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Corpse Walker #1
Corpse Walker: The Night Parade
Book 1 in The Infernal Artifacts Collection
War has been declared. The supernatural group Yamata no Orochi controls Imperial Japanese forces as the country drags the United States into World War II. Commander Isamu Mori seeks to collect a broken Infernal Artifact scattered across the Pacific Ocean necessary to execute his sinister plan. His followers dispatch a secret agent to recover a piece lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, resulting in a shocking discovery that the United States may have otherworldly allies of their own...
War has been declared. The supernatural group Yamata no Orochi controls Imperial Japanese forces as the country drags the United States into World War II. Commander Isamu Mori seeks to collect a broken Infernal Artifact scattered across the Pacific Ocean necessary to execute his sinister plan. His followers dispatch a secret agent to recover a piece lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, resulting in a shocking discovery that the United States may have otherworldly allies of their own...
383 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2022
10 people are currently reading
6889 people want to read
About the author
Ralynn Kimie
15 books173 followersINSTAGRAM: rayekimie
Ralynn Kimie is an independent author with her own publishing imprint known as Steely Co. Publishing. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is a mixing pot of different ethnic backgrounds, but primarily Japanese and Irish.
She’s autistic and has ODD, ADHD, and Depression.
Ralynn Kimie is an advocate for Suicide Prevention, Asexual Awareness, Body Positivity, and Operation Santa.
Ralynn Kimie is an independent author with her own publishing imprint known as Steely Co. Publishing. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is a mixing pot of different ethnic backgrounds, but primarily Japanese and Irish.
She’s autistic and has ODD, ADHD, and Depression.
Ralynn Kimie is an advocate for Suicide Prevention, Asexual Awareness, Body Positivity, and Operation Santa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 3, 2025
When I originally received an ARC for this historical fiction with a paranormal twist, I had to stop and set it aside because I just wasn’t connecting with the story. (I try to pick up any ARC I do this with, because as a mood reader my interests shift from week to week and what I wasn’t into one day could be a five star the next)
During my second attempt, I realized about 40% of the way through that I am just not the target audience for this book (and that’s okay!). If you are a fan of Fantasy, Military fiction/WWII, and paranormal storylines then this may be for you!
Blurb ——
A mysteriously resurrected Marine must stop a Japanese demon from ending humanity. War has been declared. The supernatural group Yamata no Orochi controls Imperial Japanese forces as the country drags the United States into World War II. Commander Isamu Mori seeks to collect a broken Infernal Artifact scattered across the Pacific Ocean necessary to execute his sinister plan. His followers dispatch a secret agent to recover a piece lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, resulting in a shocking discovery that the United States may have otherworldly allies of their own...
Facing a threat unlike anything the world has ever seen, three of the universe's most ancient beings-known as Infernals—have given their artifacts a chance at life to not only protect themselves, but the fate of humanity.
Thank you to Steely Co Publishing for the gifted ebook and the opportunity to read and review.
During my second attempt, I realized about 40% of the way through that I am just not the target audience for this book (and that’s okay!). If you are a fan of Fantasy, Military fiction/WWII, and paranormal storylines then this may be for you!
Blurb ——
A mysteriously resurrected Marine must stop a Japanese demon from ending humanity. War has been declared. The supernatural group Yamata no Orochi controls Imperial Japanese forces as the country drags the United States into World War II. Commander Isamu Mori seeks to collect a broken Infernal Artifact scattered across the Pacific Ocean necessary to execute his sinister plan. His followers dispatch a secret agent to recover a piece lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, resulting in a shocking discovery that the United States may have otherworldly allies of their own...
Facing a threat unlike anything the world has ever seen, three of the universe's most ancient beings-known as Infernals—have given their artifacts a chance at life to not only protect themselves, but the fate of humanity.
Thank you to Steely Co Publishing for the gifted ebook and the opportunity to read and review.
December 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Steely Co Publishing for accepting my request to read and review Corpse Walker: The Night Parade.
Author: Ralynn Kimie
Published: 12/07/22
Genre: Historical Fiction -- Mystery & Thrillers -- Sci Fi & Fantasy
In all fairness Sci Fi & Fantasy are not genres I reach for. I chose Corpse Walker based on Historical Fiction & Mystery & Thrillers being two of my absolute favorite reads. I contemplated briefly the role Sci Fi & Fantasy would play, and opted for the you don't know until you try adage.
With all that said, this was a miss for me. The Pearl Harbor backdrop with the Japanese culture and paranormal elements was too much. I was uncomfortable, thus not having a good reading experience.
I rated this 2.5 stars, and will round up to 3. It will be a long time once my shelf is cleared before I choose another clearly stating Sci Fi & Fantasy in any capacity.
Author: Ralynn Kimie
Published: 12/07/22
Genre: Historical Fiction -- Mystery & Thrillers -- Sci Fi & Fantasy
In all fairness Sci Fi & Fantasy are not genres I reach for. I chose Corpse Walker based on Historical Fiction & Mystery & Thrillers being two of my absolute favorite reads. I contemplated briefly the role Sci Fi & Fantasy would play, and opted for the you don't know until you try adage.
