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Bringing His Story to Life
Yasuke: Dead Man Walking follows two men shaped by power and survival as destiny draws them toward a collision that will change history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came unexpectedly one day while I was scrolling the internet. I came across an image of a Black man dressed in full samurai armor, standing beside an Asian woman and their mixed-race child. I stopped immediately and asked myself, “Who is this?” That question led me down a research rabbit hole that changed everything.
I discovered his name was Yasuke, and I became completely intrigued. How could a Black man wear samurai armor in feudal Japan? As I dug deeper into his history, I uncovered this incredible connection to one of my secret obsessions—Asian culture and feudal Japan specifically. The more I researched, the more I realized there were significant gaps in Yasuke’s documented history. Entire periods of his life remain a mystery. I felt a responsibility to honor what we do know while using fictional prose to fill in those missing pieces and bring his full story to life. That’s how Yasuke: Dead Man Walking was born.
Why did you choose to frame the novel around both Yasuke and Oda Nobunaga instead of centering on one figure alone?
Framing the story around both Yasuke and Oda Nobunaga was absolutely critical to the type of narrative I wanted to tell. At its core, Yasuke’s story is a “fish out of water” tale, but I also wanted to explore this fascinating “odd couple” dynamic between two men from completely different worlds. After all, it was Lord Nobunaga who elevated Yasuke to the unprecedented position of samurai within his military ranks—there’s no telling Yasuke’s story without telling Nobunaga’s.
Interestingly, I chose to open the novel with the first three chapters dedicated entirely to Lord Nobunaga. At first, I questioned that decision—it felt bold, maybe even risky—but ultimately, I realized it was necessary. I needed to establish the world of feudal Japan, educate readers on the political landscape and cultural dynamics of that era, and introduce Nobunaga as a young man destined to inherit his father’s lordship and transform Japan forever.
In my mind, there was no way to authentically portray feudal Japan—its economy, its people, its brutal beauty—without giving Nobunaga the rich backstory he deserved. By the time he reached the peak of his power, the Oda clan’s dominance was undeniable, and readers needed to understand how he got there. When Yasuke finally appears in Chapter 6, both characters have been so thoroughly developed that their meeting feels genuine and weighted with significance. Even though their true working relationship doesn’t develop until many chapters later, that foundation made their bond feel earned and authentic.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The central theme, as I mentioned, is the “fish out of water” journey. You take Yasuke—a man enslaved from the Sudan—and place him in feudal Japan, where he knows nothing: not the land, the people, the religion, the commerce, the politics, the warfare tactics, or even the language. It’s the ultimate setup for a hero’s journey, and it fit beautifully within the three-act structure I used to craft his arc.
But beyond that, I was deeply interested in exploring the “odd couple” dynamic between Yasuke and Lord Nobunaga. Here are two men who don’t even speak the same language, yet they share core qualities: natural-born leadership, a desire to inspire strength in those around them, and an unshakable presence that commands respect. Watching that relationship develop—slowly, authentically, through mutual respect rather than words—felt natural and right. It became one of the most rewarding aspects of writing this novel.
I also wanted to explore themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to find your place in a world that sees you as fundamentally “other.” Yasuke’s journey isn’t just about survival—it’s about transformation and legacy.
Will there be a follow-up to this story? If so, what aspects will the next installment cover?
Absolutely. There’s already a graphic novel that picks up exactly where Yasuke: Dead Man Walking ends. It’s called Yasuke: Resurrection, and it takes the story in a direction I don’t think anyone expects—into full fantasy territory.
Resurrection is a “what if” story that extends Yasuke’s journey beyond death itself, exploring his legacy through a fantastical lens. It pays homage to incredible works like Afro Samurai and classic Japanese and Chinese tales where samurai and warriors battle deities, demons, and otherworldly forces. This allowed me to flex my creative muscles in a completely different way—moving from grounded historical fiction into epic fantasy while still maintaining the authenticity and emotional core of Yasuke’s character.
The graphic novel format was perfect for this evolution. Visual storytelling brought a new dimension to the mythology I was building, allowing readers to experience Yasuke’s world in vivid, dynamic ways that prose alone couldn’t capture.
And to answer your question fully: even beyond the duology—the novel and graphic novel—there will be many more comics to come. The ending of Resurrection contains subtle hints about what’s next, and I’m excited to continue expanding Yasuke’s universe across multiple stories and timelines.
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From the slave markets of India to the battlefields of feudal Japan, Yasuke: Dead Man Walking tells the extraordinary historical fiction story of history’s first African samurai. Torn from his family and sold into bondage, Majok endures unimaginable hardships until fate delivers him to Oda Nobunaga, the most powerful warlord in 16th-century Japan. Through courage, honor, and an unbreakable spirit, he transforms from nameless slave Majok to legendary warrior Yasuke, earning the respect of emperors and the hatred of those who refuse to see beyond the color of his skin. But when betrayal strikes at the heart of the empire, Yasuke must face his greatest enemy in a final battle that will determine not only his own fate but also the future of Japan itself. A gripping tale of transformation, brotherhood, and the timeless truth that a man’s worth is measured not by his origins, but by his choices.
Yasuke: Dead Man Walking
Yasuke: Dead Man Walking opens as a sweeping historical fantasy that follows two rising forces whose lives move toward eventual collision: a young Oda Nobunaga shaking off immaturity to claim power in a fractured Japan, and Majok, an enslaved African warrior whose journey through loss, love, survival, and purpose slowly shapes him into the man history will one day call Yasuke. The book blends political intrigue, action, and character-driven storytelling, shifting between Nobunaga’s ruthless ascent and Majok’s transformation with a pace that feels cinematic.
I was pulled into the grounded emotional beats first rather than the sword clashes. Nobunaga’s early chapters surprised me, especially the way they trace his shift from reckless youth to cold, decisive leader. His world is painted with detail: the scent of incense in Kyoto, the tense quiet after battle, the heavy expectations of lineage. The writing keeps these moments vivid without slowing things down. When the betrayals start hitting him from every direction, the story sharpens. The tone grows darker, hungrier. I noticed how the author lets Nobunaga learn painful lessons through blows rather than lectures, which makes the moments that change him feel earned. Majok’s chapters carry a different emotional weight. They’re quieter but more intimate, and they made me pause more often. His memories of home, the tenderness with Amara, and his love for his daughter create a softer countercurrent that keeps the book from drowning in war and ambition.
I also appreciated how the author plays with contrast. Nobunaga’s path is all fire and force while Majok’s is rooted in endurance and the slow rebuilding of self. Their stories feel like two storms forming on opposite horizons. The fantasy elements appear with restraint at first, which I liked, because it keeps the genre grounded in history while still promising something larger. The pacing sometimes jumps quickly between timelines or tones, but the shifts feel intentional, like the book wants you to stay just a bit off balance as these characters become who they must become. The action scenes hit hard, while the emotional ones are slow and thoughtful. And when brutality appears, it’s not glamorized; it’s presented as the cost of survival in a world shaped by war, pride, and fear.
By the end, I felt like I’d traveled through two very different lives carried by a single thematic spine: what a person becomes when the world refuses to let them remain who they were. The story sits firmly in the historical fantasy genre, but its emotional centers feel close enough to real history to make you think about the people behind the legends. If you enjoy tales of rising power, morally complex leaders, richly built worlds, and characters shaped by both tenderness and violence, this book will speak to you. It’s especially fitting for readers who like their fantasy threaded with cultural depth, political tension, and personal transformation.
ASIN : B0G4NSDKC2
Whispers in the Night: Ryan Family Series, Book #1
Whispers in the Night, the first installment in Dorothy Elizabeth Love’s Ryan Family Series, explores the electrifying tension between love and opposition. Patricia Ryan, fiercely dedicated to saving a community center that provides vital support to impoverished children, finds herself at odds with Mac Carter. As the CEO of a powerful business, Mac threatens to demolish everything Patricia has worked tirelessly to protect. Yet, their undeniable attraction sparks a collision of worlds, forcing them to reconcile love with their conflicting goals.
