In an alternate history where Japan and Germany won WWII, a mecha designer and a secret policeman team up to stop an assassin threatening the United States of Japan. Filled with intense action, political intrigue, and complex characters, the story explores themes of loyalty, revolution, and the consequences of war.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the marketing description and reader reviews provided, "Cyber Shogun Revolution" by Peter Tieryas is an engaging and thrilling addition to the "United States of Japan" alternate history series. Here is a detailed review highlighting the novel's strengths:

Tieryas has crafted a richly imagined alternate world where Japan and Nazi Germany emerged victorious in World War II and divided the conquered United States between them. This fascinating premise allows him to blend elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and cyberpunk into an action-packed fusion.

The novel's mecha battles are a true highlight, vividly depicted with visceral adrenaline and technical detail that makes them burst off the page. Readers who love mecha anime and movies like Pacific Rim will be enthralled by the kinetic mecha fight sequences. Tieryas shows his passion for Japanese pop culture influences while keeping the narrative firmly grounded in gritty realism.

The characterization is another strength, with complex protagonists Reiko and Bishop carrying emotional depth beneath their tough exterior personas. Their personal arcs navigating trauma, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of revolution make them compellingly human. The relationship and banter between the two leads is particularly praised by readers.

While a part of a series, "Cyber Shogun Revolution" works as a thrilling stand-alone tale. However, readers familiar with the previous novels will appreciate the broader world-building and connections. Tieryas expands this alternate history vividly, exploring the cultural clash and technological advancements after decades under Japanese/Nazi rule.

The novel is lauded for its philosophical underpinnings examining the cyclic nature of power, the lines between liberation and oppression blurring, and the struggle to retain one's humanity in the midst of revolution. Amid the high-octane action, Tieryas prompts thought-provoking questions about morality and the greater societal costs of uprisings.

With its immersive alternate history worldbuilding, adrenaline-fueled mecha combat sequences, multifaceted character perspectives, and poignant thematic exploration, "Cyber Shogun Revolution" has cemented Peter Tieryas' "United States of Japan" series as a must-read for fans of speculative and genre-blending fiction. An impressive and highly entertaining literary endeavor.