In this darkly comic debut YA novel set in Japan, a boy must take down a demon with a murderous vendetta.
JP Romney has a longstanding love affair with teaching and Japan. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in history in 2006, he had the opportunity to combine his two interests by teaching English in the small mountain town of Hidaka through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. JP came to love the culture, beliefs, myths, and daily living in small towns throughout Japan. As an added benefit, he was able to gather ample material for his first novel. He lives in Pennsylvania.
Romney's tale of modern-day Japan crossed with Japanese folklore is suffused with abundant humor, as his wisecracking teens navigate situations fraught with dark and dramatic irony. A confident debut that is at once ominous and laugh-out-loud funny. --Kirkus Reviews Original writing, unusual villains, and considerable humor make for a fast-paced and creepy adventure that readers will adore. --Miriam DesHarnais, School Library Journal The mix of modern Japanese culture and ancient stories and characters is impressive, and Romney balances it all well, keeping unflappable Koda and his sardonic bluster firmly in the center. . . . [a] strong debut novel. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books [A] refreshing take on the classic good-versus-evil tale. --Booklist
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