This novel captivated me with its compelling lead character, Patricia. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her cause made her deeply relatable, even without a shared history. Her journey to accept and reciprocate love added emotional depth, making her eventual happiness profoundly satisfying. Patricia’s admirable determination served as a cornerstone of the story, anchoring the narrative in her personal and moral struggles.
I do feel that the lack of insight into Mac’s perspective left the romance feeling somewhat incomplete. Without access to his backstory or emotional motivations, I struggled to fully understand his connection to Patricia and what drove his feelings for her. I believe a deeper exploration of Mac’s character would have strengthened the romance, providing a more balanced view of their relationship and making it easier to root for their union. This would have added an extra layer of intensity to their bond, enriching the story’s romantic appeal.
Whispers in the Night delivers a powerful story of determination, love, and personal growth. Patricia’s strength and vulnerability make her an unforgettable heroine, but a fuller exploration of Mac’s perspective would have elevated the romance to greater heights. Dorothy Elizabeth Love crafts a heartfelt tale that leaves readers eager for the next chapter in the Ryan Family Series.
Pages: 302 | ISBN : Â 978-1965437155
Strength From Failure
Broken Pencils follows a turbulent teenager from Oakland who, on his eighteenth birthday, spirals into a night of reckless indulgence, searching for purpose and meaning in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
BROKEN PENCILS is a semi-biographical story loosely based on actual events and people from my teenage years. When the time came to structure the story, I drew inspiration from J.D Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye as my guide toward creating an engaging narrative about a Black teen’s struggle with mental health. My hope is that the story will resonate with anyone who is dealing with the same issues. In regards to the authenticity of the story, let’s just say the inspiration came from a crazy night at my Senior prom, some of which are still difficult to recall.Â
I found Jonah to be an extremely well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for his emotional turmoil throughout the story?
The emotional turmoil throughout the story was based on my own struggles with mental health. Ever since I was a kid, I dealt with bouts of depression and manic episodes. Despite my successes with therapy and medication, I have always carried this shame from not being understood and guilt from feeling misunderstood. Through Jonah’s heroic and chaotic journey, I wanted to take the reader along this emotional rollercoaster so that they may gain insight into the challenges and beauty of having Bipolar Disorder.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book explores several important themes that I found resonated throughout my life including coping with grief, managing mental health, complexities of identity, dealing with existential crisis, succumbing to peer pressure. The most important theme in the book was the idea how feeling broken can inspire us to become better, which became clear in my life when I lost my best friend, Dion, at a young age. With his passing, I also lost my innocence to the world. My eyes began to see the suffering and fragility in so many lives. Yet within these broken lives, I saw strength from failure and beauty of growth, both of which I strived for myself and personified through Jonah’s character.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
BROKEN PENCILS deserves to be read and studied by anyone who has ever felt broken. In spite of the chaos and drama, the story is full of rich meaning and raw emotion meant to inspire readers to examine their own purpose in life. My goal is for the book to reach a national audience and span to international countries as well as college courses and book clubs. My dream is having the book adapted to film or TV series, but I know I’ll be too old to play Jonah. Upon the book’s release, readers will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise based on the book, including original sketch artwork and T-Shirts. There is already a sequel to BROKEN PENCILS in the works, so stay tuned. Visit www.jrrice.com for more updates.Â
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Jonah Tarver, a troubled Oakland teenager grappling with his parents’ troubled marriage, his own mental disorder, and the weight of his best friend’s death, embarks on a desperate quest to find meaning in life. Will he find the purpose he yearns for, or will he discover that life has no point like broken pencils?
