I’ve seen some negative comments about this book along the lines of “not up to Hunter’s standards”, so I’m writing a brief review as a corrective. The plot line and characters were well drawn, with evil big, bad villains and more heroes that Bob Lee all by his lonesome. Of course his becoming a swordsman in a few brief months strains credulity, as well as-where’s his wife!! But, hey, Bob Lee is a Hero, so I cut Hunter some slack.

Stephen Hunter (and Apple iBooks) should be ashamed for releasing this book (and charging money) when the ebook has obviously not been edited. Thus the reader is given hundreds of great words like: makesuch. knowsyakuza, youwant, theTokyo, theyakuza, isShinsengumi, eliteyakuza, wordcut, … this crap occurs in nearly every fourth paragraph. Why am I to be treated to such when the book version does not have these errors? Apple, how do I get my money back?

Great new setting for Bob Lee Swagger. Great page turner.

Be forewarned, it's very bloody. I guess you would expect it in a modern samurai thriller. It did take a pretty preposterous turn towards the end & that morphine would not have been an appreciated gesture. Interesting detail about Japanese outlook and explanation of the 47 Ronin's importance to Japanese culture.

Love it

Great read.

Loved it!