David Kudler's Blog

I’ve been sitting on this news for a few days, partly to make sure it was real, partly because I wasn’t sure what to say about it. Murasaki: A Kunoichi Tale — the fourth and final book in the Seasons of the Sword series — has been named a finalist for the 2026 IBPA Book […]

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I’m thrilled to share that Murasaki, the final book in the Seasons of the Sword tetralogy, has received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. Reviewer Robert Collier III highlighted what I hoped readers would find at the heart of the series — that Risuko and her friends have learned to become warriors, kunoichi, but much […]

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For the first time, the complete Seasons of the Sword is available as a bundle at risuko.net — in every format: paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook. Your choice.

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Some stories end. Some stories complete — arriving at a destination you didn’t know you were heading toward until you were already there. Murasaki, the fourth and final installment in the Seasons of the Sword series, is that kind of ending—and it’s now available as an audiobook. New to the Series? Here’s What You’re Walking […]

Akemashite Omedeto Gozai Masu!

From me and mine and from Risuko and hers, we want to wish you the happiest, most prosperous of new years!

This last year was momentous for both my young heroine and me, marking the completion of the Seasons of the Sword series. It’s taken a long time to bring Risuko’s year of adventure, danger, and self-discovery full circle, but Murasaki brought the cycle to a thrilling conclusion. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey as much as I have.

[image error]The Seasons of the Sword — Now Complete!Domo Arigato

By way of thanks, I’d like to offer you a 20% discount off any item in the store. Print books, ebooks, audiobooks, clothing, posters–this is your chance to get something that will start off your year with a dash of adventure and a splash of color.

Just browse the Risuko.net store, choose whatever you’d like, and on checkout, enter the discount coupon code

FOURSEASONS

Whether it’s a gift for yourself or for someone else, a chance to finish exploring Risuko’s world or sharing it, you’ll get 20% off as my way of thanking you for making this possible.

20% off all digital downloads (ebooks and audiobooks)20% off all physical books (signed copies, bundles, and drop-shipped editions)20% off merch (clothing, phone cases, and other items)

But do it soon!

The discount ends January 5, 2026.What’s Next?

I’m not disappearing, I promise.

There are new projects brewing, and I’ll have more to share with you in coming weeks. For now, I’ll just say: if you’ve enjoyed the Seasons of the Sword, I think you’ll find what’s coming next equally compelling, if different.

Keep an eye for updates on RISUKO.NET!

David Kudler

If you’ve finished Murasaki, the final book in the Seasons of the Sword series, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could leave a review!

Reviews help readers discover the series and mean the world to authors like me. The book has been out six weeks and the response has been fantastic, but I’d love to hear what you think.

Choose your favorite platform:

Amazon: risuko.net/amazon-murasaki Goodreads: risuko.net/goodreads-murasaki BookBub: risuko.net/bookbub-murasaki

Even a sentence or two makes a huge difference. Thank you for joining Risuko on her journey!

And if you haven’t read the wild conclusion to this award-winning historical adventure series… what are you waiting for?

[image error]SaleProduct on saleMurasaki (Seasons of the Sword #4) $5.99 – $24.95Price range: $5.99 through $24.95 The thrilling conclusion to Seasons of the Sword!

Can one girl survive?

An easy mission promises to be Risuko’s last

Accompanying a noblewoman to her wedding should be a simple assignment — until Risuko, Emi, and Toumi realize someone wants the bride dead. If they can’t unite Japan’s most powerful clans through marriage, the empire may endure another century of bloodshed. And there’s nothing they won’t do to ensure the ceremony proceeds…

Because Risuko and her friends aren’t just lady’s maids. They are kunoichi.

Trained spies, assassins—and in this case, bodyguards.

Along the way, they must confront hidden enemies and uncover who is behind the plot. Risuko must confront the ghosts of her past to become, finally, herself.

Read a sneak preview of the opening chapters!

Seasons of the Sword:Risuko (Winter) Bright Eyes (Spring) Kano (Summer)Murasaki (Autumn — now available!)

