Black Mist: And Other Japanese Futures

One of those anthology collections that is a decent pickup when you find them very cheap at a second hand bookshop. Nothing memorable or terrible. More interesting if you have a thing for Japan, of course. Black Mist and other Japanese Futures : Black Mist - Richard A. Lupoff Black Mist and other Japanese Futures : Tea from an Empty Cup - Pat Cadigan Black Mist and other Japanese Futures : A Medal for Harry - Paul Levinson Black Mist and other Japanese Futures : Niagara Falling - Janeen Webb and Jack Dann Black Mist and other Japanese Futures : Thirteen Views of Higher Edo - Patric Helmaan Phobos Yakuza murders. 3.5 out of 5 Virtual reality Japanese mythology mystery relations. There are a couple of major characters here, a young woman searching for her boyfriend, who may or may not be dead after getting involved with a crimelord. Said young woman gets herself hired as the crimelord personal assistant. There is also a cop that features in other books. She also is looking into this situation, and also the possibility that some sort of odd mythology world has sprung up in artificial reality. 3.5 out of 5 Truman maker of mutant Japanese brainy people. 4 out of 5 A couple must reconcile their new marriage relationship, both virtually and in reality, as well as their business situation. 3.5 out of 5 Space art. 2.5 out of 5

_____________________________________________ The highlight of this collection is the "A+" debut of Patric Helmaan, "13 Views of Higher Edo" , a 90-page novella. Yukio is a protein engineer and an artist. His "Views of Higher Edo", a habitat constructed from a captured asteroid, have made him wealthy. Now he is becoming a reluctant celebrity: '...Higher Edo was hardly self-sufficient... Maintenance of the supply lines took money... And while the CC already attached 40% of Yukio's earnings from his art, he suspected that percentage was about to rise... "And that is why you will be travelling to the birthworld,to be honored for your achievement... It is all arranged," the Chief Director said. ...Yukio steeled himself. "And if I should refuse to go?" "That is no option available to you..." The tour is as distasteful as Yukio feared - an sfnal "Book Tour from Hell." But celebrity has some rewards: 'He turned to face an attractive American brunette... "My name is Sandra," she said "I am--" "Of course you are," she said, touching his arm... "I'm an actress... Well, I'm not even a real actress. I'm a type, you know, full-figured good- looking American girl... Mostly I get killed..." "Killed?" "...murdered, shot, stabbed, strangled. Always a need here for pretty girls who can die well." "You fill a need, then. You find work..." Sandra nodded... "Would you like to play a role with me? ...Not a long run. Single performance, I promise." She laughed. "Single night anyway. Number of performances is up to you..." -- a remarkable first-sale debut for Mr Helmaan, a frequent visitor to Japan. Bravo! I wish I could be enthusiatic about the other four stories in this collection of Japanese-flavored SF - but they're run-of-the-mill or worse. Well, there's a new post-apocalyptic Noo Yawk Sitty Cadigan, for those who liked the first... Anyway, good as "13 Views" is, I'm not sure it's six bucks good - so look in your library, or pick it up used, and keep a lookout for Patric Helmaan's next... Happy reading-- Pete Tillman

This is one of the best science fiction books that I have read lately, because it poses such an interesting premise--what are the Japanese going to be like in the future? Will the world be dominated by Japanese conglomerates, like Sony Corporation? The first novella in this book, "Black Mist," is by far one of the most engaging, fascinating, and thrilling sci-fi that I have read in the longest time. It concerns a Japanese colony on the moon of Phobos. A woman is murdered, and it is up to the colony to find out who did it. What unfolds in each sentence will grip you and hold the reader, and never leave!! "A Medal for Harry" is one of the most controversial stories I have read. It poses a theory of why the Japanese have become so powerful, ever since the atomic bombs. This one will shock, and ellicit such emotions in the reader! I highly recommend this book, if you want an exceptional, unforgettable read!!!!