Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate

By: Richard Parks

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Yamada no Goji is a minor nobleman of ancient Japan who has lost everything - except a single purpose: keep a promise to the woman he loved. In order to fulfill his vow, all he has to do is fight a horde of demons and monsters, bargain with a few ghosts, outwit the sinister schemers of the emperor's court, find a way to defeat an assassin who cannot be seen, heard, or touched - and change the course of history. Fortunately, Yamada specializes in achieving the seemingly impossible, so he is sure in some way to succeed... if he doesn't drink himself into oblivion first.

©2014 Richard Parks (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Intriguing

I found this book to be highly intriguing once we moved past the repeat of the short story in book one. That short story is necessary to understand the plot of book two if you’re a new reader and haven’t yet sampled book one, but I recommend going and listening to them in order - you won’t be disappointed. I find myself pitying Lord Yamada for all his demons, yet his demons are what makes him who he is, and essentially it is Lord Yamada who keeps the story going, for he is far from the type to simply give up when the going gets rough, despite all his other flaws. I also enjoy his interactions with Kanamore and Kenji, and look forward to the next book in the series.

Awesome asian fantasy!

Great plot, good descriptions well paced. Folklore and reality mix in great story with likable characters.

A quite enjoyable read

I enjoy this series and this one was so far the best. I recommend it highly.

A Good in Mystery in a Great Setting

This is the second Yamada Monogatari book, and while it recaps a story from the first book, it does so to build on this one. What follows is a great mystery/adventure story using elements of Japanese folklore and set in a depiction of Heian (11th century) Japan.

The mystery and adventure are quite good, but what really makes the story for me is the setting. the story really wouldn't work too well without the setting, I believe. choosing Heian era over say Sengoku or modern Japan was a good choice. It sets a more mythical tone, one that lets the reader loose themselves in world where ghosts, yokai, ogres and spiritual barriers cast by priests are just as much a part of every day life as buying groceries or drinking tea.

I also have give applause to the narrator who did a FANTASTIC job! he brought the characters and setting to life and gave them all distinct voices and personalities. The ease with which he reads and the inflection he places on both English and Japanese words really make it pleasant of listen to as well as giving the impression he IS the characters.

If you're interested in a good mystery or supernatural adventure similar to urban fantasy like the Dresden Files I'd heavily recommend this book.

Yamada No-Goji strikes again!!

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite literary series and this book, the second of four, is proof why.
Yamada Monotagari, disgraced former nobleman turned working class hero, demon hunter, and drunk; along with his best friend and partner- the reprobate priest Kenji -find themselves pulled into a mystery and dangerous game of cat and mouse with a former enemy of theirs. An enemy who has grown far powerful in the shadows and now seeks not only revenge but the death of the heir to the Emperor''s throne!
Equally seeped in both historical accuracy and Japanese mythology, the novel seamlessly blends a mix of early Japanese royal political intrigue and supernatural horror. Richard Parks has easily brought to life - yet again- two of my favorite literary characters since Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.
Credit has also got to be given to Brian Nishi's incredible narration- breathing life into varied cast of colorful characters- manz woman, child and yes, monster- and making each and every one of them distinct and whole unto themselves.
Honestly cant wait to download the next adventure and see what Yamada and Kenji are up to!

Repeat of book1

This is the same book as the first, not sure why it's book 2

All must weep, but who will dance.

Enjoy the journey.
Preparing for difficulty
The completion is satisfactory, although too soon in coming.

Great Blend of a Great Story

What made the experience of listening to Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate the most enjoyable?

It was a great blend of Japanese culture and mystical adventure.

What other book might you compare Yamada Monogatari: To Break the Demon Gate to and why?

None I have read so far

Which scene was your favorite?

Two many to note... all of it was well done and could not be separated

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It flowed well and would say yes.

Any additional comments?

It is worth the credit I used for it

To Break the Demon Gate

threw me off at first since it starts off same as Demon Hunter. Great story, as were all 4 books. Narrator did a great job in the audiobooks!

Good story...

Don't let the beginning fool you. It repeats a short story from book one. It is necessary to make this novel a stand alone story. Otherwise you'd have to get book one to get the foundation for book two. Down on his luck Lord Yamada Monogatari is back. This time he has to save the capitol city, his friends, emperor, princes. The enemy is one he thought permanently out of the way. This enemy has returned to a position of power. He does this by convincing everyone except our hero he has turned over a new leaf. Our villain then insidiously continues his plan to overthrow the emperor, his heirs. He wants Lord Yamada. to bear witness to his plans before killing him. Yamada makes this discovery while investigating a series of mysterious deaths trying to rule out demon involvement. He discovers the villain's facade and plans. But no one will believe him. Alone Lord Yamada tries to understand and stop the plan. The insight in to another cultures outlook on demons is interesting. There is less sword play, more thinking compared to the majority of demon stories. Brian Nishii does an excellent job narrating. His pronunciation of Japanese and Chinese words adds depth to the reading.