(Young adult historical adventure; Japanese Civil War)

SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & SPECIAL DISCOUNTSORDER FROM YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE STOREOrder direct from the author:

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Available on backorder\n","backorders_allowed":false,"dimensions":{"length":"","width":"","height":""},"dimensions_html":"N\/A","display_price":5.99,"display_regular_price":11.98,"image":{"title":"Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-jpg.webp","alt":"Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3","src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-620x1024.webp","srcset":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-620x1024.webp 620w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-182x300.webp 182w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-300x496.webp 300w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-jpg.webp 700w","sizes":"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px","full_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-jpg.webp","full_src_w":700,"full_src_h":1157,"gallery_thumbnail_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-100x100.webp","gallery_thumbnail_src_w":100,"gallery_thumbnail_src_h":100,"thumb_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Kano-Web-3d-Tablet-v3-jpg-300x300.webp","thumb_src_w":300,"thumb_src_h":300,"src_w":600,"src_h":991},"image_id":5424,"is_downloadable":true,"is_in_stock":true,"is_purchasable":true,"is_sold_individually":"no","is_virtual":true,"max_qty":"","min_qty":1,"price_html":"$11.98 Original price was: $11.98.$5.99Current price is: $5.99.","sku":"murasaki-ebook-bundle","variation_description":"","variation_id":5594,"variation_is_active":true,"variation_is_visible":true,"weight":"","weight_html":"N\/A"},{"attributes":{"attribute_pa_format":"hardcover"},"availability_html":"

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Available on backorder\n","backorders_allowed":false,"dimensions":{"length":"9","width":"6","height":"1"},"dimensions_html":"9 × 6 × 1 in","display_price":12.95,"display_regular_price":14.95,"image":{"title":"Murasaki-Web-3d-Print","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif","alt":"Murasaki-Web-3d-Print","src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-600x806.avif","srcset":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-600x806.avif 600w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-223x300.avif 223w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif 700w","sizes":"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px","full_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif","full_src_w":700,"full_src_h":940,"gallery_thumbnail_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-100x100.avif","gallery_thumbnail_src_w":100,"gallery_thumbnail_src_h":100,"thumb_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-300x300.avif","thumb_src_w":300,"thumb_src_h":300,"src_w":600,"src_h":806},"image_id":6658,"is_downloadable":false,"is_in_stock":true,"is_purchasable":true,"is_sold_individually":"no","is_virtual":false,"max_qty":"","min_qty":1,"price_html":"$14.95 Original price was: $14.95.$12.95Current price is: $12.95.","sku":"9781938808739","variation_description":"","variation_id":5597,"variation_is_active":true,"variation_is_visible":true,"weight":"0.297","weight_html":"0.297 lbs"}]"> format Choose an optionaudiobook (MP3)ebook (ePub 3/Enhanced)ebook (mobi/Kindle)ebook bundleEXCLUSIVE! Signed hardcover + audio- and ebook bundleEXCLUSIVE! Signed paperback + audio- and ebook bundlehardcoverpaperbackClear Murasaki (Seasons of the Sword #4) quantity Add to cart

SKU: murasaki Category: Ebook, Seasons of the Sword, Audiobook, PrintTags: historical fiction, Japan, Japanese civil war era, kunoichi, Risuko, Seasons of the Sword, girls and women, teen assassin, adventure, espionage, series finale

My wife and I were in Ireland this past week for a family wedding—a wonderful, joyous, somewhat exhausting experience.

But look what greeted me when we came home!

The Seasons of the Sword — A Family Portrait!

The printed copies of Murasaki (as well as the extras of the other three books in the series).

If you’ve ordered a signed copy from me (or were one of the Kunoichi-level backers of the original Kickstarter campaigns) I will do my best to get your book in the mail in the next couple of days.

In the meantime, for any of you who have read the book, I’d love to know what you thought. I’m still a bit stunned that this one-year journey took me twenty years. Shades of Odysseus! But now that I’m back in my Ithaca, it would be great to hear your thoughts on my tale.

[image error]SaleProduct on saleMurasaki (Seasons of the Sword #4) $5.99 – $24.95Price range: $5.99 through $24.95 The thrilling conclusion to Seasons of the Sword!

Can one girl survive?

