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Moonshadow #2
Moonshadow: The Wrath of Silver Wolf
In the land of the samurai, the defenders of peace are now targets…
Power-hungry warlord Silver Wolf plots against Moonshadow and the Grey Light Order.
His schemes could tear Japan apart and the legendary mystic, the White Nun, is caught in the middle. To reach the White Nun’s haunted mountain home, Moon and Snowhawk must survive Silver Wolf’s living bounty hunters, a vengeful gangster and powerful Clan Fuma agents.
Among them is Chikuma, an assassin who uses no force, weapons or poisons - but may prove the most lethal enemy they’ve encountered yet.
Will Silver Wolf’s wrath destroy Japan’s guardians of peace?
Please note; The Wrath of Silver Wolf will be titled The Nightmare Ninja in the US (publication 2011).
Power-hungry warlord Silver Wolf plots against Moonshadow and the Grey Light Order.
His schemes could tear Japan apart and the legendary mystic, the White Nun, is caught in the middle. To reach the White Nun’s haunted mountain home, Moon and Snowhawk must survive Silver Wolf’s living bounty hunters, a vengeful gangster and powerful Clan Fuma agents.
Among them is Chikuma, an assassin who uses no force, weapons or poisons - but may prove the most lethal enemy they’ve encountered yet.
Will Silver Wolf’s wrath destroy Japan’s guardians of peace?
Please note; The Wrath of Silver Wolf will be titled The Nightmare Ninja in the US (publication 2011).
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Simon Higgins
29 books34 followersSimon Higgins has tried a lot of jobs, having worked as a disc jockey, laboratory assistant, marketing manager and even monster in a side-show ghost train -which he still calls ‘the zenith of his employment history.’ He also spent a decade in law enforcement. As a police officer in the South Australian Police Department, Simon served in several different postings over almost nine years, including two and a half years spent as a prosecutor. During his career he rose to the rank of Senior Constable and earned two commendations, one for initiative in the field, one for quality of prosecution service. Leaving the police force, he became a licensed private investigator, with cases ranging from murders to alleged UFO incidents. Later in life, Simon returned to his first love -writing- and found that his earlier occupations provided inspiration. He spent much of his youth in various martial arts clubs in South Australia, studying initially Ju-Jitsu, then later Shotokan Karate and Kodakan Judo as well as Kendo and Iaido (both traditional sword arts) under Japanese instruction.
Perhaps as a result of his long-term interest in traditional combat arts, Simon has developed an abiding respect for Asian cultures and has visited Japan, China and the Philippines as well as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. He believes that the legitimate Asian martial arts, as taught by those who created them, are not intended to exemplify aggression -the way Hollywood action movies often do- but rather they are meant to be a process of skill building and self development…a physical form of meditation in which the only real competition is against one’s self.
Simon lives in the mountains of northern New South Wales and is proudly a student of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, taught on the Gold Coast in Queensland by Sensei Yasu Watanabe. Eishin Ryu is a 470 year old style of swordsmanship which prizes not only traditional techniques, but also medieval samurai etiquette and courtesy. Its members periodically compete in Iaido’s world titles in Kyoto, Japan, before His Imperial Highness, Prince Munenori Kaya.
In 2007 Simon returned to Japan to train under ‘Kancho’ Glenn Stockwell, Seishinkan Iaido Dojo’s highest ranking instructor, who resides in Japan, and to participate in his first Kyoto ‘Taikai’ (contest). The event is held annually on a mountain top overlooking Kyoto, in a 1200 year old shrine surrounded by a forest of giant bamboo. At the age of 48, competing in the Dangai (beginners) class after less than a year’s training in Seishinkan Iaido Dojo, Simon placed in the top ten, a result he attributes to having ‘brilliant, patient teachers’.
