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Murder Baby: A Knights of Sadira Novel
This is not a fairy tale.
This is a nightmare.
A young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents…
A jaded Ronin seeks out an old colleague before enacting a last ritual…
…and an ancient demon taunts a former Knight of a holy order from the blade of her ancient samurai sword.
This is the story of Raffi Okamoto, the Last Knight of Sadira.
Murder Baby is the debut entry in a twisted, dark fantasy novel series from the mind of
G.J. Stoutimore. It is a story of demons, angels, the humans that fight their wars, and
the lives left broken and buried in their wake.
This is a nightmare.
A young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents…
A jaded Ronin seeks out an old colleague before enacting a last ritual…
…and an ancient demon taunts a former Knight of a holy order from the blade of her ancient samurai sword.
This is the story of Raffi Okamoto, the Last Knight of Sadira.
Murder Baby is the debut entry in a twisted, dark fantasy novel series from the mind of
G.J. Stoutimore. It is a story of demons, angels, the humans that fight their wars, and
the lives left broken and buried in their wake.
- GenresFantasy
631 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
16 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 7, 2023
Horrifying and Captivating Debut
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. What drew me in immediately was Stoutimore's descriptive, rich, poetic, horrifying language.
He creates a complex web of characters, human and otherwise, led by the anti-hero Raffi/Aiko. The story is intensely captivating and kept my interest with its shifts between pasts and present.
The unimaginable physical and emotional abuse, drugging, and manipulation of children to create assassins without conscience suggest an indictment of fanatic religious cults. I found myself so angry and horrified at times, I had to remind myself to breathe.
The horror, trauma, and guilt are ultimately balanced by the anti-hero's satisfying and redemptive revenge.
I was left feeling hopeful and eager to continue the series! Bravo!
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. What drew me in immediately was Stoutimore's descriptive, rich, poetic, horrifying language.
He creates a complex web of characters, human and otherwise, led by the anti-hero Raffi/Aiko. The story is intensely captivating and kept my interest with its shifts between pasts and present.
The unimaginable physical and emotional abuse, drugging, and manipulation of children to create assassins without conscience suggest an indictment of fanatic religious cults. I found myself so angry and horrified at times, I had to remind myself to breathe.
The horror, trauma, and guilt are ultimately balanced by the anti-hero's satisfying and redemptive revenge.
I was left feeling hopeful and eager to continue the series! Bravo!
February 2, 2023
The story—basically a tale of honor, deception, horror, and revenge---unfolds as a series of narratives that take place over decades. It is a complex story both in terms of personalities and events. Eventually it all falls together for the reader.
The descriptions---including much violence---are extremely ornate, and they give the book a bizarre quality. In addition to breathtaking scenery, there is sadism, masochism, elitism, snobbery, and vengeance that jump out at the reader through many pages. The whole package might well be a catharsis for those who are carrying emotional baggage regarding their own trials, tribulations, resentments, and personal identities. The tale will stimulate their psyches, confirm their complexes, and perhaps satisfy their yearnings.
The novel is replete with different personalities---leaders, followers, sneerers, phonies, posturers, simple nice people, others who are not so simple or nice, and people who are either manifestly noble or ignoble. We also find in the narrative those who are clement and those who are unforgiving. We see caring empaths, and we see uncaring empaths who are ruthless manipulators and who use their empathic skills to dominate others, even with the aid of drugs.
An interesting aspect of the narrative is that each group and personality is often portrayed at different times from the perspective of different people, thereby making the descriptions multi-dimensional.
Raffi Okamoto is the main protagonist and a thoroughly-trained female Japanese fighter, who summarized the mentality of a warrior in the Japanese Zen tradition: “Don’t overthink. Getting into your head is what gets you killed. Use your mind clearly and quickly. Act with instinct. Trust what you already know. The rest will take care of itself.” Of course, all the techniques of fighting and of sport competition produce practitioners with instinctive physical moves honed by practice. But it is the training in Japanese martial arts that particularly addresses those instincts. Murder Baby should catch the attention of serious oriental martial arts enthusiasts.
One can probably read Murder Baby more easily in segments. Not unlike a Bach concerto, a little bit goes a long way. Those willing to stick with it will find it a rich and compelling experience.
The descriptions---including much violence---are extremely ornate, and they give the book a bizarre quality. In addition to breathtaking scenery, there is sadism, masochism, elitism, snobbery, and vengeance that jump out at the reader through many pages. The whole package might well be a catharsis for those who are carrying emotional baggage regarding their own trials, tribulations, resentments, and personal identities. The tale will stimulate their psyches, confirm their complexes, and perhaps satisfy their yearnings.
The novel is replete with different personalities---leaders, followers, sneerers, phonies, posturers, simple nice people, others who are not so simple or nice, and people who are either manifestly noble or ignoble. We also find in the narrative those who are clement and those who are unforgiving. We see caring empaths, and we see uncaring empaths who are ruthless manipulators and who use their empathic skills to dominate others, even with the aid of drugs.
An interesting aspect of the narrative is that each group and personality is often portrayed at different times from the perspective of different people, thereby making the descriptions multi-dimensional.
Raffi Okamoto is the main protagonist and a thoroughly-trained female Japanese fighter, who summarized the mentality of a warrior in the Japanese Zen tradition: “Don’t overthink. Getting into your head is what gets you killed. Use your mind clearly and quickly. Act with instinct. Trust what you already know. The rest will take care of itself.” Of course, all the techniques of fighting and of sport competition produce practitioners with instinctive physical moves honed by practice. But it is the training in Japanese martial arts that particularly addresses those instincts. Murder Baby should catch the attention of serious oriental martial arts enthusiasts.
One can probably read Murder Baby more easily in segments. Not unlike a Bach concerto, a little bit goes a long way. Those willing to stick with it will find it a rich and compelling experience.
April 16, 2023
Murder Baby is an immersive, genre-defying story that continues to give all the way to the last page.
June 4, 2023
Back in December, GJ Stoutimore reached out to me asking if I was interested in being gifted his new debut novel in exchange for an honest review. I was intrigued by the synopsis so of course, I said yes!
I haven’t read many Asian style dark fantasy stories, let alone Asian fiction in general and I’m so impressed. Think of cyberpunk meets samurai vibes with a bit of magic and supernatural thrown in.
Murder Baby is so beautifully written, haunting and poetic. It has plenty of trauma, so if you’re interested in reading it, please read the trigger warning at the beginning!
This is a book you want to read with your undivided attention. The characters, world building, magic system is excellent, I want more. There’s queer representation and I love that. To be honest in the beginning I didn’t really see myself becoming too attached to the characters, but I really started to feel for them in such emotional moments and scenes shortly after a few paragraphs in. So many different cultures wrapped into one story. So many twists and turns throughout the story, it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was pretty incredible. I cannot wait to see what’s in store next as The Knights of Sadira is a 4 book series. Overall I’m so glad I took a chance and broadened my horizons by reading this book. It’s such a powerful story. Murder Baby has officially made itself into one of my favorite books. 😌
I wish this was an anime, tv show, or even a video game!! It’s THAT good 😊
I haven’t read many Asian style dark fantasy stories, let alone Asian fiction in general and I’m so impressed. Think of cyberpunk meets samurai vibes with a bit of magic and supernatural thrown in.
Murder Baby is so beautifully written, haunting and poetic. It has plenty of trauma, so if you’re interested in reading it, please read the trigger warning at the beginning!
This is a book you want to read with your undivided attention. The characters, world building, magic system is excellent, I want more. There’s queer representation and I love that. To be honest in the beginning I didn’t really see myself becoming too attached to the characters, but I really started to feel for them in such emotional moments and scenes shortly after a few paragraphs in. So many different cultures wrapped into one story. So many twists and turns throughout the story, it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was pretty incredible. I cannot wait to see what’s in store next as The Knights of Sadira is a 4 book series. Overall I’m so glad I took a chance and broadened my horizons by reading this book. It’s such a powerful story. Murder Baby has officially made itself into one of my favorite books. 😌
I wish this was an anime, tv show, or even a video game!! It’s THAT good 😊
January 26, 2023
I was sent a copy by the author in exchange for my honest review. I will admit early to loving the cover of this book. This is what caught my attention. The art is amazing and the heft of the paperback that totaled over 600 pages had me intrigued.
In my head, this book had a lot to live up to.
And it did. GJ Stoutimore is a writer of immense skill. Moments in this book range from Lovecraftian horror to Quentin Tarantino like tension and violence.
But amidst this, there is a soft beauty. A whole chapter of talking around a fire that does not feel like a waste of time, but instead gives our main character greater depth and personality. Moments in training or with loved ones that are achingly beautiful and cinematic. All of these make the twists, shocks and horrors truly upsetting.
While some events feel like shock value at first, by the end everything feels intentional. It happened for a reason that pays off 300 pages later.
Stoutimore has created a world both familiar and futuristic. It's a world we slowly learn more about as our character grows through her back and forth timelines. Its a rich new world. a terrifyingly familiar world. A world I want to return to and learn more about.
In my head, this book had a lot to live up to.
And it did. GJ Stoutimore is a writer of immense skill. Moments in this book range from Lovecraftian horror to Quentin Tarantino like tension and violence.
But amidst this, there is a soft beauty. A whole chapter of talking around a fire that does not feel like a waste of time, but instead gives our main character greater depth and personality. Moments in training or with loved ones that are achingly beautiful and cinematic. All of these make the twists, shocks and horrors truly upsetting.
