Todd Shimoda Book order

The novel intertwines the journeys of Gina Ono, a modern computer programmer striving for advanced artificial intelligence, and Akikaze, a wandering poet from five centuries past seeking poetic brilliance. Their parallel quests explore the tension between technology and art, suggesting that a collision of their worlds could lead to explosive consequences. The narrative is rich with intrigue and thought-provoking ideas, highlighting the contrasts and connections between the two characters' pursuits.

The story follows Keizo Yukawa, a renowned Tokyo art curator, as he embarks on a project for robotics tycoon Ichiro Ono, creating a museum dedicated to Ono's ancestor, Takenoko, a painter of Mt. Fuji. As Yukawa delves deeper, he uncovers the complexities of Ono's dysfunctional family, each grappling with their own legacies of genius and madness. The narrative intertwines themes of artistic obsession, featuring over four hundred artworks, and is infused with dark humor and elements of visionary artificial intelligence, creating a captivating and surreal experience.

Set during the Age of Enlightenment, the story follows Austrian composer and spy Phillipe Wolf as he navigates a fierce rivalry between Isaac Newton and Antonio Stradivari over the creation of the perfect violin. Amidst his love for Newton's niece, Catherine Barton, Wolf becomes embroiled in espionage, counterfeiting, and dramatic military confrontations. The narrative intertwines music, science, and intrigue, ultimately exploring the secrets behind the legendary Stradivarius violins, enhanced by the author's original illustrations.