BROKEN PENCILS
Broken Pencils by J.R. Rice delves into the turbulent life of Jonah Tarver, a teenager from Oakland facing the challenges of adolescence, family strife, and personal mental struggles. The story unfolds over a significant day in Jonah’s life, marked by key events: prom night, the eve of his birthday, and the anniversary of his best friend’s death. This convergence of milestones catapults him into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of Jonah’s environment, where the constant arguments of his parents form a continuous, unsettling backdrop. Jonah strives to protect his younger brother from their family’s deteriorating dynamics. Compounding his distress is the strained relationship with his father and the perceived betrayal by his friend Trevon and girlfriend Taniesha. Prom night becomes a pivotal point as Jonah plunges into a world of drugs, alcohol, and reckless behavior, leading to unforeseen consequences and revelations, including a discovery about his father. J.R. Rice’s Broken Pencils is more than a story of a teenager’s life; it’s a reflection of how things from the past can unfold in a single day. This book is a poignant exploration of choice and consequence, distinguished by Rice’s skill in creating authentic, complex characters. These characters, each entangled in their own struggles, bring a rich, multifaceted perspective to the narrative. At its core, the novel grapples with the theme of brokenness, portraying it not as a defect to be mended but as an intrinsic part of the human experience. While it subtly addresses the experience of young black individuals, the book does not make race its focal point. Instead, an undercurrent of mental health issues weaves through the narrative, offering a layer for readers to uncover and interpret.
Rice offers an emotionally resonant, thoughtful, and philosophically charged narrative in Broken Pencils. It serves as a compelling reminder of the weight of our choices and their indelible impact on our lives and those around us.
A Black Woman’s Journey
“You live, and you learn” is an idiom we have all heard often, and those lessons can come at a disproportionately high cost when it comes to relationships. Learning to navigate the roads of life and love can be difficult, but author Melissa Owens has resolved to keep moving up despite past mistakes. A heartbreak, however painful, can always be an opportunity to discover a new truth, whether it be about yourself or the world around you, and it should never be viewed as the end of the world regardless of its hurt.
A Black Woman’s Journey: Memoirs Of Love, Pain Loss, Comfort, and Forgiveness is Melissa’s personal travels through relationships as she tries her best to become more than her childhood and inopportune beginnings. She begins by acknowledging the societal influences that lead women of color toward a life of unfilled and unrequited love, then immediately jumps into her own story with no hesitation.
Pulling no punches, Owens unflinchingly talks about her teen pregnancy, her first genuinely satisfying sexual experience. In these situations, she’d thought she’d found “the one” and every bit of good, bad, and ugly in between. It’s a fast-paced memoir that shows the power of perseverance and learning to recognize your own needs. Owens never shies away from her own flaws, fleshing them out as naturally and objectively as if she were talking about anyone else. This story could easily be received as a cautionary tale, but at its heart, it is more optimistic than that, telling others to live a life without regrets. Owens detailed an immense amount of pain and heartbreak, all at a relatively young age, but her message is always to focus on yourself and move on. Personal accountability plays heavily into her story to a refreshing degree.
I enjoyed A Black Woman’s Journey as it was a quick read and didn’t get into much depth with any of the encounters. However, it was an interesting insight into the resilience that is necessary for survival sometimes, whether it’s within the world of dating or just life in general. In addition, Owens writes with a candor that makes it seem as if she were beside you, simply having a conversation, which makes it a much more personal read.
Pages: 72 | ASIN : B0BD5F8L6D
Outcast – Book Trailer
Tirrell Ellis has always felt like an outcast. His loving grandmother takes him in after the death of his parents and his very existence becomes the source of much conflict between him and his half-brother.
Feelings of being unwanted fester inside Tirrell and he eventually explodes in fits of anger. His unbridled temper gets him booted out of the military, and he violently unleashes his frustration on his girlfriend when he discovers a secret that she’s been harboring.
Tirrell believes things are finally turning around in his favor when he meets Alexandra Solomon. Blinded by the trappings of the lifestyle she offers him, he ignores the warnings of his grandmother to stay away from her.
By the time Tirrell finds out that Alex Solomon is not who she appears to be, it’s almost too late, as he puts his life and the lives of his family in danger.
With his world falling to ruin, will Tirrell be able to right the wrongs he’s done and prove that he’s not he pariah his family believes him to be?
