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The Secret History of the World #4
Black Wind
“Black Wind is a stunner. Ambitious, unusual, compelling.” - Dean Koontz
F. Paul Wilson’s powerful World War II novel is an unforgettable historical saga of passion and terror, the ravages of war, the pain of betrayal, and the glory of love.
At the heart of the story are four people torn between love and Matsuo Okumo, born in Japan, raised in America, and hated in both lands; Hiroki Okumo, his brother, a modern samurai sworn to serve a secret cult and the almighty Emperor; Meiko Satsuma, the woman they both love; and Frank Slater, the American who turned away when Matsuo needed him, and who now struggles to repay his debt of honor.
“Of great and captivating sweep.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The reader comes to care intensely about the fates of the characters...a sharp and intelligent entertainment, a genuine page-turner many notches above standard fare.”
—San Francisco Chronicle
“A high-powered page turner, with writing as honed as a samurai sword.”
—Adam Hall, author of The Quiller Memorandum
“A superb feast of storytelling. Intricately plotted, compellingly told; suspenseful, moving, and at times intensely horrifying--F. Paul Wilson’s most ambitious novel so far, and surely his best.” - Ramsey Campbell
F. Paul Wilson’s powerful World War II novel is an unforgettable historical saga of passion and terror, the ravages of war, the pain of betrayal, and the glory of love.
At the heart of the story are four people torn between love and Matsuo Okumo, born in Japan, raised in America, and hated in both lands; Hiroki Okumo, his brother, a modern samurai sworn to serve a secret cult and the almighty Emperor; Meiko Satsuma, the woman they both love; and Frank Slater, the American who turned away when Matsuo needed him, and who now struggles to repay his debt of honor.
“Of great and captivating sweep.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The reader comes to care intensely about the fates of the characters...a sharp and intelligent entertainment, a genuine page-turner many notches above standard fare.”
—San Francisco Chronicle
“A high-powered page turner, with writing as honed as a samurai sword.”
—Adam Hall, author of The Quiller Memorandum
“A superb feast of storytelling. Intricately plotted, compellingly told; suspenseful, moving, and at times intensely horrifying--F. Paul Wilson’s most ambitious novel so far, and surely his best.” - Ramsey Campbell
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1988
42 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
F. Paul Wilson
421 books1,990 followersFrancis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 27, 2022
Wilson's sweeping saga of WWII centers upon four main characters, three Japanese and one American, and chronicles the war from both a Japanese and American perspective. Black Wind is a long book, and a bit long winded at times, but definitely Wilson did his homework here, while adding his own 'alternative history' into the mix.
I am confused now. Having recently read Masterton's Tengu where we learned that the A-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima to thwart more Tengu production, Wilson wants us to believe that it was really to stop the Black Wind? What is a reader to do?
The Black Wind is the name of an ancient 'mega' weapon purportedly developed hundreds of years ago by a Japanese 'cult' fiercely loyal to the Emperor during the Shogun era. Basically, the 'Wind' kills everything living that is touched by its black bellowing 'smoke'. The 'recipe' for this, however, has been lost; hidden by a monk 100s of years ago, but the powers that be in Japan hope to find it to win the war...
Our main protagonists are Frank, the American, who is introduced in 1926 or so, living in San Francisco. A wealthy family (whose wealth was primarily in stocks), they employed a live in Japanese cook and gardener, along with a Japanese boy named Matsuo who is Frank's age. Matsuo is from an old, noble family in Japan and his father sent him to be raised in the US to 'learn their ways' and such. His older brother, Hiroki, still lives in Japan and is part of the 'monk cult' behind the Black Wind. Finally, we have Hiroki's fiancé, Meiko, who is also sent to the US for education. It seems everyone falls in love with Meiko, including Matsuo and Frank and, well, hormones and all! The only one not in love with her is ironically Hiroki, who just wants to possess and use her. Wilson gives us a true family soap opera here involving the four and alongside that, the unfolding of WWII with Japan.
