"The Puzzle Box" by Danielle Trussoni

 

It is the Year of the Wood Dragon, and the ingenious Mike Brink has been invited to Tokyo, Japan, to open the legendary Dragon Box.

The box was constructed during one of Japan’s most tumultuous periods, when the samurai class was disbanded and the shogun lost power. In this moment of crisis, Emperor Meiji locked a priceless Imperial secret in the Dragon Box. Only two people knew how to open the box—Meiji and the box’s sadistic constructor—and both died without telling a soul what was inside or how to open it.

Every twelve years since then, in the Year of the Dragon, the Imperial family holds a clandestine contest to open the box. It is devilishly difficult, filled with tricks, booby traps, poisons, and mind-bending twists. Every puzzle master who has attempted to open it has died in the process.

But Brink is not just any puzzle master. He may be the only person alive who can crack it. His determination is matched only by that of two sisters, descendants of an illustrious samurai clan, who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure.

Brink’s quest launches him on a breakneck adventure across Japan, from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the pristine forests of Hakone to an ancient cave in Kyushu. In the process, he discovers the power of Meiji’s hidden treasure, and—more crucially—the true nature of his extraordinary talent. ~taken from Goodreads

This is book two featuring Mike Brink, puzzle master extraordinaire. Although it's book two, this could absolutely be read as a stand alone book. 

It's been a few years since the Jameson Sedge and Jess Price incident. Mike Brink is trying to get on with his life and just be as normal as he possibly can, given the genius that is his brain. 

Brink is invited to solve a very prestigious puzzle box by the Japanese Imperial Family. A puzzle which has killed every player prior. Everyone, including Brink himself, is sure that he is the one person who can solve this century old puzzle box. 

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I really liked The Puzzle Master and was looking forward to getting back into this series. I tried and tried, but the reading was slow from start to finish. 

I am not sure if it was the story itself, my little known knowledge of Japanese history, or a combination of both. I had the hardest time seeing the images in my head because I just had no idea the reality of what the scenery and architecture would look like. 

Then there was the story of the sisters and how they were connected both to the Japan narrative and somehow connected to Brink. It was just so confusing to try and get everything sorted out. 

Then there was the "ending". It was like suddenly the book was near the end and the author suddenly wrapped things up quickly and too perfectly. It was boring and predictable while being very unbelievable- as in there is no way it could happen. 

I wish I could give this a better review, but it was 3 stars for me. I do look forward to the next book in the series though! 

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me an eARC to read and give my honest review. 

"The Puzzle Box"   is set to be released here in the U.S. on October 8, 2024 so pre-order now. 

Happy Reading!