On returning home he also competed in the National Taikai held during the annual Australian Iaido Seminar in Queensland, as the most ‘junior’ member of a three-man Gold Coast team coached by Watanabe Sensei. Judging this contest were three important dignitaries from Japan: 10th Dan Hanshi (Master) Ashosai Fukushima Sensei, 9th Dan Hanshi and Souke (Headmaster and Style Guardian) of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Ayosai Seimiya Sensei, and 8th Dan Iaido Federation CAO, Kenichiro Ikeda Sensei. In the presence of Stockwell Kancho and these high-ranking Japanese visitors, Simon was both honoured and delighted when the Gold Coast team, led by Nathan Nilsen, won the coveted Team Event gold medals. In 2008 Simon again competed in the Iaido world titles in Japan, this time placing 5th. At an Iaido grading held in 2009 he was awarded the rank of Shodan (Black Belt, First Degree) by masters representing the All Japan Iaido Federation.
Experiencing the Tea Ceremony for the first time in Momoyama Castle, Fushimi, Japan, in 1982. The gentlemen to Simon’s left was from New York, the man to his right from Paris. On the far left, wearing the winged mantle of a high retainer, sits Okada-Sensei, a performance swordsman who also hosted the event. He’s shown briefing the trio of foreigners on the ritual. Oppo
Perhaps as a result of his long-term interest in traditional combat arts, Simon has developed an abiding respect for Asian cultures and has visited Japan, China and the Philippines as well as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. He believes that the legitimate Asian martial arts, as taught by those who created them, are not intended to exemplify aggression -the way Hollywood action movies often do- but rather they are meant to be a process of skill building and self development…a physical form of meditation in which the only real competition is against one’s self.
Simon lives in the mountains of northern New South Wales and is proudly a student of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, taught on the Gold Coast in Queensland by Sensei Yasu Watanabe. Eishin Ryu is a 470 year old style of swordsmanship which prizes not only traditional techniques, but also medieval samurai etiquette and courtesy. Its members periodically compete in Iaido’s world titles in Kyoto, Japan, before His Imperial Highness, Prince Munenori Kaya.
In 2007 Simon returned to Japan to train under ‘Kancho’ Glenn Stockwell, Seishinkan Iaido Dojo’s highest ranking instructor, who resides in Japan, and to participate in his first Kyoto ‘Taikai’ (contest). The event is held annually on a mountain top overlooking Kyoto, in a 1200 year old shrine surrounded by a forest of giant bamboo. At the age of 48, competing in the Dangai (beginners) class after less than a year’s training in Seishinkan Iaido Dojo, Simon placed in the top ten, a result he attributes to having ‘brilliant, patient teachers’.
On returning home he also competed in the National Taikai held during the annual Australian Iaido Seminar in Queensland, as the most ‘junior’ member of a three-man Gold Coast team coached by Watanabe Sensei. Judging this contest were three important dignitaries from Japan: 10th Dan Hanshi (Master) Ashosai Fukushima Sensei, 9th Dan Hanshi and Souke (Headmaster and Style Guardian) of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Ayosai Seimiya Sensei, and 8th Dan Iaido Federation CAO, Kenichiro Ikeda Sensei. In the presence of Stockwell Kancho and these high-ranking Japanese visitors, Simon was both honoured and delighted when the Gold Coast team, led by Nathan Nilsen, won the coveted Team Event gold medals. In 2008 Simon again competed in the Iaido world titles in Japan, this time placing 5th. At an Iaido grading held in 2009 he was awarded the rank of Shodan (Black Belt, First Degree) by masters representing the All Japan Iaido Federation.
Experiencing the Tea Ceremony for the first time in Momoyama Castle, Fushimi, Japan, in 1982. The gentlemen to Simon’s left was from New York, the man to his right from Paris. On the far left, wearing the winged mantle of a high retainer, sits Okada-Sensei, a performance swordsman who also hosted the event. He’s shown briefing the trio of foreigners on the ritual. Oppo
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 31, 2011
The second in a series, Higgins brings Moonshadow and Snowhawk back together for an exciting adventure as they battle the forces of the Fuma clan. Ln a mission to help the mysterious White Nun, Moonshadow and Snowhawk must battle a disgruntled gangster, a human battering ram, and a gifted dandy who can attack within the victim's dreams. Higgin's passion for medieval Japan comes across in his writing - a helpful glossary provides advice for readers, and Higgins skillfully works the terms into the course of the narrative. Action and mysticism combine to make a fun read, and the publisher includes a fun flip book graphic on the side - rapid page turning results in a surprise ninja appearance! - CS
October 6, 2016
Silver Wolf has not forgotten the young shinobi who humiliated him previously. He's got a plan to usurp the Shogun and take over Japan, but first he schemes vengeance for his own honor.
Moonshadow and Snowhawk are called away on a rescue mission. Some unknown force is threatening the White Nun, and she's specifically asked for their help. An extended solo mission comes with plenty of dangers, but Moonshadow also struggles with his own role as the leader. Is he going to have to choose between Snowhawk and his own duty as a shinobi?
This remains an excellent series. Japan's history comes to life, and the fights in particular show a good understanding of the martial arts involved. I particularly liked the early fight on the rooftops---even when swords are drawn, neither swordsman dares actually block the enemy's strike, because that would be noisy. And Moonshadow is an excellent fighter---as is just about everyone up against him. Seeing that in action is a lot of fun.
I also liked the various abilities the shinobi have mastered. They add a nice touch of fantasy to the historical fiction, and an extra element of uncertainty as Moonshadow and Snowhawk have to defend themselves against increasingly unusual attacks. And the mythological monsters were great.
Character-wise, I liked the progression for both Moonshadow and Snowhawk. Moonshadow is maturing in leadership, in his ability to make the split-second decisions that might save or doom him and others. He really liked Snowhawk, as a friend, and perhaps more than that . . . but he's deeply committed to the ways of the shinobi, and she's breaking code in ways he shouldn't be excusing. Snowhawk, for her part, is finally free of the tortures of the Fuma clan, but her heart is still chained to them through her anger and unforgiveness. It's a fatal flaw in a shinobi: she knows she has to master herself, but how?
Overall this is a second book just as strong as the first. I'm eager to see how this continues. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
Moonshadow and Snowhawk are called away on a rescue mission. Some unknown force is threatening the White Nun, and she's specifically asked for their help. An extended solo mission comes with plenty of dangers, but Moonshadow also struggles with his own role as the leader. Is he going to have to choose between Snowhawk and his own duty as a shinobi?
This remains an excellent series. Japan's history comes to life, and the fights in particular show a good understanding of the martial arts involved. I particularly liked the early fight on the rooftops---even when swords are drawn, neither swordsman dares actually block the enemy's strike, because that would be noisy. And Moonshadow is an excellent fighter---as is just about everyone up against him. Seeing that in action is a lot of fun.
I also liked the various abilities the shinobi have mastered. They add a nice touch of fantasy to the historical fiction, and an extra element of uncertainty as Moonshadow and Snowhawk have to defend themselves against increasingly unusual attacks. And the mythological monsters were great.
Character-wise, I liked the progression for both Moonshadow and Snowhawk. Moonshadow is maturing in leadership, in his ability to make the split-second decisions that might save or doom him and others. He really liked Snowhawk, as a friend, and perhaps more than that . . . but he's deeply committed to the ways of the shinobi, and she's breaking code in ways he shouldn't be excusing. Snowhawk, for her part, is finally free of the tortures of the Fuma clan, but her heart is still chained to them through her anger and unforgiveness. It's a fatal flaw in a shinobi: she knows she has to master herself, but how?
Overall this is a second book just as strong as the first. I'm eager to see how this continues. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
April 15, 2025
Apakah di buku ketiga, Bayangan Bulan akan mengetahui soal ibu kandungnya dari Biksuni Putih?
February 15, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book
January 15, 2016
This was an interesting story about the further adventures of the young ninja Moonshadow.
Likes:
* LOVE the flip cartoon in the margin!!
* Great Asian culture lesson
* Author placed 5th in 2008 Iaido World Titles swordsmanship tournament
* Glossary at the end of the book
* Honor and discipline of Grey Light Order of Shinobi
Dislikes:
* Snowhawk was disappointing in this book
* Grumpy, brilliant shinobi scholar,
With-reservations:
assassins trying to kill children
Liked review & summary:
Reader
Likes:
* LOVE the flip cartoon in the margin!!
* Great Asian culture lesson
* Author placed 5th in 2008 Iaido World Titles swordsmanship tournament
* Glossary at the end of the book
* Honor and discipline of Grey Light Order of Shinobi
Dislikes:
* Snowhawk was disappointing in this book
* Grumpy, brilliant shinobi scholar,
With-reservations:
assassins trying to kill children
Liked review & summary:
Reader
March 26, 2015
Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja and Moonshadow: The Nightmare Ninja are the first two installments in a series of children's books by Simon Higgins about, well, ninjas. The first book is mostly entertaining if a bit slight, but the second, unfortunately, is disappointing due to an overreliance on fight scenes. While the Moonshadow series has potential, it took a step backward in book two.
Moonshadow is the title character, a young member of the Grey Light Order of ninjas. In Rise of the Ninja, we meet him as he is completing the final stage of his training. Upon succeeding, he is granted his new ninja name — Moonshadow — and his first assignment: to steal the plans for a new kind of weapon from Silver Wolf, ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Moonshadow is the title character, a young member of the Grey Light Order of ninjas. In Rise of the Ninja, we meet him as he is completing the final stage of his training. Upon succeeding, he is granted his new ninja name — Moonshadow — and his first assignment: to steal the plans for a new kind of weapon from Silver Wolf, ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
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December 17, 2011Moonshadow is a ninja who works for the Grey Light Order. He and his companion, Snowhawk, are sent on a quest to defend the white nun, an ally of the Grey Light Order, from her enemies. But Lord Silver Wolf wants to kill them both and the white nun for defeating him in an earlier battle and with the aid of the Fuma clan he traps Moonshadow and Snowhawk. They have to get away or risk being killed.
I picked this book up because the first book was pretty good so I wanted to know what would happend to them now.
I finished this book because the story was interesting and I wanted to know what would happend to Moonshadow and Snowhawk.
I picked this book up because the first book was pretty good so I wanted to know what would happend to them now.
I finished this book because the story was interesting and I wanted to know what would happend to Moonshadow and Snowhawk.
September 25, 2011
I think that the wording was never misplaced on me. It kept me hooked in from start to finish! I'm glad i've finally got the change to have read such an amazing work of writing!!
If the star rating went up to 10, ' would've rated it 10-10!Moonshadow: The Wrath of Silver Wolf
If the star rating went up to 10, ' would've rated it 10-10!Moonshadow: The Wrath of Silver Wolf
June 22, 2011
With a blurb from john Flanagan I had high hopes for this book about an unlikely pair of ninjas set a secret mission together. What I got was an ok story line with solid but not great writing. I enjoyed the bad guys and the blending of physical and mental skills. My favorite part was actually the flipping of pages to create a ninja throwing a shrunken
February 19, 2014
I liked the story line and all the information, but the anachronisms and stilted, cliched writing really got to me. It's not that hard to substitute the word guy for something more time-appropriate, and it would do A LOT for the story. The characters also are a bit juvenile - the anger piece seems a bit overplayed, especially as a plot device.
April 15, 2013
I think that this book is even better than the first. The characters are great, and I think that they are better than they were in the first book. I like the feel of the story, and I also just like this series.
October 27, 2011
This book was a great book just like the first one a followed on really well for what in the the first book.
October 20, 2012
Fast paced book within the stelth, secrets to be reveald. diffrent tequiniques arise from this book, but in stealth
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews