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Legend of the Five Rings
The Game of 100 Candles
Two samurai risk their hearts, souls, and their very existence to stop an occult phantom from destroying the world, in this stunning supernatural fantasy from Legend of the Five Rings
The demon-vanquishing samurai, Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora are summoned to Winter Court. Their exploits with the Spirit Realms have taken a toll on the pair and the cut and thrust of Rokugani politics proves challenging. After being urged to share their tales of adventure, the Winter Court guests begin to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake. Fearing foul play, the Phoenix demand retribution, but Sekken and Ryotora uncover the hand of a supernatural trickster seeking entry to the mortal realm. The path to victory will risk their lives and the strange bond between them. But they must succeed, lest something awful escape into Rokugan.
The demon-vanquishing samurai, Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora are summoned to Winter Court. Their exploits with the Spirit Realms have taken a toll on the pair and the cut and thrust of Rokugani politics proves challenging. After being urged to share their tales of adventure, the Winter Court guests begin to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake. Fearing foul play, the Phoenix demand retribution, but Sekken and Ryotora uncover the hand of a supernatural trickster seeking entry to the mortal realm. The path to victory will risk their lives and the strange bond between them. But they must succeed, lest something awful escape into Rokugan.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Marie Brennan
174 books3,254 followersMarie Brennan a.k.a. M.A. Carrick
Marie Brennan is a former anthropologist and folklorist who shamelessly pillages her academic fields for material. She recently misapplied her professors' hard work to Turning Darkness Into Light, a sequel to the Hugo Award-nominated series The Memoirs of Lady Trent. As half of M.A. Carrick, she is also the author of The Mask of Mirrors, first in the Rook and Rose trilogy. For more information, visit swantower.com, Twitter @swan_tower, or her Patreon.
Marie Brennan is a former anthropologist and folklorist who shamelessly pillages her academic fields for material. She recently misapplied her professors' hard work to Turning Darkness Into Light, a sequel to the Hugo Award-nominated series The Memoirs of Lady Trent. As half of M.A. Carrick, she is also the author of The Mask of Mirrors, first in the Rook and Rose trilogy. For more information, visit swantower.com, Twitter @swan_tower, or her Patreon.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 8, 2023
The Game of 100 Candles by Marie Brennan continues right after the events of The Night Parade of 100 Demons. The story features Asako Sekken and Isao Ryotora. I haven't read the book before this but this novel made it so that the reader would get the basic details of what happened previously in a creative way. It isn't necessary to have read The Night Parade of 100 Demons in order to dive into this book but it is highly encouraged as it definitely would make it a better experience over all.
It has been ages since I last interacted with anything related to The Legend of the Five Rings and Rokugan. Reading this book brought so many nostalgic feelings.
The story was atmospheric, capturing the tone and feel of the season as well as painting a very rich detailed picture of the setting where it took place. The politics was well done - delicate and intricate but as not overly complex. It was quite interesting to see it play out within the lands of the Phoenix clan with the Dragon clan involved as it shed light on how the two clans operate differently than the others.
The dual POV was used wonderfully due to the social aspect within the story and did not detract from the overall flow of the novel. The characters were written so well and they were definitely the heart and soul in this tale. The portrayal of the relationship between Sekken and Ryotora was deftly handled as both navigate their feelings for each other while trying to solve the problem at hand while at the same time navigating their familial and clan duties and obligations. It was fascinating to see the focus on family here as it showed the value of it towards the characters, how the support affected them and the pressure behind its expectations.
I really liked how the feelings Sekken and Ryotora had for each other was portrayed here - the love and longing to be together. It was a joy to see their relationship grow stronger and overcome the obstacles thrown at their way as both men also became better throughout the ordeal. The general plot and mystery was quite simple but the supernatural aspect was done nicely. It was enjoyable reading Japanese myth and folklore nicely woven into Rokugani lore as it did brought color and life to this world.
I had a wonderful time jumping back again into the world of Rokugan and I do recommend giving this book a try especially to those who are interested in Japanese inspired fiction, supernatural stories or Legend of the Rings.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Aconyte Books and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
It has been ages since I last interacted with anything related to The Legend of the Five Rings and Rokugan. Reading this book brought so many nostalgic feelings.
The story was atmospheric, capturing the tone and feel of the season as well as painting a very rich detailed picture of the setting where it took place. The politics was well done - delicate and intricate but as not overly complex. It was quite interesting to see it play out within the lands of the Phoenix clan with the Dragon clan involved as it shed light on how the two clans operate differently than the others.
The dual POV was used wonderfully due to the social aspect within the story and did not detract from the overall flow of the novel. The characters were written so well and they were definitely the heart and soul in this tale. The portrayal of the relationship between Sekken and Ryotora was deftly handled as both navigate their feelings for each other while trying to solve the problem at hand while at the same time navigating their familial and clan duties and obligations. It was fascinating to see the focus on family here as it showed the value of it towards the characters, how the support affected them and the pressure behind its expectations.
I really liked how the feelings Sekken and Ryotora had for each other was portrayed here - the love and longing to be together. It was a joy to see their relationship grow stronger and overcome the obstacles thrown at their way as both men also became better throughout the ordeal. The general plot and mystery was quite simple but the supernatural aspect was done nicely. It was enjoyable reading Japanese myth and folklore nicely woven into Rokugani lore as it did brought color and life to this world.
I had a wonderful time jumping back again into the world of Rokugan and I do recommend giving this book a try especially to those who are interested in Japanese inspired fiction, supernatural stories or Legend of the Rings.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Aconyte Books and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
May 29, 2023
Following on from The Night Parade of 100 Demons, Marie Brennan’s The Game of 100 Candles once again balances supernatural investigation and gentle queer romance to engaging, heart-warming effect. While Night Parade had a real streak of adventure running through it, this time there’s less action and fewer yōkai, with the supernatural elements playing a subtler role. The relatively gentle pace works really well, giving Ryōtora and Sekken time to dance around the various things that are coming between them even as they’re regaling the court with judiciously edited stories of their exploits, or manoeuvring through treacherous political waters. Now the early euphoria of their relationship has worn off, they’re dealing with the fact that neither of them has really recovered from their exertions in Seibo Mura, nor actually admitted as much to the other.
This would absolutely read well as a standalone story, especially as it offers a really interesting look at the relationship between two clans from both a personal and political perspective. Ultimately though, it works best as a development of the previous book, and rewards readers who read and enjoyed Night Parade, somehow providing both more of the same and yet also a richer, deeper experience. It also continues Aconyte’s great record of publishing books that show off the appeal of their setting without ever feeling like they require prior knowledge – much like Night Parade, it’s a tie-in novel that draws upon all the depth and detail of a brilliant established world, but transcends what’s gone before to stand proud as just a wonderful, warm, characterful story.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2023/05/...
This would absolutely read well as a standalone story, especially as it offers a really interesting look at the relationship between two clans from both a personal and political perspective. Ultimately though, it works best as a development of the previous book, and rewards readers who read and enjoyed Night Parade, somehow providing both more of the same and yet also a richer, deeper experience. It also continues Aconyte’s great record of publishing books that show off the appeal of their setting without ever feeling like they require prior knowledge – much like Night Parade, it’s a tie-in novel that draws upon all the depth and detail of a brilliant established world, but transcends what’s gone before to stand proud as just a wonderful, warm, characterful story.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2023/05/...
December 31, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Aconyte Books for an advanced copy of this novel tie-in to this popular fantasy game.
Writing a book set in a world that others have created has be difficult. Writers write what they see in their heads. If a scene calls for a giant mutant with one giant eye wearing leather chaps riding a motorcycle that freezes the air around it, well that's the author's vision. Writing a tie-in there are rules, creatures that can't be allowed, ideas even that don't make sense. So the author has to concentrate on a story within the laws of that universe. However, this allows the writer to focus on what makes a good story. Interesting, believable characters, characters that writers care about and want to know more, and even more root for. Strong opposition, and a plot to carry everything forward. Everything Marie Brennan is known for. The Game of 100 Candles: A Legend of the Five Rings Novel continues the adventures of characters from her previous adventure in this world, only the evil is stronger and much closer to home.
More than a year has passed since the first adventure The Night Parade of 100 Demons, featuring the characters Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both returned to their respective homelands to recover from their wounds and actions, with Sekken being the slower to recover, it seems. The two are reunited as Ryotora is chosen to represent the Dragon Clan in the Winter Court, which happens to be in city where Sekken resides with his family. The pressures of the clans along with the perils, both in status and in life of being at court make their reunion difficult, as well as the fact neither wants to admit the cost that both men are dealing with from their last demon entanglement. Life gets even more difficult after a night of storytelling about ghosts and demons, The Game of 100 Candles, leads to members of the royal court becoming ill with what is called the sleeping curse. Accusations are made, threats declared and both men must work again to fight a demon who lurks in the background causing evil from the shadows, hoping to escape and cause even more corruption in the outside world.
A really solid story that captures both the feeling and politics of the game, and the relationship between both the main characters. Everything flows well, the supernatural, the way of the Winter Court, family relations and problems, but it really is our two main characters that are the heart and soul of the story. The use of alternating narrators, each one switching off every other chapter helps, fleshing out both men, the story, and how they see things. Both have clear views of the world, and how they see the court, both react differently to events, and both feel things about the other. Again the story is good, spooky and atmospheric, with good pacing and even with the alternating narratives moves well. That shows the author's skill and ability to repeat scenes in different ways, which other authors might not be able to do so well. Not just a good tie-in novel, but a great fantasy story.
This is the second book featuring these characters, but readers don't have to have read the first to enjoy this, this pretty much stands alone, though readers should because it is a good book. I sound like a broken record discussing these books, but I have never been disappointed or bored reading anything from the Aconyte line. Even when not knowing the game, I still enjoy the craft and work that the authors put into their stories. One of my favorite publishers out there. This is only my second book by Marie Brennan, but I can't wait to read more.
Writing a book set in a world that others have created has be difficult. Writers write what they see in their heads. If a scene calls for a giant mutant with one giant eye wearing leather chaps riding a motorcycle that freezes the air around it, well that's the author's vision. Writing a tie-in there are rules, creatures that can't be allowed, ideas even that don't make sense. So the author has to concentrate on a story within the laws of that universe. However, this allows the writer to focus on what makes a good story. Interesting, believable characters, characters that writers care about and want to know more, and even more root for. Strong opposition, and a plot to carry everything forward. Everything Marie Brennan is known for. The Game of 100 Candles: A Legend of the Five Rings Novel continues the adventures of characters from her previous adventure in this world, only the evil is stronger and much closer to home.
More than a year has passed since the first adventure The Night Parade of 100 Demons, featuring the characters Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both returned to their respective homelands to recover from their wounds and actions, with Sekken being the slower to recover, it seems. The two are reunited as Ryotora is chosen to represent the Dragon Clan in the Winter Court, which happens to be in city where Sekken resides with his family. The pressures of the clans along with the perils, both in status and in life of being at court make their reunion difficult, as well as the fact neither wants to admit the cost that both men are dealing with from their last demon entanglement. Life gets even more difficult after a night of storytelling about ghosts and demons, The Game of 100 Candles, leads to members of the royal court becoming ill with what is called the sleeping curse. Accusations are made, threats declared and both men must work again to fight a demon who lurks in the background causing evil from the shadows, hoping to escape and cause even more corruption in the outside world.
A really solid story that captures both the feeling and politics of the game, and the relationship between both the main characters. Everything flows well, the supernatural, the way of the Winter Court, family relations and problems, but it really is our two main characters that are the heart and soul of the story. The use of alternating narrators, each one switching off every other chapter helps, fleshing out both men, the story, and how they see things. Both have clear views of the world, and how they see the court, both react differently to events, and both feel things about the other. Again the story is good, spooky and atmospheric, with good pacing and even with the alternating narratives moves well. That shows the author's skill and ability to repeat scenes in different ways, which other authors might not be able to do so well. Not just a good tie-in novel, but a great fantasy story.
This is the second book featuring these characters, but readers don't have to have read the first to enjoy this, this pretty much stands alone, though readers should because it is a good book. I sound like a broken record discussing these books, but I have never been disappointed or bored reading anything from the Aconyte line. Even when not knowing the game, I still enjoy the craft and work that the authors put into their stories. One of my favorite publishers out there. This is only my second book by Marie Brennan, but I can't wait to read more.
February 10, 2024
A year after saving the village of Seibo Mura from the horrors of the Night Parade, samurai Asako Sekken of the Phoenix Clan and Agasha no Isao Ryotora are summoned to the Winter Court of Kyukai Province. After a game of 100 candles goes awry, people who played the game begin to disappear only to show back up in strange places, deeply asleep and unable to be awoken. To avoid the breakdown of relations between their clans Sekken and Ryotora will have to figure out what is going on and how to stop it. To figure out what is going on, both men will have to cope with the link forged between them in Seibo Mura and the lingering worry that current events may be tied to the Night Parade.
I admit that I did not expect to see a follow up to Marie Brennan’s The Night Parade of 100 Demons, but The Game of 100 Candles was a delightful continuation. I do admit that I found myself referring to the protagonists as pining idiots quite a lot while also really appreciating the reasons they could not just talk to each other about the situation. There is a balance of concern over what is happening and concern over personal weakness and a need to save face. It is beautifully woven together.
Much time is given here to how Sekken’s sacrifice of half of himself has affected both protagonists, but carefully separated into their individual viewpoint chapters for much of the book. Social mores of Rokugan preventing both from being forward about what is going on least it offer insult to the other or suggest a debt. There is a fascinating sort of focus on interpersonal politics in Rokugan here, where there is only so much any character can say within the bounds of polite society and only so far that one can go to protect another without it becoming a matter of dishonor. A sort of probing will they won’t they that feels legitimately stymied but the social situations both characters find themselves in. Ryotora needs Seibo Mura to stay in Dragon hands, Sekken both wants to help him maintain that but also needs to secure a marriage that will benefit his family without his condition being found out beforehand.
