Questions About United States of Japan (Mecha Samurai Empire)

by Peter Tieryas (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about United States of Japan, please sign up.

Answered Questions (6)

What does "A spiritual sequel to The Man In The High Castle"? can I read this as a stand alone or do I have to read The Man In The High Castle first?

Peter Tieryas Great question! I loved Man in the High Castle growing up and appreciated the idea of an alternate universe where the Axis forces won, so that was the…moreGreat question! I loved Man in the High Castle growing up and appreciated the idea of an alternate universe where the Axis forces won, so that was the inspiration for United States of Japan. While they're related in the spirit of the themes, everything else is different, particularly as it focuses on the Japanese Empire and military. That includes the back story, characters, and settings (for example, San Francisco is abandoned from all the radiation of a Japanese nuclear attack in USJ whereas SF is the capital of High Castle) So in that sense, you don't need to read High Castle to read USJ- though I highly recommend it as a book. Thank you! =)(less)

flag

I want to read this because: There's a big ol' mech(a) on the cover and I like alternate history. I don't want to read this because: I hated Man in the High Castle. Does this have anything to do with robot-battles? If I didn't like Man in the High Castle would you recommend this?

Art Lyon It has only some basic ideas in common with MitHC.
The mechas are featured prominently in at least one key scene, and there's a good amount of insight…moreIt has only some basic ideas in common with MitHC.
The mechas are featured prominently in at least one key scene, and there's a good amount of insight into how they work, their history, differenrt designs, etc. they certainly aren't the focus of the story, but I think mecha fans would get a kick out of it.(less)

flag

Would this book be suitable for a YA collection in a public library?

Art Lyon Definitely not! In some ways, it could be considered a horror novel - the setting is a society where brutality has become a way of life for many peopl…moreDefinitely not! In some ways, it could be considered a horror novel - the setting is a society where brutality has become a way of life for many people.(less)

flag

I'd always assumed "mecha" was pronounced like "meka", but in the audio book the narrator pronounces it like "meshuh". Is that a choice on the actor's part, or is that actually how people are supposed to pronounce that?

Peter Tieryas As far as I know, it's pronounced "meka" and it's the way I pronounce it too. =)…moreAs far as I know, it's pronounced "meka" and it's the way I pronounce it too. =)(less)

flag

I AM NEW TO THIS WEBSITE AND CANT FIND A WAY TO ACTUALLY START READING THE BOOK. HOW?

Keith This site only shows ratings and reviews, it doesn't directly sell books. To read a book you find here, you need to buy it in normal fashion. Entries …moreThis site only shows ratings and reviews, it doesn't directly sell books. To read a book you find here, you need to buy it in normal fashion. Entries for individual books usually have links to buy it on Amazon and similar sites (though I've found they often don't work).(less)

flag

Load 1 more question

Unanswered Questions (1)

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more