Designed by Flaws (The Flawed series)

by Martell L. Harris

A primeval Yokai cursed and poisoned Reo, condemning him to relive his wedding night with his murdered wife every time he falls asleep. However, staying awake indefinitely is not an option, as doing so will only hasten the spread of the poison and lead to his demise. With each encounter of the Umbra, he prays for an honorable death by giving his all-in battle. The fear of dying without honor and never being reunited with loved ones in the afterlife haunts him, condemning him to a lifetime of shame and loneliness.During his quest to vanquish the Umbra and put an end to their tyranny, Reo encounters Llia, a capable and spirited Japanese-American woman. Llia and her friends become targets of the Umbra, and recognizing something extraordinary in her, Reo trains her in the ways of the Yokai Ex. He hopes she will help him face the seemingly insurmountable challenges ahead, knowing that his journey will probably end in death, whether honorable or not.

360 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2025

About the author

Author, Publisher. Martell L. Harris, a native of Long Beach, California, is the eldest of seven siblings and has been immersed in storytelling since his earliest days in kindergarten. Growing up in a large family, he quickly learned the art of navigating complex relationships, a skill that would later become integral to his writing. What began as simple tales for his classmates soon evolved into a passion that led him to pursue a career as an author, specializing in low fantasy, action, and suspense novels.

Throughout his life, Harris has sought to enrich his storytelling with real-world experiences. His deep dive into various martial arts disciplines has not only enhanced his understanding of discipline, strategy, and conflict, but also provided invaluable insight into crafting authentic, high-stakes action sequences. These firsthand experiences, combined with his natural ability to create compelling characters, allow him to write with an intensity and precision that draws readers into every moment.

What truly sets Harris apart as a storyteller is his knack for blending heart-pounding action with intricate character development. His novels are filled with richly drawn characters whose emotional journeys are just as captivating as the physical battles they face. Harris is particularly skilled in creating dynamic dialogue that fuels both tension and connection, making his characters' motivations feel personal and their conflicts deeply relatable.

In his debut novel, Designed by Flaws, Harris explores the complex interplay between bonds, honor, and love, pushing his characters to confront the lengths they will go to protect and nurture the things that truly matter in their lives. The novel invites readers to question what it means to be flawed, yet perfect in one’s devotion, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. With his unique blend of high-octane action and heartfelt storytelling, Harris has quickly established himself as a rising voice in the genre, and his fans eagerly anticipate what he will create next.

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

You find yourself becoming immersed in this world. Very well written and a good mix of the modern and the ancient Japanese.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martell L. Harris’s Designed by Flaws is a punchy and genre-blending tale that stitches together fantasy, action, romance, and deeply personal cultural reckonings. At its heart, it’s about Reo, a disciplined demon slayer from Japan, and Llia, a determined young woman in Seattle with a past soaked in supernatural trauma. As ancient evil forces threaten modern-day America, the story barrels through cities, dreams, friendships, and mythologies, tying everything together with stakes as big as the fate of the world and as intimate as family history. It’s cinematic, wild, and full of heart.

What stood out to me immediately was the pacing. Reo’s chase through Kyoto is packed with cinematic beats, from the intense smartwatch dialogue to a terrifying Yokai showdown in a bamboo forest. The combat scenes are vicious, fluid, and almost poetic. Harris writes fight scenes like he’s choreographing them, and it's brutal and lyrical at once.

Then the tone shifts when we meet Llia. It’s a quieter, more grounded narrative, but it doesn’t lose its grip. Her scenes—especially the flashbacks of her family and the girls’ witty banter—feel real and lived-in. The contrast is strong but refreshing. The cultural specificity is on point, too. I appreciated how Harris wove in Black and Asian-American identity, especially through Llia and Iris’s conversations. When Iris confesses she’s being pressured into an arranged marriage, the tension hits hard. That emotional honesty elevates the book above your typical supernatural drama.

Still, there were moments where the dialogue leaned expositional or trope-heavy. Some of the character banter, especially during the party scenes, tried hard to be “college TV show witty.” But I can’t knock it too much—it fits the vibe, and the camaraderie between Llia, Rose, and Iris is charming.

Designed by Flaws hits with style and soul. If you love anime-inspired fantasy with real emotional depth, fast-paced action, a diverse cast, and characters who love and argue like actual people, this is for you. It’s not just about monsters—it’s about identity, survival, and picking up the pieces after everything falls apart. Fans of Bleach, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Attack on Titan will feel right at home.

[Martell L. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When battling a curse, the fight is never truly over!"

Blending Japanese mythology with urban supernatural action and gripping suspense, this is the story I’ve always dreamed of reading in this enhanced 2nd edition.

"The characters are the heart and soul of this story. They aren’t just bystanders—they actively engage with a series of strange occurrences unfolding across the city of Seattle, Washington. I created these characters with the intention of seeing myself in them, as they navigate their own personal struggles and collective challenges. What would I do in this situation? I definitely wouldn’t do that! Or my favorite moment: That was brilliant! I never would’ve thought of that! Paired with thrilling action and supernatural creatures drawn from the rich lore of old Japan, this story stands out as something truly unique. And if you think you know how it will end, I’m excited to prove you wrong—because you won’t be disappointed!"

[Kevin Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Supernatural Ride

This book is a total page-turner! It’s got creepy monsters, epic fights, and a heroine who’s way tougher than she thinks. Llia’s life gets flipped upside down when some ancient evil comes knocking, and the only ones who can help her are Reo and TJ—two badass warriors with major baggage. The action never lets up, and the mix of Japanese folklore with gritty city vibes is super cool. If you love dark, fast-paced stories with killer twists, grab this one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delightful and thrilling ride. The characters and the action was great! I will admit that I didn't know much about Yokai when I started reading, but it was a joy to learn about them. My only complaint... it was a little short and it lacked some descriptors here and there. But I loved it; it was a really great story. Looking forward to the next one.

[Jim Van Wyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful mix of fantasy, urban grit, and Japanese myth

This is a unique book.
It is set in Seattle in modern times, but has resonance with ancient Japan.
There’s lots of fighting and battles, but even these have a mystical feel to them.
It’s a bit confusing at the start, but once I caught the vibe of the book, it really drew me in.

==> Jim Van Wyck