While some events feel like shock value at first, by the end everything feels intentional. It happened for a reason that pays off 300 pages later.
Stoutimore has created a world both familiar and futuristic. It's a world we slowly learn more about as our character grows through her back and forth timelines. Its a rich new world. a terrifyingly familiar world. A world I want to return to and learn more about.
May 8, 2024
Murder Baby by GJ Stoutmore is as brutal as its name and I would love to see this in a visual medium.
This is not a fairy tale.
This is a nightmare.
A young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents…
A jaded Ronin seeks out an old colleague before enacting a last ritual…
…and an ancient demon taunts a former Knight of a holy order from the blade of her ancient samurai sword.
This is the story of Raffi Okamoto, the Last Knight of Sadira.
A tale of revenge, we journey with the main character - Raffi Okamoto - throughout an unfortunate series of events that span a lifetime. What Stoutmore does here is incredible as we not only see character growth but a complexity in personality at different character stages. Coupled with the violence that is intense as it is yearning, Stoutmore has created a novel that has earned its place amongst dark fantasy that needs to be developed into an anime. The description of sword arts, skills and character dialogue would make for a brilliant experience on screen.
This is violent but not for violence sake. Filled with a carefully described and gruesome scope, Stoutmore has developed a horrifying revenge story that has you turning the page with each revelation. The magic system is one for the taking and whilst I hope for more in this world, Stoutmore has already created a tender fantasy epic that deserves your attention.
Murder Baby is a chonker of a novel but one that rewards those that stick with it with a ruthless and empathic experience.
This is not a fairy tale.
This is a nightmare.
A young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents…
A jaded Ronin seeks out an old colleague before enacting a last ritual…
…and an ancient demon taunts a former Knight of a holy order from the blade of her ancient samurai sword.
This is the story of Raffi Okamoto, the Last Knight of Sadira.
A tale of revenge, we journey with the main character - Raffi Okamoto - throughout an unfortunate series of events that span a lifetime. What Stoutmore does here is incredible as we not only see character growth but a complexity in personality at different character stages. Coupled with the violence that is intense as it is yearning, Stoutmore has created a novel that has earned its place amongst dark fantasy that needs to be developed into an anime. The description of sword arts, skills and character dialogue would make for a brilliant experience on screen.
This is violent but not for violence sake. Filled with a carefully described and gruesome scope, Stoutmore has developed a horrifying revenge story that has you turning the page with each revelation. The magic system is one for the taking and whilst I hope for more in this world, Stoutmore has already created a tender fantasy epic that deserves your attention.
Murder Baby is a chonker of a novel but one that rewards those that stick with it with a ruthless and empathic experience.
February 28, 2023
Murder Baby takes you into a world you can't help but be captivated by despite its twisted characters. I was both horrified and in awe of the world that Stoutimore created. It was hard to put this book down but when I did it left me in a state of introspection and intrigued by where the author will take us next. I can't wait for the continuation of this series.
January 10, 2023
I'm almost two hundred pages in and it's one of the better science fiction fantasy novels I've read. I'm not surprised since I love Stephen King's The Dark Tower and this has a similar feel. I'll update my review if I finish it and think it deserves less then the 5 stars I'm prematurely giving it. Also this is on Kindle Unlimited, sweet deal, but I bought a physical copy to support the printing of physical books by a self-published author.
February 2, 2023
GJ Stoutimore's debut novel is a daring, seductive, and unprecedented voice in dark fantasy that brought me to my knees. The amalgamation of sweeping prose, delicate lyricism, raw feeling, and unflinching gore are just part of the satisfying madness that makes Murder Baby so compelling. This story is a multi-faceted, intricately refined telling of trauma that blossoms within the best elements of fantasy/sci-fi. Every word is deliberate. The plot is imaginative and addictive. Inclusive and believable characters are developed with clever humour and deeply moving emotionality. This book is violent, psychologically harrowing and down-right difficult to digest at times, but Stoutimore balances his harsh universe with infinitely tender moments and an intentional structure and pacing that provides breathing-room for the reader. The magical intrigue of the plot line is riveting and developed with the flourish of a Classical Epic. This book is literary artistry at its finest— horrifying and healing... sobering and exciting... alarmingly gorgeous in all of its complexity...The next installment of The Knights of Sadira can't come soon enough for my appetite and curiosity.
April 9, 2023
A brilliant debut novel. It's clear from the off that GJ Stoutimore has a flair for the written word. I couldn't get enough of the vivid descriptions of people and places; it drew me right into the story and refused to let go. It definitely falls into the literary side of the fantasy genre.
Murder Baby follows the story of Raffi, the Last Knight of Sadira and a truly fascinating individual. She's a murderous (as the book's title would suggest) and highly competent killer and you can't help but enjoy seeing her go about her work.