To really love this, however, requires such a suspension of belief that it was beyond me. Countless times the main characters are separated by 1000s of miles and yet they keep meeting in the strangest places! I did like how Wilson portrayed the horrible racism Japanese people faced in the US, both before and during the war; he pulls few punches here. Also, the representation of Japan-- its culture and the politics of the era-- seemed up to snuff for me as well, although I am no expert here. Still, at the heart of this novel are the various romances among the main characters and while I like Wilson's work, romance is definitely not his strength. Remember the extremely wooden romance in The Keep? Multiply that times three and you have what goes on here. 3 windy stars!
I am confused now. Having recently read Masterton's Tengu where we learned that the A-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima to thwart more Tengu production, Wilson wants us to believe that it was really to stop the Black Wind? What is a reader to do?
The Black Wind is the name of an ancient 'mega' weapon purportedly developed hundreds of years ago by a Japanese 'cult' fiercely loyal to the Emperor during the Shogun era. Basically, the 'Wind' kills everything living that is touched by its black bellowing 'smoke'. The 'recipe' for this, however, has been lost; hidden by a monk 100s of years ago, but the powers that be in Japan hope to find it to win the war...
Our main protagonists are Frank, the American, who is introduced in 1926 or so, living in San Francisco. A wealthy family (whose wealth was primarily in stocks), they employed a live in Japanese cook and gardener, along with a Japanese boy named Matsuo who is Frank's age. Matsuo is from an old, noble family in Japan and his father sent him to be raised in the US to 'learn their ways' and such. His older brother, Hiroki, still lives in Japan and is part of the 'monk cult' behind the Black Wind. Finally, we have Hiroki's fiancé, Meiko, who is also sent to the US for education. It seems everyone falls in love with Meiko, including Matsuo and Frank and, well, hormones and all! The only one not in love with her is ironically Hiroki, who just wants to possess and use her. Wilson gives us a true family soap opera here involving the four and alongside that, the unfolding of WWII with Japan.
To really love this, however, requires such a suspension of belief that it was beyond me. Countless times the main characters are separated by 1000s of miles and yet they keep meeting in the strangest places! I did like how Wilson portrayed the horrible racism Japanese people faced in the US, both before and during the war; he pulls few punches here. Also, the representation of Japan-- its culture and the politics of the era-- seemed up to snuff for me as well, although I am no expert here. Still, at the heart of this novel are the various romances among the main characters and while I like Wilson's work, romance is definitely not his strength. Remember the extremely wooden romance in The Keep? Multiply that times three and you have what goes on here. 3 windy stars!
August 9, 2025
There is so much to unpack with this book. I suspect this book will stay with me for years to come!
September 11, 2016
A stunning novel. Probably Wilson's best written book. He weaves an amazing story of four interconnected characters over the course of 20 some odd years set over WWII. Twisting a bit of the super natural and a strong love story in and out of major historical events ending with the bomb drop at Hiroshima. Really if you have any interest in historical fiction and original takes on the genre seek this one out.
February 28, 2024
At the 60% mark I found that the book was balanced at a 2.5/5, the only thing that really kept me reading was to see if the book would raise up to 3 on setting down to a 2. The main fact for that was that I wasn’t engaged in any of the POVs and I didn’t like or care about any of the characters, not one. While the plot picked up in the second half of the book it wasn’t enough to raise my rating, so 2.5 it is.
July 21, 2008
BLACK WIND is one of my favorite books in my life. This is definitely FPW's masterpiece.
Historical facts mixed with fictional horror:Kuroi Kaze. But also there were friendship and betrayals, love and hate. Very touching story.
And another my favorite reason:I designed this cover.
Historical facts mixed with fictional horror:Kuroi Kaze. But also there were friendship and betrayals, love and hate. Very touching story.
And another my favorite reason:I designed this cover.
July 31, 2020
I am a huge fan of F.Paul Wilson. And for many years, F.Paul Wilson has said this is his best novel. And for the most part he is correct. This is his best writing in a novel. Maybe his best story telling as well. I was thoroughly captivated. My only problem with the novel is I wanted a denouement. There isn’t one in this novel and I thought the novel would have personally been better with some sort of reuniting chapter or a chapter set a few years down the road. Let us see where the characters ended it. The story just ends and it feels a bit abrupt. I really loved this book and recommend it strongly and with a denouement I probably would have given it five stars.
October 25, 2012
This is the 15th F.Paul Wilson I have read in five months. That might be a record for me, actually I know it is. It is my understanding that Wilson considers this his masterpiece or at least one of his very best novels. While it is not my personal favorite (That would be Harbingers so far) I can’t argue that it is not his strongest novel.
While not directly related or apart of the Adversary Cycle(the literary sister to Wilson’s Repairman Jack series), Black Wind is an important part of the secret history of the world and directly connects to the RMJ novel “By the Sword.” I choose to read this novel right before reading By the Sword, and I think that is the way to go. Black Wind earns it’s spot in Wilson Secret history of the world time line ( see - http://www.repairmanjack.com/forum/co...) for many things but mostly for events in the last 40 pages of the book.
Three hundred and fifty pages in I was struck thinking that Michael Bay would have been better off using Black Wind instead of the plot he did for his Pearl Harbor movie. On second thought I am glad he didn’t.
Wilson has already written a classic of WW II horror in his classic The Keep (Adversary Cycle #1) which took place in Europe. That novel has monsters and is more outright horror but there is a supernatural element to Black Wind albeit more subtle. This is a more straight forward epic war novel, think of it as lightly seasoned with fantastic elements.
Using the clash of Japanese and American culture as a starting point and the back drop of the conflict in the pacific Wilson again weaves a complicated plot. It seems to unfold effortlessly. This novel is a heartbreaking love quadrangle.
The story told partly in first person by Frank Slater- the son of a San Francisco factory operator. Frank’s only friend is the Nephew of their Japanese house servant Matsuo. In the greatest shame of his young life Frank stands by as a neighborhood bully beats up his Japanese friend.
Matsuo returns to Japan hating Frank, he is more than willing to take a job as a spy on America.He returns to America to attend college and watch over his brother’s fiancé (Meiko) from an arranged Marriage. Meiko then meets and befriends Frank who Matsuo has not forgiven. Both men have fallen in love with Meiko, but neither can act on it.
Matsuo’s brother doesn’t care for Meiko, but he needs her to gain power in a secret mystical sect of Samurai. That sect is not only pushing for war with America- but seeking the knowledge to a supernaturally powered weapon called the Kurikaze(Black Wind).
After college Frank’s knowledge of the Japanese language (taught to him by Matsuo when children) lands him a job in intelligence. Across the ocean his old friend is becoming an agent in his navy. Along the way Wilson weaves massive amounts of historical research into this page turning feast of story telling. Moving this character drama perfectly along side the real life historical events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, the battle of Midway, Saipan, the Manhatten Project and of course the atomic attack on Japan.
This novel does a better job of exploring both cultures in the conflict than even Toro, toro, toro. Not only did I get to enjoy a fun page turner, but I put the book down feeling like I understood that part of history in a new way.
If you like war novels from that era, if you like plot driven page turners or historical horror – Well you can’t really go wrong.
While not directly related or apart of the Adversary Cycle(the literary sister to Wilson’s Repairman Jack series), Black Wind is an important part of the secret history of the world and directly connects to the RMJ novel “By the Sword.” I choose to read this novel right before reading By the Sword, and I think that is the way to go. Black Wind earns it’s spot in Wilson Secret history of the world time line ( see - http://www.repairmanjack.com/forum/co...) for many things but mostly for events in the last 40 pages of the book.
Three hundred and fifty pages in I was struck thinking that Michael Bay would have been better off using Black Wind instead of the plot he did for his Pearl Harbor movie. On second thought I am glad he didn’t.
Wilson has already written a classic of WW II horror in his classic The Keep (Adversary Cycle #1) which took place in Europe. That novel has monsters and is more outright horror but there is a supernatural element to Black Wind albeit more subtle. This is a more straight forward epic war novel, think of it as lightly seasoned with fantastic elements.
Using the clash of Japanese and American culture as a starting point and the back drop of the conflict in the pacific Wilson again weaves a complicated plot. It seems to unfold effortlessly. This novel is a heartbreaking love quadrangle.
The story told partly in first person by Frank Slater- the son of a San Francisco factory operator. Frank’s only friend is the Nephew of their Japanese house servant Matsuo. In the greatest shame of his young life Frank stands by as a neighborhood bully beats up his Japanese friend.
Matsuo returns to Japan hating Frank, he is more than willing to take a job as a spy on America.He returns to America to attend college and watch over his brother’s fiancé (Meiko) from an arranged Marriage. Meiko then meets and befriends Frank who Matsuo has not forgiven. Both men have fallen in love with Meiko, but neither can act on it.
Matsuo’s brother doesn’t care for Meiko, but he needs her to gain power in a secret mystical sect of Samurai. That sect is not only pushing for war with America- but seeking the knowledge to a supernaturally powered weapon called the Kurikaze(Black Wind).
After college Frank’s knowledge of the Japanese language (taught to him by Matsuo when children) lands him a job in intelligence. Across the ocean his old friend is becoming an agent in his navy. Along the way Wilson weaves massive amounts of historical research into this page turning feast of story telling. Moving this character drama perfectly along side the real life historical events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, the battle of Midway, Saipan, the Manhatten Project and of course the atomic attack on Japan.
This novel does a better job of exploring both cultures in the conflict than even Toro, toro, toro. Not only did I get to enjoy a fun page turner, but I put the book down feeling like I understood that part of history in a new way.
If you like war novels from that era, if you like plot driven page turners or historical horror – Well you can’t really go wrong.
November 10, 2010
When F. Paul Wilson's BLACK WIND was published in in 1988, it should have been a blockbuster. It's an epic tale of brotherhood, the clash between good and evil, honor, and betrayal. It's got romance, World War Two, and secret societies. It's like all the best parts of SHOGUN, THE WINDS OF WAR, THE DA VINCI CODE, and a Stephen King thriller, except BETTER. Unfortunately, the publisher didn't market it properly, and it never got the recognition it deserved. It's really too bad, too, because it's a compelling, thought-provoking book, and a deft mixture of history, conspiracy theory, and the supernatural.
Wilson has since worked the mythology of the novel into his mega-successful REPAIRMAN JACK novels. It's available very cheaply on the secondary market (amazon, bookfinder, etc.) so grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
Wilson has since worked the mythology of the novel into his mega-successful REPAIRMAN JACK novels. It's available very cheaply on the secondary market (amazon, bookfinder, etc.) so grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
April 4, 2020
I bought this on sale because I like the author. I didn't really know what to expect for a historical novel from him.
Hard to describe how much I enjoyed this. For one it is a historical novel in the way a Tim Powers novel is historical. That is much of it is true of history, but there are fantasy details behind the scene.
Tells the story of two childhood friends who are both outcasts. One Japanese and the other American growing up in pre-WWII San Francisco. The story splits as they fall apart and are on two sides of the war. I just got caught up in the stories of these two men and what they go through and the various tangles in their lives that keep intersecting. Character-centric with interesting elements.
Hard to describe how much I enjoyed this. For one it is a historical novel in the way a Tim Powers novel is historical. That is much of it is true of history, but there are fantasy details behind the scene.
Tells the story of two childhood friends who are both outcasts. One Japanese and the other American growing up in pre-WWII San Francisco. The story splits as they fall apart and are on two sides of the war. I just got caught up in the stories of these two men and what they go through and the various tangles in their lives that keep intersecting. Character-centric with interesting elements.
September 25, 2023
Black Wind is arguably the best story telling F. Paul Wilson has put to paper. An epic tale centering mainly on three men from being youths in the 1920s to grown men during World War II, as well as the woman who is the center of a romantic triangle, this reads like a Herman Wouk novel if he incorporated supernatural elements in the narrative. The three men, one American, two Japanese brothers, one of whom was raised in the US, find their destinies within the turbulent times. Meanwhile, a clandestine ancient order of monks secretly pulls the strings behind Japan's politics as they search for the mystical power of the Black Wind they have foreseen as leading the country to greatness. I wasn't sure if I'd like this as much as Wilson's horror novels, but the wonderful prose and smooth transition back and forth between the main story lines proved this to be one of his best novels. 4.5/5*
November 4, 2025
I had so much regret
May 13, 2014
Okay forget the whole world war 2 Pearl Harbor - Hiroshima thing for a second..... I want to talk about the Frank/Meiko/Matsuo thing.
So both the guys have a raging hard on for Meiko even though she is engaged to Matsuo's brother Hiroki..... so the little slut decides she is going to bang Matsuo anyway and suprise suprise who should walk in? Sorry Hiroki I slipped and fell on top of Matsuo's dick... so she runs away and ends up in Hawaii and who does she run into? Frank. so she "falls in love" with Frank even though her vagina oops I mean heart is still in love with Matsuo. but somehow that's okay to marry Frank and to
sleep with him for three years.
one night who should just happen to show up in Hawaii? oh yeah Matsuo! quicker than u can say "no fucking way" she dumps Frank's ass and goes back to Japan with Matsuo leaving poor frank literally tied to a tree.
oh but the plot thickens! out pops a baby nine months later and oh it's Frank's kid and the little slut wonders why matsuo is all like fuck this shit I'm pissed off!
Girls if u are gonna string two guys along wear a fucking condom and don't marry them both! I thought the character of Meiko was truly a disgusting portrayal of females. Little bitch only cared about herself and not the fact that she truly hurt two people she supposedly cared about.
So both the guys have a raging hard on for Meiko even though she is engaged to Matsuo's brother Hiroki..... so the little slut decides she is going to bang Matsuo anyway and suprise suprise who should walk in? Sorry Hiroki I slipped and fell on top of Matsuo's dick... so she runs away and ends up in Hawaii and who does she run into? Frank. so she "falls in love" with Frank even though her vagina oops I mean heart is still in love with Matsuo. but somehow that's okay to marry Frank and to
sleep with him for three years.
one night who should just happen to show up in Hawaii? oh yeah Matsuo! quicker than u can say "no fucking way" she dumps Frank's ass and goes back to Japan with Matsuo leaving poor frank literally tied to a tree.
oh but the plot thickens! out pops a baby nine months later and oh it's Frank's kid and the little slut wonders why matsuo is all like fuck this shit I'm pissed off!
Girls if u are gonna string two guys along wear a fucking condom and don't marry them both! I thought the character of Meiko was truly a disgusting portrayal of females. Little bitch only cared about herself and not the fact that she truly hurt two people she supposedly cared about.
February 2, 2012
This is a really good story of the relationship between two men in the events leading up to WW2 and the war itself. Matsuo and Frank Slater grow up together as boys in San Francisco until a traumatic separation tears them apart and sets them against one another. This is a novel of the Secret History of the World by F. Paul Wilson and has a very minimal supernatural aspect that gives some insight into the Repairman Jack novels. I would highly recommend this for just about anybody, there is a great deal of history written into the novel, high suspense, adventure and even a bit of romance.
November 22, 2010
I can't say much about this book except that it is a sweeping, epic, alternate-history novel about the Pacific Theater of combat in World War II. Part supernatural horror-thriller, part war epic, part romance it bends every conceivable genre to its will.
It does demand a great deal of the reader, and it is clear that the author has done his homework. But the effort is well worth the reward of following these memorable characters to the final, inescapable scenes.
It does demand a great deal of the reader, and it is clear that the author has done his homework. But the effort is well worth the reward of following these memorable characters to the final, inescapable scenes.
May 1, 2014
I really enjoyed how everything came together in the end of this book. I think this is the first book I've really read that specifically involved events of world war 2, but it was still felt different, new, and exciting for the story to not involve the Germans. I'm tempted to rate it a 4, but I feel like it took me way too long to read.
January 4, 2009
Pretty good. I liked the characters quite a lot. Some sections were a bit far fetched but that's not unusual for thrillers. All in all, it held my interest all the way through and I don't mind recommending it to others.
January 29, 2011
Great insight to the thoughts of two very different cultures.
Interesting theory of the notorious Pearl Harbor "ignored warnings".
Repulsive super natural cult.
Romance, betrayal, intrigue, prejudice…what more could a good novel deliver?
Interesting theory of the notorious Pearl Harbor "ignored warnings".
Repulsive super natural cult.
Romance, betrayal, intrigue, prejudice…what more could a good novel deliver?
April 14, 2011
Unbelievable. Undescribable. Epic. Must be read to understand, and connects with the Advesary Cycle in such delicate ways....
January 23, 2023
This book had me fully invested from the first few pages. It's been a long time since I read something so immersive. The pacing was brilliant. Just when I thought the characters were going to get a well deserved breather some new crisis would present itself. The result was an addictive, and slightly stressful, read.
It felt like reading a film or drama, reminding me of K-dramas like Mr. Sunshine or The Nokdu Flower (Hiroki is just Yi-Hyeon, change my mind).
I was a bit worried how the Sci-fi elements would work with the WW2 setting but the 'black winds' actually serve as a great symbol for the aspects of the old Japan, it's values, traditions and beliefs, which are (spoilers) ultimately wiped out along with Hiroshima. So it didn't feel all that out of place.
The lead-up to Pearl Harbour had me on the edge of my seat. And every time Frank and Matsuo's paths crossed, the shifting tensions between them were extremely satisfying to watch. Pinning your closest and only friend to a palm tree with a 6 inch nail is a very classy move, apparently. I did find it slightly far fetched that, after giving himself up to American intelligence, Matsuo seems to travel between America and Japan as he pleases, and his superiors in Japan are cool with that?
Oddly, Hiroki was my favourite character to follow. His arc as far as character development goes wasn't all that pronounced, but there was something about him that makes me want to go back and do a proper study. Maybe he acts as a tie to the past. A petrified, frozen ideal of the way Japan used to rule and be ruled. His search for an ancient, secret weapon which he's convinced will win the war blinds him to the future in a way. He dismisses the atomic bomb, seeing the long lost magic as the only solution. Something like that anyway, there must be more to it.
Also, the final meeting between the brothers, Hiroki and Matsuo, wasn't the ending I wanted for either of them but it felt poetically appropriate.
It felt like reading a film or drama, reminding me of K-dramas like Mr. Sunshine or The Nokdu Flower (Hiroki is just Yi-Hyeon, change my mind).
I was a bit worried how the Sci-fi elements would work with the WW2 setting but the 'black winds' actually serve as a great symbol for the aspects of the old Japan, it's values, traditions and beliefs, which are (spoilers) ultimately wiped out along with Hiroshima. So it didn't feel all that out of place.
The lead-up to Pearl Harbour had me on the edge of my seat. And every time Frank and Matsuo's paths crossed, the shifting tensions between them were extremely satisfying to watch. Pinning your closest and only friend to a palm tree with a 6 inch nail is a very classy move, apparently. I did find it slightly far fetched that, after giving himself up to American intelligence, Matsuo seems to travel between America and Japan as he pleases, and his superiors in Japan are cool with that?
Oddly, Hiroki was my favourite character to follow. His arc as far as character development goes wasn't all that pronounced, but there was something about him that makes me want to go back and do a proper study. Maybe he acts as a tie to the past. A petrified, frozen ideal of the way Japan used to rule and be ruled. His search for an ancient, secret weapon which he's convinced will win the war blinds him to the future in a way. He dismisses the atomic bomb, seeing the long lost magic as the only solution. Something like that anyway, there must be more to it.
Also, the final meeting between the brothers, Hiroki and Matsuo, wasn't the ending I wanted for either of them but it felt poetically appropriate.
August 18, 2019
This was one hell of a story, following the lives of three men and a women over 20 year from San Franciso to Tokyo and all spots in between. The love rectangle and various brother and friend relationships would have made for a pretty good "Kane and Abel" type novel, but by putting this all around WWII and told mostly from the Japanese point of view, it brings a whole other level of intensity to the personal interdynamics. As the novel was approaching Dec 6, 1941, I really was feeling the nerves, knowing Pearl Harbor was about to happen.
The titular "winds" to me was the only slight problem with the story - just found the supernatural part a bit extraneous and to some extent as much as it did play a huge role in one characters story arc, Wilson didn't really branch it out that much so not sure he was fully committed to it. Felt it could have been a "people believe this....but never really came to fruition" and left it alone, or fully bought in and made it crucial to the whole book, but instead it kinda sat on the side and came in only on occasion.
Outside of that, thought this was a terrific read with four really well drawn out lead characters who's actions and motivations, which were impacting the whole world, we're well played out to their personal stories.
The titular "winds" to me was the only slight problem with the story - just found the supernatural part a bit extraneous and to some extent as much as it did play a huge role in one characters story arc, Wilson didn't really branch it out that much so not sure he was fully committed to it. Felt it could have been a "people believe this....but never really came to fruition" and left it alone, or fully bought in and made it crucial to the whole book, but instead it kinda sat on the side and came in only on occasion.
Outside of that, thought this was a terrific read with four really well drawn out lead characters who's actions and motivations, which were impacting the whole world, we're well played out to their personal stories.
September 14, 2023
Man, I really wonder, what was the audience for this? At the time it came out (1988), I don't think FPW's Secret History of the World was a "thing," and that's the only reason I read it (supposedly it ties into By the Sword, the next Repairman Jack I have yet to read). Casual readers expecting a tale of wartime romance must have been baffled by the odd inclusion of supernatural moments that never really lead anywhere. Fans of FPW's supernatural stuff must have been bored to tears with all the historical stuff that feels like FPW flexing how many history books he read to get things pretty close to true in here, mixed with the roller coaster romance story.
I fall more in the latter category. While I overall enjoyed the story of the romance between ... four (more?) of the characters, the moments where FPW would go into graphic detail of historical events to show off his researching skills were eminently skippable. One of his better novels, though, which can often be a bit weak when it comes to characterization.
I feel like if maybe 15-20% had been cut it would have been a much better story, but still, not terrible.
I fall more in the latter category. While I overall enjoyed the story of the romance between ... four (more?) of the characters, the moments where FPW would go into graphic detail of historical events to show off his researching skills were eminently skippable. One of his better novels, though, which can often be a bit weak when it comes to characterization.
I feel like if maybe 15-20% had been cut it would have been a much better story, but still, not terrible.
August 12, 2020
After reading most of the Secret History of the World, I finally made it to an early novel in the series: Black Wind—a rather accurate historical fiction focusing on WWII but explained by some manipulation from the two vast, cosmic entities. This story presented a unique point of view from both a Japanese and U.S. perspective, continually pulling my emotions back and forth between anger (at both sides) and despair (that it had to happen). Knowing how the war ended, I was still hanging on the edge of those last few hours wondering how F. Paul Wilson was going to weave it all together into the Secret History. He did not disappoint!. And now I feel the need to revisit Repairman Jack Legacies and By the Sword and probably several others to see how much I missed the first time through the series.
October 7, 2021
I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially those that center on World War II. That war in particular is a great backdrop for a battle between good evil. Wilson works his magic with memorable characters, great dialogue and diligently researched detail. I think he could have left more to the reader's imagination with his plot reveals throughout, but that's Wilson for you. He tends to hit you over the head with it. Still, the story is so good and the characters so great that I will not even take one star from my review. I have to know one thing though: Are there any other stories that end like this one did? I mean with that penultimate scene on a particular bridge in a particular city and a particular time. Either I've read this book before and just forgot 99.9% of it, or there's another novel lurking out there with the same ending.
July 2, 2018
A thrilling WWII historical fiction! The author's research and understanding of the Japanese culture at the time (as best I can tell, at least), truly lends credence to the work. Showing the good, the bad & the ugly sides of both the Japanese & American cultures of the time, this book is really a tale of friendship & love.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the first person perspective the author employs for the five main characters. Allowing us to glimpse into each of their minds and to view the world from their vantage point really drives home the cultural clash of the Pacific war.
The only disappointing feature is already knowing the overall ending, but the journey of getting there is well worth the ride.
Language, violence and sexual scenes make this a book for mature readers.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the first person perspective the author employs for the five main characters. Allowing us to glimpse into each of their minds and to view the world from their vantage point really drives home the cultural clash of the Pacific war.
The only disappointing feature is already knowing the overall ending, but the journey of getting there is well worth the ride.
Language, violence and sexual scenes make this a book for mature readers.
August 17, 2022
This gleaming merge of epic fiction, history and the supernatural, develops the themes of good and evil, relationships between people, and intrigues and prejudices. The tome coalesces the implausible with historical actuality. The setting is the Second World War, Pearl Harbour, the Battle of the Midway, the Manhattan Project and, obviously, the atomic attack on Japan. The plot delineates the contrast and conflict between Japanese and American culture through four mesmerizing key characters. Horror and fantasy ingredients are not unambiguously displayed in this book, but rather ingeniously drafted. The trail traced by Wilson in this book, which he himself considered his magnum opus, creates a credible paranormal thriller with a historical premise.
June 22, 2018
Have read 23 of Wilson's novels, this is the best by far. Am anxious to finish the ADVASARY series. Never heard of Repairman Jack until the start of 2018. How this novel received any thing less than five stars is beyond my grasp. The research some is flawless! However, when will Mr. Wilson learn the difference between THEN & THAN? Easy way to remember, only use them when dealing with time. Both words are four letters and both have an e in them! I
September 28, 2020
Good book but a little more mainstream than I usually read. Plus, I tend not to read books set in WWII - just not my thing. I primarily read it because it has ties to F. Paul Wilson's The Secret History of the World saga, albeit very loose ties. It's really more of a stand-alone novel set between 1926 and August 1945, written in Wilson's typical style, with great character development. Personally, I think the main character, Frank Slater, is underused. There are times where he is not part of the story for significant stretches.
November 16, 2020
The story begins almost twenty years before the onset of Pearl Harbor attack and we begin to understand the mind-set of the Japanese. The story begins in San Francisco with 2 boys, one American and one Japanese through the dropping of the atomic bomb. F Paul Wilson makes the telling of the history of war with Japan (which have been told countless times) a complete thrilling pager turner. I couldn't put it down. My only grip I had was I didn't think the story was completely finished.
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars
This novel is completely different than any of the Adversary Cycle / Repairman Jack books that F.P. Wilson is known for. I understood that going into it, but the story still lacked intrigue in the beginning. I put the book down for a while and almost DNF at around 30%. I decided to switch to audiobook format and that made a big difference for me. Once the story approaches the events at Pearl Harbor, it is non-stop. None of the main characters were completely likeable, but the fiction surrounding a significant event in WW2 history is what drew me in.
I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Brian Nishii who brings some authenticity to the storytelling.
This novel is completely different than any of the Adversary Cycle / Repairman Jack books that F.P. Wilson is known for. I understood that going into it, but the story still lacked intrigue in the beginning. I put the book down for a while and almost DNF at around 30%. I decided to switch to audiobook format and that made a big difference for me. Once the story approaches the events at Pearl Harbor, it is non-stop. None of the main characters were completely likeable, but the fiction surrounding a significant event in WW2 history is what drew me in.
I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Brian Nishii who brings some authenticity to the storytelling.
March 17, 2021
Conspiracies, the occult, and the war between America and Japan. In some of the reviews I've seen people lose the narrative in some of the unlikelihoods of the plot. Really, if you're that type, just keep walking. This is one of those big historical epics, with some extra genre stuff thrown in, but really those coincidences are no more unlikely than those in Winds of War and it's ilk.
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