With all that said, this was a miss for me. The Pearl Harbor backdrop with the Japanese culture and paranormal elements was too much. I was uncomfortable, thus not having a good reading experience.
I rated this 2.5 stars, and will round up to 3. It will be a long time once my shelf is cleared before I choose another clearly stating Sci Fi & Fantasy in any capacity.
November 29, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Ralynn Kimie for this "FANTASTIC" read.
#KUDOS!
#WINNER!
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
#KUDOS!
#WINNER!
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS!
July 11, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Corpse Walker: The Night Parade in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
I went into Corpse Walker: The Night Parade with cautious optimism. The synopsis was intriguing—dark folklore, mysterious parades of the dead, and a lyrical writing style that immediately drew me in. Ralynn Kimie has crafted something thoughtful and unsettling, with the potential to be deeply moving for the right reader. Unfortunately, I now realize this book was never going to be a good match for me, and that has nothing to do with the author’s talent or vision.
The Details
The story takes place during World War II, a setting I’ve always struggled with. I keep thinking I can push through that discomfort for the sake of a good story, but I never can. As soon as I realized the historical backdrop would shape most of the book, I started backing away. No matter how compelling the writing was, I couldn’t make myself pick it up again with any real enthusiasm.
This happens every time I try to read a WWII novel. I freeze up. The heaviness overwhelms me, and I start finding excuses to do anything but read. I’ll scroll my phone, clean my apartment, reread something comforting—anything to avoid going back to that world. It isn’t about this book specifically. It’s about my limits as a reader, which I’m slowly learning to respect.
Still, Kimie deserves credit for her craft. Her prose carries weight without losing lyricism. The way she blends folklore with historical tragedy feels unique. The night parade imagery—ghostly, dreamlike, and unsettling—lingers even now. For the right reader, this book could feel powerful and memorable.
The Verdict
But I wasn’t the right reader. I couldn’t connect to the characters, not because they lacked depth, but because I had already emotionally checked out. That made the book feel longer and slower than it probably is. I never felt fully grounded in the story, which left me feeling frustrated and disconnected.
January 13, 2024
Wow what a book. World War II is probably one of my favorite periods of history to read/learn about. It’s a side of humanity that I’m just like wow we really went there huh? And I hope we never repeat. It was interesting reading about something that actually happened (World War II, Pearl Harbor), and then taking a spin on it that includes demons, gods, and a corpse walker. Like it’s this whole other side to the war that is unknown (in this book). I really enjoyed this read, the history lessons it contained as well as Japanese lore that I never knew about before. I feel like I learned a lot, as well as was entertained by the story itself. Also all the loss, betrayal, and heartaches had me in tears at various parts. I’m reading these out of order (I’ve already read Angel of Death), and think I might go back and reread now that I have some more background.
Thank you Tracky PR and Ralynn Kimie for the gifted copy of this book! I really tabbed this one up; so many important moments and such that I wanted to keep marked.
Thank you Tracky PR and Ralynn Kimie for the gifted copy of this book! I really tabbed this one up; so many important moments and such that I wanted to keep marked.
November 21, 2022
corpse walker is an interesting historical fantasy involving some really unique characters. set during the second world war, this book tells the story of a mysteriously resurrected marine who must stop a japanese demon from ending humanity. the story is brutal, violent, and definitely heavy on the war. there's a good mix of twist and betrayal thrown in there too.
it took me a bit to get into corpse walker, but once i did get into it, the story kept me engaged. the writing style and detailed world building brimming with history is enough to keep me hooked for the rest of the story. i also enjoyed the premise of the japanese folklore.
all the main characters are engaging, but the secondary characters also play their roles well. dorothea sharp was my favourite since i'm a sucker for a smart and strong female character. hayden, dorothea and dr. stolly; the trio i didn't know i needed and their scenes were some of the most compelling to read. i found hayden and dorothea's storylines to be the most intriguing, for both are conflicted characters who are in positions of influence.
overall, this book is brilliantly written and thoroughly enjoyable. if you want something fast paced and intense with plenty of action and paranormal element then this should be right up your street!
corpse walker: the night parade comes out december 7th! many thanks to ralynn kimie for sending me a copy in exchange for a review 🪖🖤
it took me a bit to get into corpse walker, but once i did get into it, the story kept me engaged. the writing style and detailed world building brimming with history is enough to keep me hooked for the rest of the story. i also enjoyed the premise of the japanese folklore.
all the main characters are engaging, but the secondary characters also play their roles well. dorothea sharp was my favourite since i'm a sucker for a smart and strong female character. hayden, dorothea and dr. stolly; the trio i didn't know i needed and their scenes were some of the most compelling to read. i found hayden and dorothea's storylines to be the most intriguing, for both are conflicted characters who are in positions of influence.
overall, this book is brilliantly written and thoroughly enjoyable. if you want something fast paced and intense with plenty of action and paranormal element then this should be right up your street!
corpse walker: the night parade comes out december 7th! many thanks to ralynn kimie for sending me a copy in exchange for a review 🪖🖤
October 20, 2023
Corpse Walker offers a unique blend of historical fiction and paranormal fantasy. The mix strikes a balance between the heavy topics of war and death at Pearl Harbor and subsequent battles in the Pacific with the thrilling adventure of locating and mastering the infernal artifacts before the enemy. I was blown away by the attention to detail and complex story mapping. It’s a strong start to what is sure to be an epic adventure. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
November 1, 2022
I received Corpse Walker as an ARC and recently read through it. The overall concept is exciting, especially after learning a bit more on what the author has planned for future works in the series.
