"Three Oaths" is a captivating fantasy novel filled with rich world-building, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Highly recommended for Asian Fantasy and Mystery fans alike.

I did not realize that this book was a part of a series until after I finished the book. Events in previous books are mentioned in this book but doesn't impact my enjoyment of this volume.

I loved reading about a story taking place in medieval Japan. The intrigue surrounding the identity of the groom, Mosu, was a lot more complex than expected. I picked up the book to continue reading whenever I have a spare moment. I loved Shin and his sidekicks. I love the dynamics between them. It was interesting how everyone knew what part they played and the trust Shin had in his compatriots.

I will find a way to read the first three volumes of the series and will read the next book in this series whenever it comes out.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc and this is my honest review.

Stars: 4.5 out of 5.

About a quarter of the book in, I realized that this wasn't the first book in this series, because the characters referred to events that had happened in previous books. This however didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. I also must note that I didn't know that the Legend of the Five Rings was a table top RPG. Needless to say, I never played it, nor was I familiar with the lore and world. This, however, didn't hinder my enjoyment of this story. So I can affirm that this book can be read as a standalone.

The world depicted in this book has some strong similarities with medieval Japan (which I am all in for, since I love Japanese culture and history). It is, however, slightly more tolerant on some issues than its historical counterpart. For example, women can hold positions of power in the government (one of the characters is a general in her household), and it seems like same sex relationships aren't frowned upon.

I loved Shin and his sidekicks that he seems to accumulate with ease by turning criminals into allies and by knowing exactly how to get the best use of someone by allowing them the dignity of being themselves. Shin is smart, very curious, and with a mind honed to solve complex puzzles. He is definitely wasted as a mere representative of the Merchant Guild. He is also pretty fearless, which gets him in trouble more often than not, to the consternation of his bodyguard. I loved her too. She is Shin's exact opposite - impatient, a stickler for rules, and straightforward and unbending. Where Shin can be deceitful with words and actions to get results, she prefers to have her katana speak for her. Amazingly enough, they work pretty well together.

The main intrigue is also pretty interesting. Is Mosu an imposter or not? And if he is, why is everyone happy to pretend that he is not and proceed with the wedding like nothing happened? The more Shin digs into this sordid affair, the bigger a conspiracy he discovers. From what I can see, it even ties to some of the events that happened in previous books. Somebody is working to bring the demise of the Lyon Clan. Surreptitiously and from the shadows, using others to weaken their enemy. And that particular storyline isn't resolved by the end of the book either.

I will definitely pick up the next book in the series, because now I am invested. I want to know who the mastermind behind all this is. I will also definitely pick up the previous three books about Daidoji Shin, because he is such a likeable character, and I want to know what other mysteries he solved and how he came to have some of the servants he has at his service, like the smuggler Lun. And now I am also interested in checking out other novels set in the Legend of the Five Rings universe, because that world is fascinating.

PS: I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of the Legend of the Five Rings universe and the previous three books in Reynolds’ Daidoji Shin stories, I was eager to dive into this one. Unfortunately, I walked away somewhat disappointed, though I still enjoyed the journey. The central premise of a samurai wedding where the masked groom is clearly an impostor, yet etiquette demands no one acknowledge this, was a strong hook in itself. However, while the book retained the mystery stylings of the previous installments in the series, the action was uneven: plodding in some places and too quick in others. The antagonistic characters also had little to distinguish themselves from one another, which isn’t the case in the other Daidoji Shin books. However, Reynolds is clearly laying the groundwork in this one for a series-altering follow up, which I’m quite excited for.

TL;DR: Three Oaths is the weakest entry in an enjoyable series, but has less to recommend it to readers unfamiliar with the L5R universe than previous books in the series.

Thanks, Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
Amazing novel with so many different and colorful characters. I loved the ancient Asian setting and the perfect mixture of well-developed characters, mystery, suspense, political drama, action and humor makes this book one truly amazing read!

