Longlisted for the Japan Horror Fiction Awards
Koushun Takami's runaway bestseller is based on an irresistible premise: Set in a fictional totalitarian dictatorship called the Republic of Greater East Asia, a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, students are forced to fight to the death. Provided weapons, they are forced to kill one another until only one survivor is left standing.
Battle Royale is a brutal, high-octane thriller told in breathless, shocking fashion that has become a contemporary Japanese pulp classic. This critically-acclaimed novel is a 21st century Lord of the Flies meshed with Running Man—a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world.
“The story is brilliant … the book opens up all sorts of doors to conversations and thoughts about psychology, murder, survival, love, loyalty, and moral ground …[However] those who cringe at slash and hack should steer away.” —Red Room
“Both gripping and original. … It is a simple premise, superbly executed … you will become completely immersed in the mindsets of the various characters.” —Sarugumo
Note: This novel was also made into a controversial hit movie as well as adapted into a manga collection of the same name.