Rating: 
Summary: Gritty, first rate work from an author who is new to me
Review: Never heard of Dedman before but I fancied his title and the book turned out to be really well done. Very gritty urban fantasy, like maybe Charles de Lint might write if he was really angry. Well done. I will buy more of Dedman as it appears.
Rating: 
Summary: Never Really Works
Review: Subtitled "A Novel of Magical Noir Suspense," the book has stylish aspirations beyond its ability to produce. The plot all revolves around a magical Japanese talisman, and the powers that can be channeled through it. A drifter with the heavy-handed nickname "Mage" unwittingly stumbles into its possession, and from there its a pretty typical story of his trying to find out why the woman who gave it to him was killed, and why he is being chased around. The supernatural element comes from various creepy disembodied undead and monsters from Japanese mythology who are employed by the villains. Fortunately, Mage picks up an ethnic Tontoesque sidekick to defend him and help him understand all these mysterious happenings. There are some good fight scenes, but the whole thing is a rather forced, and the portrayal of the Japanese boss behind it all is very cliché.
Rating:
Summary: Yakuza and yadomejutsu = superb entertainment
Review: The title of this book can be somewhat misleading for anyone not familiar with Japanese and the martial arts. The subtitle of "A Novel of Magical Noir Suspense" helps, but doesn't even begin to give the multitextured flavor of this unique blend of fantasy, suspense, creatures from the Japanese underworld and just plain good story telling.Superior writing, excellent imagery and a fascinating, surrealistic feel. And there is even a glossary in the back to help you with the Japanese and ninja terminoligy which give a real punch to the mix. Highly recommended
Rating:
Summary: Witty, Engrossing, and Informative.
Review: This book is just plain fun to read. The author weaves modern America with Japanese mythological monsters, and creates a story line and characters that are fun. The magic in the story follows a coherent internal logic, and the characters bleed and suffer and have realistic personalities and reactions. The book leaves you hoping for more adventures using these characters.
Rating:
Summary: Witty, Engrossing, and Informative.
Review: This book is just plain fun to read. The author weaves modern America with Japanese mythological monsters, and creates a story line and characters that are fun. The magic in the story follows a coherent internal logic, and the characters bleed and suffer and have realistic personalities and reactions. The book leaves you hoping for more adventures using these characters.
Rating: 
Summary: A fine story and one I'll keep.
Review: This story is up there with Bone Yard, Inhuman Beings, and The Anubis Gates. I loved the quick short staccato of action, the cool Japanese mythology and the noirish feel. Well and heartily recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A fine story and one I'll keep.
Review: This story is up there with Bone Yard, Inhuman Beings, and The Anubis Gates. I loved the quick short staccato of action, the cool Japanese mythology and the noirish feel. Well and heartily recommended.
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