Novel Based on the Shin Megami Tensei Games Gets English Translation
AUSTIN, TX—July 23, 2014 In the post-apocalyptic Junkyard warring tribes battle to unify all six territories, and thus gain access to Nirvana, the promised land. This is the setting of “Avatar Tuner, Vol. 1”, a novel set in the same world as the "Shin Megami Tensei” video games. After one battle Serph, the leader of the upstart Embryon tribe, rescues a mysterious girl and discovers he and his fellow fighters have gained the ability to transform into mystical, demon warriors. But these new powers and the enigmatic Sera threaten to upend the balance of power in the Junkyard, and within the Embryon tribe itself.
Today US publisher Bento Books announced it would release “Avatar Tuner, Vol. 1” in English for the first time. The novel opens the “Quantum Devil Saga”, a series of five books set in the world of the “Shin Megami Tensei” games, which are widely popular in their native Japan and have gained a considerable following in the West. The games are part of the “Megami Tensei” series, one of the three most popular role-playing video game series in Japan, along with “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest”.
Translator Kevin Frane hopes the novel will appeal to casual readers in addition to fans of the games: “Essentially, the books are Yū Godai's take on her own story, originally used as the basis for the two Digital Devil Saga games, redone without any of the unique restrictions... [needed] to make it a playable video game.”
“Avatar Tuner, Vol. 1” is scheduled for publication on July 31st, 2014, in hardcover and trade paperback print versions. A digital edition of the book will be available on the Kindle. More information, and an interview with Kevin Frane can be found at the publisher's website, bentobooks.com
ABOUT BENTO BOOKS: We bring contemporary Japanese fiction to new audiences with an emphasis on titles overlooked by traditional publishers. The company was founded by veteran translators who believe that with an excellent translation, these hidden gems will thrive in the West.
