
The series is set in the modern day in New York City, though the stories incorporate a lot of travel. Connor is a PHD in Asian History and teaches as a part time college instructor when he can. His life is centered on his relationship with his Sensei, and the Sensei's Dojo where Connor also teaches and learns. He is also part of a large Irish clan, and he is particularly close to his brother, Mickey, a cop in NYC.
The relationship between Connor and his brother and Mickey's partner Art is another aspect of the stories. It grounds Connor in the modern day, and real life. It is also how Connor often gets involved in the mystery/thriller aspect of the stories. He is brought in as an outside expert/consultant on Asian/martial arts crimes. He also has connections and obligations as the primary student of Yamashita and that brings in the Japanese aspects of the stories. Donohue blends the various strands well to tell a modern day story influenced by the past and other cultures.
While the series is called a martial arts thriller the focus is not just on macho actions, technique and chicken screaming. What Connor is trying to learn is the whole ball of wax: the discipline, the beliefs, the way to exist in the world minute to minute; the essence that when absorbed will change the person's spirit as surely as the practice of the techniques will change the physical body. The book doesn't wallow in the mystical or metaphysical, but does show Connor's attempts, doubts and struggles to learn and incorporate into his life these more difficult lessons. It makes for a reflective POV and a more rounded and interesting character.
There are martial arts fights, and talk about them, but it never bogs down the story or stops the flow. There is also information about Japanese culture, history and the different schools of martial arts. The various techniques with their strengths and flaws are discussed in a way that explores how they are taught, their underlying philosophy, and how to defend against them. It is very informative and very interesting, but worked into the story rather than added as an info dump.
I have read the other 2 previous books in the series Sensei and Deshi, but am not a martial arts aficionado (though I do love Erik Van Lustbader’s books as well). What I do enjoy is a well written book with an interesting setting, good characters and an absorbing story. Donohue delivers on all accounts. Tengu is built on the events in the previous books, so they should be read first.
I read this book in one sitting. It was a bit slow at the start, but when Connor made an appearance it sucked me right in and never let go. This story is based on the events of a previous book. Another old Japanese martial arts master has a grudge against Yamashita, and has concocted a plot to exact his revenge. It involves kidnapping a Japanese graduate anthropology student from a wealthy and important family, the use of Muslim terrorists and it all takes place in the Philippines. We also get glimpses of the US military working against terrorists at home and those who are working with the Filipinos to fight them in the field.
In this book Connor is also trying to build a relationship with a woman he likes, and deal with the loss of his college job. I like the self-depreciating humor in the book and that the stories are about Connor and happen to be mysteries and thrillers. They have depth and warmth, and are not just shallow mystery or adventure books with cardboard people who you don't believe have a life, and who you can't care about.
The writing is clear, and the descriptions are orderly so you know what is going on. The story flows and while the ending is a bit too good to be true, I am happy with it. It also shows the painful growth Connor has gone through, and points to a change for the future, so the stories are not recycled.
I have only two disappointments with this book.
1. I couldn't make it last longer.
2. It takes Donohue two years to write/publish.
Lets hope the next one is in process, but it will be hard to wait for 2010.
The series is set in the modern day in New York City, though the stories incorporate a lot of travel. Connor is a PHD in Asian History and teaches as a part time college instructor when he can. His life is centered on his relationship with his Sensei, and the Sensei's Dojo where Connor also teaches and learns. He is also part of a large Irish clan, and he is particularly close to his brother, Mickey, a cop in NYC.
The relationship between Connor and his brother and Mickey's partner Art is another aspect of the stories. It grounds Connor in the modern day, and real life. It is also how Connor often gets involved in the mystery/thriller aspect of the stories. He is brought in as an outside expert/consultant on Asian/martial arts crimes. He also has connections and obligations as the primary student of Yamashita and that brings in the Japanese aspects of the stories. Donohue blends the various strands well to tell a modern day story influenced by the past and other cultures.
While the series is called a martial arts thriller the focus is not just on macho actions, technique and chicken screaming. What Connor is trying to learn is the whole ball of wax: the discipline, the beliefs, the way to exist in the world minute to minute; the essence that when absorbed will change the person's spirit as surely as the practice of the techniques will change the physical body. The book doesn't wallow in the mystical or metaphysical, but does show Connor's attempts, doubts and struggles to learn and incorporate into his life these more difficult lessons. It makes for a reflective POV and a more rounded and interesting character.
There are martial arts fights, and talk about them, but it never bogs down the story or stops the flow. There is also information about Japanese culture, history and the different schools of martial arts. The various techniques with their strengths and flaws are discussed in a way that explores how they are taught, their underlying philosophy, and how to defend against them. It is very informative and very interesting, but worked into the story rather than added as an info dump.
I have read the other 2 previous books in the series Sensei and Deshi, but am not a martial arts aficionado (though I do love Erik Van Lustbader’s books as well). What I do enjoy is a well written book with an interesting setting, good characters and an absorbing story. Donohue delivers on all accounts. Tengu is built on the events in the previous books, so they should be read first.
I read this book in one sitting. It was a bit slow at the start, but when Connor made an appearance it sucked me right in and never let go. This story is based on the events of a previous book. Another old Japanese martial arts master has a grudge against Yamashita, and has concocted a plot to exact his revenge. It involves kidnapping a Japanese graduate anthropology student from a wealthy and important family, the use of Muslim terrorists and it all takes place in the Philippines. We also get glimpses of the US military working against terrorists at home and those who are working with the Filipinos to fight them in the field.
In this book Connor is also trying to build a relationship with a woman he likes, and deal with the loss of his college job. I like the self-depreciating humor in the book and that the stories are about Connor and happen to be mysteries and thrillers. They have depth and warmth, and are not just shallow mystery or adventure books with cardboard people who you don't believe have a life, and who you can't care about.
The writing is clear, and the descriptions are orderly so you know what is going on. The story flows and while the ending is a bit too good to be true, I am happy with it. It also shows the painful growth Connor has gone through, and points to a change for the future, so the stories are not recycled.
I have only two disappointments with this book.
1. I couldn't make it last longer.
2. It takes Donohue two years to write/publish.
Lets hope the next one is in process, but it will be hard to wait for 2010.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Tengu are a type of legendary creature found in Shinto belief. They are considered a type of yōkai or Shinto kami.
[Japan] An intelligence analyst is murdered on temple grounds. [Manila] Two embassy guards go missing and a bizarre execution video is discovered by a special-forces team. [New York] Martial arts expert Connor Burke is hired as a consultant for an elite US Army training program. [Mindanao Philippines] A young Japanese ethnographer from Harvard University is kidnapped by a terrorist cell of Abu Sayeff. A renegade martial arts Sensei known as the Tengu has been recruited to train a splinter group of Asian terrorists with links to Al Qaeda. The Tengu mourns the vanished prestige and cultural heritage of Imperial Japan. He, like the men he trains, believes the West is responsible for destroying the spiritual essence of a once-great culture. In a series of violent clashes spawned by the bizarre intersection of contemporary fundamentalist terrorist ideology and the personal vendettas of the Tengu, Connor Burke and his martial arts teacher Yamashita are pawns in a game that will ensnare them while they search for the most deadly of the Tengu.
Again a great story line that keeps you hooked, I find the parallels in training some that I have experienced fascinating. I enjoy the bond between teacher and student, and the stong bond between Connor and Mickey.
[Japan] An intelligence analyst is murdered on temple grounds. [Manila] Two embassy guards go missing and a bizarre execution video is discovered by a special-forces team. [New York] Martial arts expert Connor Burke is hired as a consultant for an elite US Army training program. [Mindanao Philippines] A young Japanese ethnographer from Harvard University is kidnapped by a terrorist cell of Abu Sayeff. A renegade martial arts Sensei known as the Tengu has been recruited to train a splinter group of Asian terrorists with links to Al Qaeda. The Tengu mourns the vanished prestige and cultural heritage of Imperial Japan. He, like the men he trains, believes the West is responsible for destroying the spiritual essence of a once-great culture. In a series of violent clashes spawned by the bizarre intersection of contemporary fundamentalist terrorist ideology and the personal vendettas of the Tengu, Connor Burke and his martial arts teacher Yamashita are pawns in a game that will ensnare them while they search for the most deadly of the Tengu.
Again a great story line that keeps you hooked, I find the parallels in training some that I have experienced fascinating. I enjoy the bond between teacher and student, and the stong bond between Connor and Mickey.
January 26, 2009
Surprisingly good martial arts thriller. I was expecting a boatload of New Agey fluff or at least a lot of mystical Zen, but instead the martial arts philosophy was presented in a straight-forward, no-nonsense manner. Sure, the premise remains the classic white-dude-saves-asian from an Evil Asian Mastermind motif, but against type, the main protagonist is not presented as a superman, but a normal guy who happens to have a very deep speciality in martial arts. All the other stuff integral to the story, such as the know-how to navigate seedy foreign underbellies, dealing with local police, military strategy, and interrogation techniques, are all handled by others more capable. In fact, the overall final success of the mission lay less in the protagonist's fighting ability and more in unforeseen circumstances that were beyond his control.
The only thing about the story that stretches belief is the idea that schooling in an uber ancient martial arts technique would have that much impact on the war against terror, but since the rest of the book is played straight, it's easy enough to forgive.
The only thing about the story that stretches belief is the idea that schooling in an uber ancient martial arts technique would have that much impact on the war against terror, but since the rest of the book is played straight, it's easy enough to forgive.
September 20, 2012
The Connor Burke and Yamashita Sensei series continues. Tengu struck a chord with me. As the third in the series, by now I have developed an amiable familiarity with Connor and Yamashita, but I most enjoy the cop/buddy relationship between Connor’s brother Micky and his affable partner Art.
Micky and Art are true police manual archetypes. After the bond forged out of the brutality of Sensei, I found myself subconsciously holding my breath each time they are on the precipice of danger. You root for these guys and you like them.
In this novel, Donohue ventures away from the comfort of NY and deep dives into the Philippines. Having spent some time in Manila, I greatly appreciated the cultural divergence, but this lacked the depth of someone who truly knows the people and the places. However, this is merely a minor plot point.
On the whole, I found Tengu to be quite entertaining. Not as complex as Deshi, but far superior to Sensei in its ambition and intrigue.
Add this one to your list if you as fascinated by martial arts, clearly Donohue’s area of expertise and you want a fascinating literary experience.
TD
Micky and Art are true police manual archetypes. After the bond forged out of the brutality of Sensei, I found myself subconsciously holding my breath each time they are on the precipice of danger. You root for these guys and you like them.
In this novel, Donohue ventures away from the comfort of NY and deep dives into the Philippines. Having spent some time in Manila, I greatly appreciated the cultural divergence, but this lacked the depth of someone who truly knows the people and the places. However, this is merely a minor plot point.
On the whole, I found Tengu to be quite entertaining. Not as complex as Deshi, but far superior to Sensei in its ambition and intrigue.
Add this one to your list if you as fascinated by martial arts, clearly Donohue’s area of expertise and you want a fascinating literary experience.
TD
May 13, 2014
So to me this book was a stand-alone, however I think I came into the middle of a thriller series? The main character obviously had some history with other supporting characters, but it didn't hinder in me reading the book. It was a (I'm sorry this is so cliche') thrilling read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Now, I have to warn you, it is pretty over the top. Just imagine James Bond (the one in Skyfall thats pretty "old" and barely avoiding retirement), but he is a martial arts master and his one and only best friend is a senior-citizen slash master-sensei who can still kick but at 102 (but I don't think they ever mention his age, just think "ageless" he's that old). Anyway, the book goes from the U.S. Military (Marines to be exact) to jungle fighting to seppuku to swordfighting, with some assassinations and interrogations along the way. There is never really a dull moment, and I like that kind of book, the only reason I did not give it five stars is because it just seemed a bit too far fetched for me, but this may be right up your alley. So give it a try if you need a pump-up, kick-ass protagonist.