Three Oaths is the fourth Daidoji Shin mystery set in the Legend of Five Rings game world. It’s an Asia inspired historical world where same sex marriages are allowed and women can become army generals, samurais, and sumo wrestlers. Like with the earlier books, knowledge of the game isn’t at all necessary, as the game doesn’t play any role in the series. There is some continuity between the books, and the characters and settings will be more interesting if one has read the earlier books, but it’s not entirely necessary.

The powerful Lion clan in the City of the Rich Frog is preparing for a wedding. But Lady Minami (whom we met in the first book) believes the groom isn’t who he claims to be, and she asks Shin, the no-good trade envoy of the Crane clan turned theatre owner to investigate. He agrees, on a condition that he’s allowed to plan the wedding too. She’s more than happy to let him.

The mystery reminded me of The Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davies, a true 16th century account of a man convincing the entire family and village of his presumed wife that he was the husband who had abandoned her ten years earlier, only to be thwarted by the return of the real husband. Here, Itagawa Mosu has been taken captive by the pirates, only to return as a broken and altered man to claim his role as the groom to the powerful Akodo family. Some people are happy to believe he is who he claims to be, others are less so.

Shin soon discovers that there is more to the mystery than the true identity of the groom. There is a conspiracy afoot, but by whom and to what end. This and the wedding preparations keep him, his bodyguard Kasami, and manservant Kitano busy. Like before, the solution isn’t so much about justice as it is about compassion and avoiding a clan war.

This was again a slow and meandering mystery where the people Shin encounters are at front. Most of the book is from Shin’s point of view, with some chapters by Kasami and Kitano, but we don’t get the other players’ points of view this time round, which was for the better. Shin and Kasami spent most of the book in different locations, so we were robbed of their banter, but a bodyguard borrowed by Lady Minami proved to be a suitable replacement.

The wedding preparations are easily as diverting as the mystery itself, and on top of it, there’s personal trouble brewing for Shin in the form of the accountant sent by his powerful grandfather. It may be that Shin’s carefree days as a bachelor are over. I’m looking forward to finding out how he wiggles himself out of it this time, or if he is saddled with a wife or a husband. I’m hoping for a handsome Dragon lord myself.

Three Oaths was a delightful read.

This being my introduction to Daidoji Shin, the writer did a wonderful job in endearing me to the character. Far from being the perfect character, Daidoji Shin was fleshed out and though reading the previous book from would definitely help, the writer did a wonderful job of actually being able to provide enough information and backstory to keep the reader up to speed.

I enjoyed the portrayal of each clan and the power dynamics between them. The story was nicely paced and the mystery was definitely interesting. It was wonderful to be swept away instantly by the plot and the characters.

This story reminded me of my old love for Legend Of The Five Rings. It has enough depth and complexity to keep ones interest but not be overly convoluted that it confuses the reader needlessly.

I recommend giving this book a read.

4.5 stars out of 5 stars

ARC Review Three Oaths by Josh Reynolds

Introduction
I was given an ARC to review for by Aconyte Books & Netgalley. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #LegendoftheFiveRingsThreeOaths #LegendoftheFiveRings #JoshReynolds #NetGalley #ThreeOaths #ARCBookReview #ARCReview #AconyteBooks #BookReview #gifted #ad

Review
I was so excited when I saw that another Daidoji Shin mystery was coming out! I have adored each one to date and have to say I cannot get enough of the debonair Crane clan detective. Josh Reynolds way of writing Shin is honestly a delight. It almost feels like you are along side Shin on his escapades much like the long suffering Kasami. While the mystery of Three Oaths is perhaps not has in-depth as previous entries it is still entertaining and gives us more of Shin’s wit and charm. I feel that this one is more about the journey than the destination and honestly I adored it.

Shin is tasked with trying to determine the truth behind the apparent miraculous reappearance of Lion Clan member, Itagawa Mosu, who has seemingly returned from the dead to claim the hand of his betrothed. Under the guise of the wedding planner the Lion clan reluctantly allow Shin’s involvement to solve the case. The crane detective has to navigate dangerous political waters to try and discover is Mosu really is the man he claims to be or merely a cleverly disguised imposter. Shin will have to utilise all his wit, charm and flair to find out the truth before the wedding begins and as guests begin to arrive.

