What do you think?
Rate this book
Shike #2
Last of the Zinja
Book by Shea, Robert
428 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
12 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Robert Shea
66 books176 followersRobert Joseph Shea was a novelist and journalist best known as co-author with Robert Anton Wilson of the science fantasy trilogy Illuminatus!. It became a cult success and was later turned into a marathon-length stage show put on at the British National Theatre and elsewhere. In 1986 it won the Prometheus Hall of Fame Award. Shea went on to write several action novels based in exotic historical settings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 29, 2011
I really enjoyed this series (duology) and recommend it. It's totally fiction/fantasy (though based on historical events, people and period)with an Asian flavor.
Jebu has his loyalty and dedication to the order tested against his own desires. This highly fictionalized version of events and people is a romantic tragedy with a heavy dose of action built around a fictional group of warrior monks...of whom Jebu is one.
Having faced much in the first novel Jebu and Taniko face even more here. The picture of the society its "casts" and beliefs is interesting and the story is involving. Pretty good read.
Jebu has his loyalty and dedication to the order tested against his own desires. This highly fictionalized version of events and people is a romantic tragedy with a heavy dose of action built around a fictional group of warrior monks...of whom Jebu is one.
Having faced much in the first novel Jebu and Taniko face even more here. The picture of the society its "casts" and beliefs is interesting and the story is involving. Pretty good read.
September 29, 2021
** spoiler alert ** A suspenseful work of historical fiction, never a dull moment. In spite of not being historically accurate, it presents the reader a very vivid and detailed picture of mideaval Japan. On spite of it being fiction, it is well researched with attention to even the little mundane details as well as the philosophies of the far East. I was thrilled to recognise that the author had let himself be inspired by Sei shonagon's Pillow Book, as well as the wood etchings of Hokusai (that depict some scenes of the events that were the loose inspiration for Shike, including an etching of the famous sword Koguraso).
I feel like this second part is stronger than the first, mainly because the characters are more mature and sex isn't on the forefront of the relationships. I really loved the bits about Zen.
I feel like this second part is stronger than the first, mainly because the characters are more mature and sex isn't on the forefront of the relationships. I really loved the bits about Zen.
August 2, 2018
Dear God, I loved Robert Shea's 2 volume Shike saga, a novel of medieval Japan which can easily stand toe-to-toe with James Clavell's Shogun in it's sheer scope of vision, breadth of storytelling, propulsive narrative and luscious romanticism. But while Clavell's magnum opus has never been out of print, sadly the only way you're likely to stumble upon physical copies of SHIKE are on the dusty shelves of a used book store.
And that's a crying shame. The SHIKE duology is a must read for any lover of historical fiction. First Rate, epic storytelling at it's finest.
It's set me on a quest to read everything Robert Shea has written.
And that's a crying shame. The SHIKE duology is a must read for any lover of historical fiction. First Rate, epic storytelling at it's finest.
It's set me on a quest to read everything Robert Shea has written.
February 26, 2012
I said a bit condescendingly in my review of the first part of Shike: Time of the Dragons that this wasn't quite a five star book, and I could smile at someone on LibraryThing tagging it as "trashy." So be it. It's true I don't in the end find this as moving as the author's All Things Are Lights, and no one will mistake this for a work of literary fiction, certainly. Shea's style doesn't awe with beauty, and his structure is straightforward. But the narrative flows, it's never dull, often suspenseful, and this is a true page-turner. It's also true as noted in the review of the first book, that this does conflate Japanese history, mashing together the Gempei War (1180–1185) and the threatened Mongol invasions (1259-1281), using pseudonyms for historical figures, and taking other liberties. But it's obviously well-researched and there are few or no good historical novels that don't play with historical events for the purpose of a good story--and this is a good story.
The title character Jebu makes an appealing hero, and his love Taniko is an intelligent, strong-willed and resourceful heroine. If I have any complaints in her regard it's that this book sure doesn't pass the "Bechdel Test." (Test of female presence in fiction--that there be at least one scene between at least two women where what they discuss doesn't concern their relationship with a man.) There are affecting friendships between men here, but not between women. Taniko is the only notable female character.
But the bottom line is this is an engrossing epic tale, with great action and adventure that never lets up but never seems forced. It's a terrific read--which you can read for free since Shea's son has made the complete Shike available to read online here .
The title character Jebu makes an appealing hero, and his love Taniko is an intelligent, strong-willed and resourceful heroine. If I have any complaints in her regard it's that this book sure doesn't pass the "Bechdel Test." (Test of female presence in fiction--that there be at least one scene between at least two women where what they discuss doesn't concern their relationship with a man.) There are affecting friendships between men here, but not between women. Taniko is the only notable female character.
But the bottom line is this is an engrossing epic tale, with great action and adventure that never lets up but never seems forced. It's a terrific read--which you can read for free since Shea's son has made the complete Shike available to read online here .
January 3, 2023
Written in 1981, at first glance this looks like a cheap soap opera style adventure paperback set in Japan. The tagline doesn't do it any favours: "a magnificent odyssey, an exotic adventure, a star-crossed love story"
But brave readers who pick this up will be drawn into a stunning epic that has been meticulously researched and written with skill and insight.
The entire Shike series compresses two significant events in 12th/13th century Japan - the Genpei War and the Mongol Invasions in a way that is believable while sensitive to true events.
The characters really come to life but Shea doesn't labour conversations or resort to cringy dialogue.
Zen Buddhism features heavily in the storyline, and the political battles and intrigue (and general brutality) are easily on a par with Game of Thrones. The unpredictability in the plot is really refreshing too (even the ending maintains the overall tone of the story).
In fact, if a Hollywood producer ever bothered to read this they would see how made for TV it is. The naval battles alone (not to mention the desperate mountaintop skirmish halfway through the text) are so well written you can easily visualise them on a screen.
Highly recommend anyone who enjoys Asian history (or GoT style power struggles) to give this a go, even though it's easy to make negative assumptions from the cover and blurb. Can't recommend highly enough. Start with Shike #1 - Time of the Dragons
But brave readers who pick this up will be drawn into a stunning epic that has been meticulously researched and written with skill and insight.
The entire Shike series compresses two significant events in 12th/13th century Japan - the Genpei War and the Mongol Invasions in a way that is believable while sensitive to true events.
The characters really come to life but Shea doesn't labour conversations or resort to cringy dialogue.
Zen Buddhism features heavily in the storyline, and the political battles and intrigue (and general brutality) are easily on a par with Game of Thrones. The unpredictability in the plot is really refreshing too (even the ending maintains the overall tone of the story).
In fact, if a Hollywood producer ever bothered to read this they would see how made for TV it is. The naval battles alone (not to mention the desperate mountaintop skirmish halfway through the text) are so well written you can easily visualise them on a screen.
Highly recommend anyone who enjoys Asian history (or GoT style power struggles) to give this a go, even though it's easy to make negative assumptions from the cover and blurb. Can't recommend highly enough. Start with Shike #1 - Time of the Dragons
July 9, 2017
This is a set of books I read in the ear 80s and decided a new read was in order since it had been so long. Better than I remember from my first reading because now a lot of the references to Zen make more sense. Since my first read I've read a lot more books and some of those dealt with Zen, martial arts and comparative philosophy, which give the novel a better flavor.
In summary, the half Mongol warrior monk Jebu sets off from his Japanese monastery to learn about the world. Falling in love with the young girl Taniko, from whom he is quickly separated to fight in the War of the Dragons, he adventures from Japan, to China to Mongolia all while trying to return to his true love, Taniko.
In summary, the half Mongol warrior monk Jebu sets off from his Japanese monastery to learn about the world. Falling in love with the young girl Taniko, from whom he is quickly separated to fight in the War of the Dragons, he adventures from Japan, to China to Mongolia all while trying to return to his true love, Taniko.
January 6, 2009
Like book 3 Book of Yukio very much. Like the story, and the people. Yukio is a great, very determined, Jebu very loyal, Taniko strong and very smart.
I can't find book 4 Book of Taniko in the website, so I'll just say it here. Like this book too, and also the ending of the story. Very wise.
This book make me understand more about Japan in the old times. Some seems very foolish, but that's the way then.
I can't find book 4 Book of Taniko in the website, so I'll just say it here. Like this book too, and also the ending of the story. Very wise.
This book make me understand more about Japan in the old times. Some seems very foolish, but that's the way then.
