Review: Okiku

Okiku: A Japanese Ghost Story
by KuroKoneko Kamen

A Gothic Romance Retelling of a Classic Japanese Folktale

Graphic Novel featuring 130 anime-style comic pages…

In the shadowy halls of Himeji Castle, a love story brews — one of obsession, betrayal, and the supernatural. Okiku, a young servant tasked with caring for ten priceless Delft plates, becomes the center of a deadly game of passion. She serves in the castle by day and feeds the dungeon prisoners by night, unaware of the dark desires and jealous eyes following her every move.

Among those captivated by Okiku’s beauty is the ruthless samurai Aoyama Tessan, whose twisted infatuation becomes all-consuming. Obsessed and envious, Aoyama silences the prisoners by ordering their tongues cut out, leaving Okiku to believe none wish to speak to her. But one man breaks through the silence—Shinji, a once-proud samurai now imprisoned in the depths of the dungeon, with powerful o-fuda seals binding him to his cell. Mysterious, resilient, and with a charm that captivates Okiku, he becomes the light in her dark and lonely world.

As Okiku and Shinji’s forbidden connection deepens, the key to his freedom dangles from the very chain around Aoyama’s neck. Okiku must risk everything to steal it, but with Keiko, the jealous wife of Aoyama and daughter of the lord, watching closely, every step toward liberation teeters on the brink of tragedy.

As jealousy boils over and Aoyama’s obsession spirals, a single missing plate becomes the catalyst for a series of harrowing events that plunge Okiku into darkness. Betrayed and brutally wronged, she transforms into an onryou — a vengeful spirit bound by her love and fury. Now, as a terrifying ghost, Okiku must face the ultimate question: Can love survive even in death?

No cliffhanger! This is the entire story!

4 out of 5 fairies

This was a chilling tale, with matching illustrations. My only real complaint is I wish the art style had been a little more consistent throughout, but the illustrations are vibrant, and manage to convey the creepy bits very well. I’m not familiar with the original story, but this was a captivating retelling, and it’s made me interested in the original folktale. Kamen really brought the characters to life, and wove a tale of love, loss, jealousy, and other things.

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Check out the illustrated and narrated audiobook mini movie

KuroKoneko Kamen is the bestselling author of the scintillating Demons and Judges paranormal romance series – Wicked Bartender, Incubus Chocolatier, Hollywood Merman, Druid Vampire, Highlander Hellcat, Vampire Punk and Galactic Goth – where the true love of a Judge has the power to redeem a Demon or Vampire of their sins. With a degree in English literature and experiences gained through worldwide travel under her belt, she excels in world building and creating unforgettable characters. Due to her Japanese heritage she’s always possessed an interest in Japanese culture from ancient folktales about yokai, demons, to modern fantasy anime and manga. Even when in the midst of a swashbuckling pirate novel expect a samurai warrior to be thrown into the mix. Keeping her company as she writes are her several dogs and cats, some of which are rescues.

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Twisted Fairytales Collection