I am giving this a DNF at 35%. In addition to the story just treading water for about 20% of the book, I just can't move past the dog murder. It was completely disturbing and I'm not sure how necessary it was to the story. I'm going to assume that the author did some research into the creation of cursed Japanese spirits, but I just cannot move past it.

The world is raging in war. The United States is dragged into World War II as Commander Isamu Mori of the supernatural group, Yamata no Orochi seeks to find the Infernal Artifact at Pearl Harbor. Amidst all this, Hayden Dáithí gets caught in the bombing at Pearl Harbor, resting the future of the world in his hands.

I’m a sucker for stunning book covers, and this one is eye-catching to say the least. It was the primary reason I requested it on NetGalley and unfortunately I never got to read it until recently.

This story has an interesting mix of history, mythology, fantasy, science fiction and mystery. I cannot attest whether the history and mythology is true but it was the primary basis of the plot. I do feel like some readers may find it uncomfortable. It’s weaved into the plot throughout the many twists and turns keeping the reader on their toes. The story captures varying emotions through Hayden but the depiction of his happiness and sadness were touching moments.

That said, although the story is set in World War II it lacks a sense of action or urgency. The fights felt underwhelming and sometimes too summarized. I felt like there was a greater focus on describing the action rather than experiencing it through the characters. Also, Hayden’s fighting felt unnatural because until the very end he lacked confidence in himself. I think this story had a great opportunity to develop Hayden’s character gradually instead of rushing it.

The writing is descriptive. Majority of the story is told to the reader instead of experiencing it. There are some information dumps in the first half of the book as well as time passes quickly without any noticeable events. This book does have a closure but it also leaves room for book two. Also a fair note on trigger warnings, there is animal cruelty, violence, and death to name a few.

There are quite a few characters in this story, including representation. The two that stood out for me were Hayden, starting out as a disabled character and Miss. Sharp, an intelligent woman in science. I loved how they belonged naturally in the story and were confident. They didn’t need any help – they were independent.

Overall this was a fun read. It’s not my usual genre but it was a unique and interesting concept. This book has a closure at the end but the story isn’t done yet. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

I'm not sure where to start? Historical fiction usually is NOT my thing. Especially war stories. I typically do not care for anything that has to do with war but I found the idea with the Japanese demons to be extremely intriguing. People usually forget about the Pacific War since media tends to focus on Germany and the Nazis when we think of WWII so it was super interesting to see a different side. I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about this book and then I couldn't put it down!

Not to be THAT PERSON but I feel like fans of Captain America will really like this one! There are some funny jokes about Captain America too, since they would've existed during the same time. Corpse Walker is just a bit darker, I think. Still, it was a GREAT read and unlike anything I've ever read before. I'm trying to talk about how good it is but I don't know how to without giving away spoilers! I can't wait to follow his journey and also for the next book in the Infernal Artifacts!!

Thank you to Steely Co. Publishing for my copy!

This was sooo good. I really enjoy World War II era books. I enjoyed some of the new tidbits of history I learned as well as some Japanese folklore that was new to me as well. I loved the spin of adding demons and gods as well.

This is one of my fave books from Raye! I love the different paranormal aspects and loved the history in this book as well. I couldn’t put this one down

“War has been declared.“

I should have known, going in, that I’d love this book. After all, it fuses my two favourite genres: Paranormal Fantasy and Historical Fiction.

I loved the blending of fact and fiction, particularly the Japanese mythology.

I loved learning more about Pearl Harbor. As a Canadian, I didn’t get much about it in history class.

I loved the world-building. It was the perfect amount for this reader. Enough to be interesting, but not so much as to weigh you down.

I loved the main characters, (Gimme more Hayden! Gimme more Finley!)

Even the secondary characters were well fleshed out.

AND while this book totally works all on it’s own, it’s the first of a trilogy WITHIN A TRILOGY.

Put it straight into my veins.

Thanks to both NetGalley, and Steely Co. Publishing for this fantastical ARC.

ALL THE STARS.

Such a great book!!!!! There is lots of very powerful friendships, treason (horrible betrayal), death (and just like George R.R. Martin, you killed the character I loved the most), love (not in a romantic way, more like in how we feel about friends and family), and so much more! I hope to read the rest of this saga soon!

I also enjoy the historical part of this book. I am one of those people that thinks we should learn from history to not repeat the same mistakes and WWII is one of those wars you totally need to understand. I never express enough interest in this particular part (USA vs. Japan) because I thought more important things were happenning in Europe but if things were as bad as written here, it's a period I should investigate more about.

I’m so in awe of this book. I was in such a slump and this book brought me right out of it! The historial fiction side, plus paranormal and Japanese gods, this book has it all! Raye has such an amazing writing style that the words flowed seamlessly. It’s a fast read, but you’re so drawn into the action, the comedy, the story it’s unputdownable! I loved the characters, the twists, I just loved it all! I can’t wait to read the next Corpse Walker book!

This is one of the most unique book premises I have read in a while. The blend of historical WWII fiction and Japanese folklore was exceptional. For that alone, I would recommend this to anyone who was intrigued after reading the blurb.

Unfortunately, I had a difficult time while reading the book. I felt disconnected from the characters and the plot, and it held me back from feeling invested in the story. While reading the book, I would often go back and see if I missed something because I felt that there were critical plot points happening with little lead-up to it. I would re-read a page to see if I missed something, because it would feel so sudden. Essentially, I felt like I was being pulled behind the story, always trying to catch up to it. As opposed to walking alongside, and looking ahead to what was to come.

Overall, I would still recommend this book to anyone who had their interest grabbed by the blurb. I have now read other reviews (I only read other reviews once I have completed the book for myself), and it appears that my experience is the outlier.

I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Steely Co. Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a wonderful and enjoyable read!!!! I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A spellbinding blend of historical fiction and supernatural intrigue. Set during World War II, the book immerses readers in a gripping tale of war, espionage, and the supernatural. The story follows Commander Isamu Mori and his quest to collect a scattered Infernal Artifact, leading to unexpected revelations and an eerie alliance.

Kimie's storytelling is both thrilling and thought-provoking, offering a unique take on historical events. The characters are well-developed, and the supernatural elements add an intriguing layer to the plot. Corpse Walker: The Night Parade is a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a supernatural twist, providing a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in history.

Corpse Walker offers a unique blend of historical fiction and paranormal fantasy. I love the way the story strikes a balance between the heavy topics of war and death at Pearl Harbor and subsequent battles in the Pacific with the thrilling adventure of locating and mastering the infernal artifacts before the enemy. I was blown away by the attention to detail and complex story mapping. There are just so many layers! It’s definitely a strong start to what is sure to be an epic adventure. I can’t wait to see how things unfold!

A rollercoaster of surprises! I mean, who doesn't love a good World War II story with a supernatural twist? Ralynn Kimie takes you on an epic adventure with Commander Isamu Mori as he hunts for a mysterious artifact, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride.

What I really enjoyed about this book is how it keeps you guessing. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, bam! There's a shocking discovery that'll leave you wanting more. The characters are so well-written, and the mix of history and supernatural elements is just perfect. If you want a book that's thrilling, mysterious, and downright cool, Corpse Walker: The Night Parade is the one to read.

I honestly cannot say enough good things about this book.
Have you ever read one of those books that just intrigued you from the first page? This is one story that held my interest from the beginning. At the story’s onset there was a lot of war, but once the world was set, there were many twists and turns that kept my interest throughout the whole book. The exceptional writing and uniqueness of the plot drew me in, and I could not put it down. This mix of history and fantasy with the additions of Japanese folklore, violent demons and powerful artifacts ticks all my boxes for a fantastic read. I am totally vested in the success of Hayden and Finley! I laughed, I cried, and the ending has me wanting more!
I have now read this book three times. It gets better each time. I am so blessed to be an ARC reader!

I love how well the supernatural and historical elements blend together in this book. As someone who enjoys hist fic, but also struggles with it from time to time, I really enjoyed the supernatural touch. The world building is well done, but not monotonous or overwhelming. I think my favorite is the way that Rae builds her characters, even her secondary characters are sharp and engaging, they don’t just blend into the background. Folklore is something I really enjoy learning about and they way the Japanese folklore is woven into this story is so beautifully done.

“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓂𝓃 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔𝒹𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓈.”

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
Ralynn Kimie has a way of telling a story filled with history and yet making it a wonderful adventure. When I was first introduced to the novel, I will not lie, I had no intention of reading it but along the way I was coerced into reading it (it was more like FOMO)! Wow am I glad that I took a chance on a genre that isn't one of my go-to's. Raye managed to introduce so many facts from her research into this fantasy world without being overwhelming or reading like a history textbook. The storyline was very unique and kept me guessing to the very end (hello, I need a sequel). The writing style made the story flow easily, and the third person POV allowed the reader to witness the story from different characters' perspectives. I loved Hayden's journey, seeing everything he went through and what is yet to come *wink wink* Miss Sharp, Dr Stolly and Susanoo stole my heart, they were fantastic side characters that I could not get enough of! The banter was hilarious and I lived for every second of it. I loved this first novel in The Infernal Artifacts collection and cannot wait to continue with the adventures that are yet to come.

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
- The Chosen One
- The Reluctant Hero
- Ancient Artifacts

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: It has been very special to get to know Raye outside of her writing and call her a friend! She's a total cinammon roll but don't tell her I said that! Of course, she values honesty above all and that is what this review is, honest. Don't forget to visit her merch site (info below & link in bio)!

I’m honestly sad that I didn’t read this sooner. It’s been on my tbr but I kept putting it off, I’m so sorry that I did. I’m always a fan of historical fantasy so this seemed like a no brainer. My first introduction into this authors writing left me floored in all the best ways. I could picture everything I was reading and felt like I was there with our characters.

The uniqueness of this book was so refreshing and informative, to be honest. If you want something fast paced and full of stunning world building, this is DEFINITELY for you. Giving this a chance you won’t be sorry. It opens up an entire world of characters and their lives. Plus the Japanese folklore evident throughout is so magical to read and experience. It’s quick but mighty.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first got into this book. This goes between historical fiction and paranormal fantasy, both genres outside of my comfort zone, and I was thoroughly impressed with how much I enjoyed it. There wasn’t a single moment where I was bored, I wanted to keep on reading. Ralynn’s writing style is super easy to follow and it flows so beautifully. I will forever talk this book up and recommend it to anyone, especially if they need to get out of a reading slump.

I normally avoid historical fiction as it’s just not my genre of choice but when I saw this also had paranormal elements (my favourite!) I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone! The story had me hooked from the beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book. The historical elements we’re descriptive enough so I knew what was going on without it being too much. Just when I thought there couldn’t be any more action or conflict there seemed to be more to pull me in. I’m so intrigued how this series will play out and connect to the other books in the Infernal Artifacts Collection!