In The Service of Samurai
Gloria Oliver
The samurai smelled of the sea, dripping on the ground, algae strung from his armor and an eerie green light glowing from the eye slits of his demon-mask. For the first time in his life, Toshi discovers that monsters do roam the earth. And this one has come for him.
Dragged from his home and into the company of the undead, Toshi must use his skills to help the creatures holding him hostage. The alternative is to fail and become one of them. But those who do not wish his new master's quest to succeed may make Toshi one of the truly dead before they will allow him to do what only he can to help.
This novel is truly original. The premise of a ship of undead Japanese warriors sailing the seas in search of salvation is one I have never come across before. I particularly enjoyed the way that the intricacies of Japanese society are woven into the storyline. --Eternal Night Review
...a fantasy with a totally different setting to the usual Tolkeinesque tubby tome. The author has done her homework and seems to have a good working knowledge of old Japan, which adds an extra dimension to the tale; fantastic characters in a realistic historical setting.--Rachel A Hyde, My Shelf.com
...combines specters with Asian influences for a haunting adventure tale. In the Service of Samurai is a ghost story, but also an adventure tale, a romance and a coming-of-age story. The pieces fit to together well because the author shows us characters with many sides. Gloria Oliver has created a work of atmosphere, adventure and fun. --Colleen R Cahill, Washington Science Fiction Journal
...contains a fascinating world of samurai honor, skill, and culture that reflects the author's well-researched and creative presentation of feudal Japan. The characters become more than credible and yet the fearful mystique of "lost spirits" never escapes the reader's consciousness...a magical, unique novel which deserves wide recognition. --Viviane Crystal, Crystal Reviews and The Best Reviews.com
ISBN: 1-894869-67-2, 318 pages