Huge thanks to Faber books for a copy of #TheNightOfBabaYaga by Akira Otani.

I read an ARC of this awhile back but it has now been published so let’s get into it.

If you like books with a kickass FMC, lots of violence, manipulation, survival, freedom, control, one that comments on social status and with huge revenge vibes you will enjoy this one!

The opening was 😱and although it slowed down slightly after that as we learn more about the backstory and characters, the pace picked up again and it was non-stop badass action.

The book starts with Yoriko Shindo who is hired as a bodyguard for one of Tokyo’s crime bosses daughter, Shoko. The daughter is cold, has no real friends, is attending college and Yoriko has to be at her beck and call. I wasn’t sure what to make of either of them initially but I kept on reading and they grew on me! There is a lot of conflict between the pair but each are also vulnerable at times. 

Evidence of class divides is prevalent in this novel, also a bit of a mystery surrounding Shoko’s mother which is really interesting. I loved finding out what the title actually meant, but I won’t spoil it for you. It’s pretty horrific and cool 💀😱😂 You’ll have to read the book to find out.

I’m not your mother, so I advise to check trigger warnings as there is SA/abuse mentioned in the novel.

Described as a queer gangland thriller, and a translation debut – it’s a quick and brutal read worth checking out!