HYO THE HELLMAKER

In an alternate historical Japan, two siblings are sent from their home on a mission to uncover an island’s secrets.

Hakai Hyo, Thirty-Third Hellmaker in her family line, is cursed with bearing “unluck” and passing it on to others, while Mansaku, her older brother, hosts the spirit of a nagigama, or weapon, within him. When Hyo makes a deal with the demon who killed everyone in their village, Hyo and Mansaku must travel to Onogoro, a Special Cultural Zone and the only island where Ukoku’s gods still live. Upon their arrival, they’re drawn into a slow-burn murder mystery as well as Hyo’s first special commission as a hellmaker. Caught between the demands of humans, different levels of gods, and their own need to find the truth, Hyo and Mansaku become increasingly aware that Hyo must listen to her hellmakers’ en, or the “fateful connection pulling threads taut.” Ghosh’s debut novel features lush, vivid descriptions, while her black-and-white illustrations, which evoke traditional Japanese wood engravings and ink and watercolor paintings, bring the characters to life with striking power. The story takes its time, carefully establishing the worldbuilding and large cast of characters before plunging into the gripping second half. The weaving together of Japanese history and mythology gives this story a fresh feel.

A bold and immersive work combining prose and art to form a compelling adventure.