Both the story and the characters were very interesting and kept my interest intact throughout the book.

First, please note this is not a standalone novel, contrary to what I thought when I requested it, but part of a series (and very likely the last volume). However, I didn’t find it difficult to follow the story and understand the characters: when the narrator alludes to events of the past or people he had previously met, he always adds a couple of sentences, nothing too long, just enough for a reader to understand the context. So this was good with me.

The setting here is that of feudal Japan (the Emperor and his court, bushi, military governors, geisha and courtesans) with a dash of supernatural: ghosts and youkai are common knowledge, and onmyôji and priestesses have actual power. In this world, Yamada and his faithful friend Kenji are confronted to attempted murder and political intrigue, from the Ise temple to the capital and the Emperor’s court; I found the mystery decent enough, not too complicated (my guesses about a few things turned out to be right) yet not too easy either for the characters to understand, without convenient deus ex machina bringing the answers (Yamada deducted those).

It took me a couple of weeks to read, but it definitely wasn’t boring (that was much more a matter of having lots of things to do and needing to prioritise other books in the meantime). The events made sense, the characters were likeable, and even though it’s not my favourite novel ever, it was entertaining and believable.

On the downside, there were instances of Yamada ‘hiding’ things from the reader, which I don’t particularly appreciate in mystery novels, and the female characters, while attaching, didn’t have much to do apart from conveniently be here when a specific piece of information was needed, or wait in their palace for the men to do all the work. Granted, the setting itself doesn’t lend itself to a lot of female freedom (aristocratic constraints, expectations placed on princesses, and so on), but it didn’t help.

Conclusion: Still enjoyable in spite of these flaws.

Yamada Monogatari:
The Emperor in Shadow
by Richard Parks
Diamond Book Distributors
Prime Books


The Emperor is dying. Once again Lord Yamada is called with Kenji to ensure the next emperor is peacefully transitioned to the throne. An onibe directs Yamada to protect Princess Tagako (as she is told the same in dreams--or is she warned away from him?). There are multiple attempts on the life Princess, due to being promised in marriage to a mysterious suitor, and Yamada must find a way to protect her life and get to the bottom of these plots against her life.

This novel deserves brings the series to a satisfying close; however, it doesn't stand alone. It stands on the shoulders of its predecessors. The B story, or the secondary narrative, is strong, but the A story is difficult to tease out.

Yamada's mission isn't clear. He runs into characters from the early stories--the fox demon, his ghostly former lover--who hint and feint at his goal but it remains ever elusive ("I promise to enlighten you, but not just yet." and later, "Why? I haven't the faintest idea"). The narrator sometimes tips his hands to the missing A story in dialogue exchanges like "I'm bored." The narrative quickly shifts into action as the author seems to realize these words. This doesn't indicate a boring narrative, but one that merely escapes a definitive goal. It is understandable to hide major plot movements outside Yamada and his companions, but we do need characters who desire--as Kurt Vonnegut put it--"a glass of water."

The story's narrative arch doesn't get fully assembled until toward the last tenth of the novel, some of which the readers will have guessed since the primary story didn't distract us readers enough. Moreover, the master skills Yamada had in the first book seem to have eroded.

If you've read the first three, then definitely read this one. It completes the series and Yamada's journey--one he might not have realized he was on.

An entertaining read! I also loved the graphic work and the way in which the images and text are matches for creating a good and unforgettable story!

Amazing art - engaging story! Loved it!
Recommended!!
Thanks for giving me the chance to read it - Highly appreciated.