Hyo Hakai is the Thirty Third Hellmaker. Following in the footsteps of those who have gone before, the bodies go to her when they die and her role is to investigate their death and avenge their demise. Conjuring hells for a price is all in a days work for Hyo but things are about to change.
Her village has been cursed – a perpetual winter, reliving the same day over and over again. A repeated fate for the villagers with every sunrise in their frozen world. Hyo and her brother, Mansaku, have no choice but to go to Onogoro as an agreement made between her and the demon that dealt her village the icy blow with the never-ending curse. Onogoro is a place where gods and humans live side by side and Hyo’s task is to create hell there. But at what cost?
Hyo’s arrival on the island causes a stir and it’s not long before death strikes, spirits awaken and gods make their presence known. Not quite the quiet, unnoticed touchdown she was hoping for. When her friend is murdered, the gods have no idea what Hyo is capable of and the reckoning she will bestow on them when given the chance. Investigating his murder means risking her life but she won’t stop until she finds out the truth. As her powers unleash, the gods who’d previously considered themselves beyond approach, are made to think again.
Mina Ikemoto Ghosh has created a fantastic YA high fantasy murder mystery, with stunning illustrations, in her debut, Hyo the Hellmaker. Every reader will be on the edge of their seat as they follow Hyo through the twisting, turning plot. The clever weave of Japanese traditions and culture work seamlessly in this novel that embraces respect and understanding.
Buckle up, because you’re going to need your wits about you as you stand by Hyo’s side from one incredible chapter to the next.
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