Hyo the Hellmaker

Starred review from February 15, 2025
In an alternate historical Japan, two siblings are sent from their home on a mission to uncover an island's secrets. Hakai Hyo, Thirty-Third Hellmaker in her family line, is cursed with bearing "unluck" and passing it on to others, while Mansaku, her older brother, hosts the spirit of a nagigama, or weapon, within him. When Hyo makes a deal with the demon who killed everyone in their village, Hyo and Mansaku must travel to Onogoro, a Special Cultural Zone and the only island where Ukoku's gods still live. Upon their arrival, they're drawn into a slow-burn murder mystery as well as Hyo's first special commission as a hellmaker. Caught between the demands of humans, different levels of gods, and their own need to find the truth, Hyo and Mansaku become increasingly aware that Hyo must listen to her hellmakers' en, or the "fateful connection pulling threads taut." Ghosh's debut novel features lush, vivid descriptions, while her black-and-white illustrations, which evoke traditional Japanese wood engravings and ink and watercolor paintings, bring the characters to life with striking power. The story takes its time, carefully establishing the worldbuilding and large cast of characters before plunging into the gripping second half. The weaving together of Japanese history and mythology gives this story a fresh feel. A bold and immersive work combining prose and art to form a compelling adventure. (map, glossary, author's note)(Fantasy mystery. 14-18)

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March 1, 2025
Grades 7-12 Hyo Hakai is a hellmaker who spreads misfortune to balance the gods of fortune. With her brother Mansaku, she travels to Onogoro, where Shinto gods walk among mortals in search of a hitodenashi pear that turns humans into demons. Ironically, this island is known for shinshu, the cure for hitodenashi. Upon arrival and initial investigation, they find their friend Jun is missing. After consulting with various Pillar Gods and Natsuami, an enigmatic nameless god with a dark past, Hyo and Mansaku delve deeper into the whereabouts of hitodenashi and discover that Jun was cursed and murdered. But as they learn who killed their friend, the investigative duo unearth a much larger interwoven web of truths involving hitodenashi, shinshu, and Natsuami's past that implicate far more than their friend's curse murderer. In this quasi-whodunit novel, author and illustrator Ghosh combines her vivid storytelling with powerful mangaesque illustrations to bring to life Hyo's quest and reveal the intricacies of the characters' personalities. Readers interested in mysteries, Japanese folktales, and manga will find themselves engrossed in this intriguing page-turner.

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Starred review from April 1, 2025

Gr 9 Up-Ghosh's debut follows Hyo, a Hellmaker with the rare ability to manipulate "unluck" to craft artisan hells for those who commission her. The story begins as Hyo and Mansaku flee their village, driven by the terrifying mystery of humans transforming into demons. Their journey leads them to Onogoro, the last haven where gods and humans coexist in peace, unraveling a gripping tale of intrigue and mystery. Unlike many YA novels that center romance, this story instead focuses on Hyo's growth as an artisan, delving deep into her craft. The novel's greatest strength lies in its masterly use of Japanese mythology, weaving a dark yet mesmerizing atmosphere through its tone and imagery. The supernatural elements are haunting yet beautiful, and the depictions of yokai and gods are vividly brought to life. What truly sets this book apart is its multimedia approach, featuring illustrations that enhance the storytelling and immerse readers in its eerie, otherworldly setting. With a balance of grimness and artistry, this novel is a must-read for those who appreciate mythology-infused fantasy and unique storytelling techniques. VERDICT A testament to how folklore, craftsmanship, and visual elements can come together to create an unforgettable reading experience.-Jessica Calaway

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 14, 2025
Manga fans and murder mystery aficionados will delight in this stunningly illustrated high-fantasy novel by Ikemoto Ghosh. Hakai Hyo is the 33rd person in her family to take up the mantle of hellmaker, someone capable of curating a personalized hell for a paying client’s worst enemy. When a demon curses Hyo’s village with a permanent winter, she strikes a deal with the creature to save her people: Hyo must first venture to Onogoro, an island that demons are forbidden from entering. Once there, she must seek hitodenashi, a cursed fruit consumed by demons that enables their man-eating tendencies, then thrust the island into hell. As Hyo navigates competing alliances, she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation, further entangling her in a treacherous web of power and deceit. Via b&w illustrations rendered using sweeping brushstrokes and precise line art, the creator depicts the alternate historical Japan setting and its inhabitants, both mortal and divine. While lengthy exposition can at times overwhelm, it also serves to convey the richly imagined worldbuilding of this gritty tale about a gifted teen confronting bloodthirsty entities. A glossary and author’s note conclude. Ages 12–up.