Synopses & Reviews
A MASK OF DESTRUCTION
Detective Sergeant Mariko Oshiro has been promoted to Japans elite Narcotics unitand with this promotion comes a new partner, a new case, and new danger. The underboss of a powerful yakuza crime syndicate has put a price on her head, and hell lift the bounty only if she retrieves an ancient iron demon mask that was stolen from him in a daring raid. However, Mariko has no idea of the tumultuous past carried within the maskor of its deadly link with the famed Inazuma blade she wields.
The secret of this mask originated hundreds of years before Mariko was born, and over time the masks power has evolved to bend its owner toward destruction, stopping at nothing to obtain Inazuma steel. Marikos fallen sensei knew much of the masks hypnotic power and of its mysterious link to a murderous cult. Now Mariko must use his notes to find the mask before the cult can bring Tokyo to its kneesand before the underboss decides her time is up....
Review
Praise for Daughter of the Sword
“A noir modern Tokyo overwhelmed by the shadows of Japanese history…a compelling multifaceted vision of a remarkable culture, and a great page-turner.”—Stephen Baxter, author of Iron Winter
“Effortlessly combines history and legend with a modern procedural…will have you staying up late to finish it.”—Diana Rowland, author of Touch of the Demon
“An authentic and riveting thrill ride through both ancient and modern Japan. Definitely a winner.”—Kylie Chan, author of Hell to Heaven
“Beins gripping debut is a meticulously researched, highly detailed blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“One of the best debuts I have ever read…an epic tale that heralds the emergence of a major talent.”—Fantasy Book Critic
“Daughter of the Sword reads like James Clavells Shogun would have if it had been crossed with high fantasy by way of a police procedural.”—Otherwhere Gazette
“Magic swords and samurai set alongside drugs and modern Tokyo and all blending in together to produce an engrossing and original story.”—Under the Covers
“A gritty and compelling police procedural…written in beautiful and exotic detail.”—All Things Urban Fantasy
Review
Praise for Year of the Demon “I am utterly addicted to this series! Steve Bein avoids sophomore slump with brilliant ease in this sequel to Daughter of the Sword, and continues to surprise and captivate with exquisite tension and terrific characters in an amazingly well-crafted mystery. I cant wait for the next one!”—Diana Rowland, author of Touch of the Demon
“Gripping…Bein combines the best parts of police procedurals, buddy-cop films, historical fantasy, and intrigue-laden adventure, enhancing them with painstaking research and attention to atmosphere.”—Publishers Weekly
“Theres no doubting the authenticity of Beins creation as he elegantly binds all the elements together.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Bein excels beyond any history lovers wildest imagination with exceptionally researched, vivid depictions of ancient Japan.”—Romantic Times
“[Bein is] not a one-book wonder. Year of the Demon is a darker story that excoriates its characters much more than was thought possible…A good follow-up to one of my favorite debuts of all time.”—Fantasy Book Critic
“Part thriller, part police procedural, part historical and part urban fantasy, Year of the Demon is simply a book for people who like to read. It has something for everyone and Bein does an amazing job of weaving them all together into a fascinating story.”—All Things Urban Fantasy
Review
“I am utterly addicted to this series! Steve Bein continues to surprise and captivate with exquisite tension and terrific characters in an amazingly well-crafted mystery. I cant wait for the next one!”—Diana Rowland, Author of
Fury of the Demon “Bein combines the best parts of police procedurals, buddy-cop films, historical fantasy, and intrigue-laden adventure.”—Publishers Weekly
“Year of the Demon makes sure that readers invested in the Fated Blades series will find a new corner to be intrigued by and is a good follow-up to one of my favorite debuts of all time.”—Fantasy Book Critic
About the Author
Steve Bein teaches Asian philosophy and Asian history at the State University of New York - Geneseo. He holds a PhD in philosophy, and his graduate work took him to Nanzan University and Obirin University in Japan, where he translated a seminal work in the study of Japanese Buddhism. His short fiction has been published in Asimov's, Interzone, Writers of the Future, and has been anthologized for use in college courses alongside the works of such figures as Orson Scott Card, Larry Niven, Isaac Asimov, and H.G. Wells.