A starred review from PW

I am thrilled to report Daughter of the Sword received a starred review in the newest issue of Publisher’s Weekly. Here’s what they had to say:

“Bein’s gripping debut is a meticulously researched, highly detailed blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo. Det. Sgt. Mariko Oshiro is fighting an uphill battle against sexism and tradition in the narcotics division of the Tokyo police. Her antagonistic boss assigns her to a mundane case involving the attempted theft of a sword, but it gets a lot less boring when Mariko winds up on the trail of a ruthless killer. As she learns the hidden history behind a trio of ancient magical swords, she discovers that she may be destined to wield one of them. Alternating segments switch between Mariko’s present-day adventures and other owners of the swords throughout history. Bein’s scrupulous attention to verisimilitude helps bring all the settings to life, respectfully showcasing Japan’s distinctive cultures and attitudes.”

A starred review from PW

I am thrilled to report Daughter of the Sword received a starred review in the newest issue of Publisher’s Weekly. Here’s what they had to say:

“Bein’s gripping debut is a meticulously researched, highly detailed blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo. Det. Sgt. Mariko Oshiro is fighting an uphill battle against sexism and tradition in the narcotics division of the Tokyo police. Her antagonistic boss assigns her to a mundane case involving the attempted theft of a sword, but it gets a lot less boring when Mariko winds up on the trail of a ruthless killer. As she learns the hidden history behind a trio of ancient magical swords, she discovers that she may be destined to wield one of them. Alternating segments switch between Mariko’s present-day adventures and other owners of the swords throughout history. Bein’s scrupulous attention to verisimilitude helps bring all the settings to life, respectfully showcasing Japan’s distinctive cultures and attitudes.”

Interview on otherness and diversity in writing

Author and speaker Luc Reid interviewed me as a part of his series on inclusivity and exclusivity in fiction. I’ve enjoyed reading the other interviews in the series, and I’m very happy to be chipping in my two cents. Here’s the interview.

I guess this interview won’t get many hits in Texas. The GOP there just announced its new party platform, which includes a rejection of multiculturalism and -- my favorite part as a philosopher -- calls for a ban on critical thinking in schools. Here’s the Washington Post article on the subject. Fascinating stuff! I had no idea Texas and ancient Athens had so much in common. I guess Socrates were Texan, he’d have been executed there too.

Interview on otherness and diversity in writing

Author and speaker Luc Reid interviewed me as a part of his series on inclusivity and exclusivity in fiction. I’ve enjoyed reading the other interviews in the series, and I’m very happy to be chipping in my two cents. Here’s the interview.

I guess this interview won’t get many hits in Texas. The GOP there just announced its new party platform, which includes a rejection of multiculturalism and -- my favorite part as a philosopher -- calls for a ban on critical thinking in schools. Here’s the Washington Post article on the subject. Fascinating stuff! I had no idea Texas and ancient Athens had so much in common. I guess Socrates were Texan, he’d have been executed there too.

RIP Harry Harrison (1925-2012)

This year has seen some bitter losses from the pantheon of science fiction. Harry Harrison, the world’s only stainless steel rat manufacturer, died today at the ripe old age of 87. Ad astra.

RIP Harry Harrison (1925-2012)

This year has seen some bitter losses from the pantheon of science fiction. Harry Harrison, the world’s only stainless steel rat manufacturer, died today at the ripe old age of 87. Ad astra.

Praise from Kylie Chan

Still more good news from Down Under! Last week I booked my trip to Australia for 2013. (Very excited!) And today best-selling Australian author Kylie Chan had some very nice things to say about Daughter of the Sword. She called it “an authentic and riveting thrill rider through both ancient and modern Japan. Definitely a winner.”

So to Kylie, many heartfelt thanks! And to everyone else, if you don’t know who she is yet, go check out Kylie Chan here. Anyone who writes about the god of kung fu gets automatic awesome points.

Praise from Kylie Chan

Still more good news from Down Under! Last week I booked my trip to Australia for 2013. (Very excited!) And today best-selling Australian author Kylie Chan had some very nice things to say about Daughter of the Sword. She called it “an authentic and riveting thrill rider through both ancient and modern Japan. Definitely a winner.”

So to Kylie, many heartfelt thanks! And to everyone else, if you don’t know who she is yet, go check out Kylie Chan here. Anyone who writes about the god of kung fu gets automatic awesome points.

More free stuff!

Roc is holding a sweepstakes for Daughter of the Sword. Go like them on Facebook to enter for your free copy.

While you’re at it, go like me on Facebook too. I’m giving away autographed Ace-Roc samplers -- featuring the first two chapters of Daughter of the Sword -- to the first 50 people who request one via Facebook private message.

More free stuff!

Roc is holding a sweepstakes for Daughter of the Sword. Go like them on Facebook to enter for your free copy.

While you’re at it, go like me on Facebook too. I’m giving away autographed Ace-Roc samplers -- featuring the first two chapters of Daughter of the Sword -- to the first 50 people who request one via Facebook private message.

Another Daughter of the Sword?

I discovered another Daughter of the Sword out there. This one is the protagonist of a native South African fairy tale. Here’s where I found her. The fact that her name matches the title of my book is a total coincidence, and she doesn’t share all that much in common with my protagonist Mariko, but I thought I’d share her story with you anyway.

Another Daughter of the Sword?

I discovered another Daughter of the Sword out there. This one is the protagonist of a native South African fairy tale. Here’s where I found her. The fact that her name matches the title of my book is a total coincidence, and she doesn’t share all that much in common with my protagonist Mariko, but I thought I’d share her story with you anyway.

Goodreads giveaway

Look! Free stuff! Goodreads is giving away 25 copies of Daughter of the Sword. Enter to win here, and do it soon; the giveaway ends a week from today.

Goodreads giveaway

Look! Free stuff! Goodreads is giving away 25 copies of Daughter of the Sword. Enter to win here, and do it soon; the giveaway ends a week from today.

Only a Shadow preview at SD Comic-Con

Roc has released a sneak preview of Only a Shadow for the San Diego Comic-Con! You can find it on-line here.

Only a Shadow preview at SD Comic-Con

Roc has released a sneak preview of Only a Shadow for the San Diego Comic-Con! You can find it on-line here.

Cover art for Only a Shadow

I’ve just gotten the cover art from Roc for Only a Shadow. I think it’s terrific, and I really like the fact that so many elements link it thematically to Daughter of the Sword.

Cover art for Only a Shadow

I’ve just gotten the cover art from Roc for Only a Shadow. I think it’s terrific, and I really like the fact that so many elements link it thematically to Daughter of the Sword.

The Most Important Thing in the World, a little more important

Gardner Dozois selected my “The Most Important Thing in the World” for an honorable mention in The Year’s Best Science Fiction vol. 29. Getting into the book isn’t the most important thing in the world or anything, but it’s still pretty darn cool.

The Most Important Thing in the World, a little more important

Gardner Dozois selected my “The Most Important Thing in the World” for an honorable mention in The Year’s Best Science Fiction vol. 29. Getting into the book isn’t the most important thing in the world or anything, but it’s still pretty darn cool.