It’s 1979 and Yoriko Shindo has been kidnapped by a branch of the yakuza. What for? Beating the absolute living shit out of a group henchmen. She’s then tasked with becoming the bodyguard of Shoko Naiki, the only daughter of the gang’s boss. A silent docile beauty who has no friends and wears strange old-fashioned clothing. As the two become closer, the violent world around them becomes more unbearable, but how could they ever escape?

Hitting shelves July 2nd is the recently translated The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani, translated by Sam Bett.

I’m a Japanese fiction girly, so when this book arrived I was over the moon. This is a fast paced, violent, heartwarming and heartbreaking short read that you can devour in one afternoon.

Shindo is an incredible character to follow as she navigates the world with a unique perspective, and violence flowing through her veins. Watching her interact with Shoko was the absolute standout for me in this story. Shoko at first is a seemingly cruel, quiet, and spoiled individual but as Shindo somehow begins to soften her, you find yourself really rooting for Shoko and wishing you could rescue her too.

This was an incredibly immersive read with a great plot reveal at the three-quarter mark that had me screaming. I honestly just loved every moment of it and I really suggest going in blind and just letting the story take you by the throat.

A big thank you to Soho Crime for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Pick up a copy yourself when it releases on July 2nd!