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Honor, Underworld & Koi Fish: Crafting Tokyo Black with Andrew Warren

The Adventure Story Podcast: For lovers of Adventure, Archaeology, and Historical Mysteries.

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Episode  ·  25:38  ·  Jun 13, 2025

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In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I sit down with thriller author Andrew Warren to dive into one of the world’s most enthralling cities—Tokyo.&#160;We explore what makes Tokyo such a captivating backdrop for storytelling and how Andrew strikes the balance between cultural authenticity and fast-paced fiction. Andrew shares vivid memories from his time in Tokyo that shaped the novel, along with insights into how he weaves setting, character values, and action into his books.&#160;We also delve into the research behind writing about the Yakuza, and how Andrew blends gritty realism with the cinematic flair that keeps readers turning the pages!&#160;&#160;Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, fascinated by Tokyo, or just love a good story well told, this episode is for you.&#160;Tokyo Black by Andrew Warren is available here. Here's what it's all about: &#160;Thomas Caine was the CIA’s deadliest killer. Then he was burned, betrayed, and left for dead.&#160;Now he survives off the grid, currently in Pattaya, Thailand. But when a feud with local criminals lands him in jail, his old CIA masters return with an offer he can’t refuse… Rot in a Thai prison, or accept one last mission in Tokyo, Japan.&#160;Forced to hunt the neon-lit city for a CIA asset’s runaway daughter, Caine soon crosses paths with a sinister faction of the yakuza crime syndicate and finds himself drawn into a terror plot that could throw the US and Japan into chaos.&#160;But Caine knows a double cross when he sees one. He’s convinced someone in the CIA is manipulating him from behind the scenes. Someone who knows his past in intimate detail.&#160;But this time, he’s not going down without a fight…&#160;Takeaways:&#160;Tokyo Black captures Tokyo’s unique blend of ancient shrines and high-tech sprawl, reflecting the city’s layered identity.&#160;Themes of honor, duty, and redemption run through the story, reflecting the protagonist’s search for moral clarity.&#160;Andrew's book taps into Japanese mythology, specifically the koi fish that transforms into a dragon to mirror the hero’s journey.&#160;Andrew's research into the Yakuza included books, films, and Japanese video games, helping him avoid clichés while keeping things dramatic!&#160;Got a Story Idea?&#160;If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!&#160;Join the Adventure Society!&#160;Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:&#160;LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety&#160;Get a Free Adventure Thriller!&#160;A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!&#160;When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.&#160;Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:&#160;<a href="https://www.lukerichardsonauthor.com/paris" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

25m 38s  ·  Jun 13, 2025

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