But while she's a killer, the author does a brilliant job of exploring the human and emotional side. And you engage with this side of the book while exploring a fascinating and interesting futuristic world that draws you deeper in with each page.
As the story develops the pace increases and by the 300-350 page mark you'll struggle to put it down. I won't reveal any spoilers here!
So if you enjoy a book filled with gruesome fighting and the darker things in life, then Murder Baby is for you. And you won't be sorry. You'll be whisked away on an adventure that you'll be hard-pressed to forget.
Can't wait for the next instalment!
Murder Baby follows the story of Raffi, the Last Knight of Sadira and a truly fascinating individual. She's a murderous (as the book's title would suggest) and highly competent killer and you can't help but enjoy seeing her go about her work.
But while she's a killer, the author does a brilliant job of exploring the human and emotional side. And you engage with this side of the book while exploring a fascinating and interesting futuristic world that draws you deeper in with each page.
As the story develops the pace increases and by the 300-350 page mark you'll struggle to put it down. I won't reveal any spoilers here!
So if you enjoy a book filled with gruesome fighting and the darker things in life, then Murder Baby is for you. And you won't be sorry. You'll be whisked away on an adventure that you'll be hard-pressed to forget.
Can't wait for the next instalment!
January 14, 2023
The back cover was right: not a fairy tale, but a nightmare. Absolutely marvelous. Dark, terrifying, gruesome. A story so haunting you can’t stop reading. Waiting patiently now for the next book in the series.
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March 30, 2023The last knight of an ancient order of demon slayers embarks on a perilous journey filled with angels, demons and the humans who fight their wars in MURDER BABY by G.J. Stoutimore.
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
March 26, 2023
“Murder Baby” by G. J. Stoutimore
“Murder Baby” is the debut novel by one of my dearest friends who I have known for almost a decade. When this deliciously giant tome thudded into my hands I knew I was in for a treat. (I like big....Books and I cannot lie....)
Raffi Okamoto, a young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents, only to find herself groomed into a world of violence, pain and servitude. She must serve her masters well or face the dire consequences of failure. Failure that will echo into the formidable warrior she will become and the tumultuous path she follows.
For a debut novel, I can hand on heart say (without any friendship bias) totally blew me away. To even begin a novel let along finish a hefty volume like this takes years of blood, sweat, tears and dedication. (So hats off to you Gabe!)
Now, you will know that fantasy is not really my cup-of-tea, so I was very hesitant about starting this novel, however my predisposition was soon completely extinguished. "Murder Baby", thankfully, has one tentative foot in reality which keeps everything grounded in a world we are familiar with, however otherworldly the story becomes.
It is deliciously descriptive; an entire world unfolds before you and before you know it, you’re lost among the pink blossoming sakura trees and can smell the tang of blood on the air. Twists and turns will keep you on your toes and colourful compelling characters will have you cheering for their victory or murderously baying for their blood.
A genre bending tale of heros and villains with a sprinkling of magic and Neo-Noir. "Murder Baby" is a epic tale and one which will stay with you for a long time.
Rating: 4/5
#gjstoutimore #murderbaby #knightsofsadira #fantasy
#thespacebetweenthelines #bookreview
“Murder Baby” is the debut novel by one of my dearest friends who I have known for almost a decade. When this deliciously giant tome thudded into my hands I knew I was in for a treat. (I like big....Books and I cannot lie....)
Raffi Okamoto, a young orphan seeks vengeance against the Yakuza man who killed her parents, only to find herself groomed into a world of violence, pain and servitude. She must serve her masters well or face the dire consequences of failure. Failure that will echo into the formidable warrior she will become and the tumultuous path she follows.
For a debut novel, I can hand on heart say (without any friendship bias) totally blew me away. To even begin a novel let along finish a hefty volume like this takes years of blood, sweat, tears and dedication. (So hats off to you Gabe!)
Now, you will know that fantasy is not really my cup-of-tea, so I was very hesitant about starting this novel, however my predisposition was soon completely extinguished. "Murder Baby", thankfully, has one tentative foot in reality which keeps everything grounded in a world we are familiar with, however otherworldly the story becomes.
It is deliciously descriptive; an entire world unfolds before you and before you know it, you’re lost among the pink blossoming sakura trees and can smell the tang of blood on the air. Twists and turns will keep you on your toes and colourful compelling characters will have you cheering for their victory or murderously baying for their blood.
A genre bending tale of heros and villains with a sprinkling of magic and Neo-Noir. "Murder Baby" is a epic tale and one which will stay with you for a long time.
Rating: 4/5
#gjstoutimore #murderbaby #knightsofsadira #fantasy
#thespacebetweenthelines #bookreview
July 31, 2023
Just no.
Why is no one talking about the overuse of AI artwork around this book with shitty photoshopped speech bubbles over it???
Why is no one talking about the overuse of AI artwork around this book with shitty photoshopped speech bubbles over it???
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews