I just finished reading another Lustbader book and I found myself still fascinated about the author's knowledge and passion for Japanese culture and way of life.

 Black Blade was published in 1992. It was actually another fast-paced plot that will take readers to "forbidden" places where a chain of brutal yet seemingly innocent murders take place, where a political scheme is being conceived to paralyze the economic colossus of Japan, where a power war is almost at its final stage. The novel may just be another stint on how dirty politcs can be, but then, it could be more...

To be honest, I was never a fan of Lustbader. He's a great writer, no doubt about that but my heart's just set to the almost-realistic novels of Jeffrey Archer (so I'm loyal, hehehe). But I won't deny the fact however that I'm impressed with Lustbader's writing prowess.

My friend Mandy introduced him to me I guess less than 2 years ago. She was so fascinated with Lustbader's Angel Eyes and since Mandy's a reliable critic, I read the book as well. I learned so much about the Japanese ways and I was actually laughing out loud when one of the characters (was it the Japanese? I guess it was the Russian) asked about a pineapple tree. A pineapple tree! Shucks! If I see one, I'll definitely report it to Guiness!

Anyways, Eric Van Lustbader (who dropped his middle name "Van" years ago to avoid further confusion) has authored and published more than 25 best-selling novels, this includes The Ninja, which was sold to and to be made a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox (Hmmm, I wonder if this has be shown already, I haven't heard of such movie yet).

Lustbader must be a very good writer for why would the estate of the late Robert Ludlum (The Robert Ludlum!) choose him to continue the Bourne novels? He already published The Bourne Legacy and The Bourne Betrayal. Sigh.. this would mean Matt Damon (I love this guy!) will be back to portray Jason Bourne will be back on the big screen. Yipppeee!

Let's go back to Lustbader's Black Blade shall we? It was another of Eric's novel bearing his signature: Where Thrillers and Fantasy Meet. Lustbader can certainly show the fantasy side of the story without forcing the readers to forget the real world. Thus, I'm really impressed! Black Blade talks about this darkness on noontime, a power that can be summoned by special people like Wolf, Chika  and other members of the Japanese Black Blade society. The novel is again set on human's greed to gain complete world dominion theough their evil powers. Hmmm... thrillers and fantasy, no doubt about that!

Read the book, you'll never bored, even if you dislike fantasy and all writings about the far side of the world, you might just like the realistic side of it...

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