An easy mission promises to be Risuko’s last

Accompanying a noblewoman to her wedding should be a simple assignment — until Risuko, Emi, and Toumi realize someone wants the bride dead. If they can’t unite Japan’s most powerful clans through marriage, the empire may endure another century of bloodshed. And there’s nothing they won’t do to ensure the ceremony proceeds…

Because Risuko and her friends aren’t just lady’s maids. They are kunoichi.

Trained spies, assassins—and in this case, bodyguards.

Along the way, they must confront hidden enemies and uncover who is behind the plot. Risuko must confront the ghosts of her past to become, finally, herself.

Read a sneak preview of the opening chapters!

Seasons of the Sword:Risuko (Winter) Bright Eyes (Spring) Kano (Summer)Murasaki (Autumn — now available!)

(Young adult historical adventure; Japanese Civil War)

SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & SPECIAL DISCOUNTSORDER FROM YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE STOREOrder direct from the author:

$49.95 Original price was: $49.95.$24.95Current price is: $24.95.","sku":"murasaki","variation_description":"","variation_id":6547,"variation_is_active":true,"variation_is_visible":true,"weight":"","weight_html":"N\/A"},{"attributes":{"attribute_pa_format":"exclusive-signed-paperback-audio-and-ebook-bundle"},"availability_html":"","backorders_allowed":false,"dimensions":{"length":"","width":"","height":""},"dimensions_html":"N\/A","display_price":14.95,"display_regular_price":39.95,"image":{"title":"Murasaki-Web-3d-Print","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif","alt":"Murasaki-Web-3d-Print","src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-600x806.avif","srcset":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-600x806.avif 600w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-223x300.avif 223w, https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif 700w","sizes":"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px","full_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print.avif","full_src_w":700,"full_src_h":940,"gallery_thumbnail_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-100x100.avif","gallery_thumbnail_src_w":100,"gallery_thumbnail_src_h":100,"thumb_src":"https:\/\/risuko.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Murasaki-Web-3d-Print-300x300.avif","thumb_src_w":300,"thumb_src_h":300,"src_w":600,"src_h":806},"image_id":6658,"is_downloadable":true,"is_in_stock":true,"is_purchasable":true,"is_sold_individually":"no","is_virtual":true,"max_qty":"","min_qty":1,"price_html":"$39.95 Original price was: $39.95.$14.95Current price is: $14.95.","sku":"murasaki","variation_description":"","variation_id":6548,"variation_is_active":true,"variation_is_visible":true,"weight":"","weight_html":"N\/A"},{"attributes":{"attribute_pa_format":"ebook-bundle"},"availability_html":"

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SKU: murasaki Category: Ebook, Seasons of the Sword, Audiobook, PrintTags: historical fiction, Japan, Japanese civil war era, kunoichi, Risuko, Seasons of the Sword, girls and women, teen assassin, adventure, espionage, series finale

After four books and countless seasons, the moment has finally arrived. In just days, on September 23rd, readers will hold the complete Seasons of the Sword series in their hands—and what a journey it has been.

“Like the round of the seasons. Never-ending. Inescapable. A knot of sorrow that could only be cut through by the most subtle of blades.”

These words from the opening chapter of Murasaki capture everything this series has been about: the cyclical nature of growth, loss, and transformation. When we first met Risuko, she was a girl with nothing. Seperated from her home and family, no certainty about her place in the world. She began her story in Serenity Province, poor and alone, unsure of who or what she might become.

[image error]

Now, four seasons later, she returns to where it all started. But the girl who left Serenity Province is gone. In her place stands a young woman of strength and skill, with powerful allies and hard-won wisdom. She has connections and abilities she never dreamed possible.
Yet as Murasaki reveals, all her newly forged strengths and friendships may not be enough for what lies ahead.
This is the beauty of a true hero journey. It’s not just about gaining power, but about understanding what that power costs, how to wield it wisely, and how to bring the boon of that power back to your community.

A Visual Symphony of Seasons [image error]

None of this would have been possible without the incredible artistry of James Egan at Bookfly Design, who understood from the beginning that these covers needed to do more than just look beautiful—they needed to tell a story.
Working closely together, we created covers that communicate the essential truth of Risuko’s tale: that every story has a beginning, middle, and end, but is also part of something larger and eternal.
Each cover captures not just its individual season, but the sense of movement and change that drives the entire series. From spring’s promise through winter’s harsh truths, the visual progression mirrors Risuko’s internal journey while reminding us that seasons always return, that endings become new beginning

The Story Never Truly Ends

Perhaps that’s why this “finale” feels less like a conclusion and more like a completion—the difference between closing a door and finishing a circle. As one character reflects late in Murasaki: “As my mother had told me, in life, unlike in adventure tales, one never gets simply to say owari and let the story end.”
The seasons will turn again. New challenges will arise. And readers who have fallen in love with this world and these characters may find that Risuko’s story, like the seasons themselves, has more cycles yet to unfold.

Your Journey Begins September 23rd

Murasaki arrives next Tuesday, September 23rd, completing a series that has touched the hearts of readers from middle school through adulthood. Whether you’re discovering Risuko’s world for the first time or you’ve been eagerly awaiting this conclusion, the complete Seasons of the Sword series is ready to take you on an unforgettable adventure.
Don’t wait for the seasons to change—preorder Murasaki today and complete your journey with Risuko.

[image error]SaleProduct on saleMurasaki (Seasons of the Sword #4) $5.99 – $24.95Price range: $5.99 through $24.95 The thrilling conclusion to Seasons of the Sword!

Can one girl survive?

An easy mission promises to be Risuko’s last

Accompanying a noblewoman to her wedding should be a simple assignment — until Risuko, Emi, and Toumi realize someone wants the bride dead. If they can’t unite Japan’s most powerful clans through marriage, the empire may endure another century of bloodshed. And there’s nothing they won’t do to ensure the ceremony proceeds…

Because Risuko and her friends aren’t just lady’s maids. They are kunoichi.

Trained spies, assassins—and in this case, bodyguards.

Along the way, they must confront hidden enemies and uncover who is behind the plot. Risuko must confront the ghosts of her past to become, finally, herself.

Read a sneak preview of the opening chapters!

Seasons of the Sword:Risuko (Winter) Bright Eyes (Spring) Kano (Summer)Murasaki (Autumn — now available!)

(Young adult historical adventure; Japanese Civil War)

SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & SPECIAL DISCOUNTSORDER FROM YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE STOREOrder direct from the author:

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SKU: murasaki Category: Ebook, Seasons of the Sword, Audiobook, PrintTags: historical fiction, Japan, Japanese civil war era, kunoichi, Risuko, Seasons of the Sword, girls and women, teen assassin, adventure, espionage, series finale

Here’s another sneak peak at Murasaki, the thrilling finale to the Seasons of the Sword!

(Haven’t read the earlier chapters? START HERE!)

3 – Dry Land

The Cover You’ve Been Waiting For… [image error] Just look at that silhouette—Risuko’s lone figure against the autumn sky, ready to face whatever comes. Cover designer James Egan definitely captured the very essence of Murasaki’s journey.The moment has finally arrived!

After months of anticipation, I’m thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover of Murasaki, the epic conclusion to the Seasons of the Sword series.

[image error] PRE-ORDER MURASAKI NOW!About MURASAKIComing September 23, 2025[image error]Murasaki (Seasons of the Sword #4)The thrilling conclusion to Seasons of the Sword! Can one girl survive? An easy mission promises to be Risuko’s last

Accompanying a noblewoman to her wedding should be a simple assignment — until Risuko, Emi, and Toumi realize someone wants the bride dead. If they can’t unite Japan’s most powerful clans through marriage, the empire may endure another century of bloodshed. And there’s nothing they won’t do to ensure the ceremony proceeds…

Because Risuko and her friends aren’t just lady’s maids. They are kunoichi.

Trained spies, assassins—and in this case, bodyguards.

Along the way, they must confront hidden enemies and uncover who is behind the plot. Risuko must confront the ghosts of her past to become, finally, herself.

Read a sneak preview of the opening chapters!Seasons of the Sword:Risuko (Winter) Bright Eyes (Spring) Kano (Summer)Murasaki (Autumn — now available!)

(Young adult historical adventure; Japanese Civil War)

SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & SPECIAL DISCOUNTSORDER FROM YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE STOREOrder direct from the author:$5.99 – $24.95Price range: $5.99 through $24.95PRE-ORDER NOW!