The Japanese mythology and historical aspects appeared well researched, down to these technological government facilities likely having access to security cameras shortly before the general public did.
The primary characters we follow throughout the book, Hayden and Commander Mori were both interesting in their own way.
Hayden is initially in a wheelchair which was usually portrayed in a neutral light though, he is anxious to be walking again once provided the opportunity. While he has moments of being unlikable, he’s generally a pretty cookie-cutter “goodie-two-shoes” kind of hero which, I think is the intent based on what I’m assuming is going to occur during later installments. His fear of failure driving him is interesting as that isn’t the most typical motivator for a hero but, still a relatable one.
Mori as a villain makes sense and, after the scenes related to his dog, I would say he’s adequately terrifying. That being said, I really wanted additional information on how he ended up in such a position of power as while I understand that with the type of demon he represents (nuraihyon) he should be able to slip into places without being noticed, at the point in the story where we jump in as readers, he doesn’t really try to hide who or what he is with the soldiers working with him. It I made me wonder, what the history is behind his relationship with the Japanese government that they’re so willing to follow him or that higher-ups are willing to fund him as he schemes to actively destroy all of humanity? Regardless, it lends to potential for follow-up in future books.
The writing itself was generally relatively well done, I especially enjoyed the period jargon (it made me think of my grandpa in a good way) though at times the dialogue was clunky and the sections that were heavy with historical information were sometimes difficult to get through. The writer tended to focus on visual descriptions out of the other potential senses. The narration style appeared to be omniscient, which made for some jarring switches between character perspectives within a chapter because of how the majority of the work was written. The action sequences in later chapters were entertaining and the emotion of chapter 22 was spot-on and compelling.
With regards to pacing, I had one major complaint: I wished that there were more magical elements early on and/or that the magical elements that were present had been explored more intensively. Personally, when reading a fantasy work, I want the fantasy elements to be at the forefront of the experience and while Hayden’s death certainly drives the story as does the desire to control the artifacts, the abilities Hayden gains after being revived aren’t explored until much later in the story making it a little frustrating that he’s sitting in a cell for months and really only tries to experiment once.
In general, the overall premises is fascinating. After reading that we’re in for an exploration of a particularly unique take on the underworld, I just want to say that this has a tremendous amount of potential, as does the author. Congratulations on the book and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
Some TWs for potential future readers: animal cruelty, mention of needles and blood in medical context, language, racially motivated hate crime, and suicide
The Japanese mythology and historical aspects appeared well researched, down to these technological government facilities likely having access to security cameras shortly before the general public did.
The primary characters we follow throughout the book, Hayden and Commander Mori were both interesting in their own way.
Hayden is initially in a wheelchair which was usually portrayed in a neutral light though, he is anxious to be walking again once provided the opportunity. While he has moments of being unlikable, he’s generally a pretty cookie-cutter “goodie-two-shoes” kind of hero which, I think is the intent based on what I’m assuming is going to occur during later installments. His fear of failure driving him is interesting as that isn’t the most typical motivator for a hero but, still a relatable one.
Mori as a villain makes sense and, after the scenes related to his dog, I would say he’s adequately terrifying. That being said, I really wanted additional information on how he ended up in such a position of power as while I understand that with the type of demon he represents (nuraihyon) he should be able to slip into places without being noticed, at the point in the story where we jump in as readers, he doesn’t really try to hide who or what he is with the soldiers working with him. It I made me wonder, what the history is behind his relationship with the Japanese government that they’re so willing to follow him or that higher-ups are willing to fund him as he schemes to actively destroy all of humanity? Regardless, it lends to potential for follow-up in future books.
The writing itself was generally relatively well done, I especially enjoyed the period jargon (it made me think of my grandpa in a good way) though at times the dialogue was clunky and the sections that were heavy with historical information were sometimes difficult to get through. The writer tended to focus on visual descriptions out of the other potential senses. The narration style appeared to be omniscient, which made for some jarring switches between character perspectives within a chapter because of how the majority of the work was written. The action sequences in later chapters were entertaining and the emotion of chapter 22 was spot-on and compelling.
With regards to pacing, I had one major complaint: I wished that there were more magical elements early on and/or that the magical elements that were present had been explored more intensively. Personally, when reading a fantasy work, I want the fantasy elements to be at the forefront of the experience and while Hayden’s death certainly drives the story as does the desire to control the artifacts, the abilities Hayden gains after being revived aren’t explored until much later in the story making it a little frustrating that he’s sitting in a cell for months and really only tries to experiment once.
In general, the overall premises is fascinating. After reading that we’re in for an exploration of a particularly unique take on the underworld, I just want to say that this has a tremendous amount of potential, as does the author. Congratulations on the book and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
Some TWs for potential future readers: animal cruelty, mention of needles and blood in medical context, language, racially motivated hate crime, and suicide
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
I’ve said this before, I read a lot of WWII historical fiction. So I am thrilled when an author takes a fresh or surprising approach to this genre. In 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫, Ralynn Kimie adds paranormal elements to the historical events of WWII, and it makes for a captivating read.
Pearl Harbor has been bombed, and Hayden Dáithí died in the battle. But he was somehow resurrected - now he is called a corpse walker, and questions surround him.
Across the globe in Guam, the sinister Commander Isamu Mori is seizing control. Mori is not what he first appears; he is a Nurarihyon (a demon), and he is seeking the pieces of the Infernal Artifact. It is believed to be scattered in the Pacific Ocean - 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳.
If Mori recovers the Artifact, he will summon the Night Parade of one hundred demons.
Could Hayden, the Corpse Walker be the key to stopping Mori?
A great mash-up of the supernatural, fantasy and the historical. And I enjoyed the Japanese folklore that was mixed in as well. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @RayeKimie for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Pearl Harbor has been bombed, and Hayden Dáithí died in the battle. But he was somehow resurrected - now he is called a corpse walker, and questions surround him.
Across the globe in Guam, the sinister Commander Isamu Mori is seizing control. Mori is not what he first appears; he is a Nurarihyon (a demon), and he is seeking the pieces of the Infernal Artifact. It is believed to be scattered in the Pacific Ocean - 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳.
If Mori recovers the Artifact, he will summon the Night Parade of one hundred demons.
Could Hayden, the Corpse Walker be the key to stopping Mori?
A great mash-up of the supernatural, fantasy and the historical. And I enjoyed the Japanese folklore that was mixed in as well. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @RayeKimie for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
December 2, 2022
This book begins as Pearl Harbor is being bombed. It mixes history with the otherworldly and makes for a fascinating read.
There is an artifact, Death’s scythe, that the bad guy (aka a demon who is also a commander for Imperial Japan) needs in order to open a portal which will release demons that will end humanity.
The hero of our story, a corpse Walker, dies in the Pearl Harbor attack but because he had contact with a piece of the artifact comes back to life.
Normally books like this don’t interest me, but the combination
of the history, the legendary creatures from Japan, and the unique plot kept me engrossed.
The book is the first in the series. It had a definite ending but in the Q&A with the author at the end of the book she explains how the series will progress in the future.
This is a total side note but I really appreciated the bigger font in the book. No eye strain=no need to take a break reading!
There is an artifact, Death’s scythe, that the bad guy (aka a demon who is also a commander for Imperial Japan) needs in order to open a portal which will release demons that will end humanity.
The hero of our story, a corpse Walker, dies in the Pearl Harbor attack but because he had contact with a piece of the artifact comes back to life.
Normally books like this don’t interest me, but the combination
of the history, the legendary creatures from Japan, and the unique plot kept me engrossed.
The book is the first in the series. It had a definite ending but in the Q&A with the author at the end of the book she explains how the series will progress in the future.
This is a total side note but I really appreciated the bigger font in the book. No eye strain=no need to take a break reading!
March 24, 2023
This is a book that I honestly wasn’t super excited to read. It is historical military fiction and fantasy and despite the Disney-esque artwork and the blurb, I still wasn’t sure what was waiting for me within these pages. Those genres don’t pull me in at all and the blurb didn’t do much to excite me. My intrigue was built on reviews and reactions to this.
As part of a bookish buddy read I moved it to the front of the line.
The experience from the beginning was interesting. Not a page-turner right away and was a little slow but the information was necessary for the story later.
Hayden is our main character who dies during the Pearl Harbor bombing and comes back after coming in contact with an internal artifact. The antagonist is badass and portrayed as villainous as they come and he has his sights set on utilizing the imperial Japanese to assist in him opening a portal from hell to unleash one-hundred demons on earth. To do that, he needs three pieces of an internal artifact.
The story moves along after establishing the setting, and characters. It is written very well and the characters are all interesting. The use of historical landmarks and events makes me a little curious and also makes me feel a little ignorant for not knowing things I feel like I should know.
I absolutely loved this book once it all came together and it delivers big. I’m interested in the follow up when it is available.
I would recommend this to any fantasy reader and would recommend to anyone unsure of it.
Roll the dice.
Live ya life!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
As part of a bookish buddy read I moved it to the front of the line.
The experience from the beginning was interesting. Not a page-turner right away and was a little slow but the information was necessary for the story later.
Hayden is our main character who dies during the Pearl Harbor bombing and comes back after coming in contact with an internal artifact. The antagonist is badass and portrayed as villainous as they come and he has his sights set on utilizing the imperial Japanese to assist in him opening a portal from hell to unleash one-hundred demons on earth. To do that, he needs three pieces of an internal artifact.
The story moves along after establishing the setting, and characters. It is written very well and the characters are all interesting. The use of historical landmarks and events makes me a little curious and also makes me feel a little ignorant for not knowing things I feel like I should know.
I absolutely loved this book once it all came together and it delivers big. I’m interested in the follow up when it is available.
I would recommend this to any fantasy reader and would recommend to anyone unsure of it.
Roll the dice.
Live ya life!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 22, 2023
This isn’t my usual go to genre for reading but I was pleasantly surprised. Ralynn did a fantastic job creating this world; well, a couple of worlds. Her writing is very impressive! I love how she created this underworld that mirrors our world but also focuses on a pivotal point in history. She kept my attention the entire time. I cannot say that about many authors that write in this genre or even genre adjacent.
Her ability to weave in historical fiction with a paranormal vibe really pulls you in.
I’m excited to see what happens with this series. I can easily see this becoming a book to movie adaptation down the road.
Her ability to weave in historical fiction with a paranormal vibe really pulls you in.
I’m excited to see what happens with this series. I can easily see this becoming a book to movie adaptation down the road.
October 20, 2023
Corpse Walker offers a unique blend of historical fiction and paranormal fantasy. I love the way the story strikes a balance between the heavy topics of war and death at Pearl Harbor and subsequent battles in the Pacific with the thrilling adventure of locating and mastering the infernal artifacts before the enemy. I was blown away by the attention to detail and complex story mapping. There are just so many layers! It’s definitely a strong start to what is sure to be an epic adventure. I can’t wait to see how things unfold!
March 7, 2023
I devoured this book in 2 sittings! I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction but there was enough fantasy/paranormal aspect to keep me interested and on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed how Hayden’s character really evolved throughout the story from a hunkered down factory worker to literal savior of the world! Good Job Raye I can’t wait to read more about Hayden!
December 29, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (critical + entertainment)
TW: animal cruelty, death, war, violence
If you grew up in Hawaii or got some type of schooling in Hawaii, you know that taking Hawaiian history and culture courses is compulsory. I remember reading Under the Blood Red Sun and Farewell to Manzanar for school, and while these books are classified as fiction, they’re based on true stories from the Japanese-American experience in internment camps. Never did I think, I would be reading a book centered around Pearl Harbor for fun. There aren’t a lot of books that use the events of the attack as a setting, paired with aspects of Japanese culture and folklore.
Overall, this was a 4⭐ read for me and I’ll start with what I did like. The writing is in 3rd person's POV which I love, and also easy to follow. The blend of fact and fiction was very seamless and there are a couple of twists in the book. In Game of Thrones fashion, no one is safe. My WWII / Pearl Harbor knowledge is quite rusty so I won’t comment on the accuracy of events that happened because I’m sure the author did a ton of research beforehand.
The things that are keeping me from giving this a full 5⭐ is that I think this book would have benefitted from having a glossary or even footnotes around some of the Japanese terminology and folklore. While I may be familiar with the Japanese aspects having grown up in Hawaii and also lived and worked in Japan, others do not have that same experience.
This was also a very plot-driven storyline and while that’s not a bad thing, I do wish we got more of a backstory on the characters specifically Hayden and his Irish heritage. Without trying to give too much away, I felt like one of the plot points came out of nowhere with no explanation. I don’t know if this is addressed in the next books of this series, but it felt a bit disjointed near the end.
Despite this, I do look forward to reading the next two installments and I hear there’s a fourth coming out in 2024.
Thank you to the author, Steely PR, Tracky PR for the gifted special edition in exchange for an honest review.
TW: animal cruelty, death, war, violence
If you grew up in Hawaii or got some type of schooling in Hawaii, you know that taking Hawaiian history and culture courses is compulsory. I remember reading Under the Blood Red Sun and Farewell to Manzanar for school, and while these books are classified as fiction, they’re based on true stories from the Japanese-American experience in internment camps. Never did I think, I would be reading a book centered around Pearl Harbor for fun. There aren’t a lot of books that use the events of the attack as a setting, paired with aspects of Japanese culture and folklore.
Overall, this was a 4⭐ read for me and I’ll start with what I did like. The writing is in 3rd person's POV which I love, and also easy to follow. The blend of fact and fiction was very seamless and there are a couple of twists in the book. In Game of Thrones fashion, no one is safe. My WWII / Pearl Harbor knowledge is quite rusty so I won’t comment on the accuracy of events that happened because I’m sure the author did a ton of research beforehand.
The things that are keeping me from giving this a full 5⭐ is that I think this book would have benefitted from having a glossary or even footnotes around some of the Japanese terminology and folklore. While I may be familiar with the Japanese aspects having grown up in Hawaii and also lived and worked in Japan, others do not have that same experience.
This was also a very plot-driven storyline and while that’s not a bad thing, I do wish we got more of a backstory on the characters specifically Hayden and his Irish heritage. Without trying to give too much away, I felt like one of the plot points came out of nowhere with no explanation. I don’t know if this is addressed in the next books of this series, but it felt a bit disjointed near the end.
Despite this, I do look forward to reading the next two installments and I hear there’s a fourth coming out in 2024.
Thank you to the author, Steely PR, Tracky PR for the gifted special edition in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
Ralynn Kimie's Corpse Walker: The Night Parade is really a great historical fiction book about WWII and the supernatural.