July 26, 2009
This was the third book in the series and I really enjoyed it. The first book, Sensei, was ok, but it was enough to catch my attention. The second book was not good at all...poorly developed plot, etc., but I saw a few good reviews of the third book and decided to read it.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to anyone since a "martial arts thriller" is a very specific genre, but I enjoyed it. There was no big mystery involved and the end was never in doubt, but it was a simple action novel that allowed me to stop thinking about work for a few days and that's exactly what I wanted. The measure of a good book is how quickly you want to read it: whether you try to sneak a few pages during breaks, and whether you stay up later than you should reading it. I stayed up way past my bedtime two or three different nights, but it was worth it.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to anyone since a "martial arts thriller" is a very specific genre, but I enjoyed it. There was no big mystery involved and the end was never in doubt, but it was a simple action novel that allowed me to stop thinking about work for a few days and that's exactly what I wanted. The measure of a good book is how quickly you want to read it: whether you try to sneak a few pages during breaks, and whether you stay up later than you should reading it. I stayed up way past my bedtime two or three different nights, but it was worth it.
November 11, 2009
Connor Burke is a university lecturer and part time martial arts instructor who has learned his skills from the renowned Sensei Yamashita. When Yamashita is kidnapped by an old enemy from Japan, Burke joins a small law-enforcement team (that includes his brother, a New York cop) and sets off to the jungles of Asia to rescue his teacher.
John Donohue writes with skill and flair, weaving in his considerable martial arts knowledge seamlessly into this tense martial arts thriller. Tengu is the third title in the Connor Burke series that began with ‘Sensei’ and ‘Deshi’.
John Donohue writes with skill and flair, weaving in his considerable martial arts knowledge seamlessly into this tense martial arts thriller. Tengu is the third title in the Connor Burke series that began with ‘Sensei’ and ‘Deshi’.
June 10, 2011
Definitely the best of the series so far. It flowed a little bit different than the other two books and at times read live a movie but I really enjoyed it. I found myself immersed in Connor's world and wanting to stay there.
One thing is I would have liked a more descriptive final fight scene with Tengu but I can see based on the character's state of health that a long and drawn out fight would not have made sense.
Job well done!
I cannot wait for the next book to see how everyone is doing, what happened etc etc....
One thing is I would have liked a more descriptive final fight scene with Tengu but I can see based on the character's state of health that a long and drawn out fight would not have made sense.
Job well done!
I cannot wait for the next book to see how everyone is doing, what happened etc etc....
November 9, 2012
I enjoyed this book. I like reading around a martial arts theme and what is involved in learning and perfecting the skills. And the histories are fascinating. This one is based one of those accomplished older ones who is quite bitter about the change in values since the imperial Japan ended with world war II. Any chance to get back is just fine! And this he does in some well planned moves corollated with middle east terrorists meeting in the Phillipines. It grabbed my attention and kept it, and the loyalty themes were really beautiful. A really good read!
January 20, 2010
I did not enjoy this book. I almost brought it back to the library before it was over, but I couldn't sleep one night so I finished it. Maybe all martial arts thrillers are totally sexist and self-indulgent and make broad sweeping statements about an entire culture. Maybe the genre is not for me. But mostly I think this is just a badly written book.
February 9, 2009
The action is fast, the characters are complex, and the personal experience the author has in the fighting techniques are obvious. I would rate Donohue's novels as a slight step below Barry Eisler's but still excellent.
August 6, 2009
This is the third is Donohue's series featuring Connor Burke, martial artist. Conner is taken to the Philippines to investigate a branch of Al-Queda that has kidnapped his sensei. Action-packed and quite a roller coaster ride. This book is entertaining reading, but I preferred the first two.
December 31, 2012
Not a martial arts fan but enjoyed this third installment of Donohue's series. My book club found the action realistic although it helps to have read the first 2 books to really understand the relationships Connor has with his sensei and brother, etc.
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June 2, 2011Excellent intelligent thriller.
July 24, 2011
Full circle! What a great way to round out the Trilogy.
September 25, 2011
Great plot, great characters. One of the few books to treat the martial arts in a authentic fashion.
January 5, 2011
Not as good as Sensei. Starting to feel like Bob Lee Swagger.
January 21, 2013
honestly didn't care for the story or the writing...not sure why, it just didn't speak to me...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews