Toru: Wayfarer Returns

Sakura Steam #1

by Stephanie R. Sorensen

Revolutionary young samurai with dirigibles take on Commodore Perry and his Black Ships in this alternate history steampunk technofantasy set in 1850s samurai-era Japan.

In Japan of 1852, the peace imposed by the Tokugawa Shoguns has lasted 250 years. Peace has turned to stagnation, however, as the commoners grow impoverished and their lords restless. Swords rust. Martial values decay. Foreign barbarians circle the island nation’s closed borders like vultures, growing ever more demanding.

Tōru, a shipwrecked young fisherman rescued by American traders and taken to America, defies the Shogun’s ban on returning to Japan, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion. Can he rouse his countrymen in time? Or will the cruel Shogun carry out his vow to execute all who set foot in Japan after traveling abroad? Armed only with his will, a few books, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas, Tōru must transform the Emperor’s realm before the Black Ships come.

Tōru: Wayfarer Returns is the first book in the Sakura Steam Series, an alternate history of the tumultuous period from the opening of Japan in 1853 to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This volume covers the year prior to the American Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and follows the hero and his young allies as they lead Japan through a massively compressed industrial revolution, dramatically altering that pivotal moment in history.

While Tōru and his dirigibles are fictional, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the "real" Japan of that period, with historical figures and their political environment woven into the tale, staying true to their motivations and agendas even as the alternate history warps their actions, history and a few laws of physics. Underpinning the adventure plot is a young man's yearning for his father's approval and an honorable place in his world.

Readers who enjoy steampunk alternate histories more typically set in Victorian England or the American Wild West may enjoy this steampunk story made fresh by the Japanese samurai setting, as well as readers who enjoy historical fiction set in Japan.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Japan, Alternate History, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Historical

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

Recognition for Stephanie's debut novel "Toru: Wayfarer Returns"
-- Silver Medal, Science Fiction, 2018 CIPA Evvy Awards
-- Merit, Fantasy, 2018 CIPA Evvy Awards
-- Grand Prize Shortlist, Honorable Mention Commercial Fiction, 2017 Eric Hoffer Book Awards
-- Bronze Medal, Fiction, 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards
-- Finalist, Fantasy, 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
-- Finalist, Multicultural Adult Fiction, 2016 Foreword INDIES Awards
-- Bronze Medal Award, Multicultural Fiction category, 2016 eLit Book Awards
-- Shortlisted, Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction, 2016 Cygnus Awards
-- Awesome Indies Approved
-- IndieB.R.A.G Medallion Award

Stephanie is a writer based in the Victorian mining town of Leadville, Colorado, where she lives at 10,152 feet with her husband, five chickens, two bantam English game hens and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. After a former life in big cities–New York City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Boston, Mexico City, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Santa Fe–she now enjoys the bustle and birdsong of Leadville, population 2,700 in town and 7,000 in the county, not counting dogs, burros and the occasional bear. She likes her Victorian attire spiced with a little neo-Victorian futurism and the biggest bustle possible.

She published her debut novel Toru: Wayfarer Returns, the first installment in her Sakura Steam series, in February 2016 through her own imprint, Palantir Press. http://www.palantirpress.com

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a splendid experience I got reading this blend of Japanese historical and steampunk set in the latter years of the Shogun era. This slow developing story added the surprise of a mysterious hero who is much more than he seems and a sweet and lightly hinted at romance. I enjoyed delving into the history and culture of historical Japan even as the clock is ticking on this medieval land working through a fast industrial revolution all to keep the foreigners from invading their peaceful shores with their forceful desires to dominate trade in the orient.

The story opens with lone Toru returning to his homeland after spending two eventful and educational years in America. Toru knows he is risking his very life to return because under Shogun law, no one who has left Japan's shores may ever return. The Shogun is the military leader under Japan's emperor and he fears that anyone who leaves and returns will bring in dangerous new ideas and change.

Toru does indeed return with dangerous new ideas- the Americans and British are circling and growing impatient with Japan's severe isolationism when trade and wealth is to be had. He loves his homeland and doesn't want to see it fall before the capitalism of the west like what happened with China. Toru risks all to bring back plans and ideas to bring Japan forward into the modern age of steam trains, telegraphs, submersibles, air ships, guns, and more.

Toru is taken into custody by a minor nobleman who has the intention of following the law and taking Toru's head, but his hand is stayed by his curious daughter and his own secret desire to see the young fisherman live. Lady Masuyo finds the fisherman, his journal and gadgets, and his secrets fascinating because simple, poor fisherman Toru is not. Lord Aya hears out Toru and then takes him to another nobleman to discuss the situation.

Toru's quest becomes the quest of others and even he is amazed as his dream takes flight. Masuyo shows herself a master inventor and innovator, his childhood friend goes from blacksmith to builder to leader as great steam locomotives, dirigibles, and war machines are produced, and the lords supporting Toru do the work of engaging more to the cause.

Meanwhile, the mighty lord of the south showers approval and support on Toru causing the others to look at him askance with wonder and suspicion even as the ominous silence from the east where the Shogun watches does not reassure him in the least. For Japan to survive the threat of invasion, he must find a way to unite the rebel lords and the Shogun even if it means his very life.

This book gets off to a slow start and delves deep rather than skimming along at a rapid pace. Tradition, culture, characters, setting, and plot are richly developed. Relationships are made and deepened though the focus is always the survival of their country. I enjoyed the authors varied and colorful cast of characters from the fiery, fierce lady who will not be shunted to the side when she has the skills needed and the drive to fight alongside the men, to the humble blacksmith who proclaims himself the captain of the fleet, to the traditional, but open-minded lords who place their trusts, their wealth, and their own lives in Toru. Toru, himself, is an engaging character and it was neat to see him go from enigma to something much more as his secrets are revealed.

I was not familiar with the Shogun era, but I do love what I know of the Japanese culture so it was a pleasure to read a story that felt authentic even with the deviation from regular history. The inclusion of the steampunk aspect fit very well with this historical time period. There wasn't much in the form of small gadgetry so much as the large tools, transportation, and weapons. I look forward to more from this series both the history, culture, and steampunk inventions.

There is a light romance playing out in the background between Lady Masuyo and Toru. It's rather understated because of the furious need to prepare for invasion and because of the class differences of that culture. Toru has no hope of a lady of her noble lines and she doesn't think it is possible for her to be with a commoner no matter how uncommon he is. They also bump heads over her need to be in on the action and his desire to keep her safe. I thought they were a great pair.

All in all, this was a nice start to a new series by a new to me author. I would recommend it for those who love to immerse themselves in Asian history, but like an engaging adventure to go with it.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

An alternate-history steampunk story set in 19th Century Japan? What could possibly go wrong?

(cue the music)

Toru: Wayfarer Returns is the story of a young (although unspecified) fisherman who comes to shore in Japan, after returning from a great trip to America, where he has apparently been able to absorb LITERALLY ALL THE KNOWLEDGE EVER. He brings some revolutionary ideas, which will threaten the power of the Shogun, so of course he has to be executed. Over the course of the novel, he manages to convince a group of Daimyos that in order to defend Japan from the Americans, they need to build planes, trains and underwatermobiles. No, wait, that happens in the first few chapters... but more about that later.

Toru reunites with old friends, gets himself appointed as some sort of resident-genius-who-must-be-obeyed-now-and-executed-later, and manages to drag an unwilling Japanese society kicking and screaming into the 19th Century.

My issues with this book are sadly legion, and most of all it was really really disappointing to me. I had such high expectations based on the description, and the general aesthetic. There were some good aspects, but overall it was just disappointing.

On the good side there are really detailed descriptions and depictions of Japanese culture, and the interactions between the characters felt really natural. Although I'm not that knowledgeable in Japanese politics and culture, I did feel transported into a different kind of society that felt very real. The potential-love-interest is an interesting character, although she is quite the archetypal rebellious princess. The other main cast of characters felt quite interesting as well.

And now for the bad...

The main character - Toru - however was a bit of a Mary-Sue. Toru - and thereby the author - takes great pains at disguising his true identity throughout the novel. As mentioned earlier, he returns from a trip to America where he managed to gather all of the information he could possibly need to know conveniently for the purposes of the novel.

The pacing - Oh My Freaking God, the pacing. In the space of a few chapters, Toru manages to drag a completely unprepared society into the industrial age, build railway lines, trains, and hot air balloons galore. The author's descriptions of this process felt like the MMORPG approach to creating weapons and armour, which involves standing at an empty anvil whacking it with a giant hammer until a magic steam train appears. At one stage later on, the characters complain that they only have a handful of dirigibles, within a few short pages they now had roughly 5 times that number. Hashtag 19th Century Problems, right?

I love Steampunk stories - I think they're an interesting way of reminiscing about how the world evolved, to where we are today. What I also understand about steampunk stories is that they generally promote the idea, or importance of the 'engineer' or the 'inventor' if you will, and this novel did very little if any of that. There is no moment of great invention or discovery - Toru basically steals the plans / knowledge to do these things - then the author does a big handwave, and the necessary items magically appear.

I've saved this for last, but it was the final straw that broke the camel's back, although it may seem petty. At the start of each new chapter, the author has put a quote, or an excerpt from some work which has (some) relevance to the following chapter. This novel is set in the 1850s, according to the blurb. SO WHY IN THE NAME OF ALL THINGS UNHOLY WOULD YOU PUT QUOTES FROM PEOPLE LIKE...

- John F Kennedy
- Bob Dylan
- A modern manga author
- Other completely anachronistic people.

Yes there are quotes from the likes of William Shakespeare, and other people who were alive at the time this novel is set, but... it just completely broke the fourth wall and threw me out of the world the author had been building for me.

I received a review copy from NetGalley.
Review originally published at Book of Bogan

[Tony Breeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I really enjoy about steampunk fiction is how it explores alternate history. In the first novel of the Sakura Steam series, Sorensen gives us a look at how different things might've been for Japan if the American Commodore Perry had met with a Japan with the technological might to resist him.

This is a character-driven story. Toru is the story's protagonist, a visionary who has returned to Japan after two years in the US. With the help of some minor nobles, a foreword-thinking young woman named Masuyo, and a jovial blacksmith named Jiro, Toru begins convincing a nation to adopt new ways and technologies in order to defend itself against the impending arrival of Perry. This is a book about transformation. Interestingly, the characters change because the changes are necessary for the survival of Japan not because they do not respect Japan's present culture.

Not that the path is entirely lined with peach blossoms, mind you. The Tokugawa Shogunate has condemned Toru to death for violating the strict laws that enforce Japan's isolation. You find yourself holding your breath as Toru and his comrades race to build enough zeppelins, guns and steam engines to defend Japan from the Americans before the Shogun puts a stop to it. The build-up of the novel is well worth it. I found myself very much reminded of the spirit and bravery of the American Revolution, especially when it was juxtaposed against the grace and quiet dignity of Japan. While this is certainly steampunk alternative history, you definitely get a grasp of and respect for Japanese culture at the time.

The book is well-edited and flows well. Though I'm used to books with a lot more action, at no point did I feel the need to skim - which is to say that Sorensen kept me intrigued throughout. She violates the whole "show, don't tell" periodically, but I think this is excusable given that her story is fairly ambitious in terms of the span of history it covers.

I happily recommend Toru: The Wayfarer and will anxiously await the next installment.

You can find out more about Stephanie Sorensen and the Sakura Steam series at: http://stephaniersorensen.com/



-Tony Breeden
From the Bookwyrm's Lair

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I feel compelled to talk about the absolutely stunning cover of this book. It is gorgeous, and obviously I am not the only one who thinks so. The cover won a gold star award from the Book Designer website.

There will probably be some debate as to exactly what genre this book belongs. Is it Alternate Historical Fiction? Is it Steampunk? Is it somehow both? Or neither? My answer to those questions is that it is all of the above. With the addition of dirigibles, it clearly enters the realm of Steampunk, but since it is set in an actual period of our world's history, this takes it away from the Steampunk genre and instead into the realm of alternate historical fiction. All in all, the genre does not really matter. It is the story that matters and the story is superb.

The action begins on the very first page of this book, as does the reader's love affair with the character of Tōru.

Anyone who knows anything at all about historic Japan knows that it is a history filled with culture and customs that can be difficult for even the most seasoned writer to navigate. The fact that this is author Stephanie R. Sorensen's first published novel and that she has done such a tremendous job of bringing the Victorian Japanese era to life while still preserving the dignity and love of Emperor and Country to life is nothing short of brilliant.

Purists may disagree, but I loved this book. The way the author chose to use actual historic facts, policies and people as the basis for creating a new and radically different history is awe-inspiring.

This is a book that needs to be read. There are many ideas in it's pages that reflect some modern day dilemmas. Tōru not only wants to protect Japan from being overthrown by the Americans, he loves his homeland deeply and wants to improve the lives of it's people.

Tōru not only brought new technologies to Japan, but he also brought new ideas, and not just about industrial and Militaria change, he wanted to see societal change as well.

For a culture that had not changed in centuries, it was difficult to accept the new technologies, but it was even more difficult to accept that change to their way of life was also necessary for Japan to thrive as a nation.

"You need the lowly as well as the great made strong and educated and committed to strengthening our country."

These words may have been quoted from this work of fiction, but that does not make them any less true. Maybe it is time that the leaders of both the United States and Canada listened to Tōru - The Wayfarer. I'm 100% sure that there are lessons in this book that relate to us all.

This is the first book in the "Sakura Steam Series". I am now following author Stephanie R. Sorensen on Goodreads and Amazon as well as on her website because I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I am eager to find out what happens next, not only with the Japanese country as a whole, but also what happens in the lives of Tōru, Masuyo, Jiro, Lords Aya and Tōmatsu, Lord Abe and even the Shogun and the distant Emperor. Whatever happens, I am convinced that it will be entertaining and extremely well written.

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

* I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free did not influence my rating in any way.

See the full review as well as many other book reviews on my blog at http://AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com

[Viking Jam · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://koeur.wordpress.com/2016/07/1...

Publisher: Palantir Press

Publishing Date: February 2016

ISBN: 9780996932325

Genre: Steampunk

Rating: 2.6/5

Publishers Description: While Sorensen’s heroes and their steampunk dirigibles are fictional, she builds her rollicking adventure and culturally rich tale against the backdrop of the “real” historical Japan of that period, weaving historical figures into her story, staying true to their motivations and agendas even while warping their actions, history and a few laws of physics. Underpinning the adventure plot is a young man’s yearning for his father’s approval and an honorable place in the world. A tender love story, a rowdy collection of allies and emerging steampunk technology complete the mix as Tōru fights to transform Japan’s conservative society at the end of the Tokugawa sakoku isolation period.

Review: Amazeballs cover art!

This garnered quite a few high reviews from the private sector as well as the paid kind (Kirkus etc.). While billed as epic in scope I found this a bit contrived in terms of believability and read more like an alternative history novel rather than Steampunk.

The main character, Toru, is just too good to be true and never really develops into a character that you can either loathe or root for. He just…is. I liked the idea of the female character, Masuyo, as being strong coupled with intellectual prowess. Yet she read as one-dimensional and always carried around her mien like a paragon of virtue. Of course they are drawn to each other but can never be as she is highborn (Princess) and he is a fisherman with a secret, which usually translates to him being a Prince or some shjt.

The idea that feudal Japan can become industrialized within the span of a year to meet the Western threat is just fooking ridiculous. Dirigibles, submarines and trains are created with a herculean effort yet the details were lacking in this sudden creation of a new Japan. While Masuyo and Toru grind on your nerves for their extra speshulness, you are forced to swallow an alternative history that derives its existence from implausible and impossible acts.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Very interesting book with characters who suck you into the story and keep you there. I did not want to put the book down but had to. Hopefully the next book will be as good as this one with its fascinating world & characters.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bailed at 35%

[Abigail Grimm · Rating 1 out of 5]

In Toru: Wayfarer Returns, we as readers are once again exposed to way too much exposition and a nearly suffocating amount of passive voice. Normally, use of passive voice doesn’t really bother me. In most books, I am unable to identify said voice because it doesn’t disrupt the flow. Unfortunately the passive voice saturates this book so thoroughly that I am unable to make it past 15%. In fact, I can barely remember which parts of what I read were relevant to the current action of the book.

I gave this book several attempts, but each page felt like the written equivalent of trying to force-feed myself Miracle Whip. For that, I must unfortunately drop this novel. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include TORU: WAYFARER RETURNS (Sakura Steam Series #1) by STEPHANIE SORENSEN in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.

Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):

Assessment 1 - 5/5 Stars

In Ecclesiastes 1:9 it is written that there is nothing new under the sun. That is a mostly true statement, and the meaning is evident to anyone who has noticed that most mediums of artistic expression (notably cinema) have struggled to come up with fresh ideas in the modern era. For every new or semi-new concept, there are a hundred carbon copies of existing work. For every A New Hope there is a Star Wars: Episode VII. For every debut album there are a hundred reunion tours. For every successful film franchise, there is a television adaptation. There really is nothing new under the sun.

Now that I have truly brought the mood down, let me try to bring it back up again by saying that Toru is one of those novel, original stories set in a fantastic land that for once doesn't seem like a charcoal etching of another realm. Toru is a steampunk story set in the far east. Disciplined samurai ride into battle aboard bustling locomotives and the paths of sword and steam cross brilliantly. About halfway through this novel, I had to stop and look to see if this kind've thing had been done before. To my surprise, it has, and if you're interested in samurai steampunk stories, there are one or two others out there, though I would be very surprised (and pleasantly) if they carried the depth and attention to detail of this one.

If there is anything to nitpick about the story, it might be the capabilities of the main character of Toru. In many ways, this book is a coming of age tale, or a bildingsroman if you squint, but there is little room for growth for this character. Toru can do it all, knows just about all there is to know, displays few (if any) character flaws and is basically an infallible force in the world. It would be interesting to see Toru grow and change more than what we're given, but much like Star Wars or the bible, we are dealing with very powerful, legendary characters and there is clearly more story to tell beyond this first entry so this is forgivable. Also, as I mentioned, this a nitpicky thing and one that doesn't distract from an otherwise remarkably well-written and well-edited read, nor does it warrant the subtraction of even half of a star. This is easily a 5 star novel that I think most readers will find approachable and satisfying.

