The Art of Arrow Cutting: A Novel of Magic-Noir Supence

"The Art of Arrow Cutting" by Stephen Dedman, © 1997 This story has a Japanese flavor. It begins with tattoos coming to life, and all of a sudden you realize that all is not normal. This is a book of magic, wonders of life that ordinary people never see. It is a very interesting story. Mage (appropriate name, given the tone is magical) finds himself visiting with a pretty girl at a bus station. She gives him her apartment key, so he can turn it in for her. She is leaving and not coming back. And the adventure begins. Mage meets a fellow at the hostel he stays at in Calgary, who knows from his youth in Japan, more about what is going on. This is a very good story of cross-cultural experience.

Mage (Michelangelo Magistrale) is a photographer by trade and a rootless drifter by nature. When he runs into Amanda Sharmon at a Greyhound bus station in the backwoods of Canada he doesn't realise that by helping a stranger in need he is about to change his own life - and get an introduction to the strange world of Japanese mythology.I wouldn't call this a mystery novel, though it does have elements of that. Its more like a modern urban fantasy. Its easy to read and the main characters are likeable, though you can get mixed up at times with all the unusual Japanese names which keep on cropping up.If you like light fantasy and Japanese mythology then this is a book worth reading and I'm happy to read the sequel SHADOWS BITE and see if it is as enjoyable and light as the first book.

This book is just plain fun to read. The author weaves modern America with Japanese mythological monsters, and creates a story line and characters that are fun. The magic in the story follows a coherent internal logic, and the characters bleed and suffer and have realistic personalities and reactions. The book leaves you hoping for more adventures using these characters.

Never heard of Dedman before but I fancied his title and the book turned out to be really well done. Very gritty urban fantasy, like maybe Charles de Lint might write if he was really angry. Well done. I will buy more of Dedman as it appears.

The title of this book can be somewhat misleading for anyone not familiar with Japanese and the martial arts. The subtitle of "A Novel of Magical Noir Suspense" helps, but doesn't even begin to give the multitextured flavor of this unique blend of fantasy, suspense, creatures from the Japanese underworld and just plain good story telling.Superior writing, excellent imagery and a fascinating, surrealistic feel. And there is even a glossary in the back to help you with the Japanese and ninja terminoligy which give a real punch to the mix. Highly recommended