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The Retiree's Guide to Demon Hunting
The Isle of Yon is a place with two different faces. On its first, it is a popular vacation spot, much loved by elderly tourists seeking warm weather and a deeper connection with the spiritual world. On the other, it is a nexus between the human realm and the demonic Underrealm.
Maggie Tanaka is here for the tourism. A recent empty nester, her greatest concerns on her visit are learning a little tai-chi and collecting a stamp from each of the island's shrines. But when she crosses paths with a lost, teenage girl, her motherly instincts kick into high gear. And when she learns of the dark forces the girl is wrapped up with, her secret passion for demon hunting does, too.
The girl, however, doesn’t want any help, least of all from a senior citizen. And in any case, all that Maggie has to offer are the strength of one, good knee and a smattering of garden magic. But if Yon is full of monsters, it hides unexpected allies, too – a demon hunter well past his prime and a pair of oni demons with a taste for home cooking among them. Together, they may be able to soften the teenager's hard and suspicious heart, but will they have what it takes to save her from the powers of darkness?
Maggie Tanaka is here for the tourism. A recent empty nester, her greatest concerns on her visit are learning a little tai-chi and collecting a stamp from each of the island's shrines. But when she crosses paths with a lost, teenage girl, her motherly instincts kick into high gear. And when she learns of the dark forces the girl is wrapped up with, her secret passion for demon hunting does, too.
The girl, however, doesn’t want any help, least of all from a senior citizen. And in any case, all that Maggie has to offer are the strength of one, good knee and a smattering of garden magic. But if Yon is full of monsters, it hides unexpected allies, too – a demon hunter well past his prime and a pair of oni demons with a taste for home cooking among them. Together, they may be able to soften the teenager's hard and suspicious heart, but will they have what it takes to save her from the powers of darkness?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 23, 2025
Maggie Tanaka is a senior widow with some basic horticultural magic, grown children starting to make their own way in the world, and exasperatingly worn joints. So when the retiree’s pilgrimage she goes on puts her in front of a mysterious teen girl in need of help, all Maggie thinks she has to offer is positive thoughts and some spare cash.
But after happening upon a celebrity crush from her childhood, and witnessing the distressed girl wielding powers that don’t seem to match her age, Maggie finds herself caught up in an ad hoc bid to save the empire from dark conspiracies that have been decades in the making.
When it comes to writing humorously heartwarming tales, Aaron S. Bentzel never disappoints. If you’re a reader who loves a fantasy novel that pulls together cozy comedy, Japan-inspired atmospherics, classic adventuring, later-in-life romance, and everyday citizens turning into national heroes, The Retiree’s Guide to Demon Hunting needs to be your next read!
But after happening upon a celebrity crush from her childhood, and witnessing the distressed girl wielding powers that don’t seem to match her age, Maggie finds herself caught up in an ad hoc bid to save the empire from dark conspiracies that have been decades in the making.
When it comes to writing humorously heartwarming tales, Aaron S. Bentzel never disappoints. If you’re a reader who loves a fantasy novel that pulls together cozy comedy, Japan-inspired atmospherics, classic adventuring, later-in-life romance, and everyday citizens turning into national heroes, The Retiree’s Guide to Demon Hunting needs to be your next read!
June 5, 2025
Was I looking for a cozy fantasy novel with a grandmotherly MC? No, but I am glad I found this one. A rich and engaging world filled with characters who will steal your heart. What's not to love!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews