- Hardcover: 448 pages
- Publisher: Tor Books; First Edition edition (Feb 3 2001)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0312890710
- ISBN-13: 978-0312890711
- Product Dimensions: 24.3 x 16.4 x 3.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 807 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,148,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Reality and fantasy collide in this engrossing tale of two warring clans vying for power, prestige and the chance to influence the man who sits on the chrysanthemum throne. Setting her tale in Japan during the last days of the Heian period (roughly 1153-1185 C.E.), Dalkey (Blood of the Goddess) deftly uses her knowledge of Japanese culture, mannerisms and bloodthirsty politicking to chronicle the wars of rebellion and counter-rebellion that end in the death of the emperor and the rise of the first Japanese shogun. Two rival clans, the Taira and the Minamoto, clash numerous times over a period of 30 years, with each clan calling on the aid of demons or gods to gain superiority and power. Did demons and gods play a part in the brutal wars of competing emperors and the rise of the Japanese shogunate? Dalkey dramatizes the tantalizing possibilities of what might have been if they had. While she succeeds in bringing the history, customs and traditions of Japan to life, her many characters maintain a remoteness that will keep most readers from caring about any individual. In addition, the fantasy realm of the demons and gods that she posits is rather intangible and distant. But even so, the book, which reads more like a historical novel of political intrigue than a fantasy, boasts a strong story that holds the attention. (Feb. 12)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The war between the rival Minamoto and Taira clans paved the way for the rule of Japan's first Shogun in the 12th century and gave birth to numerous legends of wondrous creatures and powerful items of magic. Dalkey (Blood of the Goddess) brings to life the legends and myths of medieval Japan in this vivid tale of dragons and ghosts, talking birds, and rolling skulls that captures the atmosphere of a land rich in fantasy and tradition. Her storytelling talent and attention to detail produce a grand-scale epic that should appeal to fans of historical fantasy.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
Who can say when the seeds of a war are sown? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Who can say when the seeds of a war are sown? Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Historical Tale,
By A Customer
This review is from: Genpei (Hardcover)
As a student of Japanese history, I found that learning of this time era in class extemely dull and confusing, but Dalkey is able to tell the same story adding in all the myth of ancient Japan makeing the story of the Gempei wars much more entertaining. The voice of the book was also well done, reminding me of the Tale of Genji, it made me feel like I was reading a true tale of that time without all the confusion that comes with translating ancient texts. Of course if you're not the least bit interested in Japanese history this book is not for you.
3.0 out of 5 stars
History,
By A Customer
This review is from: Genpei (Hardcover)
If I am not mistaken, this book is meant to be a history book, not a novel for entertainment. (?)Then if that is the case, it's not supposed to be "fantastic" or tell stories, it's supposed to give accurate fact and detail as genuine historical record. If you are looking for a sensationalized literature book based upon the Gempei war, then read "Tale of the Heike".
3.0 out of 5 stars
Could have been much more than it was...,
This review is from: Genpei (Hardcover)
Like samurai?Like vicious backstabbing and war? Like demons, angered gods and magic? Good! Genpei contains all of that. But oh, there's a problem. Genpei is entertaining if you really, truly crave samurai-themed books. Everyone else is advised to beware. Apparenly, Kara Dalkey modeled Genpei on ancient Japanese books like Shining Prince Genji, and therein lies the chief problem. Those old books are fantastic for historical reference, but in terms of entertainment value, they suffer. Genpei is a dry and ponderous tome that feels twice as long as it actually is. Dalkey's writing is capable but stiff, lacking any voice or flourish. The dialogue is formal and devoid of wit, and the method of storytelling seems to be 'tell, don't show' (the story tracks decades in the lives of the Taira and Minamoto families, and much of the story is devoted to playing catch-up by summarizing what happened in the timespan between chapters). It's hard to work up sympathy for anyone, as the characters all seem to be an array of scheming and politicking old men, mostly so similar that it's difficult to separate them -- and not just because of the Japanese name-changing and similarity customs. The whole thing is just... boring. Even the villains are weak. A fantasy based on the Genpei wars could have been a fantastic read. It was a fascinating period in Japanese history, a time when courtly peace began its decay back into bickering feudalism. I was as giddy as a schoolgirl upon finding this novel in the library, knowing nothing about it. But after reading Genpei, I'd say unless you really, really, REALLY love samurai, you'd be better off skipping this one. I'm only giving it three stars because yes, I REALLY love samurai...
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