John Paul Catton

Voice of the Jewel is the third and final volume of the “Sword, Mirror, Jewel Trilogy” by John Catton Catton, a YA urban fantasy series revolving about Reiko Bergman (a Japanese/American girl in Tokyo) and her friends, that combines elements of SF, Urban Fantasy, YA, manga and anime with actual Japanese Mythology and History into a highly entertaining reading. Each of books revolves around one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and their symbolism: the sword Kisanagi (valor), the mirror Yata no Kagami (wisdom), and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence).

The underlying narrative of “Voice of the Jewel” is benevolence (symbolized by the Yasakani no Magatama jewel). Even though the books can be read independently, this conclusion really closes the intended narrative and may be best read at last to avoid some surprises.

At the beginning Reiko and its friends are convinced that the Jewel (the final treasure) is safe and out of the reach of the Kagetori, who seem to have given up their intentions of revenge. The friends feel themselves out of danger, enjoying the peaceful time on a school trip to witness the annual world-famous Snow Festival in the city of Sapporo (in the isle of Hokkaido, in northern Japan). They do not know, that they are been silently followed by their foes, who are able to summon an impenetrable field around the city center trapping inside hundreds of visitors to the festival. The giant ice sculptures suddenly come to life and try to kill anyone who knows about the existence of the Jewel and its whereabouts. Reiko muss once more fight against the Kagetori and this time their allies are formidable, animated cold ice statues with the only purpose to kill Reiko and her friends. Sapporo becomes a chaotic deathly trap.

It is almost too late as Reiko finally discovers who is responsible for all the chaos, and she need to accept a terrible loss before being able to defeat the Kagetori once and for all.

“Voice of the Jewel” is a worthy conclusion to the trilogy and Reiko’s journey through friendship, teenager angst and the meaning of action and consequences. A fantastic trilogy that should be have his own feature picture soon.… (meer)

The “Sword, Mirror, Jewel Trilogy” by John Catton is a YA urban fantasy series revolving about a Japanese/American girl in Tokyo, but…. the series is so much more! First of all is highly entertaining, and furthermore is a good take on the Imperial Regalia of Japan, also know as the Three Sacred Treasures, that represent the three principal virtues of Japan. The sword Kisanagi (valor), the mirror Yata no Kagami (wisdom), and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence).

Each of the volumes of the Trilogy deals with one of this Treasures, and just as their real counterparts belong together, but have a very distinct meaning, the books follow an underlining narrative but can be read independently from each other. The books combine elements of SF, Urban Fantasy, YA, history, manga and anime into a highly satisfying read.

Voice of the Mirror (Volume 2 of the Trilogy) takes places shortly after the event related in the first book, the underlying theme here is wisdom and how both Reikos find it.

Mr. Catton use of the “mirror” symbology is excellent. The narrative switches perspectives between Reiko Bergman (in modern Tokyo) and Reiko Furukawa (in Edo during the Tokugawa era), even though they are the mirror image of each other, both have a distinct personality that sets them apart, they think, talk, behave and act differently. The lives of both are interwoven in the quest or the mirror, while the ploy keeps them apart by the telling each story in a separate chapter.

Once more Mr. Catton has one more succeeded in writing about serious issues like history, consequences, teenager angst, and the meaning of friendship, in the only way that matters, by using storytelling as a tool and let all the pieces fall nicely in place.… (meer)

“Voice of the Sword” by John Paul Catton centers on the character of Reiko a Japanese-American high school girl, recently returned to Japan and living with her grandparents in Tokyo. After visiting the Yanaka Cemetery for a school assignment, Reiko’s best friend Hideaki seems to be haunted and changes completely. This is the beginning of a wild ride though different Japan dimensions. The story develops creating a highly entertaining tapestry of dimension travel, fantastic fiction, historical fiction, and teenager struggle.

There are a lot of layers interwoven in this book. At its core is a story of friendship and loyalty, immersed in a surprisingly very realistic fantasy/science fiction take of Japan, with a fairly dose of correct information on the country and its story. All characters are interesting multidimensional, there are a lot of good in this book, you come for the adventure and left not only fully satisfied, but also enriched with some valid Japanese facts.

While the vast majority of books dealing with Japan from a western perspective seem to be mismatch of sensationalism and superficiality with a side dish of mild perversion, this book is a good researched, intelligent, and realistic take on Japan. And of course, there is Genji… Mr. Catton’s take on Genji is….. genius…. pun intended!

Mr. Catton profoundly knowledge of Japanese Culture and History flows effortless in the story, it is amazing the quantity of information that goes into the story, while keeping the narrative high enjoyable. I wish my professors had hat at least a half of his gift, while I was still a student of the matter.… (meer)