Let's start with a positive. Shaun definitely knows his topic. You can tell from the terminology and information used that he knows about and is interested in the time period he is writing about. Unfortunately, this isn't a topic I find compelling. Firstly, we don't get enough information about the characters to care what happens to them. Their only characteristic seems to be that they're Christian. I would like to see more of their thoughts presented or more interactions between the characters so we can see who they are as people. I also felt like the violence at the start came across as more for the sake of shock value. If you're interested in the history of Japan or Christianity, this may be a good book for you as the world feels realistic. For me, I feel disconnected to the story.