I love all of that, almost to the exclusion of the actual mystery. Because the mystery is solid, with a number of possible answers to what caused it and a throughline that builds on itself quite well. But, while I remember some specific scenes of that plotline, the character drama shined a lot more for me up until the end where the mystery kicked into high gear and things were falling into place really quickly. I was entirely about the mystery after it fully kicked into gear and some of the romance aspects were on their way to being solved. Brennan does a really good job of balancing her plots.
The thing is, I feel like this is a fantastic ending to Ryutora and Sekken’s story, it ties things up well for a happily ever after. But also, it feels like there is room for Brennan to continue exploring these two and their bond. I think I would be happy either way.
But that sort of shows where I land with this one. I greatly enjoyed The Game of 100 Candles, to the point that I would be quite happy if it closed out the story while also very much looking forward to whatever Brennan writes next. I really want to see what she does with one of Aconyte’s other series, like what kind of lore would she play with in Arkham Horror. This one gets five stars from me and I really do suggest checking out both books.
This book was provided to me through netGalley for honest review. Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I admit that I did not expect to see a follow up to Marie Brennan’s The Night Parade of 100 Demons, but The Game of 100 Candles was a delightful continuation. I do admit that I found myself referring to the protagonists as pining idiots quite a lot while also really appreciating the reasons they could not just talk to each other about the situation. There is a balance of concern over what is happening and concern over personal weakness and a need to save face. It is beautifully woven together.
Much time is given here to how Sekken’s sacrifice of half of himself has affected both protagonists, but carefully separated into their individual viewpoint chapters for much of the book. Social mores of Rokugan preventing both from being forward about what is going on least it offer insult to the other or suggest a debt. There is a fascinating sort of focus on interpersonal politics in Rokugan here, where there is only so much any character can say within the bounds of polite society and only so far that one can go to protect another without it becoming a matter of dishonor. A sort of probing will they won’t they that feels legitimately stymied but the social situations both characters find themselves in. Ryotora needs Seibo Mura to stay in Dragon hands, Sekken both wants to help him maintain that but also needs to secure a marriage that will benefit his family without his condition being found out beforehand.
I love all of that, almost to the exclusion of the actual mystery. Because the mystery is solid, with a number of possible answers to what caused it and a throughline that builds on itself quite well. But, while I remember some specific scenes of that plotline, the character drama shined a lot more for me up until the end where the mystery kicked into high gear and things were falling into place really quickly. I was entirely about the mystery after it fully kicked into gear and some of the romance aspects were on their way to being solved. Brennan does a really good job of balancing her plots.
The thing is, I feel like this is a fantastic ending to Ryutora and Sekken’s story, it ties things up well for a happily ever after. But also, it feels like there is room for Brennan to continue exploring these two and their bond. I think I would be happy either way.
But that sort of shows where I land with this one. I greatly enjoyed The Game of 100 Candles, to the point that I would be quite happy if it closed out the story while also very much looking forward to whatever Brennan writes next. I really want to see what she does with one of Aconyte’s other series, like what kind of lore would she play with in Arkham Horror. This one gets five stars from me and I really do suggest checking out both books.
This book was provided to me through netGalley for honest review. Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
December 2, 2022
***Received an eARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Contains minor spoilers***
Finally, Asako Sekken and Isao Ryotora, heroes of The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel, are back in a new adventure! I have been excited to read this since Aconyte revealed it, and was lucky enough to get an eARC copy thnaks to NetGalley.
The story continues roughly a year and a half later following the conclusion of the previous book. After a brief time together, Sekken and Ryotora go back to their respective homeland to heal from the wounds caused by the events of Seibo Mura. Their path crosses again once Ryotora, the Dragon clan's representative is invited to participate at the Winter Court in Phoenix lands, in Sekken's hometown. The joy of reunion is overshadowed by social expectations, as both clans have their own agenda with Winter Court. The pragmatic, courtly way of things gets suddenly disrupted by a strange supernatural event - attendants of the storytelling event of the Winter Court called "The Game of 100 Candles" start to get affected by a neverending dream coined as "sleeping curse". As the curse seems to be caused by supernatural forces, Ryotora and Sekken, being experts in the field, start to investigate it, with the help of both humans and yokai.
The relatively simple plot summarized above presented in an absolutely stunning way, and I can assure you that it will force you to binge-read it as much as possible. Author Marie Brennan kept the changing Point of View structure for the chapters, meaning that in odd chapters we can see events unfold from Sekken's PoV, while even chapters from Ryotora's PoV. It worked great in the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, and it works even better here due to the increased social aspects of the plot. Being a huge fan of Phoenix clan in the L5R role, I overly enjoyed this novel as it takes place in a Phoenix town, where we are introduced to several families of the clan and see how the politics work on a Phoenix level (minor spoiler: still non-forgiving, but nowhere near Crane or Scorpion level ruthless). Mentioning families, this is a key theme of this novel - what the value of family is in our lives, how they can support us, and even how they can pressure us in our decisions. I also liked how the perception about Sekken's family changed over the plot, how they became likeable characters in the end.
Even though the story can be seen as a standalone one and the number of recurring characters is relatively low, the events of the the previous book is heavily referenced in The Game of 100 Candles, thus I recommend for everyone interested in it to first start with The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel and then read this one. A much better and fuller experience. It a must read for all L5R fans, but I believe readers interested in Asian-style fantasy will enjoy it as well, and fans of the Supernatural show will also find the adventures of Sekken and Ryotora interesting.
Overall, a solid 4.5 stars for me, and I will label this one as the best L5R novel published by Aconyte so far. Can't wait to see a sequel to it by Marie.
Finally, Asako Sekken and Isao Ryotora, heroes of The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel, are back in a new adventure! I have been excited to read this since Aconyte revealed it, and was lucky enough to get an eARC copy thnaks to NetGalley.
The story continues roughly a year and a half later following the conclusion of the previous book. After a brief time together, Sekken and Ryotora go back to their respective homeland to heal from the wounds caused by the events of Seibo Mura. Their path crosses again once Ryotora, the Dragon clan's representative is invited to participate at the Winter Court in Phoenix lands, in Sekken's hometown. The joy of reunion is overshadowed by social expectations, as both clans have their own agenda with Winter Court. The pragmatic, courtly way of things gets suddenly disrupted by a strange supernatural event - attendants of the storytelling event of the Winter Court called "The Game of 100 Candles" start to get affected by a neverending dream coined as "sleeping curse". As the curse seems to be caused by supernatural forces, Ryotora and Sekken, being experts in the field, start to investigate it, with the help of both humans and yokai.
The relatively simple plot summarized above presented in an absolutely stunning way, and I can assure you that it will force you to binge-read it as much as possible. Author Marie Brennan kept the changing Point of View structure for the chapters, meaning that in odd chapters we can see events unfold from Sekken's PoV, while even chapters from Ryotora's PoV. It worked great in the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, and it works even better here due to the increased social aspects of the plot. Being a huge fan of Phoenix clan in the L5R role, I overly enjoyed this novel as it takes place in a Phoenix town, where we are introduced to several families of the clan and see how the politics work on a Phoenix level (minor spoiler: still non-forgiving, but nowhere near Crane or Scorpion level ruthless). Mentioning families, this is a key theme of this novel - what the value of family is in our lives, how they can support us, and even how they can pressure us in our decisions. I also liked how the perception about Sekken's family changed over the plot, how they became likeable characters in the end.
Even though the story can be seen as a standalone one and the number of recurring characters is relatively low, the events of the the previous book is heavily referenced in The Game of 100 Candles, thus I recommend for everyone interested in it to first start with The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel and then read this one. A much better and fuller experience. It a must read for all L5R fans, but I believe readers interested in Asian-style fantasy will enjoy it as well, and fans of the Supernatural show will also find the adventures of Sekken and Ryotora interesting.
Overall, a solid 4.5 stars for me, and I will label this one as the best L5R novel published by Aconyte so far. Can't wait to see a sequel to it by Marie.
January 18, 2023
My reviews are always 100% honest and my own opinions. I will try to never fully spoil a plot. This particular copy I was given access to a copy to review via netgalley. #NetGalley #AconyteBooks #TheGameOf100Candles #MarieBrennan #LegendOfTheFiveRings #L5R
The Game of 100 Candles follows on from the events of Marie Brennan’s other wonderful book The Night Parade of 100 Demons. We see Agasha no Isao Ryotora and Asako Sekken return in this perfect blend of Japanese folklore, myth and history with the base of Legend of the Five Rings. That said you do not need to have read The Night Parade of 100 Demons to start this but I would highly recommend it if you love supernatural fantasy inspired by Asian myths.
The demon-vanquishing samurai, Ryotora and Sekken are summoned to the Winter Court. It is no secret that their exploits with the Spirit Realms have taken their toll on the pair along with the deadly Rokugani politics. If things could not be worse after sharing their tales of adventure in the Winter Court the guests begin to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake. The Phoenix clan demand retribution, but Sekken and Ryotora uncover the hand of a supernatural trickster seeking entry into the mortal realm. Together the two samurai must risk their lives and the strange bond between them to try and stop something awful creeping into Rokugan.
I have to say I think this second installment with Sekken and Ryotora might even be better than the first which I adored. Brennan’s mastery of weaving both Japanese myth and legend with Rokugan lore and her own story telling is superb and truly brings the world to life. As someone who loves both the game and Japanese culture this was a pure joy to read. I also love the main characters and their bond. The way Brennan shows the weakness of the characters after the events of the first book help cement them in the real world and show the mortality of the characters. They don’t just bounce back to health. They have to heal and deal with their healing process while trying to stop yet another supernatural force.
As you read you really do feel like you are swept into Rokugan and we get a real sense of the court intrigue and politics as well as the supernatural. The pacing matches the genre perfectly and echoes the supernatural tales of Japan. I adored that we get to witness the old Japanese Ghost Story telling tradition through the medium of the book. It is executed brilliantly that we are at once part of a ghost story and also hearing one. I really hope we have more supernatural adventures with Sekken and Ryotora in the future.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Japanese inspired fiction, ghost stories or Legend of the Rings. A definite five star.
The Game of 100 Candles follows on from the events of Marie Brennan’s other wonderful book The Night Parade of 100 Demons. We see Agasha no Isao Ryotora and Asako Sekken return in this perfect blend of Japanese folklore, myth and history with the base of Legend of the Five Rings. That said you do not need to have read The Night Parade of 100 Demons to start this but I would highly recommend it if you love supernatural fantasy inspired by Asian myths.
The demon-vanquishing samurai, Ryotora and Sekken are summoned to the Winter Court. It is no secret that their exploits with the Spirit Realms have taken their toll on the pair along with the deadly Rokugani politics. If things could not be worse after sharing their tales of adventure in the Winter Court the guests begin to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake. The Phoenix clan demand retribution, but Sekken and Ryotora uncover the hand of a supernatural trickster seeking entry into the mortal realm. Together the two samurai must risk their lives and the strange bond between them to try and stop something awful creeping into Rokugan.
I have to say I think this second installment with Sekken and Ryotora might even be better than the first which I adored. Brennan’s mastery of weaving both Japanese myth and legend with Rokugan lore and her own story telling is superb and truly brings the world to life. As someone who loves both the game and Japanese culture this was a pure joy to read. I also love the main characters and their bond. The way Brennan shows the weakness of the characters after the events of the first book help cement them in the real world and show the mortality of the characters. They don’t just bounce back to health. They have to heal and deal with their healing process while trying to stop yet another supernatural force.
As you read you really do feel like you are swept into Rokugan and we get a real sense of the court intrigue and politics as well as the supernatural. The pacing matches the genre perfectly and echoes the supernatural tales of Japan. I adored that we get to witness the old Japanese Ghost Story telling tradition through the medium of the book. It is executed brilliantly that we are at once part of a ghost story and also hearing one. I really hope we have more supernatural adventures with Sekken and Ryotora in the future.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Japanese inspired fiction, ghost stories or Legend of the Rings. A definite five star.
February 13, 2023
This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.
This is my first time reading Marie Brennan as well as a Five Rings book. It’s a very interesting world. Set in an Asian setting with several different clans. We focus on two samurai as the main characters. Sekken a royal member of the Phoenix clan and Ryotora, a peasant raised to the nobility of the Dragon clan.
We start the book learning that in the previous book the two Samurai battle a supernatural threat and in so doing Sekken is mortally wounded and changed. A year later he still has episodes of weakness. During the Winter Court he finds Ryotora has arrived. As they struggle with their personal relationship and court politics a new supernatural enemy threatens the entire court.
Brennan knows how to write. You get sucked into the world and a second book immediately. The tradition and etiquette of the world is explained in a beautiful way without bogging the reader down.
An added bonus to the story is that it is 2SLGBTQIA+ positive which is not a common event in fantasy in general and should be praised. I don’t read romance often but I found it a pleasant addition to the story. Which heightens the stakes.
I would recommend the story for all readers but especially for those that enjoy Asian inspired fantasy, supernatural fantasy and 2SLGBTQIA+ positive stories.
I will definitely be writing the first book and more from Brennan.
This is my first time reading Marie Brennan as well as a Five Rings book. It’s a very interesting world. Set in an Asian setting with several different clans. We focus on two samurai as the main characters. Sekken a royal member of the Phoenix clan and Ryotora, a peasant raised to the nobility of the Dragon clan.
We start the book learning that in the previous book the two Samurai battle a supernatural threat and in so doing Sekken is mortally wounded and changed. A year later he still has episodes of weakness. During the Winter Court he finds Ryotora has arrived. As they struggle with their personal relationship and court politics a new supernatural enemy threatens the entire court.
Brennan knows how to write. You get sucked into the world and a second book immediately. The tradition and etiquette of the world is explained in a beautiful way without bogging the reader down.
An added bonus to the story is that it is 2SLGBTQIA+ positive which is not a common event in fantasy in general and should be praised. I don’t read romance often but I found it a pleasant addition to the story. Which heightens the stakes.
I would recommend the story for all readers but especially for those that enjoy Asian inspired fantasy, supernatural fantasy and 2SLGBTQIA+ positive stories.
I will definitely be writing the first book and more from Brennan.
January 9, 2024
This is the second Legend of the Five Rings novel by Brennan that I’ve read, and I like it even better than the first. Two years have passed since the events of the first book, and Ryotora and Sekken have spent most of it apart. Both are still suffering from the consequences of Sekken’s sacrifice, but true to their natures, neither has told the other about it.
Now Ryotora has come to Sekken’s home town to negotiate about the fate of the shrine that they’ve saved. Court intrigue isn’t Ryotora’s strong suit, but he has Sekken there to help him. And then things start to go wrong when an evening of story-telling leads to a strange sleeping curse. It’s time for the men to investigate.
This was a great story. Both men struggle with their feelings, their duty as samurais, and their health. And when they figure out the reason for their poor health, things become even more muddled. The romance doesn’t have much room to grow; rather, the men figure out what they need to do to uphold their duty and feelings on their own. The end result is satisfying, if brief.
The mystery, once it presents itself at 30% mark, is intriguing and difficult to solve, made more difficult by politics and family demands. And once again, Ryotora saves the day.
This was fairly different in style and pace from the first book, the focus on characters rather than the mystery. I like where it took both men, individually and together. Side characters were interesting and multi-dimensional. The end for the men was left rather open, and I absolutely must read more.
Now Ryotora has come to Sekken’s home town to negotiate about the fate of the shrine that they’ve saved. Court intrigue isn’t Ryotora’s strong suit, but he has Sekken there to help him. And then things start to go wrong when an evening of story-telling leads to a strange sleeping curse. It’s time for the men to investigate.
This was a great story. Both men struggle with their feelings, their duty as samurais, and their health. And when they figure out the reason for their poor health, things become even more muddled. The romance doesn’t have much room to grow; rather, the men figure out what they need to do to uphold their duty and feelings on their own. The end result is satisfying, if brief.
The mystery, once it presents itself at 30% mark, is intriguing and difficult to solve, made more difficult by politics and family demands. And once again, Ryotora saves the day.
This was fairly different in style and pace from the first book, the focus on characters rather than the mystery. I like where it took both men, individually and together. Side characters were interesting and multi-dimensional. The end for the men was left rather open, and I absolutely must read more.
March 22, 2023
I have not read the book The Night Parade of 100 Demons and this story is its sequel. You definitely do not need to read that book first in order to enjoy the story.
Marie Brennan weaves an intricate tale of court intrigue, demons, love and duty in this mesmerizing tale about the two samurai Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both of them were successful in stopping the Night Parade. Now they face a new challenge when people are falling asleep.
I love the two POVs and it helps convey their feelings for each other, their duty and the new restrictions they face. Everything was handled very well by the author.
I own other Marie Brennan's books and this book has motivated me to read their other works.
I would like to thank Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy and this is my honest review.
Marie Brennan weaves an intricate tale of court intrigue, demons, love and duty in this mesmerizing tale about the two samurai Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both of them were successful in stopping the Night Parade. Now they face a new challenge when people are falling asleep.
I love the two POVs and it helps convey their feelings for each other, their duty and the new restrictions they face. Everything was handled very well by the author.
I own other Marie Brennan's books and this book has motivated me to read their other works.
I would like to thank Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy and this is my honest review.
April 5, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book. I don't play L5R at all but this, like the previous book was very easily digestible and required no L5R knowledge to read. It is a much quieter and introspective story compared to Night Parade of a 100 Demons, however. The constant conflict between duty and desire is the central theme of this book, and it drives some fun moments of gay angst and yearning--I also enjoyed how the narrative focuses less on the supernatural and instead what happens in a political situation as magical shenanigans occur, because of course, us humans are going to continue to be human even with weird happenings.
If you're interested in Japanese-inspired fantasy with some solid character work, it's worth looking into.
If you're interested in Japanese-inspired fantasy with some solid character work, it's worth looking into.
October 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy but nothing prepared me for where this would go.
While trying to avoid spoilers, I have suffered with M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for many years now, with varying levels of severity. The progress of the book left me identifying with the experiences portrayed so vividly it made me weep at times.
The afterward explains how this came to pass and I must congratulate Marie Brennan for finally bringing character representation, albeit fantastically, to this condition and its impact and managing to do it so beautifully. It’s a far more common condition than people realise and, yet, is one of the least understood and most undertreated.
Thank you, so much.
While trying to avoid spoilers, I have suffered with M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for many years now, with varying levels of severity. The progress of the book left me identifying with the experiences portrayed so vividly it made me weep at times.
The afterward explains how this came to pass and I must congratulate Marie Brennan for finally bringing character representation, albeit fantastically, to this condition and its impact and managing to do it so beautifully. It’s a far more common condition than people realise and, yet, is one of the least understood and most undertreated.
Thank you, so much.
December 19, 2022
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and I’m thrilled to report that it’s just as enjoyable as it’s predecessor but in different and great ways.
Brennans first novel was a supernatural horror with two intriguing characters. This novel is fundamentally a tale of two men which happens to take place in the midst of supernatural events. The relationship between Sekken and Ryotora is the center of this novel, its very heart, and there it shines. The supernatural stuff is fine, great even, but I love these two character so much and I wa so invested in their journey that it paled next to them.
Really a great addition to aconytes l5r works
Brennans first novel was a supernatural horror with two intriguing characters. This novel is fundamentally a tale of two men which happens to take place in the midst of supernatural events. The relationship between Sekken and Ryotora is the center of this novel, its very heart, and there it shines. The supernatural stuff is fine, great even, but I love these two character so much and I wa so invested in their journey that it paled next to them.
Really a great addition to aconytes l5r works
October 31, 2025
3.5 stars.
After the events of The Night Parade of 100 Demons, Sekken and Ryotora are suffering the costs of their sacrifices. While looking individually for cures, they participate in an elaborate ceremony that has unexpected and dire consequences.
Very interesting world building and excellent character development, but the plot isn't as compelling as that in the previous book. In part, this is a consequence of the form their suffering takes, so it's thematically appropriate, but it does reduce my engagement with the story.
Still very good and the series is definitely recommended.
After the events of The Night Parade of 100 Demons, Sekken and Ryotora are suffering the costs of their sacrifices. While looking individually for cures, they participate in an elaborate ceremony that has unexpected and dire consequences.
Very interesting world building and excellent character development, but the plot isn't as compelling as that in the previous book. In part, this is a consequence of the form their suffering takes, so it's thematically appropriate, but it does reduce my engagement with the story.
Still very good and the series is definitely recommended.
July 20, 2023
Like the previous book in this sequence (The Night Parade of 100 Demons), this is a quick, enjoyable read that I think could be enjoyed even by readers who aren't familiar with the L5R game. (Although definitely start with The Night Parade of 100 Demons - I think this book would be hard to follow without knowledge of the events of that book.)
The story is an enjoyable mystery with hints of court intrigue and romance, and it wraps up to a very satisfying conclusion. I do hope we get another book or two of Ryotora and Sekken's adventures, because I think there's still more to tell there.
The story is an enjoyable mystery with hints of court intrigue and romance, and it wraps up to a very satisfying conclusion. I do hope we get another book or two of Ryotora and Sekken's adventures, because I think there's still more to tell there.
August 18, 2024
The reason this book wasn't for me is that it wasn't what I was expecting. Most books set in a D&D related setting move pretty quickly and feature a lot of action. This book was very much about the thoughts and feelings of the two main characters and how they navigated the subtle politics and cultural minefields of the pseudo-Japanese society of Rokugan. While at another time I might have been into reading about these two young men who love each other and are trying to find a way to be together despite their different clan obligations, I just wanted some sword fighting this time.
December 17, 2025
Continuing on from the Night Parade of 100 Demons, this novel follows our pair of samurai heroes through another supernatural mystery, further developing their relationship while also building on the unforeseen consequences of their previous escapade.
In changing locale from the outskirts of civilisation to the centre of a Winter Court, we get to see both of them challenged in different ways, and their comfort is inverted.
If you liked the first, you'll similarly enjoy the second, as yet another facet of Rokugan is displayed for view.
In changing locale from the outskirts of civilisation to the centre of a Winter Court, we get to see both of them challenged in different ways, and their comfort is inverted.
If you liked the first, you'll similarly enjoy the second, as yet another facet of Rokugan is displayed for view.
November 9, 2022
ARC COpy...I liked it. Not only Brennan's cultural research author background comes in handy in giving the Five-RIngs world an authentic-grounded feel but it was fun to read...If you are familiar with the Japanese Ghost Story telling tradition, you can probably guess how it will turn out in the Five-Rings realm.
May 2, 2025
2025 Popsugar Reading Challenge: a book you want to read based on the last sentence
Personal Reading Challenge - book 6/16
This book is number 2 out of a trilogy, but even without reading the first book I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. The start was a bit slow, but necessary for setting up the story properly.
Personal Reading Challenge - book 6/16
This book is number 2 out of a trilogy, but even without reading the first book I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. The start was a bit slow, but necessary for setting up the story properly.
August 20, 2023
a nice conclusion to Brennan's first story in the series, Night of a 100 Demons.
However, if you have not read the first book, this book kind of drags as the lead characters focus on themselves and their personal situation rather than moving the action forward.
However, if you have not read the first book, this book kind of drags as the lead characters focus on themselves and their personal situation rather than moving the action forward.
January 7, 2025
Same issue as the other book by this author I read recently, a bit slow and the main characters are too similar. I only read them back to back because I started reading this one before i realised it was a sequel.
January 17, 2024
It's a great story with a solid world-building and plot. I highly recommend it.
It is part of a series.
It is part of a series.
November 28, 2023
Too much talk, not enough plot and action. My second and last of this series.
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