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テスカトリポカ
メキシコのカルテルに君臨した麻薬密売人のバルミロ・カサソラは、対立組織との抗争の果てにメキシコから逃走し、潜伏先のジャカルタで日本人の臓器ブローカーと出会った。二人は新たな臓器ビジネスを実現させるため日本へと向かう。川崎に生まれ育った天涯孤独の少年・土方コシモはバルミロと出会い、その才能を見出され、知らぬ間に彼らの犯罪に巻きこまれていく――。海を越えて交錯する運命の背後に、滅亡した王国〈アステカ〉の恐るべき神の影がちらつく。人間は暴力から逃れられるのか。心臓密売人の恐怖がやってくる。誰も見たことのない、圧倒的な悪夢と祝祭が、幕を開ける。
613 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2021
34 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 10, 2023
It's clear that that Kiwamu Sato really did his research on Aztec mythology/theology. (Or at least it seems that way based on the "Reference Materials" section at the end, and the amount of information regurgitated. I can't actually comment on how accurate it is.) But beyond that, I don't think I've read a book before that seemed this disinterested in its own subject matter. You're better of just rewatching Breaking Bad to be honest.
August 18, 2022
English version in 2023 it seems. One of the most grotesque books I've ever read, but it's a fascinating mix of cultures and characters. I'd recommend to anyone interested in the Aztec Empire or cartel/yakuza crime stories.
March 12, 2023
Strong showing from Kiwamu Sato, as unrelenting in its depiction of violence as in its evisceration of capitalism, told by a disaffected omniscient narrator with obsessive attention to detail.
I can't comment on the cultural aspects here; I am aware that most of what we believe to know about Mesoamerican civilizations is heavily colored by misconceptions and deliberate misrepresentations from colonizers. The book at least kind of acknowledges this and the detached writing style saves the scenes of sacrifice from becoming too sensationalist. It also keeps the reader at arms-length from the characters, but still gets close enough to equip them with interiority and give them a palpable presence. Granted, Koshimo's childlike innocence aside, most of these guys are not men of great emotions; but Valmiro combines his ice-cold violence with a sentimentality that turns him into something more compelling than just a fanatic madman.
I hope this book finds its audience beyond the manga and Light Novel sphere. Nothing wrong with Light Novels, of course, this just isn't one, and I think it has broader appeal. I also hope Yen On continues publishing books like this, maybe even more by Sato (although my refrain of "Yen Press, please invest in better proofreading" remains).
I can't comment on the cultural aspects here; I am aware that most of what we believe to know about Mesoamerican civilizations is heavily colored by misconceptions and deliberate misrepresentations from colonizers. The book at least kind of acknowledges this and the detached writing style saves the scenes of sacrifice from becoming too sensationalist. It also keeps the reader at arms-length from the characters, but still gets close enough to equip them with interiority and give them a palpable presence. Granted, Koshimo's childlike innocence aside, most of these guys are not men of great emotions; but Valmiro combines his ice-cold violence with a sentimentality that turns him into something more compelling than just a fanatic madman.
I hope this book finds its audience beyond the manga and Light Novel sphere. Nothing wrong with Light Novels, of course, this just isn't one, and I think it has broader appeal. I also hope Yen On continues publishing books like this, maybe even more by Sato (although my refrain of "Yen Press, please invest in better proofreading" remains).
June 13, 2024
Tezcatlipoca by Kiwamu Sato: A Mesmerizing Exploration of Myth and Mortality
Tezcatlipoca by Kiwamu Sato is a captivating novel that interweaves ancient mythology with contemporary issues, creating a narrative that is both timeless and deeply relevant. Sato's masterful storytelling and rich character development make this book a standout in the realm of modern literature.
Tezcatlipoca centers around a protagonist who, through a series of mystical and transformative experiences, encounters the ancient Aztec deity Tezcatlipoca. The novel delves into themes of identity, power, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide in profound and unexpected ways.
Comparing to Contemporaries:
When compared to contemporary novels that blend mythology and modern narratives, Tezcatlipoca stands out for its depth and complexity. Unlike novels such as American Gods by Neil Gaiman, which explores the clash of old and new gods in a modern setting, Sato's work delves into the personal and transformative impact of myth on the individual. While Gaiman's work is known for its broad, epic scope and ensemble cast, Tezcatlipoca offers a more intimate and introspective exploration of its themes.
Similarly, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller reimagines ancient myths with a focus on character relationships and personal growth. However, Tezcatlipoca distinguishes itself through its unique cultural lens and its focus on the intersection of myth and contemporary societal issues. Sato's novel provides a fresh perspective that is both enlightening and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to the genre.
Spoiler Alert!
In conclusion, Tezcatlipoca by Kiwamu Sato is a mesmerizing exploration of myth and mortality that challenges readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient stories in our modern lives. Sato's skillful blending of mythological elements with contemporary themes creates a narrative that is both timeless and uniquely resonant.
For readers seeking a novel that offers both intellectual depth and emotional richness, Tezcatlipoca is a must-read. Its thoughtful exploration of identity, power, and transformation sets it apart from its contemporaries and cements Kiwamu Sato's place as a masterful storyteller in the realm of modern literature.
September 30, 2025
What. A. Saga.
full of detailed information (low key makes me feel educated). Id “read” it again with the audiobook even just to hear all the words in so many different languages pronounced.
i didn't even know stories that don’t tell its readers what to think existed until i read this.
the ample dose of irony was so bold, unapologetic, and refreshing.
Mesoamerican cyclic temporality and cosmic economy.
It presented a believable case of the cyclical logics, where recurrence is explanation. I feel fortunate to have read this as im just starting to realise how firmly im lodged in the eurocentrical linear reasoning and that there are other models of logic out there.
such a take on capitalism, "made in japan" branding, and japanese customer service.
full of detailed information (low key makes me feel educated). Id “read” it again with the audiobook even just to hear all the words in so many different languages pronounced.
i didn't even know stories that don’t tell its readers what to think existed until i read this.
the ample dose of irony was so bold, unapologetic, and refreshing.
Mesoamerican cyclic temporality and cosmic economy.
It presented a believable case of the cyclical logics, where recurrence is explanation. I feel fortunate to have read this as im just starting to realise how firmly im lodged in the eurocentrical linear reasoning and that there are other models of logic out there.
such a take on capitalism, "made in japan" branding, and japanese customer service.
May 6, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Yen Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very long book, mind you. Its thick with drama, graphic violence and heavy plot but it was carried so well by the main character, a half Mexican half Japanese boy. Its interesting though it can be hard to follow sometimes bcus of how descriptive this can be. I actually sympathise our main lead for how lacking of love he was in his life growing up. Its a story of cruelty and filled with violence,finding a place to belong. What i can say, i enjoyed this but it gets very heavy mostly.
This was a very long book, mind you. Its thick with drama, graphic violence and heavy plot but it was carried so well by the main character, a half Mexican half Japanese boy. Its interesting though it can be hard to follow sometimes bcus of how descriptive this can be. I actually sympathise our main lead for how lacking of love he was in his life growing up. Its a story of cruelty and filled with violence,finding a place to belong. What i can say, i enjoyed this but it gets very heavy mostly.
April 28, 2023
What a book!
October 15, 2021
Grotesque & macabre, but entertaining. Not sure if I'd take anything away from it in the long run, but it did rekindle my interest in the Aztecs.
August 25, 2024
Turned pages quickly throughout this one. and, still.. reflecting, I am not sure where I landed. Or what I might take away from this read. Overall, really wrestled with rating a 3 or a 4. Hesitating to straddle fences, a 3.5 might be accurate?
Lots of things to appreciate, here.
Always one to like a different kind of read, an international author and translated tale. A different approach and word play than the run of mill historical fictional thriller, this one still seems an unsettled landing to me. A groove, and, at times, rut?, throughout its telling of lore and history.. it is an intriguing amalgamation (not mashup, not unsettled niche, and not rambling search) of in-depth social history/theology lesson, cartel and underworld crime syndicate power grab, tragically-flawed and damaged core of evolving and introspective players.. a couple of other reviewers' comments resonated...
one spoke about their dismayed reaction to an author who was seemingly "disinterested" in his subject matter. .. where, while this statement sparked recognition with me, I would more lean towards 'better' descriptors of "too-forcefully dispassionate"? "overly-impassive"? or even "wooden rather than cautiously unbiased"?
another reviewer's uninflected summation:
"However, despite touching on some of the most severe social issues (organ smuggling, drug trade, child abuse, etc), this book is more of a spectacle than a discussion or a story"
... seems soberly on-point... and, simultaneously, not fully capturing the unfulfilled resonant tone or salience in the unfolding of the story... in spite of the ever-present writer resolve in so tediously seeming to be working at attending to an even-handed narration.. free of proselytization... that left an undercurrent of banal restraint that coincided with, and foiled, the spectacular mythic bludgeoning violence throughout.. with a National Geo-style History-Channel clinical narration..