While there was a slow build to establish a context foundation for the story, it all meshed together pretty quickly and I didn't want to put it down! There is mention in the book's Q&A about the future of the series/universe this book introduces, and honestly I am looking forward to seeing what Ralynn shares next.
Corpse Walker introduced me to some Japanese lore that I had never heard of, and am interested to learn more! From dog spirits, to the gods of the underworld, this story turned out to capture my interest way more than I had originally expected when I first picked up this military fiction / historic fantasy novel.
If there's anything my dad taught me about war media, it's that battle scenes can really make or break the movie or book. Corpse Walker had two battles that really brought the story to life. The WWII battle in the beginning of the book included some impressive research that moved the story along and introduced the key players of the book. But the later battle in the book shook me and really gave the war scenes some color in more ways than one.
Note to those who wish to read Corpse Walker, this is a book about war and the supernatural so please do note that there is mention of violence and some animal cruelty.
Special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of the book to read and leave an honest review.
While there was a slow build to establish a context foundation for the story, it all meshed together pretty quickly and I didn't want to put it down! There is mention in the book's Q&A about the future of the series/universe this book introduces, and honestly I am looking forward to seeing what Ralynn shares next.
Corpse Walker introduced me to some Japanese lore that I had never heard of, and am interested to learn more! From dog spirits, to the gods of the underworld, this story turned out to capture my interest way more than I had originally expected when I first picked up this military fiction / historic fantasy novel.
If there's anything my dad taught me about war media, it's that battle scenes can really make or break the movie or book. Corpse Walker had two battles that really brought the story to life. The WWII battle in the beginning of the book included some impressive research that moved the story along and introduced the key players of the book. But the later battle in the book shook me and really gave the war scenes some color in more ways than one.
Note to those who wish to read Corpse Walker, this is a book about war and the supernatural so please do note that there is mention of violence and some animal cruelty.
Special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of the book to read and leave an honest review.
December 10, 2022
A THRILLING WWII HISTORICAL FICTION FANTASY THAT WILL KEEP YOU HOOKED
This was a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me! It took me a little while to get into at the beginning but by the end of chapter one I was hooked!!! Corpse Walker is a epic cross between historical fiction and supernatural fantasy. Amazing characters, excellent writing, and a bone chilling antagonist—each chapter will keep you guessing.
There were many things I enjoyed about this book but one of my favorite aspects was the writing style and the captivating dialogue. Good dialogue is something I look for in every book I read and this book exceeded all my hopes with the clever one liners and gripping narratives.
The protagonist, coming-of-age heroic storyline, and WWII setting reminded me a lot of MCU hero Captain America and the Captain America: The First Avenger film. So if you’re a Captain America fan or just love war stories and supernatural fantasy in general I think you would LOVE this book!!
Overall, if you’re looking for a short read to keep you engaged and excited I definitely recommend!! Corpse Walker is a epic war story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This was a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me! It took me a little while to get into at the beginning but by the end of chapter one I was hooked!!! Corpse Walker is a epic cross between historical fiction and supernatural fantasy. Amazing characters, excellent writing, and a bone chilling antagonist—each chapter will keep you guessing.
There were many things I enjoyed about this book but one of my favorite aspects was the writing style and the captivating dialogue. Good dialogue is something I look for in every book I read and this book exceeded all my hopes with the clever one liners and gripping narratives.
The protagonist, coming-of-age heroic storyline, and WWII setting reminded me a lot of MCU hero Captain America and the Captain America: The First Avenger film. So if you’re a Captain America fan or just love war stories and supernatural fantasy in general I think you would LOVE this book!!
Overall, if you’re looking for a short read to keep you engaged and excited I definitely recommend!! Corpse Walker is a epic war story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
September 4, 2022
I'm not sure where to start? Historical fiction usually is NOT my thing. Especially war stories. I typically do not care for anything that has to do with war but I found the idea with the Japanese demons to be extremely intriguing. People usually forget about the Pacific War since media tends to focus on Germany and the Nazis when we think of WWII so it was super interesting to see a different side. I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about this book and then I couldn't put it down!
Not to be THAT PERSON but I feel like fans of Captain America will really like this one! There are some funny jokes about Captain America too, since they would've existed during the same time. Corpse Walker is just a bit darker, I think. Still, it was a GREAT read and unlike anything I've ever read before. I'm trying to talk about how good it is but I don't know how to without giving away spoilers! I can't wait to follow his journey and also for the next book in the Infernal Artifacts!!
Thank you to Steely Co. Publishing for my copy!
Not to be THAT PERSON but I feel like fans of Captain America will really like this one! There are some funny jokes about Captain America too, since they would've existed during the same time. Corpse Walker is just a bit darker, I think. Still, it was a GREAT read and unlike anything I've ever read before. I'm trying to talk about how good it is but I don't know how to without giving away spoilers! I can't wait to follow his journey and also for the next book in the Infernal Artifacts!!
Thank you to Steely Co. Publishing for my copy!
September 4, 2022
This was a very intriguing story from start to finish!