Before I go further into the review I feel I need to stress that Reynolds once again showcases not only his understanding of the Rokugan world but also his skills at being able to take that basis and make it his own. While this is indeed a tie-in it could easily be picked up and enjoyed by someone with no prior knowledge of Legend of the Five Rings. Reynolds packs the narrative with enough information without it feeling forced or clunky that you get a good understanding of what it means to be a Crane, a Lion, a crab or any of the other numerous clans that inhabit this world. In short if someone enjoys crime mysterious with a dash of historical fantasy or has a interest in feudal Japan then they can and I assure you will enjoy this. On the other hand those who are seasoned with the game or media tied to Legend of the Five Rings will not get a flat world or just characters and places they know. Reynolds uses, of course, the vast world and knowledge that makes up the franchise but he then takes it and makes it his own. A vast and imaginative landscape that may be known by some but becomes populated with fleshed out characters you will come to love.

As I already said the mystery in this one was not so much addicting as the journey itself. I adored seeing how the Lion clan reacted to Shin not only as a Crane but as someone whose renown as a oftentimes nosy detective preceded him. I also adored that Kasami got her own mission, although I love her dearly and the banter she and Shin have it was lovely to see her helping in such a direct way this time. I also was impressed with how much we got to know and learn of the rather large cast of characters all of whom Reynolds fleshes out and gives their own voice.

Tied to the characters is the writing itself. Reynolds is wonderful at telling a story and depositing enough information that you understand the wider picture without dumping a lot of information and breaking immersion. We learn as we go, alongside Shin, and for me I prefer this to us knowing more than the characters themselves. The style of writing is also engaging mixing the genres of comedy and charm with mystery and political intrigue in a balanced and enjoyable way. What else could you expect from Shin?

In short I adored this installment in the Shin Mysteries and do hope we have more in the future. Like I have said previously this one is sure to be a hit with fans of the game and those who have never heard of it alike.

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Daidoji Shin is up against one of his most feared foes - marriage. Asked by Akodo Miniami to investigate the groom in a wedding between Lion clan members, Shin is tossed into a diplomatic morass that hints heavily at more trouble to come. Three Oaths brings back characters and elements of all three previous Daidoji Shin books, from the shinobi fishermen to the Badger lord Gota. The mysterious elements stirring up trouble and weakening the clans are back, too, becoming undeniable and ever more dangerous. As the timeline creeps towards the climatic battles of the Legend of the Five Rings game storyline, the threads Shin follows become ever more essential and tangled. This installment is not to be missed!

I really liked "Three Oaths" and admit I went in completely blind, very unfamiliar to the world of the Legends of the Five Rings, having not even read the first couple of books from the series at all. I didn't even know it was a proper RPG... And it was still a great read anyway! There were times where I could tell this wasn't exactly a stand alone but there was enough context given for me not to feel like I was missing important pieces of information and I still enjoyed myself tremendously. The characters were well fleshed out and the plot was really fun to follow. I'm going to read the rest of the series for sure, although I'm hopeful there might be more books in the future anyway.

Strange requests!

Ah! My favorite sleuth from the world of the Five Rings, in the realm of Rokugan—Daidoji Shin, nobleman from the House of Cranes, sent by his house to the City of the Rich Frog to oversee the Daidoji Trading Council merchants. He’s a witty, languid courtier given to all sorts of ne’er do well pursuits; theatre, music, and deplorably ready to embroil himself in various investigative pursuits.
That his personae hides a laser sharpe mind and keen intelligence that’s bored easily has him moving from one challenge to another, accompanied by a varied group of individuals, from his much put upon samurai, Kasami, a rather seedy character Kitano, to river pirates. Each time he moves himself to undertake an action he somehow comes out on top. That’s not by accident.
Amusing and yet driven, this time Shin’s asked by Lady Akodo Minami, commander of the Lion Garrison, to investigate the legitimacy of a groom, Itagawa Mosu, before an important dynastic wedding between clans. (Politics and empire rules are involved!) The groom had disappeared feared dead, but miraculously returned. A matter of pirates apparently. The problem is the groom’s behavior has changed, for the better. Another mystery! Shin accepts Minami’s request.
Putting together some of his past investigations Shin is left wondering aloud to Minami if there’s, “An unseen hand, moving unknowing pieces on a board.” Mmm!
Complex and fascinating I was once more drawn into the exploits of the exceptional Shin, who just might be being set up to have his wings clipped.
Another intriguing read!

An Aconyte ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Being a fan of the Daidoji Shin series, any piece of news about an additional book makes me extremely happy and excited. Josh Reynolds never disappointed the readers with this series so far, and he also did not do so with Three Oaths.

Compared to the previous book, The Flower Path, the story this time takes place in a wedding setting, and with a tad bit longer time frame (couple of days). I liked the whole "single bird among the Lion's Den" atmosphere, it was interesting to see how the investigation can evolve in a semi-hostile setting. At some points I felt a bit of a plot armor / RPG Game Master making things right approach for stepping over some hurdles, but it did not push me out of immersion. Actually, it was one of the few recent books I binge-read, because it was so entertaining that I could not put it down.

The identity on the mystery's main character was telegraphed early, but it is true that it is the road what is more important in a mystery novel - and the small twists on the road of uncovering the big question were very enjoyable and surprising.

Overall, this was a read I can recommend to everyone who likes mystery setting in feudal Japan. I do not need to recommend it to fans of The Legend of the Five Rings, because they will read it anyhow :) These novels by Aconyte are the best thing that happened with the L5R IP, and I hope for more in the future.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Aconyte Books for an advance copy of the latest mystery featuring the samurai detective Daidoji Shin set in the A Legend of Five Rings universe.

Most books that are written for fans of intellectual properties, movies, roleplaying, computer games tend not to deviate from the source material. Fans usually don't want anything different, they want dungeons, dragons, TIE Fighters, violence and the familiar, hence reading books set in universes of intellectual properties. Characters might have difficulties, but none of them ever grow, ancillary characters are shed to build tension, never really given a chance to grow or change. And the whole book basically resets at the end. Josh Reynolds writer of the Daidoji Shin mysteries set in the universe of the game A Legend of the Five Rings, ignores all this and makes a series that stands on its own as one of the best fantasy series out there. Reynolds mixes good mysteries, strong characters, politics, humor, and action creating a series that really stands out. Three Oaths: A Legend of the Five Rings Novel is the fourth book featuring Shin a courier in a town controlled by strong clans, who is constantly finding mysteries, mysteries that all seem to point to one powerful force behind the scenes manipulating everything.

Shin is watching a sumo match when a friend approaches him with a conundrum. Her cousin is to be married to a man who was declared dead, slain by pirates, but somehow has returned to the clan. Shin's friend thinks there is something different about the man, whose facial injuries make him wear a mask at all times. Shin is interested, and wanting to help a friend, and to see into the powerful Lion Clan where the wedding is to take place is also a draw. Shin goes undercover as a wedding planner, his Clan being Crane is known for their design, party planning, gossip and how to handle the powerful. Shin also sends his trusted bodyguard to investigate these pirates, and how the groom-to-be might have escaped. The more Shin questions the more Shin is sure that something is going on, something bigger than an arranged wedding. And as a lone Crane among lions, Shin might be in danger, and not just for his wedding planning.

Another great story from Reynolds about a character who is growing in more ways than one. Shin started as a wastrel in the first book, with potential, and he is slowly finding it. Buying a theater, having friends, helping others. Shin is a fantastic character and even if there wasn't a mystery I would still enjoy reading this series. Reynolds understands that a good mystery series needs a good supporting cast, and Reynolds supplies this. Contacts, spies, bodyguards, merchants, new friends, old comrades. All balance well, all are used, and help support the main character. The writing is very good, the mystery revels slowly, and foreshadows future events to bring readers back. A set in a game world that is recognizable, and fits with the universe.

One of my favortire series, and one of my favorite authors. Arkham, zombies, Warhammering, Josh Reynolds really can do it all. The stories are well written, funny and full of easter eggs for close readers. They don't have to be read in order, but one would be missing out.

Love this series, very big Sherlock Holmes style detective with more humor and a fascinating setting

I loved the set up for this book. Set in feudal Japan, it’s a mash-up of Samurai and detective fiction featuring the MC, Shin, who has a reputation for solving mysteries. This was fast paced and very entertaining. Highly recommend.

A mystery plagues Lion clan samurai Akodo Minami. Her cousin’s husband to be has returned, seemingly from the dead and seemingly as a completely changed man. One who fits everything a Lion should be. And yet, one who may be a danger to her cousin and the family as a whole. Regrettably, the only one she knows who might be able to reveal if this Itagawa Mosu is the real one, the only person she knows with a habit of digging into mysteries where they might not be wanted, is a Crane. Daidoji Shin, hardly one to let a friend down and curious about Lion weddings besides, readily agrees to look into the matter. Throwing himself into political riptides and wedding planning with equal flare. Time is short for our peerless detective though, he needs to solve this mystery before the wedding begins and guests are already arriving.

Coming back for a fourth Daidoji Shin novel, Josh Reynolds once again knocks it out of the park with Three Oaths. This one has a mystery that feels much more obvious than previous entries while still remaining quite fun and, perhaps more importantly, providing a vehicle for what feels like quite a lot of build for future turns in the greater plot. Plus, it feels like it dug into some nifty things with the various characters, which I am always a fan of.

And that is really a thing that fascinates me with this one. I would have missed the importance of Minami referring to Shin by his given name only, that being a sign that Minami is acknowledging that she considers them friends. Better yet, despite this, she is just as acerbic and sharp with him as she has been for the rest of the series despite being willing to ask Shin for serious help. And further, that Shin is himself not only willing to trust her with his safety in the Lion fortress, but that he trusts her to the point of being comfortable sending Kasami, his extremely loyal bodyguard, away on a mission of her own related to the mystery of Mosu’s resurrection. And then the bits that spin out from that. Kasami being conflicted by being sent away by not just the Crane Lord she is supposed to protect, but Shin who should know how duty bound she is. The Crane Clan auditor finally gets some character beats beyond annoying and possibly antagonistic family bureaucrat. It is a lot of fun.

As to the mystery, this is one where the answer to the original question is less important than the reasons behind everything. The questions of why and who benefits and how many gambits are really going here are deftly woven together. Reynolds tends to be good with that sort of interplay of motives and character intrigues, Three Oaths is no exception to that. So, while the mystery itself is fairly straightforward, the slow breakdown of Shin poking about for answers while setting up the wedding in a completely unfamiliar family culture is an absolute delight.

And I will absolutely say that this one makes me want to see more of the other major Clans from Shin’s perspective. Seeing how the various Lion nobles and servants reacted to him, both as a detective known for sticking his nose in things as well as as a Crane, was fantastic.


That is sort of where I find myself with Three Oaths. The mystery is not really one I found myself chewing on, but it was not the main source of intrigue to begin with. Reynolds did a fantastic job with that and with juggling a fairly large cast of new and returning characters, multiple threads of motives and desires, and the need to weave in the threads for future Daidoji Shin stories. And, as usual, I absolutely do not want to wait for the next one and will be reading it as soon as possible. This one gets a five out of five from me. The play of honor and responsibility and the willingness to do something dishonorable to accomplish a goal, it was all delicious.

Josh Reynolds' Legend of the Five Rings book Three Oaths is an intriguing mystery. Reynolds brilliantly combines samurai culture, political manoeuvring, and otherworldly happenings into a gripping story. Daidoji Shin, a charming and brilliant investigator, uncovers the reason behind Itagawa Mosu's homecoming. The author's brilliant descriptions transport readers to Rokugan's rich traditions and complicated social dynamics. Reynolds develops tension on every page, making the story hard to put down. Three Oaths is a must-read.

Josh Reynolds' Three Oaths adds to the Legend of the Five Rings series and showcases his narrative skills and knowledge of Rokugan. This work will please longtime fans and newbies with its fascinating characters, complicated narrative, and flawless cultural fusion. Three Oaths is a riveting read because to Reynolds' storytelling skills.

***A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.***

A cracking crime/mystery set in a Japan-like world at some point in the past. Our hero sleuth, Shin, tasked with solving the case has a "bon-vivant" mask, aided by some excellent fan fluttering, hiding a prodigious intelligence which he uses to solve the several mysteries which make up this story. Shin is aided in his endeavours by his servant and bodyguard (both of whose names begin with K and which I kept getting mixed up) as he explores the compound of another rival faction in the city. Everyone has an agenda - who's really pulling the strings of these mysteries?

I'd not heard of the Legend of the Five Rings before and the author has done an excellent job of making this a standalone work. I've just ordered the earlier novels in the series from my local library.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A good tie-in enables a reader to immerse themselves in the story without any foreknowledge of the original setting or property. A great tie-in is so engaging that it draws new readers to said setting or property before the story has run its course. There's a reason Josh Reynolds has so many tie-in books to his name: he has mastered this art.

To become absolutely enamored of Daidoji Shin—the upper-class detective who has become the star of his own Legend of the Five Rings mystery series—one need not know anything about Rokugan, its major and minor clans, or its class system. One will learn what it means to be of the Crane or Lion or Crab, who their high-ranking families are, and what they think of each other. In its way, Daidoji Shin's stories are as much Rokugan primers as they are rollicking detective stories.


Over the course of his adventures, Shin has gone from irresponsible gambler to gentleman detective to theater owner. In Three Oaths, the latest in the series, he takes on another role: wedding planner. Well, wedding planner and detective. Because this wedding is especially unique... in that the groom is dead.

Itagawa Mosu, by all accounts, should be dead. And yet he has returned to the Lion Clan to claim his betrothed. This is, of course, assuming that the man who has returned actually is Itagawa Mosu. Those around him have their doubts. To get close to the couple, Shin takes it upon himself to plan their wedding. Cranes are the courtliest of the classes, of course; so he'll make sure everything is done in style.

Between hiring performers and picking the right decorative banners, Shin delves into a deep, dark conspiracy: pirates, matchmakers, and secrets abound. And the wedding is just around the corner. Who will really be walking up to the altar, and what will it mean for the clan?

Fans of the works of P.G. Wodehouse will feel right at home in the pages of any Daidoji Shin book. His escapades are unabashedly Jeeves & Wooster-inspired, and that's even truer in the closing pages of There Oaths. This book, more so than the previous, is fraught with prying relatives, country homes, and unexpected engagements. That said, Shin is no intellectual slouch. Behind his fluttering fan hides a keen mind. The reader is privy to his greatest secret: that he's quite, quite dangerous to the wrong people.

By now, it goes without saying that a Daidoji Shin story will be a fantastic time for any reader—equal parts drawing room comedy and tense murder mystery. But Three Oaths is especially strong. As Shin's fictional reputation grows, so do the merits of the books that house him. Here's hoping this dashing detective won't be hanging up his fan anytime soon.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free eARC of the "Three Oaths" by Josh Reynolds.
"Three Oats" is a medieval fantasy inspired by feudal Japan, but also a samurai detective story.
Daidoji Shin has a reputation for solving misteries and once he is intrigued by a case he will find a way to investigate it, even if it means he has to be a wedding planer.
Besides a miraculous reapearence of the groom that was presumed dead, Shin has to keep himself aware of all the socio-political intrigues while he uncovers the truth.
While the dialogs felt more modern than the setting, this was a cosy book that I recommend for a relaxing reading time.