Hard one to resolve in taking in after finishing.
Not lacking...
No major misfiring..
No unresolved holes, imbalanced components, or wishing for more of some/anything.
Just.. maybe.. so much... of things.. ? so many deeply-layered things, happening, interweaving, emotionally-impacting disparate realities, social constructs and interplays... and tangentially happening commonalities across otherwise poles-apart world communities... this reader was left between.. "did I just not have enough context to get some of it?" and "did he try too hard? to fit so many things and issues and considerations" and "no, there's just a LOT of meat to chew here", "so much research, underlayered contextual depth, scene crafting, people polishing" ... and, then, maybe trying too hard one's own self to find and apply meaning to something that, at the end of the day, will fall out of my head and contemplation... before chapter 2 of my next TBR story...
Too much of too many good things? Time will tell.
Still... but... what about.. hmmm... . . . ... glad that I found this one.
3.5. Yes. leaning towards 4. maybe I should read it again. . hmm..
Lots of things to appreciate, here.
Always one to like a different kind of read, an international author and translated tale. A different approach and word play than the run of mill historical fictional thriller, this one still seems an unsettled landing to me. A groove, and, at times, rut?, throughout its telling of lore and history.. it is an intriguing amalgamation (not mashup, not unsettled niche, and not rambling search) of in-depth social history/theology lesson, cartel and underworld crime syndicate power grab, tragically-flawed and damaged core of evolving and introspective players.. a couple of other reviewers' comments resonated...
one spoke about their dismayed reaction to an author who was seemingly "disinterested" in his subject matter. .. where, while this statement sparked recognition with me, I would more lean towards 'better' descriptors of "too-forcefully dispassionate"? "overly-impassive"? or even "wooden rather than cautiously unbiased"?
another reviewer's uninflected summation:
"However, despite touching on some of the most severe social issues (organ smuggling, drug trade, child abuse, etc), this book is more of a spectacle than a discussion or a story"
... seems soberly on-point... and, simultaneously, not fully capturing the unfulfilled resonant tone or salience in the unfolding of the story... in spite of the ever-present writer resolve in so tediously seeming to be working at attending to an even-handed narration.. free of proselytization... that left an undercurrent of banal restraint that coincided with, and foiled, the spectacular mythic bludgeoning violence throughout.. with a National Geo-style History-Channel clinical narration..
Hard one to resolve in taking in after finishing.
Not lacking...
No major misfiring..
No unresolved holes, imbalanced components, or wishing for more of some/anything.
Just.. maybe.. so much... of things.. ? so many deeply-layered things, happening, interweaving, emotionally-impacting disparate realities, social constructs and interplays... and tangentially happening commonalities across otherwise poles-apart world communities... this reader was left between.. "did I just not have enough context to get some of it?" and "did he try too hard? to fit so many things and issues and considerations" and "no, there's just a LOT of meat to chew here", "so much research, underlayered contextual depth, scene crafting, people polishing" ... and, then, maybe trying too hard one's own self to find and apply meaning to something that, at the end of the day, will fall out of my head and contemplation... before chapter 2 of my next TBR story...
Too much of too many good things? Time will tell.
Still... but... what about.. hmmm... . . . ... glad that I found this one.
3.5. Yes. leaning towards 4. maybe I should read it again. . hmm..
June 1, 2024
# Plata o Plomo
當故事從毒梟統治下的墨西哥揭幕時，我腦海中很自然又浮現出這樣的話語，還有演員華格納(Wagner Moura)在影集「毒梟」中飾演帕布洛(*Pablo Escobar*)時那不可一世的表情，那畫面真的太帥了，權力金錢一把抓真是令人嚮往的夢想。
結果我才沒翻幾頁就發現，欸不對阿，原來戲劇與現實是有差距的，槍彈直球對決通常是因為不想太引人注目，在毒梟的世界裡，被槍殺就跟被車撞一樣，都是種日常意外(？)，但如果希望對方死的更有意義些，那當然就得祭出更「魔幻」的方法，比方五體分離、液態氮冷凍粉碎…….歡迎大家來到越瘋越得尊敬的世界。
當然，也不是說只要暴力血腥就能讓我買單，不然就看超商99口袋小說就好，是說這本當時是趁KOBO99特價時入手的，現在看來真的划算。回來說到故事裡是有暴力血腥沒錯，但當令人噁心之事很理所當然融入日常生活時，加上作者沒有加油添醋只是平淡敘述的筆法，會出現種乍看之下好像沒甚麼，但卻會越想越不對勁，而當意識到背後警告意味後，那一幕就只剩毛骨悚然。比方說，開頭以墨西哥小鎮裡雜貨店的小女孩露西婭的視角看著一切，先是前幾天來訪的美國記者，因為被行刑槍殺在郊外空地而出現在報紙一隅，本以為這已夠嚇人，結果接著帶出哥哥胡里奧試圖非法偷渡到美國這件事，才讓人知道甚麼是警告。事件敘述中強調胡里奧因為拒與毒梟扯上關係所以想另尋偷渡管道，結果繳了錢後對方才要求偷渡毒品，哥哥斷然拒絕並放棄繳出去的錢，結果還是被人挖眼、割舌並分屍於路邊，這才是警告，對著小鎮所有居民暗示說不要輕舉妄動，我們監控著一切。再回過頭來看前面對美國記者行刑這件事，那才不是甚麼警告，那不過就是像我們捏死螞蟻並丟棄般，就只是礙事，我們也不會產生想恫嚇螞蟻的念頭。
接著才意識到，怎麼我已經對行刑殺人無感，那本身也應該是件極為駭人且會感到憤怒或恐懼之事，但我沒有，那股被習慣於更大恐懼而生的冷漠後來回想才是最令人恐懼的事情。
# Padre y Madre
如果簡單的介紹故事，劇情本身採雙主軸路線進行，一個是在日本出生的混血兒土方小霜，另一個是墨西哥毒梟「粉末」瓦米洛，我很少看見由背景設定來推動故事劇情的小說，正常來說，安排特定事件發生才是故事推動的動力，而背景設定通常愈來補充角色做出決定的原因，篇幅都較為簡短，因為過去說得越長就越容易與主線要解釋的決策脈絡脫鉤，但這本書裡很罕見的讓我發現原來從背景設定開始說起也能如此流暢。土方小霜的故事線是從媽媽露西婭起頭的，沒錯，這個露西婭就是前面說到哥哥被殺害墨西哥雜貨店小女孩，從她開始到土方小霜的出生，中間還夾雜著藉由逃家，讓讀者見識到血腥味濃厚的毒梟墨西哥與如天般耀眼的觀光墨西哥，接著又是來到日本成為地下賭場的荷官，甚至連土方小霜的爸爸也有他自己的成長篇章，照理來說這麼多角色、這麼多背景資訊，若沒有處理好，很容易令人覺得不耐，然而作者在其中安排的環環相扣，先讓時代影響角色，角色間又互相影響，總是會讓我繼續往下翻，因為事件一直在發生，角色影響一直都存在，等我意識到土方小霜的這條線要先暫時打住，而想說可以先休息一下時，我已經讀完第一章裡的1到7節。
作者很擅長從日本人的角度描寫在日外來者，而換過來從外來者角度看日本的部分，也同樣表現優異，例如某夜工作的賭場突然因糾紛而燒了起來，當時的露西婭因發燒而有些遲到，在到達火災現場時，作者如此描寫。
> 晚了一小時抵達深夜一點開店的住商大樓前，被紅光從底下照亮的建築物景象，讓露西婭停住了腳。簡直就像在燃燒，但不是發生火災。是警察。
大阪府警的十一輛警車旋轉著警示燈，大放光明。還有警備車。民眾圍觀看熱鬧的景象對露西婭很新鮮。難波的日本人一路擠到警方拉起的黃色封鎖線前，在庫利亞坎可不是這樣的。沒有人敢靠這麼近，都是躲在家裡或是暗處偷看。因為難保現場不會爆發新的槍戰。
>
故事中不時穿插新鮮的視角來看待習以為常的生活瑣事，那是處在同一個世界架構卻又不同世界觀的角度，換個角度來說也是挺魔幻的，栩栩如生卻又令人無法置信的真實感，我很難不往下翻頁，在這條線中有一種我不知道會發生甚麼事，但如此毒蟲母親、幫派父親及不具教育程度，被鄰近學生稱為「魔像」的兒子所組成的家庭，這些因素總讓人預期會有甚麼事情要發生了。
# In ixtli,in yollotl
另一方面，墨西哥毒梟「粉末」瓦米洛的故事線又比土方小霜更為複雜，開頭先解釋完墨西哥當前的毒品市場內戰後，瓦米洛的毒品家族企業就被抄家了。沒錯這角色一登場就是無情開戰，無人機先給我開出來！！
所以登場才沒幾句，本來雄霸一方的「卡薩索拉兄弟集團」瞬間只剩下瓦米洛一個人，從此開始，他的人生前景就只能逃亡，而人生目標就只剩復仇。故事把整個逃亡的流程寫得很詳細，從墨西哥到智利、從智利到阿根廷、從阿根廷到西非、從西非到澳洲，再從澳洲來到印尼，不是每趟旅程都鉅細靡遺地交代一舉一動，但都能讓讀者了解，這些地點都有其目的，並非為跑而跑，不然我一定碎碎念說，那就直接渡過太平洋就好啦！而其中穿插的設陷阱殺追兵、殺人逆蹤、船隻貨櫃裡的高溫口渴、期間的脫水而產生的失神、加密貨幣的偷渡運用，比起小霜線來說，這裡用上更多細節來讓故事更為合理且有趣。
而人物的描寫也完全沒有忽略，記得瓦米洛的目標是復仇並重建自己的帝國，但為何他如此執著於阿茲特克文化？為什麼要被叫做「粉末」？甚至為何常堅持擊殺目標對象後，還要把對方的心臟挖出來？瓦米洛往事的篇幅比小霜線更久，在裡頭占據重要角色，信仰阿茲特克文化、總是不斷灌輸臉和心臟重要性給卡薩索拉兄弟的是瓦米洛的祖母。阿茲特克有奉獻心臟祭神的傳統，在人死亡後，若該人生前無所事事，就會在死後被挖出心臟擺在臉上，象徵又一次的死亡，來洗淨自己辜負神聖心臟的罪孽。可以說，這故事不存在為殺而殺，血沒有白流，每次的死亡與殘忍手段都具有其意義，而非只是廉價的殺戮。而話語也是如此
> 「你女兒好嗎？」瓦米洛說。
「很好。」楚巴點點頭笑道。他自己也很清楚這笑容假得無可救藥。
>
楚巴是與毒販勾結的瀆職刑警，故事登場時他與逃亡中的瓦米洛會面，並為其準備代步的休旅車。雙方一見面便是對家人的單方面問候，乍看親切實則不然，這是警告，
我知道你家人在哪。
楚巴因此猶豫，最後放棄在這裡殺害瓦米洛，而依規定遞出車鑰匙。但在擁抱後瓦米洛卻開槍殺了楚巴，對瓦米洛來說，匿蹤固然重要，只是敵方毒販遲早會循線找到楚巴，到時楚巴會死得更痛苦，甚至死不了，不然我先讓他不這麼痛苦。這又回到最初露西婭哥哥死亡時書中的一句話。
> 事情要如何了結，全看毒梟的意思。
>
# Somos familia
總體來說，我在讀一部多角色、多線進行的故事時最怕兩件事，角色太平板和故事間連結性太薄，角色太平板會像是在讀日記，讀到後面都不知道誰是誰，故事間連結性太薄在這種背景故事佔比重的小說裡，會變成像是歷史課本般無味，因為讀者容易失去了主軸，但這本書很好的解決兩個問題，成為一本流利且值得思考的好書，就像其中角色說的一樣，所謂的目標，不過只是各自為政營造出來的假象罷了。
> 沒有人想知道真相，真相也不是問題。兒童諮詢所職員這麼想。結果就是一切。
>
當故事從毒梟統治下的墨西哥揭幕時，我腦海中很自然又浮現出這樣的話語，還有演員華格納(Wagner Moura)在影集「毒梟」中飾演帕布洛(*Pablo Escobar*)時那不可一世的表情，那畫面真的太帥了，權力金錢一把抓真是令人嚮往的夢想。
結果我才沒翻幾頁就發現，欸不對阿，原來戲劇與現實是有差距的，槍彈直球對決通常是因為不想太引人注目，在毒梟的世界裡，被槍殺就跟被車撞一樣，都是種日常意外(？)，但如果希望對方死的更有意義些，那當然就得祭出更「魔幻」的方法，比方五體分離、液態氮冷凍粉碎…….歡迎大家來到越瘋越得尊敬的世界。
當然，也不是說只要暴力血腥就能讓我買單，不然就看超商99口袋小說就好，是說這本當時是趁KOBO99特價時入手的，現在看來真的划算。回來說到故事裡是有暴力血腥沒錯，但當令人噁心之事很理所當然融入日常生活時，加上作者沒有加油添醋只是平淡敘述的筆法，會出現種乍看之下好像沒甚麼，但卻會越想越不對勁，而當意識到背後警告意味後，那一幕就只剩毛骨悚然。比方說，開頭以墨西哥小鎮裡雜貨店的小女孩露西婭的視角看著一切，先是前幾天來訪的美國記者，因為被行刑槍殺在郊外空地而出現在報紙一隅，本以為這已夠嚇人，結果接著帶出哥哥胡里奧試圖非法偷渡到美國這件事，才讓人知道甚麼是警告。事件敘述中強調胡里奧因為拒與毒梟扯上關係所以想另尋偷渡管道，結果繳了錢後對方才要求偷渡毒品，哥哥斷然拒絕並放棄繳出去的錢，結果還是被人挖眼、割舌並分屍於路邊，這才是警告，對著小鎮所有居民暗示說不要輕舉妄動，我們監控著一切。再回過頭來看前面對美國記者行刑這件事，那才不是甚麼警告，那不過就是像我們捏死螞蟻並丟棄般，就只是礙事，我們也不會產生想恫嚇螞蟻的念頭。
接著才意識到，怎麼我已經對行刑殺人無感，那本身也應該是件極為駭人且會感到憤怒或恐懼之事，但我沒有，那股被習慣於更大恐懼而生的冷漠後來回想才是最令人恐懼的事情。
# Padre y Madre
如果簡單的介紹故事，劇情本身採雙主軸路線進行，一個是在日本出生的混血兒土方小霜，另一個是墨西哥毒梟「粉末」瓦米洛，我很少看見由背景設定來推動故事劇情的小說，正常來說，安排特定事件發生才是故事推動的動力，而背景設定通常愈來補充角色做出決定的原因，篇幅都較為簡短，因為過去說得越長就越容易與主線要解釋的決策脈絡脫鉤，但這本書裡很罕見的讓我發現原來從背景設定開始說起也能如此流暢。土方小霜的故事線是從媽媽露西婭起頭的，沒錯，這個露西婭就是前面說到哥哥被殺害墨西哥雜貨店小女孩，從她開始到土方小霜的出生，中間還夾雜著藉由逃家，讓讀者見識到血腥味濃厚的毒梟墨西哥與如天般耀眼的觀光墨西哥，接著又是來到日本成為地下賭場的荷官，甚至連土方小霜的爸爸也有他自己的成長篇章，照理來說這麼多角色、這麼多背景資訊，若沒有處理好，很容易令人覺得不耐，然而作者在其中安排的環環相扣，先讓時代影響角色，角色間又互相影響，總是會讓我繼續往下翻，因為事件一直在發生，角色影響一直都存在，等我意識到土方小霜的這條線要先暫時打住，而想說可以先休息一下時，我已經讀完第一章裡的1到7節。
作者很擅長從日本人的角度描寫在日外來者，而換過來從外來者角度看日本的部分，也同樣表現優異，例如某夜工作的賭場突然因糾紛而燒了起來，當時的露西婭因發燒而有些遲到，在到達火災現場時，作者如此描寫。
> 晚了一小時抵達深夜一點開店的住商大樓前，被紅光從底下照亮的建築物景象，讓露西婭停住了腳。簡直就像在燃燒，但不是發生火災。是警察。
大阪府警的十一輛警車旋轉著警示燈，大放光明。還有警備車。民眾圍觀看熱鬧的景象對露西婭很新鮮。難波的日本人一路擠到警方拉起的黃色封鎖線前，在庫利亞坎可不是這樣的。沒有人敢靠這麼近，都是躲在家裡或是暗處偷看。因為難保現場不會爆發新的槍戰。
>
故事中不時穿插新鮮的視角來看待習以為常的生活瑣事，那是處在同一個世界架構卻又不同世界觀的角度，換個角度來說也是挺魔幻的，栩栩如生卻又令人無法置信的真實感，我很難不往下翻頁，在這條線中有一種我不知道會發生甚麼事，但如此毒蟲母親、幫派父親及不具教育程度，被鄰近學生稱為「魔像」的兒子所組成的家庭，這些因素總讓人預期會有甚麼事情要發生了。
# In ixtli,in yollotl
另一方面，墨西哥毒梟「粉末」瓦米洛的故事線又比土方小霜更為複雜，開頭先解釋完墨西哥當前的毒品市場內戰後，瓦米洛的毒品家族企業就被抄家了。沒錯這角色一登場就是無情開戰，無人機先給我開出來！！
所以登場才沒幾句，本來雄霸一方的「卡薩索拉兄弟集團」瞬間只剩下瓦米洛一個人，從此開始，他的人生前景就只能逃亡，而人生目標就只剩復仇。故事把整個逃亡的流程寫得很詳細，從墨西哥到智利、從智利到阿根廷、從阿根廷到西非、從西非到澳洲，再從澳洲來到印尼，不是每趟旅程都鉅細靡遺地交代一舉一動，但都能讓讀者了解，這些地點都有其目的，並非為跑而跑，不然我一定碎碎念說，那就直接渡過太平洋就好啦！而其中穿插的設陷阱殺追兵、殺人逆蹤、船隻貨櫃裡的高溫口渴、期間的脫水而產生的失神、加密貨幣的偷渡運用，比起小霜線來說，這裡用上更多細節來讓故事更為合理且有趣。
而人物的描寫也完全沒有忽略，記得瓦米洛的目標是復仇並重建自己的帝國，但為何他如此執著於阿茲特克文化？為什麼要被叫做「粉末」？甚至為何常堅持擊殺目標對象後，還要把對方的心臟挖出來？瓦米洛往事的篇幅比小霜線更久，在裡頭占據重要角色，信仰阿茲特克文化、總是不斷灌輸臉和心臟重要性給卡薩索拉兄弟的是瓦米洛的祖母。阿茲特克有奉獻心臟祭神的傳統，在人死亡後，若該人生前無所事事，就會在死後被挖出心臟擺在臉上，象徵又一次的死亡，來洗淨自己辜負神聖心臟的罪孽。可以說，這故事不存在為殺而殺，血沒有白流，每次的死亡與殘忍手段都具有其意義，而非只是廉價的殺戮。而話語也是如此
> 「你女兒好嗎？」瓦米洛說。
「很好。」楚巴點點頭笑道。他自己也很清楚這笑容假得無可救藥。
>
楚巴是與毒販勾結的瀆職刑警，故事登場時他與逃亡中的瓦米洛會面，並為其準備代步的休旅車。雙方一見面便是對家人的單方面問候，乍看親切實則不然，這是警告，
我知道你家人在哪。
楚巴因此猶豫，最後放棄在這裡殺害瓦米洛，而依規定遞出車鑰匙。但在擁抱後瓦米洛卻開槍殺了楚巴，對瓦米洛來說，匿蹤固然重要，只是敵方毒販遲早會循線找到楚巴，到時楚巴會死得更痛苦，甚至死不了，不然我先讓他不這麼痛苦。這又回到最初露西婭哥哥死亡時書中的一句話。
> 事情要如何了結，全看毒梟的意思。
>
# Somos familia
總體來說，我在讀一部多角色、多線進行的故事時最怕兩件事，角色太平板和故事間連結性太薄，角色太平板會像是在讀日記，讀到後面都不知道誰是誰，故事間連結性太薄在這種背景故事佔比重的小說裡，會變成像是歷史課本般無味，因為讀者容易失去了主軸，但這本書很好的解決兩個問題，成為一本流利且值得思考的好書，就像其中角色說的一樣，所謂的目標，不過只是各自為政營造出來的假象罷了。
> 沒有人想知道真相，真相也不是問題。兒童諮詢所職員這麼想。結果就是一切。
>
December 23, 2024
Riveting from start to finish, a multi-generational (for several families, even) tale spanning several continents.
I'm not sure what happened with me that I didn't read this earlier but it's been so long since I was approved for the ARC that I not only purchased a digital copy but then found an audio narration (masterfully done by Aida Reluzco) from the library to be able to mark this off my "pending" ARC list. Now that I've finished I'm kicking myself that I waited so long? I'm a little obsessed actually and I want a physical copy too, in both English AND Japanese.
The amount of research that must have been done here not only to be understood but to communicate it in such an accessible way to the reader is brilliant -- from Aztec culture and mythologies to the history of Latin American cartels, to human organ trafficking and the yakuza "reforms" and even the trickiness with unregistered children... and then to have this wide cast of characters that have full backgrounds that all tie together so well? Brilliant. I would read more that Kiwamu Sato writes (and especially more that Aida Reluzco reads -- she's had to pronounce English, Japanese, Spanish, Nahuatl, a dialect of Indonesian, Chinese names, Vietnamese names... all while giving characters life in her voice). But do be warned it is GRUESOME, in line with cartel and yakuza practice, and also... the organ trade. Lots of content warnings so please check for them if you need them. The tale is RICH in lore and really draws you in, trying to figure out how everything will shake out and then the ending? I really loved the almost-epilogue of the ending, the way the stories are told. This is really something that'll be with me for a time.
Thank you so much to Yen Press/Yen On and to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review!
I'm not sure what happened with me that I didn't read this earlier but it's been so long since I was approved for the ARC that I not only purchased a digital copy but then found an audio narration (masterfully done by Aida Reluzco) from the library to be able to mark this off my "pending" ARC list. Now that I've finished I'm kicking myself that I waited so long? I'm a little obsessed actually and I want a physical copy too, in both English AND Japanese.
The amount of research that must have been done here not only to be understood but to communicate it in such an accessible way to the reader is brilliant -- from Aztec culture and mythologies to the history of Latin American cartels, to human organ trafficking and the yakuza "reforms" and even the trickiness with unregistered children... and then to have this wide cast of characters that have full backgrounds that all tie together so well? Brilliant. I would read more that Kiwamu Sato writes (and especially more that Aida Reluzco reads -- she's had to pronounce English, Japanese, Spanish, Nahuatl, a dialect of Indonesian, Chinese names, Vietnamese names... all while giving characters life in her voice). But do be warned it is GRUESOME, in line with cartel and yakuza practice, and also... the organ trade. Lots of content warnings so please check for them if you need them. The tale is RICH in lore and really draws you in, trying to figure out how everything will shake out and then the ending? I really loved the almost-epilogue of the ending, the way the stories are told. This is really something that'll be with me for a time.
Thank you so much to Yen Press/Yen On and to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review!
