What do you think?
Rate this book
Sano Ichiro #13
The Fire Kimono: A Novel
Japan, March 1700. Near a Shinto shrine in the hills, a windstorm knocks down a tree to uncover a human skeleton, long buried and forgotten. Meanwhile, in the nearby city of Edo, troops ambush and attack Lady Reiko, the wife of Sano Ichiro, the samurai detective who has risen to power and influence in the shogun's court. The troops who attacked Reiko appear to belong to Sano's fiercest enemy, Lord Matsudaira, who denies all responsibility. But if the rivals are not to blame for each other's misfortune, who is?Just as Sano's strife with Matsudaira begins to escalate to the brink of war, the shogun orders Sano to investigate the origins of the mysterious skeleton, buried with swords that identify it as belonging to the shogun's cousin, who disappeared forty years earlier on the night that a cursed kimono touched off a fire that nearly destroyed the city.Suddenly, Sano and Reiko are forced to confront dangerous, long-buried secrets that expose Sano's own mother as the possible culprit. The shogun gives Sano and Reiko just three days to clear her name—or risk losing not only their position at court but their families' lives.The Fire Kimono is another dazzling historical mystery from Laura Joh Rowland.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2008
22 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Laura Joh Rowland
45 books1,290 followersGranddaughter of Chinese and Korean immigrants, Laura Joh Rowland grew up in Michigan and where she graduated with a B.S. in microbiology and a Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan. She currently lives in New Orleans with her husband. She has worked as a chemist, microbiologist, sanitary inspector and quality engineer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 16, 2013
Before I put my review in, I have a question, and someone might know the answer- that's what I'm hoping anyway. In a series, why do authors feel compelled to recap what happened in previous adventures? And if they do, why not put is as part of a prologue, so that an individual not familiar with the characters can get a quick update or not and let this novel stand on its own? I unfortunately skipped 2 books when I picked this up, and now don't really feel the need to go back and read them as I already know what happened. I mean if someone has anxiety about an issue just allude to the subject of why, but not spell it out - sure be overprotective of an arm or person (for example), but please don't tell me what happened! Okay, back to the review.
Interesting to learn about Sano's past, though the Shogun's whims are becoming tiresome and his mother's (Sano's) reticence was irksome- I was with Reiko on that one. The 30 year (plus) mystery was fine and the tension with Lord Matsudaira and various others within and outside of his contingent - well, to be honest with you, it was starting to give me (the reader) anxiety. (Though of course, that could also be studying for my finals.)
Simply put, this book had all that one should expect from a San Ichiro novel.
Interesting to learn about Sano's past, though the Shogun's whims are becoming tiresome and his mother's (Sano's) reticence was irksome- I was with Reiko on that one. The 30 year (plus) mystery was fine and the tension with Lord Matsudaira and various others within and outside of his contingent - well, to be honest with you, it was starting to give me (the reader) anxiety. (Though of course, that could also be studying for my finals.)
Simply put, this book had all that one should expect from a San Ichiro novel.
September 10, 2010
Another visit with the samurai detective Sano Ichiro is always a great time. Murder, thrills, swordfights, politcal intrigues, sex: Rowland always delivers a trashy but thrilling adventure.
The balnce shifts a little this time around, being less of a mystery-though there is always a mystery-and more of a political thriller. Actually, not so much the sex either. The book is probably better for this, since the mystery this time around is not up to Rowland's usual standards, though the quality of the political side more than makes up for it. We are also treated to some scandalous information about Sano Ichiro's family history in our first real glimpse at his family relations before the novels started.
We see a major powershift in the shogun's court at the end of the novel, one which leads me to suspect Rowland might be setting us up for a series climax one or two more books down the line. After all, how long can she keep this run of fun novels going? Only time, and book releases, will tell.
The balnce shifts a little this time around, being less of a mystery-though there is always a mystery-and more of a political thriller. Actually, not so much the sex either. The book is probably better for this, since the mystery this time around is not up to Rowland's usual standards, though the quality of the political side more than makes up for it. We are also treated to some scandalous information about Sano Ichiro's family history in our first real glimpse at his family relations before the novels started.
We see a major powershift in the shogun's court at the end of the novel, one which leads me to suspect Rowland might be setting us up for a series climax one or two more books down the line. After all, how long can she keep this run of fun novels going? Only time, and book releases, will tell.