Assessment 2 - 4.5/5 Stars (Rounded up to 5 Stars for posting purposes)

Toru: Wayfarer Volume I is an ambitious tale of a steampunk feudal-era Japan with interesting, well-developed characters. The cover of the book is a masterpiece, and while the content of the novel isn't exactly structurally perfect, anyone who picks up this title because of the amazing cover art won't be disappointed. Action, love, loss, industry and growth - both personal and societal - are captured brilliantly in the first volume of this story.

Before I gush too much, I'm obligated to say that this book isn't without some small pacing issues. This is a story where beautifully crafted sentences cascade over one another in pages and pages of description and exposition. This is fine for the most part, until you get to the parts where the author seems to "summarize" major events in order to advance the story. One of the only few letdowns of this book come while patiently enjoying pages of description, really getting the universe into your head, only to have a character suddenly be done with a task you were waiting to learn about. Want to hear with the same great detail with which you read the realm described the building of a fantastically-conceived prototypical technology or its maiden run? That's unfortunate, because those moments might be a bit too short for some readers after such vivid exposition.

With that said, those moments were the only hiccups I could detect in an otherwise truly fantastic story. This is a tale I could entertain seeing at the cinema, and the author provides intense, yet relatable imagery to guide your conception of the world. I can safely admit that I would likely recommend this book to nearly anyone. The author's attention to detail, the environs she paints and the story she tells are all magnificent, and a lot of emerging indie authors, particularly ones who write fantasy and science fiction, could likely learn a lot from reading this book. While it isn't perfect, this is one of the few indie books I've read in a long time that I can say is truly worth the read, even if it seemingly might fall outside your general scope of taste. 4.5/5 stars.

[John Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best alternative history novels I have read in a long time.

[Yzabel Ginsberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

[I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.]

More an alternate history novel than a truly steampunk one, "Tôru: Wayfarer Returns" deals with late feudal Japan faced with the potential intruding of American civilisation—more specifically, the last years of the Tokugawa bakumatsu, and the arrival of Commander Perry and his "black ships". The idea: what if, instead of feeling inferior to this technology, Japan at the time had had an industrial revolution of its own, and had been able to withstand such demonstration of power?

Enters Tôru, a young fisherman who, after being shipwrecked, was saved by Americans, and spent two years in their country before coming back to Japan with books, blueprints, and lots, lots of ideas about how to revolutionise his country for the day Westerners come to impose their trade and culture on it. Things aren't meant to be easy for him, first and foremost because bringing western books and machinery to these lands, and sneaking in at night, are deemed traitorous acts, punishable by death. When Lord Aya catches wind of this, his first reaction is to get the traitor executed. Except that ideas are contagious, and Tôru's more than others.

This first volume in the "Sakura Steam" series shows how a handful of daimyôs and commoners manage to find common ground to dig the foundations of Japan's industrialisation: first in secrecy, then by ensuring the support of some of the most powerful coastal lords, to make sure that when the Shôgun hears about this (and he will), they'll have grounds to argue their case, machines to show off, and engineers to explain how said machines will allow their country to stand strong and proud. These rebels definitely go against the stream in many ways, by also allowing commoners and women to take part in engineering trains and dirigibles. And even though some characters are (understandably, considering their upbringing) against this, they do try and see how this could change the world, and acknowledge that such "unexpected people" will do good and have a place in this new order. Not to mention that Jiro the blacksmith, or Masuyo the noble lady, are pleasant characters to see evolve, and I liked when they had parts to play; even some of the more unpleasant characters, like Lady Tômatsu, had their redeeming features.

However, while this is all very exciting, I could never really shake my suspension of disbelief, because everything happened both much too fast and sometimes too slowly as well:
- The "rebels" should logically have been discovered sooner.
- And, more importantly, building railroad tracks, engines, a fleet of dirigibles, a telegraph network, etc, in secrecy, with the (limited) means of a handful of daimyôs, in less than one year, seemed too far-fetched to be believable. Granted, they had blueprints and all; on the other hand, all those engineers had to learn from scratch, only from those blueprints not even in Japanese, translated and explained only by Tôru who isn't even an engineer, and... Well. Really, really hard to believe. Had it been done in a few years rather than a few months, I probably would have been, paradoxically, more excited about it.
- At times the narrative devolves into explanations about the political views during the Bakumatsu, the fixed place of samurai vs. commoners—which is interesting, but was dumped in between scenes. It would have been more welcome if better intertwined with the dialogue and action, which in turn would also have left more room to the characters to fully interact, giving us a better feel for them.
- It would've been more interesting IMHO to see a different "industrialisation", and not a mere "westernisation" of Japan. Something that would've mixed traditional/feudal ways with modern weaponry, instead of having basically one or the other.
- Minor pet peeve: Tôru's secret, which he takes great pains to hide, but is much too obvious to the reader, almost from the beginning.

Conclusion: I wish it had been more "believable" in terms of alternate history, and had provided a different path than the expected one.

[Benjamin Kirkegaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

What to say about Toru?

Toru is a young man who was born illegitimately, lost at sea, rescued by americans, and then finds himself back in Japan (the country of his birth).

We start our journey into the life of Toru as he is coming home to Japan, and what a journey it is. Toru finds himself in the midst of conflict, with the constant companion of his imminent death. His overriding concern is the protection of his country, and he has come back to Japan to share his discoveries about the American people and their technologies.

Toru is a persuasive individual who manages to convince anyone he comes in contact with the risk the Americans pose is real. He plans to use the technologies, that he managed to come across while in America, to convince the Americans that Japan is a strong country and capable of defending itself. He sees a future with Japan and America having a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

Toru is a journey back to a Japan that wants to keep its culture the way it has always been, but, as technology advances, finds itself thrust into the midst of an industrial age. This journey is heartbreaking, yet exciting, as one age transitions into another while trying to minimize the destruction that comes with it.

[Marie-Jo Fortis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan in the 1850's and announcing the opening of the country to the world, this is a novel with a “futuristic” edge, that is a steampunk novel. For the ones not familiar with the genre, steampunk is a branch of sci-fi, a historical cyberpunk. Technology is important, but in its 19th century context. Hence the “steam” prefix, which evokes the machinery of the Victorian era. If inventions get slightly anachronistic here, it’s not in their historical context but in their geographical context. While the U.S. and Europe are going full bloom in their industrial revolution, Japan is still set in its medieval ways.

With her steampunk approach, Sorenson will remedy to that and change the course of history. At least in this book.

Just as in a cyberpunk novel, machinery, far for being left in the background, is quite the character. Consisting mostly of trains and dirigibles (“dirijibis”) here, it could have taken over the entire novel. But Sorensen shows her ability and sense of balance by placing vibrant and youthful characters to enliven this epopee of the machine.

Tōru, a young man of mysterious origin for everyone in the novel—but not for the reader, is responsible for this modernization. Rescued from waters by Americans, he spends several years in their country and learns their way. Like Moses, he returns to the promised land, Japan, only to meet adversity when he proposes changes through technological progress.

But changes are inevitable. This clash between modernity and tradition, between the machine and the samouraï, comes here in a clear, charming prose, and not without humor. Of course, given this historical context, this relentless enthusiasm in technology, symbolized here by not only Tōru, but free-spirited femme-de-tête Masuyo, as well as blacksmith-engineer-scientist Jiro; this enthusiasm makes sense. The bulk of the enthusiasm, however, comes from the author herself, from the love she obviously has for Japanese culture; and the way she communicates it is, frankly, intoxicating.

Problems are few but need mentioning. The language at times deviates into too familiar American expressions, something that may make the reader jump a bit and feel she’s not in Japan anymore. The pace, while pleasant in its evocation of the full development of modern machinery, could have used a bit more tension now and then in order to hold more drama. The villains are never complete villains. They’re either incapacitated, dying, of feeble disposition for opposition, or somehow forgiven for some justifiable treason. Why?

Well, perhaps to make room for Commodore Perry, a historical figure like many characters in this novel, and quite a bastard. His politics and invasion tactics are quite evocative of what preceded Hiroshima. I suppose, after reading her note, that the author set it up that way on purpose. Perry is a total, smart, successful villain, but I would have liked more time with him and his opposing forces.

There is something fresh and honest about Tōru. The good American, i.e. the rescuer of the beginning, can also be the American brute. In the end, that’s what Sorensen does best: suggest the duality of the American nature and well as the duality of the Japanese culture.

All in all, an entertaining and vivacious tale.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the 19th-century Japanese setting of this book. I also liked the general premise and the characters.

My problem came with the believability of it all. In order to protect isolationist Japan from more technologically advanced powers like America, Toru and his allies basically conduct an industrial revolution. This is cool. But they do it all within a year, starting with limited resources. I just couldn't swallow it. Masuyo, Toru, and Jiro have clever minds, but little scientific or mechanical education. The speed at which they figure out—from books written in other languages—how to design all this technology is unrealistic. As is the rate of success with the actual creation and production of things like country-wide railroad lines, steam engines, telegraph systems, machines that sound like the precursors to computers, mini submarines, and airships. Maybe, maybe, with unlimited resources, this could be possible (though my own experience with the current building of railroad lines and the making of road repairs suggests otherwise). However, the lords who start the revolution are minor lords without great wealth. They call workers from all over (which they have to pay) and need plenty of raw materials (which they have to buy). So where's all the money coming from? As part of the revolution, they also build factories to produce goods to sell abroad, but just because you can produce goods doesn't mean you can sell them, and the profit margin would have to be astronomical to fund the sort of development in the book. I liked all the innovations, and seeing how it could all develop, but I wished it had taken longer so I could believe it and really immerse myself in the world.

I also had a hard time believing that they could hide all this work from the Shogun, who supposedly keeps such an iron rule that there is absolute peace. For many, many pages I wondered about this. Then the issue is addressed, but too late to prevent me from disconnecting with the reality of the story.

The occasional anachronistic words, phrases, and concepts also broke immediacy for me, as did the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Quotes from people like George R. R. Martin and Bob Dylan. The story takes place in the 1800s. Perhaps this is normal for steampunk, a genre I'm not very familiar with.

Because of the unbelievability, I would give this novel more of a 3.5 rating, but steampunk fans might accept these issues more easily, thus the 4.

The sheer amount of narration gives the novel a sort of "told" feel, but for the most part I still enjoyed the writing. The minor typos and other errors don't detract much.

I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed. Their interactions were good. The complicated politics of Toru's relationship with his father proved powerful to the end. I loved the relationship between clever, headstrong Masuyo and her father. Lady Tomatsu surprised me.

I enjoyed learning things about the culture and politics of 1850s Japan, as well as the progression of an imagined (and fast-forwarded) industrial revolution. And I really liked the whole struggle with having to defy the country's leader in order to save the country. Lots of room for conflict and nobility.

I would try more by Stephanie R. Sorensen.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to start with what I learned from the author's afterword, and work backwards.

The author has been a foreign-exchange student in Japan, where (it seems) she was welcomed, treated with great hospitality, and came to love the country and its people. This is great, but it also leads to the main problem of the book.

The problem is that the author has then written what's essentially a wish-fulfillment fantasy about how great it would be if Japan had become that peaceful, hospitable, amiable country more or less directly from being a rigid, feudal despotism under the shoguns, without going through all the pain of the invasion by Commodore Perry's Black Fleet, the subsequent long and difficult process of modernization, and World War II.

Instead, she shows us - or, often, tells us about - a Japan in which a young man, sent clandestinely to America to spy and bring back its technology, is not executed on his return (as was the law) but convinces everyone - fearful peasants, harsh feudal lords, everyone - to modernize in an absurdly short space of time, leapfrogging American technology so that they can confront Perry on his arrival with a superior force.

I didn't believe it. I didn't believe (having worked on projects for 20 years) that such a major program could be completed so quickly; I didn't believe that an illiterate peasant blacksmith could become, first an engineer (maybe sort of believable), then a pilot, then captain of an airship, then admiral of the fleet; I didn't believe that someone we're told was a conservative old feudal lord would let his daughter dress and behave like a man just because she wanted to; I didn't believe that everyone would listen to a commoner; I didn't believe that the feudal lords would do away with their own power because of love for country; and I certainly didn't believe, though we were repeatedly told, that the heroes would be executed (almost nobody died at all, in fact, nobody in warfare and almost nobody from industrial accidents, which, again, I didn't believe).

That was the problem: there was a lot of telling, and what we were told contradicted, as often as not, what we were shown, and I didn't believe any of it. And then what we'd been told, over and over again, just ended up not being true, because it had to not be true or else the story would be tragic. And there was no believable reason why it wasn't true.

As a result, it barely squeaks three stars, and that's only because there's a good heart behind this unbelievable story, and I don't want to be any harsher to it than I already have been.

I received a copy from Netgalley for review.

[Gloria Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Commodore Perry upon his arrival at Japan had met, not a backward nation, but one of overwhelming military power?

From her years in Japan, Sorensen is uniquely qualified to allow us the Japanese perspective. Rather than a rehash of the past, she offers an alternative history where real Japan meets steampunk.

The story begins when Toru returns to his beloved nation after two years in America. He is met, not with welcoming arms, but with arrest for treason. His crime? He has broken the island's strict isolation policy by arriving with Western books and goods. It doesn't matter that he warns of Western invasion and the need to build a military defense. Instead the Shogun, who rules in the name of the Emperor, orders him to be executed, eventually.

Meanwhile his plan to defend the nation catches fire in the minds of the lady Masuyo and the commoner Jiro. These two are my favorite characters. No one knows for sure whether Toru is a commoner or a noble, but as a noble he breaks tradition by being a close friend of Jiro. As a commoner he breaks tradition by becoming friends with Masuyo. Nevertheless Masuyo and Jiro cannot be limited by their class because their brilliant talents not only forbid it but enable Toru to lead in the modernizing of the Japanese military.

I like the organization of this steampunk novel. It begins with a simple pronunciation key for Japanese.

At first I puzzled over why the Shogun would order Toru and his followers' deaths. Further along, I could see what the nobles would lose, even as they repel foreign invasion. Inhabitants walk a tightrope of rigid tradition which kept Japan stable for generations, and stagnant. One may wonder why Toru seems to accept his coming execution in so calm a manner. Why are our heroes so restrained? But as we follow the story, through the author's excellent command of Japanese culture, we witness the honor, dignity, and beauty of the Japanese ideal.

The novel held my interest through its drama, its enlightenment, and its subtle humor.

[A.J. Culey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen is in some ways hard to categorize. It’s this amazing reimagining of 19th century Japan and the events leading up to the end of its 250 years of isolationism. It’s also an industrial steampunk revolution on crack, occurring at an unimaginable rate (over the course of perhaps a year), but is so richly detailed and slowly evolved over the course of the novel that the reader sometimes forgets to be skeptical at the breakneck pace of the industrialization of an entire nation. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this work, however, are the cultural references as it provides a delightful look into 19th century Japan. The setting is so superbly detailed, the reader is exposed to a fully realized world and ultimately gains intricate knowledge of Japan’s history and culture through the reading.

As a bonus, we are treated to the slow build of a sweet, though extremely subtle, romance. It’s a minor thread, almost subdued in its presentation, very much in keeping with the ambience of the novel itself, but ultimately adds to the richness of the story being told.

The only jarring note for me came from the quotes at the beginning of each chapter as they often pulled me from the reading. Though they certainly fit well in terms of theme, the majority of the quotes were from western, 20th and 21st century sources (Bob Dylan, Cormac McCarthy, George R.R. Martin and JFK, to name a few). Given the setting of the novel, it was jarring to occasionally read quotes from sources who certainly would not have existed in either that time frame or location. For me, I would have preferred quotes from 19th century and earlier Japanese sources, as I think they would not have pulled me so dramatically from the reading.

Overall, though at times a bit long-winded in exposition, Toru: Wayfarer Returns was a fascinating, even compelling, read. It was a slow, absorbing build, one that ultimately led to a very satisfying end.

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[Robby Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

He appears on the scene as a humble Japanese fisherman who had been shipwrecked and rescued by an American sea-going vessel. He has spent two years learning about America, where steam power has been transforming technology, telegraph has revolutionised communications, and there's even talk about flying air-ships that the French are developing. Toru has become fluent in English, and learned as much as he can about all the technology he comes in contact with. Now, he's arrived on his native shores with a large chest of books and technical drawings.

There's only one problem. The Shogun has a policy of executing anyone who would return to these shores after having spent time away. Japan is to remain completely isolated. However, Toru is aware that there are plans to force Japan open. Not many months hence, Commodore Perry would arrive on his black ships, and force Japan to open her doors, which in our time-line, was a rather humiliating event for the Japanese. We know that through hind-sight, but Toru is a man of foresight. He is determined that Japan be prepared, and not be bullied into submission to the Western powers, as China was.

So, how does a humble fisherman go about starting a technica revolution? Though he is nicknamed "the Fisherman" throughout the narrative, there's much more to him than meets the eye. He meets the right people, ones who are also concerned about the future of Japan, and things begin, slowly, to role forward.

The story is quite captivating. The action and the charactisation is well organised. Mind you, believing that an expansive rail network could be laid in a matter of months, complete with locomotives built by re-trained local blacksmiths, along with a network of telegraph lines and a fleet of dirigibles, I found a bit of a tall order. I would have given it a few years, at least -- maybe ten. However, the story is entertaining enough to keep us going, and the reward of seeing the bullys humiliated, and the right people getting married in the end, does make it worth the read.

[T.S. O'Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to compliment the author on the stunning artwork on the cover. It's truly a testament to smart marketing that draws in potential readers right away. So many authors treat cover art as an afterthought, and that's a mistake.

The prose is lyrical in places and worthy of quoting. Toru, the hero of the story, is returning home to Feudal Japan after two years spent in the U.S. a local warlord seized him and threatened with death, only to be saved by the lord's daughter. I guess some of the plot strains credulity, concerning his captors agreeing to take him on a long journey to say goodbye to his mother before the warlord executes him. I'm not Japanese, and the princess has pleaded for this to happen, so I'll give the author the benefit of the doubt. Along the journey, Toru starts to win his captors over. We soon learn that Toru is not a simple fisherman at all, but a lord who was educated in the arts—military and otherwise, by a sometimes-absent father. Eventually, his captors are convinced his knowledge and experience may be useful to them and so they decide he's worth keeping alive. He becomes a trusted adviser to the Lords to help prepare and modernize the country to deal with the western world. The steampunk theme or style is a reimagining of events through the lens of 19th-century technology. In this case, it's a 'what would happen if' the Japanese were armed with superior technology when America came knocking at their door. I give if four stars and not five because there are some minor grammatical errors here and there (and-and). Also, the story moves a little too slow for my liking, and I question motivations or logic employed by the characters. For example, if I were left unguarded in a stable while under threat of death, I would be beating feet out of Dodge. Having said all that, I still think the book is a fine piece of work and if you’re into the Steampunk genre or even if you’re not, it’s a beautiful read.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to enjoy this novel anywhere near as much as I actually did. It dives into historical Japanese culture with gusto, and considering this is not a culture I am at all familiar with, I was expecting to be left well out of my depth at best and bored at worst. After all, reading an alternative history - even Steampunk - where you do not know the actual history, is always going to be dangerous ground.

And yet I fell head into heels into this world, it's culture and it's characters. Some characters are based on historical figures, others completely fictional and it explores the what it's of a crucial junction in Japanese history. The cultural references and order is explained well, allowing you to steep in the culture without ever feeling like you are being lectured. The characters motivations flow from this culture and yet the reader is brought along with understanding rather than dragged in bafflement.

Perhaps the only reason this didn't get five stars was because the author does stretch belief a little far to be credible at times. Whilst it makes a fast paced story, it also lends an air of unbelievability to the narrative arc. After all, with no engineers and only blue prints in English and one English speaker, would a small area with limited resources be able to build flying ships and trains within months? It didn't ruin the book by a long way, but it did make me feel that the pacing would have perhaps been more believable if spread out somewhat more.

Either way, I really did enjoy this despite my own expectations and I will look out for the second in the series when it's published.

[Douglas Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

To follow the progress of Toru, a returned wander into the rigid kingdom of Samurai Japan, where a rigid regime of isolation has successfully maintained peace and stability in a previously dangerous land of inter tribal warring over a long period of its history is fascinating. We gradually begin to realise the restrictions of their rule and the approaching menace of the rapidly modernising world that surround it's borders against which its inward facing isolation is ill equipped to resist. The adventures of this seemingly humble peasant who gradually reveals his powerful connections in his campaign to arm his homeland against this inevitable invasion with the benefaction of powerful nobles and an inevitable heroine is a well-paced story that carries you into the fantastical world of steam-punk fantasy with ease. We are never sure if he is just a humble born who has benefited from patronage or if he is a person of importance in his own right. His battles against the rigidity of the society who's more are carefully crafted into the story are slightly tainted by his apparently unthinking acceptance of the greed and inhumanity of the America that was his refuge before the story begins. It is difficult to think he would have been seduced by such shallow philosophies if he were truly from a noble background in his home country. This is a small criticism of well-told adventure.

[Ibiloye Christian]

It is alternate history and techno-fantasy story set in 1850s Japan, on the eve of Japan's collision with the West. Toru, a young fisherman rescued by American traders was taken to America where he worked, was educated and made friends.
Toru defies the Shogun's ban on returning to Japan through the help of Captain McHargue, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion.
Indeed, Charles Dickens was right that "every traveler has a home of his own," and he [they] do come to appreciate it better from their traveling and wandering experiences.
The revolutionary and adventurous young samurai took on the Shogun and the foreign invaders in this historical read about the pivotal meeting between isolated Japan and the West. Armed only with his will, a few books, a Bible and 'American education' in philosophy,technology and governance, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas,Toru must transform the Emperor's realm before the return of the black ship.
It becomes more enjoyable for those interested in Japanese history and culture. And, the author made sure of that creatively and commendably taking one into the world of the Japanese.
Would be enjoyed most by those with an interest in Japanese history and culture.
I was given a copy for an unbiased and non reciprocal review.

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subarashii monogatari desu! This story was superb, and I am so very glad I read it. Toru, a young man, is dropped off by his American friends on the shores of Japan, his homeland, only to turn around to face several armed Samurai. And from there, the action doesn’t let up. Having lived in Japan before, (Sapporo and Asahikawa on Hokkaido) I especially appreciated this story. I am also a fan of steampunk, so that was an extra plus for me. I loved the airships added to the story! I also thought the little romance was sweet, and I appreciated the addition of Masuyo. I always admire authors who create female characters that are strong and independent, and don’t need a man to complete them or give them purpose and worth. Masuyo and Toru are a great team. They are equals and complement each other. And I like that.
I cannot recommend this story enough. The plot and pacing were awesome, the writing was fantastic, and the story itself was something that just— surrounded me. Stephanie R. Sorensen is a great author, and I look forward to what she will put out in the future! I was given a copy of this most excellent story in exchange for an honest review.

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subarashii monogatari desu! This story was superb, and I am so very glad I read it. Toru, a young man, is dropped off by his American friends on the shores of Japan, his homeland, only to turn around to face several armed Samurai. And from there, the action doesn’t let up. Having lived in Japan before, (Sapporo and Asahikawa on Hokkaido) I especially appreciated this story. I am also a fan of steampunk, so that was an extra plus for me. I loved the airships added to the story! I also thought the little romance was sweet, and I appreciated the addition of Masuyo. I always admire authors who create female characters that are strong and independent, and don’t need a man to complete them or give them purpose and worth. Masuyo and Toru are a great team. They are equals and complement each other. And I like that.
I cannot recommend this story enough. The plot and pacing were awesome, the writing was fantastic, and the story itself was something that just— surrounded me. Stephanie R. Sorensen is a great author, and I look forward to what she will put out in the future! I was given a copy of this most excellent story in exchange for an honest review.

[Lana Axe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honored to have been given a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Despite the danger it could cause him, Toru has decided to return to Japan to defend his homeland from an impending invasion. I'll admit I've never read steampunk set in Japan, and I found it refreshing. I loved the cultural references from bits of language to clothing to food. It was a fascinating look at an alternate history with plenty of industrial revolution goodness.

My favorite character had to be Masuyo. She jumped out at me instantly, and stayed true to the end. The story is beautifully written with the right balance of action and character development. Toru is a fascinating character, and he managed to surprise me more than once. This is a story that hooks you from the start and is very hard to put down.