At first, I was not a huge fan of all of the military descriptions and jargon, but as the story progressed the details of the war combined so well with the protagonist's plans to collect the pieces of an important weapon. I thought that the plot was well thought out and flowed really easily through the years as the war progressed.
I absolutely loved the addition of the fantasy elements, especially the supernatural occurrences and demonic descriptions. Usually I am pretty skilled at guessing what is going to happen next in the plot, but this story really kept me on the edge of my seat and had multiple twists that I was not expecting! The writing was deliciously descriptive and really held my attention. I did not want to put the book down and found myself still thinking about the characters and plot after I had finished it!
I think that the other books in this series are going to be even better and more fantasy-filled than this one. I am looking forward to reading more from this author, hopefully very soon!!
At first, I was not a huge fan of all of the military descriptions and jargon, but as the story progressed the details of the war combined so well with the protagonist's plans to collect the pieces of an important weapon. I thought that the plot was well thought out and flowed really easily through the years as the war progressed.
I absolutely loved the addition of the fantasy elements, especially the supernatural occurrences and demonic descriptions. Usually I am pretty skilled at guessing what is going to happen next in the plot, but this story really kept me on the edge of my seat and had multiple twists that I was not expecting! The writing was deliciously descriptive and really held my attention. I did not want to put the book down and found myself still thinking about the characters and plot after I had finished it!
I think that the other books in this series are going to be even better and more fantasy-filled than this one. I am looking forward to reading more from this author, hopefully very soon!!
November 1, 2022
*I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy by the author, but all reviews and opinions are my own.*
Corpse Walker by Ralynn Kimie is a fascinating read. Set during WWII, Kimie tells the story of a normal human who helps to save the world. After dying at Pearl Harbor, Hayden comes back to life -- and his new destiny is to save humankind.
I have read a lot of historical fiction, but the twist that this author creates is a really unique and interesting one. It's based on true events, but each historical event is made more pressing by the impending doom of the globe.
For fans of the Marvel universe, historical fiction mixed with fantasy, and lovers of dystopia novels -- this book is for you. While I found it a little confusing in the beginning with keeping who was who, I was able to stay in the flow pretty easily after the first few chapters. It's kind of slow in the beginning, but it is definitely worth it to see what happens. I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
Corpse Walker by Ralynn Kimie is a fascinating read. Set during WWII, Kimie tells the story of a normal human who helps to save the world. After dying at Pearl Harbor, Hayden comes back to life -- and his new destiny is to save humankind.
I have read a lot of historical fiction, but the twist that this author creates is a really unique and interesting one. It's based on true events, but each historical event is made more pressing by the impending doom of the globe.
For fans of the Marvel universe, historical fiction mixed with fantasy, and lovers of dystopia novels -- this book is for you. While I found it a little confusing in the beginning with keeping who was who, I was able to stay in the flow pretty easily after the first few chapters. It's kind of slow in the beginning, but it is definitely worth it to see what happens. I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
October 15, 2022
Okay, so I'll be honest. I don't enjoy stories that center on war. (I like my books as a form of escapism, thank you very much.) But Corpse Walker changed that for me. I found myself completely immersed in the narrative, and quite frankly, I realized I may enjoy a well-crafted war story after all! Ralynn does an incredible job mixing the historical facts and folklore with the personal elements of the plot, and the book was paced so well that I found it to be a quick read! If you love historical fiction with some speculative elements and folklore, I'd highly recommend this book! And even if you don't, I still suggest giving it a try. The voice and worldbuilding of this book were charming and atmospheric in a way that can reel even skeptical readers in! (Take that from me: someone who'd previously only picked up a war-centric book by choice every now and then.) Five stars!!!
December 14, 2022
corpse walker is an interesting historical fantasy, but that cover drew me in right away. I love historical fantasy, and I really have been loving all of the fantasy that has been coming out that involves folklore from other countries. This one takes place during the second world war and follows a marine that is brought back to life, and has to stop a demon from ending the world as we know it.
I didn't struggle getting into the book, and the way that Ralynn wrote it, with the amazing world building was amazing. I love when there is a wonderful world to explore within the book. I also again really loved the Japanese folklore that was in it. It really kept me hooked.
I really dug on this book. It was a different type of historical fantasy than I normally read, but the action, the characters, and pace of the book are spot on, and once you get going, it's going to be hard to stop!
I didn't struggle getting into the book, and the way that Ralynn wrote it, with the amazing world building was amazing. I love when there is a wonderful world to explore within the book. I also again really loved the Japanese folklore that was in it. It really kept me hooked.
I really dug on this book. It was a different type of historical fantasy than I normally read, but the action, the characters, and pace of the book are spot on, and once you get going, it's going to be hard to stop!
December 15, 2022
Interesting read! I love historical fiction, mystery, paranormal and a bit of military story. This book is a sidebar/afterlife of Pearl Harbor around Guam, Saipan and Midway proximities while infusing and adding some Japanese folktale and US history. We don’t really hear or read many things on the US territorial islands and this book is well-written while adding fiction and fantasy to the characters of Hayden, Alexis and Dr Stolly. A bit of action, fantasy and war made this book a page-turner. If you love fantasy and history, this is definitely your read. I love how and why the author mesh the stories into a novel to open and engage newer domestic historical story for the readers to read. A stunning book!
Thank you Kate Rock BookTour for having me on this booktour to read, learn and review this fantastic book!
Thank you Kate Rock BookTour for having me on this booktour to read, learn and review this fantastic book!
March 1, 2025
3.7⭐️
Es una lectura que te atrapa desde la primera página. Está ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y tiene elementos de mitología japonesa.
Hayden murió durante el bombardeo de Pearl Harbor y, por alguna razón, fue resucitado. Él sabe que eso no debería ser posible, por lo que se esconde para evitar dar explicaciones. Sin embargo, al ser resucitado, se convierte en el Corpse Walker, quien debe evitar que el demonio Nurarihyon consiga los artefactos infernales y abra las puertas al infierno.
~
Me pareció muy interesante el concepto de la serie, y el hecho de que los siguientes libros serán de estilo diferente y podrán leerse de manera independiente. ¡Ya quiero leer a Hayden en el infierno!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Es una lectura que te atrapa desde la primera página. Está ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y tiene elementos de mitología japonesa.
Hayden murió durante el bombardeo de Pearl Harbor y, por alguna razón, fue resucitado. Él sabe que eso no debería ser posible, por lo que se esconde para evitar dar explicaciones. Sin embargo, al ser resucitado, se convierte en el Corpse Walker, quien debe evitar que el demonio Nurarihyon consiga los artefactos infernales y abra las puertas al infierno.
~
Me pareció muy interesante el concepto de la serie, y el hecho de que los siguientes libros serán de estilo diferente y podrán leerse de manera independiente. ¡Ya quiero leer a Hayden en el infierno!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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September 4, 2022I had the privilege of beta reading this book back in May.
In this story, historical fiction meets fantasy in the most imaginative way. Basically, imagine reading about WWII but with Japanese folklore.
Not only did I find the plot and setting intriguing, but I also cared for the characters. I even sympathized with the antagonists at times- that's how much depth these characters are given.
Months later, and I still think about the emotions this story inspired in me. The heartache. The betrayal. The easy laughter. The perseverance.
I've recently read These Violent Delights by Cloe Gong, and I think it's appropriate to say that this story has a lot of the same vibes as that one.
I'd easily recommend this to readers of historical fiction/fantasy. Side note: what a beautiful cover!!
In this story, historical fiction meets fantasy in the most imaginative way. Basically, imagine reading about WWII but with Japanese folklore.
Not only did I find the plot and setting intriguing, but I also cared for the characters. I even sympathized with the antagonists at times- that's how much depth these characters are given.
Months later, and I still think about the emotions this story inspired in me. The heartache. The betrayal. The easy laughter. The perseverance.
I've recently read These Violent Delights by Cloe Gong, and I think it's appropriate to say that this story has a lot of the same vibes as that one.
I'd easily recommend this to readers of historical fiction/fantasy. Side note: what a beautiful cover!!
September 9, 2022
This story certainly has an interesting concept, which drew me to being an advanced reader this novel. The beginning was slow for me & I felt like I really needed to know Hayden better to really get attached & care for the main character. There were scenes & characters that weren't quite as developed or expained completely, but it didnt take away from the story. I felt like a lot of time was lost & that Hayden's enemy gave up too easily at the end of the novel. I do want to know what happens next, because now his brother is looking for a other artifact, which is awesome. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first got into this book. This goes between historical fiction and paranormal fantasy, both genres outside of my comfort zone, and I was thoroughly impressed with how much I enjoyed it. There wasn’t a single moment where I was bored, I wanted to keep on reading. Ralynn’s writing style is super easy to follow and it flows so beautifully. I will forever talk this book up and recommend it to anyone, especially if they need to get out of a reading slump. Now - onto Dioscuri 😎
September 4, 2023
I love how well the supernatural and historical elements blend together in this book. As someone who enjoys hist fic, but also struggles with it from time to time, I really enjoyed the supernatural touch. The world building is well done, but not monotonous or overwhelming. I think my favorite is the way that Rae builds her characters, even her secondary characters are sharp and engaging, they don’t just blend into the background. Folklore is something I really enjoy learning about and they way the Japanese folklore is woven into this story is so beautifully done.
September 5, 2022
Wow! This story had so many layers to it and just begs to be the first in a series. It's a mix of historical fiction with a paranormal flavor, which is a premise I love to explore in a book. The characters are well-developed and believable and easy to connect with as a reader. If you like historical fiction in general, World War II fiction in particular, and story lines that include people with special powers or paranormal experiences, be sure to read "Corpse Walker."
October 17, 2022
I had the great pleasure of being one of the first to read Corpse Walker: The Night Parade. I loved it! Admittedly, I was not all that familiar with Japanese fantasy, but Ralynn Kimie did a wonderful at immersing me in the world. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series because I HAVE TO KNOW what happens next. Ralynn did an excellent job at modernizing a WWII setting for the reader without taking away from the historical aspects that are my favorite part of historical fiction.
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