Autumn Bridge [Hardcover]

Takashi Matsuoka is an author who tells tantalizingly original tales inspired by feudal Japan. His first novel, "Cloud of Sparrows," introduced the reader to the saga of the Okumichi clan, focusing primarily on its young Prince Hal, Lord Genji, in the early days following the reopening of Japan to the West.

Genji, a young lord whose attributes were unappreciated - thanks to his long campaign of deception - plays a critical role in the process of Japan's reawakening, in large part due to the Americans he meets. One is Matthew Stark, who arrives in Japan under the guise of a missionary but with a sole purpose of exacting vengeance for some grisly murders back in the States. The other is Emily Gibson, a beautiful American missionary who has fled to Japan to escape the horrible consequences of her beauty. These three characters, along with a wonderful supporting cast, have dazzling adventures that make "Cloud of Sparrows" a heck of a read.

What makes "Cloud" such an amazing novel was its ability to jump from present to past to future and yet tell a cohesive, enthralling tale. Genji's clan, the Okumichi, is blessed (or cursed) with the ability to see the future, and in Japan, the future and the past are inter-related. One of the most tantalizing aspects of "Cloud" was the sense the reader had that "Cloud" was only telling part of a much deeper story, and several aspects of "Cloud" did not make a lot of sense, even after a second reading.

This was by design. "Autumn Bridge," while officially a "sequel" to "Cloud of Sparrows," is more of an elaboration of the earlier story, in which certain aspects of the past, the present, and the future of "Cloud" receive further treatment. And the results are no less harrowing or heart-rending.

While the "present" of "Cloud" and "Bridge" is the second half of the 19th century, much of the second novel takes place in the 1300s, as a beautiful woman - some say witch - sets in motion the events that would play out over 500 years later. Matsuoka's ability to interweave these various chronologies is astounding - while leaping from era to era and storyline to storyline, "Bridge" never deviates from its essential tale or its overall purpose, and one of the great delights of "Bridge" is to behold events that have been foretold . . . but that transpire in completely unexpected ways.

The budding romance between Genji and Emily continues to grow, as the misgivings of both are overcome by their love and desire. Matthew Stark, murderous hero from "Cloud," must watch as his son Makoto learns about his real history. The truth of the Mushindo Abbey continues to be revealed. And through it all, Genji battles treachery and intrigue as he gets ever closer to the day of his own assassination, which he has foreseen with startling clarity and tantalizing ambiguity.

More than a love story, more than a samurai-slashing-swords battle epic, "Bridge" builds on the amazing foundation set by "Cloud" to tell a riveting tale that is sure to keep readers up late at night, trying to eke out one more chapter before slumber. Beloved characters meet their end while new characters arise, and several stories grow deeper and more moving as events unfold.

Best of all, more than a few loose ends remain at the end of "Bridge," so it looks like another novel in this amazing series could be on the way!

For interested readers, you must read "Cloud" first - there is too much of a back story with these characters from "Cloud" that will be missed.

I loved the first book and thought this one was even better. The story weaves through time in the same way that the characters catch glimpses of past and future. The writing style and story line work seamlessly together. The author does a superb job taking us through the journey of discovering the roots of the action from the first novel and showing us where it all leads. Throughout the journey, as we learn about the motives of the characters, we also gain insight into the psyche of the culture, traditions and era.

It's probably just me, but Autumn Bridge reminded me of Godfather Part II.

In Cloud of Sparrows, you get a good feel for the main characters, their lives and the circumstances of the times in which they lived. The story is highly entertaining and gives insight into a very different world. Just like the original Godfather.

In Autumn Bridge, the story unfolds in different time periods to provide more details about the characters, including additional related characters. As a sequel, Autumn Bridge accomplishes the difficult task of being able to stand on its own, while at the same time rewarding those that read Cloud of Sparrows. Just like Godfather Part II.

Autumn Bridge is a fascinating read. Yes, it skips around time wise, so you may need to back track a little, and there is a list of characters that helps. The twists, turns and revelations made their impact as intended.

It is noteworthy that Autumn Bridge has a lot less violence than Cloud of Sparrows. Some people found the violence in Cloud of Sparrows to be disturbing, so maybe the editors took note and toned it down. I liked both books. Autumn Bridge has the finesse of a love story mini-epic, and Cloud of Sparrows has the action packed thrills that gets your blood pumping.

It would be awesome if Mr. Matsuoka could write a book about Shigeru's life and explain how he became revered as the most formidable fighter since Miyamoto Musashi.

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