[Jeanine Lipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, something that is gripping, intelligent, and utterly unique, read Toru: The Wayfarer Returns. The author expertly crafts a tale that weaves history and fantasy, American steam punk and ancient Japanese traditions, and the high stakes of love and honor into a beautiful tapestry as colorful and brash as the young, rebellious protagonists who set out to change the course of history. Each detail is written to be savoured; from the engineering of cutting edge 1850's steam engines, dirigibles, and telegraphs, to the elaborate cuisine and embroidered kimonos of Japanese royalty. You'll happily get lost in this world of "what ifs"

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a copy in exchange for a review. Would like to have seen photography and newspapers introduce to Japanese society.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cleaning up my shelf. This was a decent read. Looking forward to more from Sorensen.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that TORU by Stephanie R. Sorensen is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Kate (Looking Glass Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s a synopsis that catches your eye. Sometimes it’s the cover. Sometimes it’s the author’s name, or the genre. For me, it was the setting the setting and cover design. Toru: Wayfarer by Stephanie R. Sorensen is a book that’s been on my radar since it was first released back in February of 2016. When I finally got my hands on a copy, I was quite the excited bookworm.

Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last.

Toru: Wayfarer is an alternate history novel set in Japan during in the 1850s. The main character, Toru, was picked up by an American ship after being found adrift some ways off the coast of Japan. After spending two years in America he returns to his homeland, bringing with him books, blueprints for military goods, and more. But in returning he’s broken Japanese law, and is condemned to death upon his return, despite his warning that America is sending ships to forcibly open Japanese ports to trading, much as they’d done with China. Two shogunate lords first take pity on Toru, then take his warnings to heart, and aid him in protecting Japan from the American forces and a Shogun who refuses to break tradition, even if it is for a greater good, and believe Toru’s word.

I have extremely mixed feelings about this book. To be honest, if I hadn’t gotten this novel from the publisher I may have put it down after the opening chapters. But after sticking with it, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the concluding chapters.

The prose itself is very good, and feels perfect for the location and time period portrayed in the novel. The story is told in the third person, largely from Toru’s point of view. When appropriate, the point of view does switch to some of the other characters. It does so very naturally; at no point did I feel that it jumped too much or grew confused.
There were several issued I had with the opening chapters, the main ones being unrealistic occurrences and extremely slow pacing. The story is by no means fast paced, and the first several chapters in particular felt as if they were dragging. A lot is explained to the viewer, all pertinent to be sure. But it did give certain sections an almost passive tone which I found less engaging. While there are some more fast paced, action-y sequences, these don’t occur until past the halfway point. These scenes were quite well done, and honestly, did make me want to continue reading.

The characters are all very interesting, and it is them that really carry the story. I liked Toru, despite him being just a little too good at just about everything. The cast is rather diverse, at least in the sense of social cast, something which does play a part within the narrative. The characters feel very real, and are, overall, extremely relatable. Their fears are understandable, whether or not they are on the same side as Toru and whether or not the reader agrees with their actions.

Something interesting to note is that some of these characters are real, historical individuals. The most easily spotted is probably Commodore Perry, appearing later in the novel. Other historical figures are sprinkled throughout the tale. The majority of the main characters, however, are all original characters.

I did like the ending of the novel. It was much faster paced than the vast majority of the book. Loose plot threads were wrapped up very nicely, leaving very little unanswered. Despite being the first book in a series, this can absolutely be read as a standalone novel. This is something I really appreciate. There’s real payoff at the end of the novel. It feels like a conclusion to a narrative while leaving room for the characters and world to grow.

Despite liking the characters and overarching plot, there is something that ripped me out of the novel time and time again.

Toru and his companions begin working on building things like factories, trains, and dirigibles at a furious pace. Too furious, really. Within three weeks there were sixteen factories built. Sixteen! That’s completely astounding for any place or time. But considering the time period, location, and the fact that all of this is financed by only minor Lords (as opposed to the very rich, powerful ones met later in the novel), along with lack of transportation, raw materials, and manpower its more than a little jarring. I found myself ripped out of the novel time and again, my suspension of disbelief completely shattered. On a similar note, Toru is good at everything. Sure, part of this is his upbringing. But I did find myself not quite believing just how good he was at things. Fighting, math, languages. There was no subject he seemed unskilled at.

The concentration of these things does seem to be within the first few chapters. This did make getting through the first half of the book particularly difficult. Do similar things appear later in the novel? Yes, but by no means at the same quantity. There were a few time I paused and considered the implausibility at things, but overall the novel took a bit of a more realistic tone.

Also, I found a new pet peeve. The author has a habit of using Japanese words and phrases within the text. I have no issue with this in itself. However, quite often the English translation is included directly afterwards. It may sound funny, but this really grate on me. I do know a bit of common Japanese words and phrases due to nothing but the sheer amount of exposure through anime and manga. Having the English translation directly afterwards made me say ‘yes, yes, I know,’ quite often. Also, I found that this, too, ripped me out of the story. Why would characters who are presumably speaking Japanese to one another repeat words and phrases in conversation? For that matter, why add the Japanese at all? Aren’t they already supposed to be speaking Japanese?

Maybe I’m just overthinking things. Still, if this is a pet peeve of yours as well, take this as your warning.

Now, as for genre, this is most definitely an alternate history. Though it has some steampunk elements, I myself hesitate in calling it steampunk. However, the author does point this fact out in a note at the end of the text. As Sorensen says, this is a world only first building its more modern technology. It’s very easy to see how this could become a very steampunk-like world. There are already dirigibles, seen mostly in later chapters, and steam engines abounding.

Is it steampunk, really? You know what? I don’t really think so, but I see very easily how it could be. I think it’s a fascinating approach, and something I want to see more of in this series.

Despite issues and pet peeves I had with Toru: Wayfarer, it ended on a high note and made me interested to learn what happens next to Toru and his companions. I would honestly enjoy reading the next book in the series. The prose, characters, and plot are all intriguing. If you enjoy alternate history, stories involving Japan, or steampunk this is a book you should definitely check out. If you like more realism in your fiction or don’t enjoy alternate history this book may not be one for you.

This review and more can be found on Looking Glass Reads.