October 5, 2025
佐藤究的《命運操弄者》是本某天跟朋友聊起最近的新書時發現兩人都感興趣的書，不過不知為何我在非常前面的段落就失去興致，不過老實說前面的段落在描繪墨西哥場景的段落對我而言意外地很身歷其境，反倒是日本的場景就沒有這麼栩栩如生，到了雅加達我更覺得有種茫然感，彷彿是佈景預算過低所以怎麼看都不真實的感覺。或許是臨場感的消失，也可能是第二條主線的角色無法讓我留下深刻印象，某天我就放置了這本書。重新閱讀這本書，我依然覺得雖然是本易讀的書，但如果沒有特別強迫自己，我大概還是會束之高閣吧。
《命運操弄者》的故事線主要分為兩部分，一個是來自墨西哥的逃家少女輾轉來到日本與日本黑道生下了一個孩子小霜，小霜的成長過程中因為父親的忽視以及母親的精神狀況突然地變得很糟(我個人覺得小霜的媽媽在婚前跟婚後的能力跟精神狀況判若兩人，有可能能力都傳給小孩了)，缺乏照顧與教育的小霜最終在一個衝突事件中鑄下大錯，使他輾轉進入少年感化院，開啟一段新的故事；而另一部份則是一個來自墨西哥毒梟家族，綽號叫「粉末」的頭目，在一次競爭對手的襲擊中，家族成員全數陣亡。粉末一邊逃避仇家追捕，一邊思考東山再起。
這次他除了舊業之外，更與一名被流放至東南亞的外科醫生聯手打造器官活摘的事業，甚至將客群鎖定在較少人關注的兒童器官活摘業務。兩人到了日本招兵買馬，打造一個無可匹敵的黑幫勢力，因緣際會下「粉末」與小霜兩人的命運交會，走向最後的結局......墨西哥文化，或者更精確的説是阿茲克特文化的描寫，是這本書主要的看點之一，隨著粉末回想過去祖母教導他們四兄弟阿茲特克文化，特別是阿茲特克諸神的傳說，活人獻祭代表的意義。如果是一般的孩子或許無法這麼輕易接受，但經歷家變的毒梟家庭不只接受了阿茲特克文化中那些以現代角度而言過於野蠻的獻祭儀式，兄弟四人甚至將阿茲特克文化融入在他們行事作風之中，四兄弟因此闖出了名號，也招來了殺身之禍。阿茲特克文化的描述固然很有意思，不過最讓我覺得有意思的是結局的反轉。看上小霜天生神力的粉末，將其視為義子。粉末將祖母傳給他的關於阿茲克特的知識傳給小霜，最後卻成為兩人反目成仇的導火線，因為無法認同義父的行為，又發現義父看似在實踐阿茲特克戰士的行事風格，然而小霜自己卻從自身的理解當中意識到，義父對於阿茲特克文化有所誤解，令小霜奮起與義父一戰(非常不精彩的一戰，不過這不是重點)。
某種程度而言，故事的敘事跟作者的寫作行為，其實互為表裡。故事中的祖母將自己知道的事情轉述給孫子，而保持濃厚興趣的祖母對於這個不復存在的文明的理解，恐怕有許多的部分是出自自己的想像理解。正如同對阿茲特克文化有興趣/以此為小說基礎的作者一樣，處於自發性的蒐集資料後，對阿茲特克文化有屬於自己的理解。而作為讀者的我們也如同祖母的四個孫子般，透過作者的敘事理解他理解的阿茲特克文化，
選擇兒童器官活摘的主題，也讓我思考是否是刻意營造一個讓讀者感到不舒服或者是很黑暗的氛圍?而刻意選擇日本的兒童，說明日本的空氣汙染狀況較佳，因此是個適合的「產地」，也讓我覺得很有意思，這種彷彿這些器官因為是Made in Japan，所以品質就特別精良的想法，以及後續又提到必須製造出這些小孩在庇護所(也就是被活摘前前養著的地方)都是開心愉快的假象，如此一來買家才不會有過多的愧疚感，使用上(?)也比較放心。然而不管是「快樂庇護所」或是「肺比較乾淨」的日本兒童這個設定似乎都是讓場景停留在日本，而器官活摘的行為，對粉末而言，更似乎被賦予了某種神聖使命一般，似乎與阿茲特克文化的獻祭心臟給神明有所連結。
雖然從故事題材來看似乎很難想像，但讀完《命運操弄者》我卻感受到滿滿的王道元素，
突然其來的血海深仇→被迫逃離自己熟悉的家園→邂逅新的夥伴→並且領悟到屬於自己的神聖使命。只是因為黑道老大「粉末」本人不方便洗白，因此劇情好像需要反轉成混血義子制裁了義父的結局，但正是因為這種政治正確的結局，更顯得整部小說的王道感十足。尤其是為了建立起器官活摘帝國開始招兵買馬，每個收編的成員還有自己的綽號跟他的小故事，不過這些人實際上的戲份可能沒有他們的小故事還多的風格，好像也很常在特定類型的作品中出現。這些元素的出現讓這本書成為一本很適合輕鬆閱讀的小說，不過看完《命運操弄者》會讓我想要多看看阿茲特克文化相關的資料嗎?或許。會讓我去關心兒童器官活摘在世界各地有多盛行嗎?大概不會。
說起來對我來說《命運操弄者》跟一般的王道型劇情最大的差別在於，一般的王道劇情是主角們揮灑青春熱血，《命運操弄者》揮灑的熱血是貨真價實的血而已。
《命運操弄者》的故事線主要分為兩部分，一個是來自墨西哥的逃家少女輾轉來到日本與日本黑道生下了一個孩子小霜，小霜的成長過程中因為父親的忽視以及母親的精神狀況突然地變得很糟(我個人覺得小霜的媽媽在婚前跟婚後的能力跟精神狀況判若兩人，有可能能力都傳給小孩了)，缺乏照顧與教育的小霜最終在一個衝突事件中鑄下大錯，使他輾轉進入少年感化院，開啟一段新的故事；而另一部份則是一個來自墨西哥毒梟家族，綽號叫「粉末」的頭目，在一次競爭對手的襲擊中，家族成員全數陣亡。粉末一邊逃避仇家追捕，一邊思考東山再起。
這次他除了舊業之外，更與一名被流放至東南亞的外科醫生聯手打造器官活摘的事業，甚至將客群鎖定在較少人關注的兒童器官活摘業務。兩人到了日本招兵買馬，打造一個無可匹敵的黑幫勢力，因緣際會下「粉末」與小霜兩人的命運交會，走向最後的結局......墨西哥文化，或者更精確的説是阿茲克特文化的描寫，是這本書主要的看點之一，隨著粉末回想過去祖母教導他們四兄弟阿茲特克文化，特別是阿茲特克諸神的傳說，活人獻祭代表的意義。如果是一般的孩子或許無法這麼輕易接受，但經歷家變的毒梟家庭不只接受了阿茲特克文化中那些以現代角度而言過於野蠻的獻祭儀式，兄弟四人甚至將阿茲特克文化融入在他們行事作風之中，四兄弟因此闖出了名號，也招來了殺身之禍。阿茲特克文化的描述固然很有意思，不過最讓我覺得有意思的是結局的反轉。看上小霜天生神力的粉末，將其視為義子。粉末將祖母傳給他的關於阿茲克特的知識傳給小霜，最後卻成為兩人反目成仇的導火線，因為無法認同義父的行為，又發現義父看似在實踐阿茲特克戰士的行事風格，然而小霜自己卻從自身的理解當中意識到，義父對於阿茲特克文化有所誤解，令小霜奮起與義父一戰(非常不精彩的一戰，不過這不是重點)。
某種程度而言，故事的敘事跟作者的寫作行為，其實互為表裡。故事中的祖母將自己知道的事情轉述給孫子，而保持濃厚興趣的祖母對於這個不復存在的文明的理解，恐怕有許多的部分是出自自己的想像理解。正如同對阿茲特克文化有興趣/以此為小說基礎的作者一樣，處於自發性的蒐集資料後，對阿茲特克文化有屬於自己的理解。而作為讀者的我們也如同祖母的四個孫子般，透過作者的敘事理解他理解的阿茲特克文化，
選擇兒童器官活摘的主題，也讓我思考是否是刻意營造一個讓讀者感到不舒服或者是很黑暗的氛圍?而刻意選擇日本的兒童，說明日本的空氣汙染狀況較佳，因此是個適合的「產地」，也讓我覺得很有意思，這種彷彿這些器官因為是Made in Japan，所以品質就特別精良的想法，以及後續又提到必須製造出這些小孩在庇護所(也就是被活摘前前養著的地方)都是開心愉快的假象，如此一來買家才不會有過多的愧疚感，使用上(?)也比較放心。然而不管是「快樂庇護所」或是「肺比較乾淨」的日本兒童這個設定似乎都是讓場景停留在日本，而器官活摘的行為，對粉末而言，更似乎被賦予了某種神聖使命一般，似乎與阿茲特克文化的獻祭心臟給神明有所連結。
雖然從故事題材來看似乎很難想像，但讀完《命運操弄者》我卻感受到滿滿的王道元素，
突然其來的血海深仇→被迫逃離自己熟悉的家園→邂逅新的夥伴→並且領悟到屬於自己的神聖使命。只是因為黑道老大「粉末」本人不方便洗白，因此劇情好像需要反轉成混血義子制裁了義父的結局，但正是因為這種政治正確的結局，更顯得整部小說的王道感十足。尤其是為了建立起器官活摘帝國開始招兵買馬，每個收編的成員還有自己的綽號跟他的小故事，不過這些人實際上的戲份可能沒有他們的小故事還多的風格，好像也很常在特定類型的作品中出現。這些元素的出現讓這本書成為一本很適合輕鬆閱讀的小說，不過看完《命運操弄者》會讓我想要多看看阿茲特克文化相關的資料嗎?或許。會讓我去關心兒童器官活摘在世界各地有多盛行嗎?大概不會。
說起來對我來說《命運操弄者》跟一般的王道型劇情最大的差別在於，一般的王道劇情是主角們揮灑青春熱血，《命運操弄者》揮灑的熱血是貨真價實的血而已。
January 3, 2025
This book felt like a tedious write up of all the hobbies and interests of its author, masqueraded by an incredibly dull plot.
Endless descriptions of knife making, ship building, climbing techniques... None of which servers to further the plot or enrich poorly written characters.
The book keeps opening parenthesis on secondary and tertiary characters that completely destroy the pace and add nothing.
The plot is very flat and uninspired, even the Aztech mithology is just another way for the author to drown you in exposition over one of his interests, but it's so weakly relevant towards the plot it's hard to understand what was the point.
Another issue is that this reads like an shonen manga.
The following patters happens a MILLION times in this book:
* introducing character A
* explain that A is a genius / master of a certain skill - every character in the book is exceptional at something
* to prove that A is truly excellent, a new character B is promptly introduced
* B is also a legend at that skill. Boxer champion, genius doctor, you name it
* A proceeds to obliterate B
* Author reitherate how incredible it is thay A obliterated B
* B vanish from the plot, as swiftly as he appeared.
Anyway, I read this beefy book in the original language to practice my Japanese reading skills, so it took me 6 months to finish it.
It was never fun, constantly bland, always predictable, and flat out stupid.
Endless descriptions of knife making, ship building, climbing techniques... None of which servers to further the plot or enrich poorly written characters.
The book keeps opening parenthesis on secondary and tertiary characters that completely destroy the pace and add nothing.
The plot is very flat and uninspired, even the Aztech mithology is just another way for the author to drown you in exposition over one of his interests, but it's so weakly relevant towards the plot it's hard to understand what was the point.
Another issue is that this reads like an shonen manga.
The following patters happens a MILLION times in this book:
* introducing character A
* explain that A is a genius / master of a certain skill - every character in the book is exceptional at something
* to prove that A is truly excellent, a new character B is promptly introduced
* B is also a legend at that skill. Boxer champion, genius doctor, you name it
* A proceeds to obliterate B
* Author reitherate how incredible it is thay A obliterated B
* B vanish from the plot, as swiftly as he appeared.
Anyway, I read this beefy book in the original language to practice my Japanese reading skills, so it took me 6 months to finish it.
It was never fun, constantly bland, always predictable, and flat out stupid.
March 31, 2024
Excellent!!!!
Unique, full-bodied, bustling and meaty, this is the best book I've read in years.
I'd call this capitalism horror / geo-cultural crime tourism. It's so damn intricate and hectic.
This book reads like the collaborative effort between a 1)crime geek 2)Nat Geo Asia correspondent 3)The Economist's editorial researcher 4)travel vlogger
The tone is journalistic and crisp with a breakneck narrative pace. The character work is superb, and without a single stale cliché. I felt very invested in the proceedings at all times.
The thematic cohesion isn't always airtight, but the sheer audacity of the plot kept me reading.
The translator has done a great job.
I recommend the audiobook version as it makes the Nahuatl heavy book so much more vivid.
P.S. This book is grisly with frequent depictions of brutality. Some episodes are chilling, while others are (intentionally) ott. Your ability to suspend disbelief will hinge on your personal capacity/tolerance for mythology. Since it's all so VERY unique, and describes an alien, dead culture, I could stomach it all without rolling my skeptical eyes.
Unique, full-bodied, bustling and meaty, this is the best book I've read in years.
I'd call this capitalism horror / geo-cultural crime tourism. It's so damn intricate and hectic.
This book reads like the collaborative effort between a 1)crime geek 2)Nat Geo Asia correspondent 3)The Economist's editorial researcher 4)travel vlogger
The tone is journalistic and crisp with a breakneck narrative pace. The character work is superb, and without a single stale cliché. I felt very invested in the proceedings at all times.
The thematic cohesion isn't always airtight, but the sheer audacity of the plot kept me reading.
The translator has done a great job.
I recommend the audiobook version as it makes the Nahuatl heavy book so much more vivid.
P.S. This book is grisly with frequent depictions of brutality. Some episodes are chilling, while others are (intentionally) ott. Your ability to suspend disbelief will hinge on your personal capacity/tolerance for mythology. Since it's all so VERY unique, and describes an alien, dead culture, I could stomach it all without rolling my skeptical eyes.
October 22, 2024
Excellent!!!!
Unique, full-bodied, bustling and meaty, this is the best book I've read in years.
I'd call this capitalism horror / geo-cultural crime tourism. It's so damn intricate and hectic.
This book reads like the collaborative effort between a 1)crime geek 2)Nat Geo Asia correspondent 3)The Economist's editorial researcher 4)travel vlogger
The tone is journalistic and crisp with a breakneck narrative pace. The character work is superb, and without a single stale cliché. I felt very invested in the proceedings at all times.
The thematic cohesion isn't always airtight, but the sheer audacity of the plot kept me reading.
The translator has done a great job.
I recommend the audiobook version as it makes the Nahuatl heavy book so much more vivid.
P.S. This book is grisly with frequent depictions of brutality. Some episodes are chilling, while others are (intentionally) ott. Your ability to suspend disbelief will hinge on your personal capacity/tolerance for mythology. Since it's all so VERY unique, and describes an alien, dead culture, I could stomach it all without rolling my skeptical eyes.
Unique, full-bodied, bustling and meaty, this is the best book I've read in years.
I'd call this capitalism horror / geo-cultural crime tourism. It's so damn intricate and hectic.
This book reads like the collaborative effort between a 1)crime geek 2)Nat Geo Asia correspondent 3)The Economist's editorial researcher 4)travel vlogger
The tone is journalistic and crisp with a breakneck narrative pace. The character work is superb, and without a single stale cliché. I felt very invested in the proceedings at all times.
The thematic cohesion isn't always airtight, but the sheer audacity of the plot kept me reading.
The translator has done a great job.
I recommend the audiobook version as it makes the Nahuatl heavy book so much more vivid.
P.S. This book is grisly with frequent depictions of brutality. Some episodes are chilling, while others are (intentionally) ott. Your ability to suspend disbelief will hinge on your personal capacity/tolerance for mythology. Since it's all so VERY unique, and describes an alien, dead culture, I could stomach it all without rolling my skeptical eyes.
May 3, 2023
This is a book that is kind of hard to recommend. It's a story that goes in depth about Aztec myths and the interpretation that it can be given in a dark context, intertwining the stories of a drug lord, a dark market surgeon and a kid that, honestly, didn't have a chance.
The drug lord and surgeon's stories intertwine for most of the book, while the third character only joins into the shared narrative by the last third of the book. The characters are interesting, but we're definitely not meant to root for them and it is clear in the narrative. There are morally grey characters that struggle with the dark situation that they're in and the way the book ends was satisfying for me.
Important things to do: READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book won't shy of being gruesome and touching many terrible topics. Also, this is incredibly descriptive. Like... ridiculously descriptive. It can get a little tedious, but you learn from a lot of things that I honestly didn't want to know, but now I do.
The drug lord and surgeon's stories intertwine for most of the book, while the third character only joins into the shared narrative by the last third of the book. The characters are interesting, but we're definitely not meant to root for them and it is clear in the narrative. There are morally grey characters that struggle with the dark situation that they're in and the way the book ends was satisfying for me.
Important things to do: READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book won't shy of being gruesome and touching many terrible topics. Also, this is incredibly descriptive. Like... ridiculously descriptive. It can get a little tedious, but you learn from a lot of things that I honestly didn't want to know, but now I do.
September 6, 2023
This book takes you on a journey around the World it seems, but really opens with what you think is going to be a book about Mexico in the end you are in Asia and the characters you started with are gone, and now you have one sibling and some other characters. The book deals with drugs, money, poverty, street life, the strong taking advantage of the weakest, and then at times the weakest getting over the strong. The police and other so-called authorities cannot or will not help because everything is too far gone. When you get to the end there is one good moment which I can say the book ends on a happy note. For me not a bad story, don’t know if that is a sign of me or not for some this is not a book for you murder death, and maham, drugs Life for some people is not good. For me though a good read, being aware could be a trigger for some people. I received this book from Netgalley.com
June 30, 2023
中譯：命運操弄者
這是一本結構完整且強大的小說，都可以拍成一系列影集了。
故事從一位墨西哥女子開始，為了逃離被毒梟掌控的世界，卻又被貧窮的生活逼得走頭無路，想偷渡進美國而沒有非經毒梟控制的門路，輾轉之下到了日本展開新的生活。為了生計，沒有一技之長也沒有工作簽證的自己只能在聲色場所工作，卻也因此間接染上毒癮。繞了一大圈又回到原點的感覺很諷刺，但現實生活就也許就是如此。女子生下了一個兒子，叫小霜。
另一條故事線開始，墨西哥當地的巨大毒梟-卡薩索拉兄弟集團，在一夜之間遭殲滅，唯一逃出的首腦之一-瓦米洛為了逃離敵人的追捕而流亡雅加達，因此認識了「醫生」末永。在介紹瓦米洛時，書裡用了非常長的篇幅介紹了阿茲特克王國的神祇，而此書的書名即以最為阿茲特克人所敬畏的神祇-特斯卡特利波卡所命名。
瓦米洛為了在墨西哥東山再起，調查過毒品供應市場、各國幫派組織，最後選擇在雅加達尋找可以合作的對象，因緣際會下認識了「醫生」末永，透過末永了解了人體器官交易市場，一環接著一環，建立了一個巨大且黑暗的犯罪組織，經營著這個血腥的新事業。就在瓦米洛網羅值得信賴的合作手下時，小霜與瓦米洛的世界交會了。
單純的小霜對「父親」瓦米洛的神祇故事深信不疑，在阿茲特克血腥的信仰下，小霜的雙手斷送好幾條人命。眼看故事的走向愈加黑暗沈淪，小霜終於在旁人有意無意的提點下，了解瓦米洛獻祭的對象也許只是他個人強烈又冷血的野心，終於懸崖勒馬，也讓自己脫了身。
因為看過絕命毒師跟絕命律師而對毒梟的世界沒那麼陌生，但看到書中建構出如企業經營般的毒梟市場競爭策略還是相當驚訝！
故事因為寫得非常詳盡，很有畫面感，劇情融合時代背景而顯得真實，很厲害的一本小說。
這是一本結構完整且強大的小說，都可以拍成一系列影集了。
故事從一位墨西哥女子開始，為了逃離被毒梟掌控的世界，卻又被貧窮的生活逼得走頭無路，想偷渡進美國而沒有非經毒梟控制的門路，輾轉之下到了日本展開新的生活。為了生計，沒有一技之長也沒有工作簽證的自己只能在聲色場所工作，卻也因此間接染上毒癮。繞了一大圈又回到原點的感覺很諷刺，但現實生活就也許就是如此。女子生下了一個兒子，叫小霜。
另一條故事線開始，墨西哥當地的巨大毒梟-卡薩索拉兄弟集團，在一夜之間遭殲滅，唯一逃出的首腦之一-瓦米洛為了逃離敵人的追捕而流亡雅加達，因此認識了「醫生」末永。在介紹瓦米洛時，書裡用了非常長的篇幅介紹了阿茲特克王國的神祇，而此書的書名即以最為阿茲特克人所敬畏的神祇-特斯卡特利波卡所命名。
瓦米洛為了在墨西哥東山再起，調查過毒品供應市場、各國幫派組織，最後選擇在雅加達尋找可以合作的對象，因緣際會下認識了「醫生」末永，透過末永了解了人體器官交易市場，一環接著一環，建立了一個巨大且黑暗的犯罪組織，經營著這個血腥的新事業。就在瓦米洛網羅值得信賴的合作手下時，小霜與瓦米洛的世界交會了。
單純的小霜對「父親」瓦米洛的神祇故事深信不疑，在阿茲特克血腥的信仰下，小霜的雙手斷送好幾條人命。眼看故事的走向愈加黑暗沈淪，小霜終於在旁人有意無意的提點下，了解瓦米洛獻祭的對象也許只是他個人強烈又冷血的野心，終於懸崖勒馬，也讓自己脫了身。
因為看過絕命毒師跟絕命律師而對毒梟的世界沒那麼陌生，但看到書中建構出如企業經營般的毒梟市場競爭策略還是相當驚訝！
故事因為寫得非常詳盡，很有畫面感，劇情融合時代背景而顯得真實，很厲害的一本小說。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
This was one hell of a novel bringing together a notorious Mexican drug kingpin, devout practitioner of the Aztec religion, whose entire family was murdered by a rival cartel and is now on the run; an Japanese heart surgeon, ousted from the medical field, turned black market organ trader, and a kid from a broken home raised in the system after killing his parents. Together, they form a new dynasty built on blood capitalism.
This book is dark, violent and extremely detail-oriented in the inner workings of the cartel, Yakuza and the black market organ and drug trade. Very well-researched. Learned A LOT about the criminal underground as well as the history of the Aztec Religion.
A truly unique story, though not for everyone.
This book is dark, violent and extremely detail-oriented in the inner workings of the cartel, Yakuza and the black market organ and drug trade. Very well-researched. Learned A LOT about the criminal underground as well as the history of the Aztec Religion.
A truly unique story, though not for everyone.
December 24, 2025
Yakuza, Narcos, violence, drugs, kidnapping... A lot of things happen in this novel, so many things that it feels this should be more than 1000 pages and not just 684. Some of the shortcomings: the first part of the story, introduction of characters, the plot, etc., lasts for so long that the last third, resolution, is too rushed, and some of the characters' decisions are suspect (they behave more like plot tools than humans). But it is really entertaining. It could have been more, though.
The best: the world is very interesting
The worst: the ending comes too fast; Koshimo's arc is also too rushed, too convenient and not well developed
6.5/10
(Japanese; original)
The best: the world is very interesting
The worst: the ending comes too fast; Koshimo's arc is also too rushed, too convenient and not well developed
6.5/10
(Japanese; original)
July 7, 2023
80% Exposition, 20% Story.
One of the main 'protagonists' the book starts with, you won't be seeing him again for more than a third of the book and then he only meets the other main protagonist after two-thirds of the book is already over.
Almost the whole book is set up for the last 80 pages or so where an actual story takes place, everything else is exposition and backstory. The excitement curve for this book is a flat line.
The contents of the story are gruesome, cruel, and violent, but it all reads like a documentary and a very boring one at that.
One of the main 'protagonists' the book starts with, you won't be seeing him again for more than a third of the book and then he only meets the other main protagonist after two-thirds of the book is already over.
Almost the whole book is set up for the last 80 pages or so where an actual story takes place, everything else is exposition and backstory. The excitement curve for this book is a flat line.
The contents of the story are gruesome, cruel, and violent, but it all reads like a documentary and a very boring one at that.
November 27, 2023
Wow! Powerful story melding Aztec history and mythology with drug cartels, international immigration, kidnapping and far more. I listened to this via audiobook. The narrator, Aida Reluzco did a stunning job rattling off the Aztec, Spanish, Japanese and English aspects of the book. The Don Winslow border drug war novels pale next to this tale of brutality that only becomes clear late in the long story.
December 9, 2023
I am torn between a 1 and 4 star rating on this, because while this is an emotionally powerful in regard to the book’s exploration of how the illegal organ trade results from the global capitalism, the book is so detached from its characters, so nihilistic, so descriptive in the worst of the book’s details, that I also find this to be possibly the most disturbing book I’ve read. Powerful this may be, I cannot recommend it.
May 16, 2024
I loved it! Interesting juxtaposition of Aztec history and beliefs with Japanese culture and modern times.
Very well researched, super interesting characters, very well written. I enjoyed it greatly and highly recommend!
Very well researched, super interesting characters, very well written. I enjoyed it greatly and highly recommend!
October 16, 2023
DNF 34%
El autor va a contarte en 150 páginas qué marca que condones usaba el bisabuelo de uno de los protagonistas antes de meterte en la historia.
El autor va a contarte en 150 páginas qué marca que condones usaba el bisabuelo de uno de los protagonistas antes de meterte en la historia.
November 15, 2023
像電影一樣流暢的文字！很喜歡
February 5, 2025
分厚いから読むのを躊躇して積読になっていたけど、読み始めたらあっという間に読んでしまった。よくこんな話書けるな。
Read
October 23, 2025文字简练，描绘多段残酷人生，阿兹台克的传说难懂，营造独特气氛。结尾有些突兀，但也避免耽溺于暴力。
May 30, 2025
a fantastic blend of cultures and characters. this is a truly unique story that dives into and ties together themes of ancient mythology and modern views, while not shying away from the grotesque and jaw dropping.
October 4, 2022
「只有神祇才是真實的」——尼爾．蓋曼《美國眾神》
墨西哥古文明阿茲特克最重要的信仰神祇──特斯卡特利波卡，不代表任何一種自然力，也不是部落的守護神，而是無常的化身，人們為了終結無常，甘願成為祂的奴隸，奉上「跳動的心臟」，做為獻祭……（書介）
墨西哥販毒集團的首領瓦米洛與兄弟們自小被流著特斯卡特利波卡之祭司的血的祖母照養長大，繼承了祖母熱切信仰的阿茲特克眾神信仰，在當代以殘酷血腥的暴力手段站在毒梟的頂點。
與敵對組織的戰爭殺死了他的家人，也讓他一步步走到距離家鄉無比遙遠的日本，在這裡，彷彿命運般，他見到了同樣無家可歸的少年小霜。
在緊密的家庭關係中成長，篤信「Somos familia.（我們是一家人）」中帶有的力量卻失去所有家人的瓦米洛；與從小就不曾真正理解家人（甚至人類）的情感，一無所有也無家可歸，以渾沌之姿活著的小霜，幾乎是自某個對立的光譜兩端走來。
他們在距離故鄉／原鄉如此之遠的日本交會，立於二人背後的，卻彷彿是那被月亮遮蔽的太陽，吐出霧氣，強大得無可比擬的吐煙鏡──特斯卡特利波卡。
這是一個以血和暴力寫成的故事，一如阿茲特克是一個建立在血和暴力之上的國家。
瓦米洛在試圖重建自己的帝國時，認識了來自日本的末永。兩人聯手打造了全新的犯罪組織，鎖定的市場則是前所未見的跨國兒童心臟銷售：心臟私梟，他們如此自稱。
瓦米洛以暴力橫掃所有非家人的存在，將殺死之人的心臟視為獻給特斯卡特利波卡的祭品；末永無比執著地走向他心目中的聖域：心臟移植外科手術室。心臟，這個人身體中最重要的器官既是他們獻給古老神祇的祭品，也是他們獻給血之資本主義的祭品。
「只有神祇才是真實的」。
小說一開始便引用了尼爾．蓋曼的《美國眾神》，對我來說，它就像是一個在前方輕輕搖響的鈴鐺，足以帶人一路穿越整個故事到最後。（如果在看這本書之前已經讀過《美國眾神》，那恭喜了，我覺得對於解讀這整個故事的意圖是非常強大的助力；如果沒讀過，去看一下嘛《美國眾神》真的很強）
《命運操弄者》的故事主線可以說是講述了帝國的興起、破滅和再建，透過血與暴力的犯罪生意建立的新．資本主義帝國，其中心卻圈繞著對古老神祇的追尋與敬拜。
對於信仰最為執著不放的莫過於兩種人，社會極底層與最高層，前者除了信仰與期盼一無所有；後者則是害怕失去現在的已經擁有。於是這個故事裡的每一個人，都因而有了自己最深層的行為動機：抓住自己期盼的；奪回自己失去的。
書中幾乎每一個角色都有著同樣的特點，他們是無根的、斷裂的一群人。不止是做為主角的那一群，就連可能僅是提及幾句的角色，都是有著飄移背景的人，移民、移工、無家者、流亡者。於是他們或許是以毒品、或許是以暴力或金錢做為自己站立起來的基礎，他們可能帶著舊信仰離開原鄉，而資本主義和毒品則成為填補空洞的核心。
可說這整本小說，是以一個非常強烈的圖像去展演了人類信仰的核心起源，以及神祇在當代的意義，以及神祇對人類、對神祇自身的意義。
非常好看，雖然運用了大量阿茲特克神話的背景資料，將資料、人物和故事之間連結和表現的手法卻流暢熟練，以及，這本小說非常當代、非常不日本。
當然不是因為人物們的國籍（族裔）組成非常多元，而是他面對和處理的是更跨出國界的議題（和現象），作者將全球化視為現代社會已然成形的狀態，以一種泛人類而不限於國家的角度在書寫每一個移動或不移動的人。一邊覺得這本小說如果改編成影集一定可以是非常驚人的精彩吧，一邊又覺得好像已經沒有影視化，以另一個媒介去呈現的空間（笑）
人物舖張開來的方式讓整本小說讀起來都像是精緻的網卻又不是群像劇那樣的比例，總覺得在日本小說裡這手法很少見啊好厲害好好看（結論又是這個）
墨西哥古文明阿茲特克最重要的信仰神祇──特斯卡特利波卡，不代表任何一種自然力，也不是部落的守護神，而是無常的化身，人們為了終結無常，甘願成為祂的奴隸，奉上「跳動的心臟」，做為獻祭……（書介）
墨西哥販毒集團的首領瓦米洛與兄弟們自小被流著特斯卡特利波卡之祭司的血的祖母照養長大，繼承了祖母熱切信仰的阿茲特克眾神信仰，在當代以殘酷血腥的暴力手段站在毒梟的頂點。
與敵對組織的戰爭殺死了他的家人，也讓他一步步走到距離家鄉無比遙遠的日本，在這裡，彷彿命運般，他見到了同樣無家可歸的少年小霜。
在緊密的家庭關係中成長，篤信「Somos familia.（我們是一家人）」中帶有的力量卻失去所有家人的瓦米洛；與從小就不曾真正理解家人（甚至人類）的情感，一無所有也無家可歸，以渾沌之姿活著的小霜，幾乎是自某個對立的光譜兩端走來。
他們在距離故鄉／原鄉如此之遠的日本交會，立於二人背後的，卻彷彿是那被月亮遮蔽的太陽，吐出霧氣，強大得無可比擬的吐煙鏡──特斯卡特利波卡。
這是一個以血和暴力寫成的故事，一如阿茲特克是一個建立在血和暴力之上的國家。
瓦米洛在試圖重建自己的帝國時，認識了來自日本的末永。兩人聯手打造了全新的犯罪組織，鎖定的市場則是前所未見的跨國兒童心臟銷售：心臟私梟，他們如此自稱。
瓦米洛以暴力橫掃所有非家人的存在，將殺死之人的心臟視為獻給特斯卡特利波卡的祭品；末永無比執著地走向他心目中的聖域：心臟移植外科手術室。心臟，這個人身體中最重要的器官既是他們獻給古老神祇的祭品，也是他們獻給血之資本主義的祭品。
「只有神祇才是真實的」。
小說一開始便引用了尼爾．蓋曼的《美國眾神》，對我來說，它就像是一個在前方輕輕搖響的鈴鐺，足以帶人一路穿越整個故事到最後。（如果在看這本書之前已經讀過《美國眾神》，那恭喜了，我覺得對於解讀這整個故事的意圖是非常強大的助力；如果沒讀過，去看一下嘛《美國眾神》真的很強）
《命運操弄者》的故事主線可以說是講述了帝國的興起、破滅和再建，透過血與暴力的犯罪生意建立的新．資本主義帝國，其中心卻圈繞著對古老神祇的追尋與敬拜。
對於信仰最為執著不放的莫過於兩種人，社會極底層與最高層，前者除了信仰與期盼一無所有；後者則是害怕失去現在的已經擁有。於是這個故事裡的每一個人，都因而有了自己最深層的行為動機：抓住自己期盼的；奪回自己失去的。
書中幾乎每一個角色都有著同樣的特點，他們是無根的、斷裂的一群人。不止是做為主角的那一群，就連可能僅是提及幾句的角色，都是有著飄移背景的人，移民、移工、無家者、流亡者。於是他們或許是以毒品、或許是以暴力或金錢做為自己站立起來的基礎，他們可能帶著舊信仰離開原鄉，而資本主義和毒品則成為填補空洞的核心。
可說這整本小說，是以一個非常強烈的圖像去展演了人類信仰的核心起源，以及神祇在當代的意義，以及神祇對人類、對神祇自身的意義。
非常好看，雖然運用了大量阿茲特克神話的背景資料，將資料、人物和故事之間連結和表現的手法卻流暢熟練，以及，這本小說非常當代、非常不日本。
當然不是因為人物們的國籍（族裔）組成非常多元，而是他面對和處理的是更跨出國界的議題（和現象），作者將全球化視為現代社會已然成形的狀態，以一種泛人類而不限於國家的角度在書寫每一個移動或不移動的人。一邊覺得這本小說如果改編成影集一定可以是非常驚人的精彩吧，一邊又覺得好像已經沒有影視化，以另一個媒介去呈現的空間（笑）
人物舖張開來的方式讓整本小說讀起來都像是精緻的網卻又不是群像劇那樣的比例，總覺得在日本小說裡這手法很少見啊好厲害好好看（結論又是這個）
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