Even though an alternative universe, this Japan-set YA Steampunk novel is just about as authentic as Madonna's British accent.

Aiyah, quite a few issues with this novel, sama!

Those two oddly used terms - aiyah (not remotely Japanese) and sama (this honorific can only be used as a suffix) - are the tip of an iceberg. The author's constant (mis)use of Japanese terms (all in Romaji) and exoticisation of Japan and its people drove me bleeding nuts. There are so many issues with this novel that my last nerve was about to commit suicide when I forced to quit.

Judging by how the author treats Japan's language and cultural landscape, I don't know why he bothered using Japan as the setting of his story. He's clearly restricted his research to anime, a couple of manga and Wikipedia only. I wish he had taken his research seriously because Stormdancer would make a great Japanese Steampunk novel otherwise.

In short: Nice idea, dreadful execution.

Shame, really, but I won't touch his next Japan-set novel. Not even with a ten-mile-long barge pole.