December 9, 2011
I find Laura Joh Rowland’s Sano Ichiro series entertaing. There is always a hint of a formula being used; Sano is at odds with his opponent in the Shogun’s court, it is dangerous for his family and himself, the odds are against him but good shall always prevail. Oh! And there’s always a bit of kinky sex. This may sound a bit too corny but Rowland manages to use this formula in ways that can end up keeping you enthralled, on the edge of your seat (as it were) wondering how the hell it’s all going to work out. Rowland writes in a style that moves forward at a steady pace and manages to realistically evoke daily life in Seventeenth Century Japan. “The Fire Kimono” is no exception, in fact I feel it is the best of her books so far. The remains of a body are exposed after a tree falls in a storm. The remains turn out to be that of the Shogun’s cousin who went missing during the Great Fire of Edo (itself described quite powerfully). Sano is charged with finding out what happened. Digging up the past never really turns out well but who could have foreseen the mess this accidental turning up of old bones brings about. Sano’s own mother is accused of murder amidst a torrid play for power in the court and you know things are going to get quite desperate before it gets better. It’s gripping. It’s good.
November 15, 2016
This is the first book I've read in the series and honestly if I'd read the first one, I probably wouldn't have continued the series. For a book with only 300 pages, it was very repetitive. I felt like I was reading the same passage over and over again.
I loved the "feel" of feudal Japan and even the political machinations were interesting. My problem were the characters - everyone seemed two-dimensional except a few secondary characters who were more fleshed out. Maybe this is due to it being book 13 in the series and the first I've read. Maybe the main characters were fully fleshed out in previous books but this one still felt lacking.
The shogun allows his seconds to talk him into bad decisions because he is ineffective and weak. unable to rule effectively. This causes his two closest advisers to plot to overthrow him (separately of course). I would have thought that a shogun was a powerful, determined person but what do I know.
I can't ding this book for my own failings so three stars. I don't think I will read any others in the series unless of course I need a book set in Japan for another challenge.
I loved the "feel" of feudal Japan and even the political machinations were interesting. My problem were the characters - everyone seemed two-dimensional except a few secondary characters who were more fleshed out. Maybe this is due to it being book 13 in the series and the first I've read. Maybe the main characters were fully fleshed out in previous books but this one still felt lacking.
The shogun allows his seconds to talk him into bad decisions because he is ineffective and weak. unable to rule effectively. This causes his two closest advisers to plot to overthrow him (separately of course). I would have thought that a shogun was a powerful, determined person but what do I know.
I can't ding this book for my own failings so three stars. I don't think I will read any others in the series unless of course I need a book set in Japan for another challenge.
December 1, 2008
There are a ridiculous number of Sano Ichiro novels now, and I was sucked in long ago. Unfortunately, like so many series, the quality has declined probably due to the one novel a year production calendar. I care about the characters and want to see how it ends, so I will stick with it. Plus it's a fix when I'm jonesin' for all things Japanese.
September 2, 2019
This was a real page turner. I could not put it down.
The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast clip. Sano only has three days to solve a murder or it may cost him and his family their lives. There was no time for lolly gagging.
The settings are interesting and the writing makes them come alive. There is lots of political intrigue on top of the basic plot to keep the reader wondering how things will conclude. I look forward to reading more of the series.
The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast clip. Sano only has three days to solve a murder or it may cost him and his family their lives. There was no time for lolly gagging.
The settings are interesting and the writing makes them come alive. There is lots of political intrigue on top of the basic plot to keep the reader wondering how things will conclude. I look forward to reading more of the series.
Read
July 29, 2011THis is supposed to take place at the beginning of the 18th century, but there is alot about it in terms of traditional Japanese samurai society that seems like it could be sooner or later than that (of course, i really know almost nothing of what I am talking about...). the plot does have quite a bit of intrigue, rivalry, trickery, and plot twists, which I largely enjoy, and allowed me to overlook my complete, or almost complete lack of interest in the social structure described. The mystery is not much of a murder mystery--or at least while it drives some of the plot, there is so much more going on that it seems to get buried along the way--but that does not in any way detract from the plot and I would recommend the book--and I would recommend it highly for someone who has more of an interest in the period (or maybe it is totally wrong, and would be terrible if you knew more, I just don't know).
March 3, 2013
I lived in Japan for 5 months once. Even though the author claims to be the grandchild of Korean and Chinese immigrants, I still feel like this book is a very Americanized recreation of Judge Dee stories. There are many things historically accurate about this book; Tokugawa references, bakufu government, how Shinto shrines are arranged and well, how quickly old Japanese cities would burn due to the type of wood they used to build their houses before alternate materials were introduced. What I found that didn't fit with the rest of this book was how women acted...even though I'm a woman myself, haha. I though the way Rowland has her Japanese women act was much too outspoken for Japanese women in the Meiji era (especially the noble women).
Anyway, the book was just ok. Nothing incredibly stunning, just ok.
Anyway, the book was just ok. Nothing incredibly stunning, just ok.
December 10, 2017
exceptional
December 29, 2021
The Fire Kimono is historical fiction in which the mystery being investigated has occurred even further back in history. Chamberlain Sano, the shogun’s second-in-command and primary investigator in Laura Joh Rowland’s medieval Japanese mysteries, is tasked with discovering a royal murderer at the time of the Great Edo Fire. The investigation comes at a particularly sensitive time in Sano’s ongoing power struggle with the avaricious Lord Matsudaira because of an assassination attempt on his lovely (and very likely even better detective) wife, Reiko. And yet, things get worse.
It appears that Sano’s own mother has been implicated and accused in the royal death which occurred when she was a young woman. And it gets worse. If she is convicted and executed, Sano himself (along with wife and family) would be executed with her. And it gets even worse. Reiko and the children are house-bound after the assassination attempt, but Reiko discovers that there are spies and potential assassins which have been strategically placed within Sano’s compound. And it gets still worse, many of Sano’s military allies are defecting and strange things are happening at court.
So, you would think that with all of this going on, The Fire Kimono would be one of the best in the series. Yet, I didn’t feel that way about the book. With Reiko homebound, I felt that some of the successful dynamic in the partnership was too diminished. In addition, portions of the book read like a medieval Japanese version of a Harlequin Romance novel. That’s okay. Sexuality and sensuality serve as prime ingredients in this series, but there is simply too much dysfunction for comfort in this volume. Sano finds out that his parents’ marriage was not exactly what he thought it was; Hirata and Midori are experiencing that uncomfortable place in their marriage where they are emotionally separated but living in the same domicile, Reiko finds that she is a frightening stranger to her daughter after she rushed off to save her son from kidnappers in a previous novel, and yes, there is even a serious problem between Reiko and Sano. I’m not sure I wanted the novel to be an “onion” with so many layers on this subject. It seemed like overkill.
Speaking of killing, if not overkill, there are some significant deaths in this novel. Death is a very real part of medieval Japan and Rowland doesn’t spare Sano’s household nor that of his rival(s). People that you wanted to live or needed to live for utilitarian reasons, are killed (or kill themselves). There is also a bit of what we’ll call “mistaken identity” trope for lack of a way to describe one of the nice plot twists without spoiling it.
And less I be accused of not appreciating the historical sensitivity of Laura Joh Rowland, let me share at least one example of the very human and historically significant perspective she brings to the table. There is a point when Sano is searching for a suspect in the Kodemmacho District (near the prison) in Ancient Edo and the chamberlain observes the houses so close together with a lack of enough wells to provide water for basic needs, much less putting out a fire. This causes him to reflect on the thousands who died in the Great Fire and reflect: “In any natural disaster, the poor always suffered worst.” (p. 112) Obvious, but true and insightful, nonetheless!
And, of course, it is very clear that The Fire Kimono is not the last in the series (even if one doesn’t Google the series). Just as Sano seems to have solved several problems at once, a more clear and dangerous problem seems to have reared its head at the conclusion. And, truthfully, for all of my reservations about this particular novel, The Fire Kimono will not be the last book I read in this series, either.
It appears that Sano’s own mother has been implicated and accused in the royal death which occurred when she was a young woman. And it gets worse. If she is convicted and executed, Sano himself (along with wife and family) would be executed with her. And it gets even worse. Reiko and the children are house-bound after the assassination attempt, but Reiko discovers that there are spies and potential assassins which have been strategically placed within Sano’s compound. And it gets still worse, many of Sano’s military allies are defecting and strange things are happening at court.
So, you would think that with all of this going on, The Fire Kimono would be one of the best in the series. Yet, I didn’t feel that way about the book. With Reiko homebound, I felt that some of the successful dynamic in the partnership was too diminished. In addition, portions of the book read like a medieval Japanese version of a Harlequin Romance novel. That’s okay. Sexuality and sensuality serve as prime ingredients in this series, but there is simply too much dysfunction for comfort in this volume. Sano finds out that his parents’ marriage was not exactly what he thought it was; Hirata and Midori are experiencing that uncomfortable place in their marriage where they are emotionally separated but living in the same domicile, Reiko finds that she is a frightening stranger to her daughter after she rushed off to save her son from kidnappers in a previous novel, and yes, there is even a serious problem between Reiko and Sano. I’m not sure I wanted the novel to be an “onion” with so many layers on this subject. It seemed like overkill.
Speaking of killing, if not overkill, there are some significant deaths in this novel. Death is a very real part of medieval Japan and Rowland doesn’t spare Sano’s household nor that of his rival(s). People that you wanted to live or needed to live for utilitarian reasons, are killed (or kill themselves). There is also a bit of what we’ll call “mistaken identity” trope for lack of a way to describe one of the nice plot twists without spoiling it.
And less I be accused of not appreciating the historical sensitivity of Laura Joh Rowland, let me share at least one example of the very human and historically significant perspective she brings to the table. There is a point when Sano is searching for a suspect in the Kodemmacho District (near the prison) in Ancient Edo and the chamberlain observes the houses so close together with a lack of enough wells to provide water for basic needs, much less putting out a fire. This causes him to reflect on the thousands who died in the Great Fire and reflect: “In any natural disaster, the poor always suffered worst.” (p. 112) Obvious, but true and insightful, nonetheless!
And, of course, it is very clear that The Fire Kimono is not the last in the series (even if one doesn’t Google the series). Just as Sano seems to have solved several problems at once, a more clear and dangerous problem seems to have reared its head at the conclusion. And, truthfully, for all of my reservations about this particular novel, The Fire Kimono will not be the last book I read in this series, either.
December 24, 2018
I couldn’t even finish reading this tbh. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read any other books from the series? (I vowed I would never read a book from a series unless I started from the first and look what happened to me haha.)
I don’t know if this book was meant for a younger audience but I found the speech and writing style to be quite forced. It didn’t sound natural at all, rather it sounded kind of vaudevillian (not sure if I used this word right but I mean to say that the story sounded dramatic and unoriginal). I was really looking forwaed to the Japanese feudal setting ans I think it delivered in terms of the cultural nuances in the book so there’s that. But I don’t like how EVERYTHING is fucking political intrigue. Haha I guess some would attribute this to a good thing for the author that there were so many twists and turns but I just found these kind of annoying.
I can’t give a good review because I don’t think I’ll be finishing it but honestly, it’s a pretty mediocre book. For a 12 year old.
I don’t know if this book was meant for a younger audience but I found the speech and writing style to be quite forced. It didn’t sound natural at all, rather it sounded kind of vaudevillian (not sure if I used this word right but I mean to say that the story sounded dramatic and unoriginal). I was really looking forwaed to the Japanese feudal setting ans I think it delivered in terms of the cultural nuances in the book so there’s that. But I don’t like how EVERYTHING is fucking political intrigue. Haha I guess some would attribute this to a good thing for the author that there were so many twists and turns but I just found these kind of annoying.
I can’t give a good review because I don’t think I’ll be finishing it but honestly, it’s a pretty mediocre book. For a 12 year old.
June 21, 2019
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I have another one on my shelf. That being said there were points that seemed repetitive and dragged on a little. I like Reiko more than the other characters I wish we had more of her, Sano was interesting in his detective skills and how manipulative he can be to get what he wanted especially at the end.
The idea of the Great Fire was interesting and the murder surrounding it held my attention but then the story progresses from there to something more. I liked how everything ended up trying into everything else.
I'm looking forward to the next book I have.
The idea of the Great Fire was interesting and the murder surrounding it held my attention but then the story progresses from there to something more. I liked how everything ended up trying into everything else.
I'm looking forward to the next book I have.
July 7, 2021
This was a lucky find in an antique bookshop that intrigued me enough to buy and binge read it. I loved the mystery and all the twisting plots in the book. That it was set in 17th century Japan only made it all the better! I enjoyed all the characters (except for Akiko, you’d think the girl’s been tortured by her mother from the way she acts, but I digress). The only pitying thing was the vocabulary used by certain character at times, which was a bit too modern and took away from the fantastic atmosphere Rowland created. Definitely a big recommendation for anyone who stumbles upon a book in the series!
December 1, 2017
Another fast read...this time, the protagonist Chamberlain Sano must clear his mother's name of a murder. In the process, he learns heretofore unknown facts about his family background...what a shock! His mother does not cooperate and this makes her execution imminent. How will he get the facts he needs? Untangling the various strings of mystery, and a hired pretender, the truth is finally found.
November 5, 2019
for the audiobook. slightly different story for me. it's a detective story set in imperial Japan when a Shogun ruled. Most Asian imperial stories feature a lot of political intrigue. But this features a full detective investigation, puzzles to solve, witnesses to find and question along with the manuvering for favor, assassin's and ambushes. It may be the 13th book in the series but it was my first. Interesting enough to read more of the series.
May 13, 2025
This is a historical mystery series I've not encountered before. Set in Japan in the 1700, it was somewhat difficult for me to follow without the benefit of the history presumably explained over the previous boox. Without that, much of the plot felt illogical so I couldn't rate it highly. I think if you start the series with the earlier novels, you might have better luck.
February 16, 2018
A good, solid continuation of this series. The mystery is intriguing, but the ongoing character arcs and layers of intrigue continue to be the best part.
If you have not read any other ones in the series - do not start here - start at the beginning of the series.
If you have not read any other ones in the series - do not start here - start at the beginning of the series.
February 18, 2019
This books is what got me into the Sano series. You don not have to read the series I order, but it makes it more fun. I was biting my nails the entire time. From the near death experiences he always narrowly avoided and his passion for justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
Sano and Reiko face yet more dramas as their lives and those of their children are threatened by their enemies in the fraught world of Edo under the Tokugawa shogu. What’s more Sano’s mother is accused of murder after the discovery of a skeleton. This story weaves around the Great Fire of 1657 that consumed Edo Castle and so many thousands of lives. Another lively plot from LJR and one that keeps you on the edge of your seat ( or tatami) until the last chapter. Much enjoyed.
March 26, 2018
Wonderful and exciting--a "one-sitting" delight.
May 7, 2019
Another wonderful Sano and Reiko mystery. This one involves Sano's mother and his past. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries and the Japan locale.
January 29, 2020
A look into ancient Japanese history, much mystery, subterfuge, and distrust. Infighting and honor are seen from different sides of a battle to gain control of the Shogun.
April 24, 2020
Solid Laura Joh Rowland. A deep look into Sano Ichiro and a part of his character one would not expect.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
November 13, 2020
Getting tired of every investigation that Sano undertakes (or is assigned) comes with a threat of death or other horrific consequence.
April 9, 2021
Love the cover art.
July 11, 2022
Tough but calmer read then the last few. He’s back! Old friends/ old enemies. Relationships.
December 25, 2023
I didn't dislike it and I read it pretty much straight through so it did keep my interest. But I wasn't interested enough to want to read all the rest of the series.
June 22, 2014
Another novel in the Sano Ichiro series, with the requisite political machinations and murder, Fire Kimono follows the same general formula of the previous novels, but with added layers of familial loyalties that elevate the tale and give it deeper resonance. Although the author's formulaic approach in plotting and characterization are still evident, there are moments which flesh out some of the details and make the story more compelling.
The character of Lieutenant Asukai is portrayed more completely than most of Rowland's characters, and the conflicting loyalties of Yoritomo play out well. The return of Yanagisawa is a welcome one, as he is by far the most compelling character in the series. His development from simple villain in the earlier books to a brilliant and ruthless player with loyalties and affections of his own has shown some of the best writing to date. The main characters, however, display the same cardboard quality and ridiculous behavior, though Sano's character is at least beginning to show that he can be a player in the machinations toward power, more shrewd and devious than in previous novels, which gives some depth to his 'lone warrior of justice and honor' trope.
Other flaws in Rowland's writing still remain. The repetitive quality of the recaps, both of previous novels and of the action within the book, the clunky way the repercussions of previous novels are presented, and the introduction of totally new information seem forced for the sake of plot rather than genuine development. Additionally, Rowland's constant need to spell out the subtext of events - she just tells us the import of what characters learn, and is not subtle about it - seems to assume that readers are too dense to realize what's actually going on. Rowland still employs the fade-in fade-out technique of transition between scenes (characters make a plan which the reader is not privy to until the execution of the plan yields results) which gives the story a made for TV quality, and I always feel like the characters are going to pop cigars into their mouths and announce that they love it when a plan comes together.
I did, however, find this a welcome return to the natural world, especially following the ludicrously designed insertion of supernatural detail in the previous novel. Note: I have no problem with supernatural elements per se, as long as it's consistent of the series as a whole (the example that pops into mind of Lincoln and Child's Pendergast series), or is used to illustrate the character's or the culture's interpretation of unusual events. Rowland, however, introduces supernatural happenings at whim, and it makes her otherwise well researched and fleshed out world feel inconsistent and less believable.
While the book has its flaws, they are the same ones I tend to expect from the series, so I am not going to ding the book for being formulaic and a bit two dimensional. Much of the world building is immersive, with sensual details which give the world a realness that balances some of the flaws. The annoying habit of the lead characters blurting out details to every character of interest has been curbed greatly, and makes them seem less like naive, bumbling fools. The plot, though a tad convoluted, moves along nicely, and other than the diversions into the 'tell them what you just told them, but break it down like they're idiots' path, the pacing is good. The depiction of contrasting family tensions and the flashes of insight from the Shogun indicate that Rowland is at least trying to expand her horizons and add greater subtleties to her writing.
Fun, but flawed popcorn book.
The character of Lieutenant Asukai is portrayed more completely than most of Rowland's characters, and the conflicting loyalties of Yoritomo play out well. The return of Yanagisawa is a welcome one, as he is by far the most compelling character in the series. His development from simple villain in the earlier books to a brilliant and ruthless player with loyalties and affections of his own has shown some of the best writing to date. The main characters, however, display the same cardboard quality and ridiculous behavior, though Sano's character is at least beginning to show that he can be a player in the machinations toward power, more shrewd and devious than in previous novels, which gives some depth to his 'lone warrior of justice and honor' trope.
Other flaws in Rowland's writing still remain. The repetitive quality of the recaps, both of previous novels and of the action within the book, the clunky way the repercussions of previous novels are presented, and the introduction of totally new information seem forced for the sake of plot rather than genuine development. Additionally, Rowland's constant need to spell out the subtext of events - she just tells us the import of what characters learn, and is not subtle about it - seems to assume that readers are too dense to realize what's actually going on. Rowland still employs the fade-in fade-out technique of transition between scenes (characters make a plan which the reader is not privy to until the execution of the plan yields results) which gives the story a made for TV quality, and I always feel like the characters are going to pop cigars into their mouths and announce that they love it when a plan comes together.
I did, however, find this a welcome return to the natural world, especially following the ludicrously designed insertion of supernatural detail in the previous novel. Note: I have no problem with supernatural elements per se, as long as it's consistent of the series as a whole (the example that pops into mind of Lincoln and Child's Pendergast series), or is used to illustrate the character's or the culture's interpretation of unusual events. Rowland, however, introduces supernatural happenings at whim, and it makes her otherwise well researched and fleshed out world feel inconsistent and less believable.
While the book has its flaws, they are the same ones I tend to expect from the series, so I am not going to ding the book for being formulaic and a bit two dimensional. Much of the world building is immersive, with sensual details which give the world a realness that balances some of the flaws. The annoying habit of the lead characters blurting out details to every character of interest has been curbed greatly, and makes them seem less like naive, bumbling fools. The plot, though a tad convoluted, moves along nicely, and other than the diversions into the 'tell them what you just told them, but break it down like they're idiots' path, the pacing is good. The depiction of contrasting family tensions and the flashes of insight from the Shogun indicate that Rowland is at least trying to expand her horizons and add greater subtleties to her writing.
Fun, but flawed popcorn book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews