The Oni

by Gordon Linzner

UNSHEATHED FURY, INESCAPABLE TERROR Imprisoned for thousands of years in the hilt of a ceremonial sword, the oni, a hideous Japanese demon, is accidentally released to wreak the havoc of its pent-up fury on an unsuspecting world. All-powerful, immortal, and possessed of an unquenchable lust for human blood, the demon seems invincible, leaving in its wake an increasing number of horribly mutilated bodies.Only one woman has learned the oni’s history and the key to its destruction. But will she be able to pit her puny human strength against the demon’s murderous powers before she becomes yet another victim?

Genres: Horror

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

About the author

Gordon Linzner is founder and former editor of Space and Time Magazine, and author of three published novels and scores of short stories in F&SF, Twilight Zone, Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, and numerous other magazines and anthologies. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association and a lifetime member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl who's with a dealer is beaten to death by a mysterious and very powerful perp. Ltd. Foster and Sgt. Evans try to find the culprit. Francine Cooper, the mother of the murdered girl, starts investigations on her own in New York. A strange hilt is found at the site of crime. What is its connection to the murder? Also other persons are brutally killed by a merciless person. Is it human or something else? How can the thing be killed? In this classic 80s horror story you come to know about the Oni, a Japanese "demon out of Buddhist hell". Well plotted, fast paced, with fine drawn character you find out why the Oni came to America and how he was released. In an excellent inset story set in the past you are told the background of the Oni and get many detailed information on it. Classic 80s horror, evolves like a movie, with a real evil foe and a great showdown in the subway of New York. Must read for every fan of 80s horror. Absolutely enjoyed it.

[Faith Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve reviewed a horror story—although that’s how I started my writing career. This is just the kind of horror story I enjoy: gritty realism meets ancient evil—The Mummy kind of story. There are tons of setting and period details in both the modern and ancient Japan strands of the story, interesting and diverse characters, and a truly terrifying monster. Linzner writes this horror/fantasy like a tight police procedural: not a lot of fancy language, but with plenty of nail-biting tension and character insight. There are even some lighter moments as the evil oni tries to apply his ancient cultural biases to 1982 Manhattan.

The author obviously did his homework on the historical pieces. Seventh Century Japan comes alive with characters from all classes—imperial courtiers, local nobles, village priests, servants, soldiers, craftsmen. The modern story features police officers, a grieving mother, museum curators, a lecherous photographer (a candidate for the “Me Too” movement), and numerous petty criminals. Having lived in the neighborhood where the story is set, I can vouch for the authenticity of the details dealing with the New York City parks, crowds, subways, etc. Linzner, a native New Yorker, is spot on.

A minor warning—this is a horror story. There are gory death scenes, rape, sodomy, and implied child abuse. Most of the worst is done “off-screen” and we get a milder description of the aftermath. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. I fully admit to being squeamish about graphic violence. This book had just the right amount of spine tingling danger without gratuitous gore. A quick absorbing read.

Note: I received an eBook copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Françoise Dark Regions Press Proofreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this literary piece and had the pleasure of working on it with Crossroads Press. A must read!

[Allen Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a good, nicely paced book.

I read this book a long time ago as a kid. It’s nice to see that it has kept up.