To all science fiction and fantasy fans!

I just discovered a new imprint called Haikasoru which specializes in bringing Japanese science fiction and fantasy "to America and beyond". I've only ever read one book written by a Japanese author before and that gave me a taste for more. The book I read was the young adult thriller called Chain Mail Addicted To You by Hiroshi Ishizaki(read my review) and I highly enjoyed it. That's why I simply couldn't resist ordering a few of the titles that I discovered over at Haikasoru. I'm pretty sure that there's more great Japanese titles out there than the one I've read, here's what I bought:

Loups-Garous by  Natsuhiko Kyogoku

A killer that might be a werewolf? Now that really got my interest. You can read an extract from the novel here, you can also check out the synopsis from Goodreads below:

In the near future, humans will communicate almost exclusively through online networks - face-to-face meetings are rare and the surveillance state nearly all-powerful. Even school children are only allowed to meet in the flesh on school grounds. So when a serial killer starts slaughtering students, the crackdown is harsh. And despite all the safeguards, the killer's latest victim turns out to have been in contact with three young girls; Mio Tsuzuki, a certified prodigy; Hazuki Makino, a quiet but opinionated classmate; and Ayumi Kono, her best friend. As the girls get caught up in trying to find the killer - who might just be a werewolf - Hazuki learns that there is much more to their monitored communications than meets the eye.

Dragon Sword and Wind Child by Noriko Ogiwara

You can read an extract from the novel here, you can also check out the synopsis from Goodreads below:

In the land of Toyoashihara, the forces of the God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness have waged war for generations. But for 15-year old Saya, the war is far away and unimportant--until the day she discovers she is the reincarnation of the Water Maiden and a princess of the Children of the Dark. Raised to love the Light and detest the Dark, Saya must come to terms with her heritage even as she is tumbled into the very heart of the conflict that is destroying her country. Both the army of the Light and Dark seek to claim her, for she is the only mortal who can awaken the legendary Dragon Sword, the weapon destined to end the war. Can Saya make the dreadful choice between the Light and Dark, or is she doomed like all the Water Maidens who have come before her?

Slum Online by Hiroshi Sakurazaka

I haven't been addicted to any combat games like the person in this novel is but perhaps I might still be able to relate to the main character? I did have a period where I play a lot of Tekken on our PS, I'm not a violent person but that sure is a great way to let out some steam and to feel like your the best fighter with the greatest skill out there. At least it made me feel that way when it came to playing against my boyfriend and siblings, because this was the only game I was ever any good at. They beat me in adventure and racing simulating games, so obviously beating up people was more my kind of thing(that really makes me sound scary, I'm not, I promise!).


You can read an extract from the novel here, you can also check out the synopsis from Goodreads below: 

"...I log in and Tetsuo comes to Versus Town. A make-believe man in a make-believe city. He was new there, and he had come for one thing: to fight." Etsuro Sakagami is a college student who feels uncomfortable in reality, but when he logs onto the combat Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game Versus Town, he becomes "Tetsuo," a karate champion on his way to becoming the most powerful martial artist around. While his relationship with new classmate Fumiko goes nowhere, Etsuro spends his days and nights online in search of the invincible fighter Slasher Jack. Drifting between the virtual and the real, will Etsuro ever be ready to face his most formidable opponent?