January 3, 2011
There was a message amidst all the mayhem, murder, and war. This romantic tale of love lost, regained, and lost again and regained again ends with another invasion of Japan by the hordes of Kublai Khan, thwarted again by the divine winds of a super-taifun. The true mission of the Zinja order of warrior monks is revealed. No, I'm not going to reveal all of the details of this exciting saga of the adventures of Jebu. But, I was surprised.
September 5, 2018
I found the first book while visiting a used book fair, the cover of a dragon draw my attention, i read the first pages and let it rest for a couple months until i read it again and got caught in one of the most awesome stories. I searched for the 2nd book for years until i decided to buy it online because it was unavailable in my country, and now i have concluded this epic adventure. I did not expect it to be this long, so many things happen, it has many valuable lessons.
February 6, 2017
Like the first book, this book didn't disappoint. Great sequal with a slightly surprising ending. As another reviewer pointed out, it would have been cool to see other female friendships as well.
March 10, 2025
Robert Shea did an incredible job in this two part series. I've always been a big fan of Shogun and this captures many of the similar themes. Excellent book!
December 14, 2025
The epic of medieval Japan continues and is concluded in this, the 2nd book of Shike ( Last of the Zinja) by Robert Shea (1933-1994), published in 1981. It's historical fiction which is heavily fictionalized. It's a romance packed with a lot of action, a real page-turner. It's the continuation of the story of the warrior monk Jebu and his love for Taniko. In this book, "the Sacred Isles" of Japan face the terrifying threat of Mongol hordes poised to strike by sea...
As this is the second book of a duology, it is necessary to read the first book, "Shike Book 1: Time of the Dragons." Unfortunately , both books have not been republished and are rather hard to find ( ebay?). My two paperbacks are old and beat-up but still readable. This was a reread as I also reread the first book and I think I will keep them as they worth a third reading--and I don't say that about many books!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
As this is the second book of a duology, it is necessary to read the first book, "Shike Book 1: Time of the Dragons." Unfortunately , both books have not been republished and are rather hard to find ( ebay?). My two paperbacks are old and beat-up but still readable. This was a reread as I also reread the first book and I think I will keep them as they worth a third reading--and I don't say that about many books!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
March 21, 2019
The second part of the Shike story doesn't disappoint and leads you through an eventful time in Japanese history while revolving around the central characters of Taniko and Jebu. An enigmatic love story with history evocating the mood and time. The author has managed to understand Japanese spiritual ideals and persons so well and created such interesting characters. Captivating!
July 30, 2024
I'm glad I read Shike 1 because it sets up what happens in this book. Loved it! Couldn't put it down. Although it's fiction, I learned a lot about the culture of old Japan and of the Mongols at the time of the Khans. Found the first book in the basement, and had to order the second book "to find out what happens!"
February 27, 2020
One of my all-time favorites
This series is beautiful if you likebfeudal Japan you'll love this. In my most humble opinion it even surpasses Shogun.
This series is beautiful if you likebfeudal Japan you'll love this. In my most humble opinion it even surpasses Shogun.
October 13, 2022
Good read though it was a few years ago
November 27, 2025
Absolutely sensational finish to the duology. It's such a shame that this series isn't more well known. Please, please read!!
August 22, 2012
This is one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. While much of it is action combined with fantasy, Buddhist philosophy is increasingly introduced, culminating in the author's realization that we, all sentient beings, are one and that this must be realized by all for humanity to succeed and to evolve.
December 17, 2025
This was a great duology about a warrior monk in feudal Japan, and his fight to win the woman he loves. It is sort of like a Clavell novel for younger readers, but with a lot more swashbuckling adventure and yearning love. I enjoyed it a lot.
February 27, 2008
Jepang banget!! XD mantaap...
mm...tapi, translatennya rada-rada gimanaaa..gt! (baca: kyaknya ada bbrapa kalimat yang njelimet..)
mm...tapi, translatennya rada-rada gimanaaa..gt! (baca: kyaknya ada bbrapa kalimat yang njelimet..)
January 6, 2009
Become more interesting.
Read
May 1, 2009Fiction
December 28, 2010
Good enough for when you're driving through Australia in a van.
Read
June 24, 2011Again I remember reading it, but don't remember much about it.
July 6, 2015
One of my all times favorite books
November 27, 2016
Surprisingly romantic, but satisfying story. Also mentions places in Japan I've actually visited, so I was taken into the story a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews