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Legend of the Five Rings: Clan War #1
The Scorpion
Rokugan is Doomed!
The Serene Prophet foresaw its downfall—tides of demons flooding out of the Shadowlands. One man seeks to avert the catastrophe—the leader of the Scorpion Clan. He will pay any price, perpetrate any deception, to save the empire. If he must, he will become evil to fight evil. He and the emperor's champion will battle each other to the death for that which they both hold dear: Rokugan
Cover art by Brom
The Serene Prophet foresaw its downfall—tides of demons flooding out of the Shadowlands. One man seeks to avert the catastrophe—the leader of the Scorpion Clan. He will pay any price, perpetrate any deception, to save the empire. If he must, he will become evil to fight evil. He and the emperor's champion will battle each other to the death for that which they both hold dear: Rokugan
Cover art by Brom
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2000
25 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Stephen D. Sullivan
109 books45 followersI was born in 1959, grew up in Massachusetts, attended SMU (U. Mass, Dartmouth), and moved to Wisconsin to work for TSR (the Dungeons & Dragons people) in 1980. I’ve been here ever since, writing stories, drawing, and raising kids with my wife (who I’ve been with since 1980 as well).
I’ve had more than 30 books published (not counting the anthologies, but counting the ghost-written stuff only alluded to on this site). I also run a small publishing house, Walkabout Publishing. Recently, I've started posting new stories for Kindle on Amazon, in addition to my print work.
You can write to me: fanmail@stephendsullivan.com – but please be kind (and patient), okay? And don't forget to check my web site. You'll like it. Adventure guaranteed. (Monsters optional.)
I’ve had more than 30 books published (not counting the anthologies, but counting the ghost-written stuff only alluded to on this site). I also run a small publishing house, Walkabout Publishing. Recently, I've started posting new stories for Kindle on Amazon, in addition to my print work.
You can write to me: fanmail@stephendsullivan.com – but please be kind (and patient), okay? And don't forget to check my web site. You'll like it. Adventure guaranteed. (Monsters optional.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 22, 2010
I decided to read this fantasy science fiction book The Scorpion, because of my fondness of samurai related stories. I was drawn to the cover more than anything else because of the intricate drawing of an enraged looking samurai. If it were not for the eye popping cover I would have missed out on an awesome action packed novel. I usually don’t read books like this, but after reading the first couple chapters I was surprisingly hooked. I can definitely say that the storyline of this book would make a great movie.
The novel takes you on a journey with the main character or protagonist Bayushi Shoju a young samurai warrior, also known as Shoju. He came into contact and fought with monsters demons and other rivals while on his way to trying saving the place he loves, Rokugan. With members of his group, the Scorpion Clan, his chances to help save Rokugan increased.
The book begins with a detailed description of an intense battle going on. The words Sullivan used to describe the battle is amazing because even though it is fictional, it was quite believable. The imagery he paints in your mind, like the current climate condition, also sets the tone for where the story is occurring. Since I’ve read books about the samurai era, it really makes me feel good that some one like Sullivan could capture moments like a battle scene to the extent that I felt like I was there in that time.
There are two conflicts that are apparent throughout the story, man versus man, and man versus the supernatural. Not only is this war amongst two groups of people but Shoju also comes into contact with supernatural forces or antagonists, like demons, spirits, and monsters, which is something we could never come into contact in real life. The place in the book where all this conflict originated is called the Shadowlands.
I would definitely recommend this book to a certain type of reader. If you are into mythical, action packed stories this would be a good book for you. To me there were many good scenes from the start with mythical based battles. Sullivan did an excellent job of capturing the action scenes, making you want to keep reading.
As the reader, I liked the author’s style because it was easy to follow and interesting to read. Even though it was fictional it was believable. The way it was written, it seemed to be chronicled like something happened long ago. Excellent books I’ve read in the past have created visual presentations. They are obvious, and create images in your mind. That’s what makes books like this special. The words some authors use to describe scenes gives you that significant feeling you get after you’ve witnessed something spectacular. If you enjoy any type of Asian action or descriptive war related battles, this book would be an exceptional piece of reading. Since this is the first in the series I will probably go and search for the sequel to this book. My starred review for this book would have to be a 5 because I couldn’t see any parts where it needed improvement.
The novel takes you on a journey with the main character or protagonist Bayushi Shoju a young samurai warrior, also known as Shoju. He came into contact and fought with monsters demons and other rivals while on his way to trying saving the place he loves, Rokugan. With members of his group, the Scorpion Clan, his chances to help save Rokugan increased.
The book begins with a detailed description of an intense battle going on. The words Sullivan used to describe the battle is amazing because even though it is fictional, it was quite believable. The imagery he paints in your mind, like the current climate condition, also sets the tone for where the story is occurring. Since I’ve read books about the samurai era, it really makes me feel good that some one like Sullivan could capture moments like a battle scene to the extent that I felt like I was there in that time.
There are two conflicts that are apparent throughout the story, man versus man, and man versus the supernatural. Not only is this war amongst two groups of people but Shoju also comes into contact with supernatural forces or antagonists, like demons, spirits, and monsters, which is something we could never come into contact in real life. The place in the book where all this conflict originated is called the Shadowlands.
I would definitely recommend this book to a certain type of reader. If you are into mythical, action packed stories this would be a good book for you. To me there were many good scenes from the start with mythical based battles. Sullivan did an excellent job of capturing the action scenes, making you want to keep reading.
As the reader, I liked the author’s style because it was easy to follow and interesting to read. Even though it was fictional it was believable. The way it was written, it seemed to be chronicled like something happened long ago. Excellent books I’ve read in the past have created visual presentations. They are obvious, and create images in your mind. That’s what makes books like this special. The words some authors use to describe scenes gives you that significant feeling you get after you’ve witnessed something spectacular. If you enjoy any type of Asian action or descriptive war related battles, this book would be an exceptional piece of reading. Since this is the first in the series I will probably go and search for the sequel to this book. My starred review for this book would have to be a 5 because I couldn’t see any parts where it needed improvement.
September 6, 2007
The heroic tragedy of Rokugan's most vilified and insidious clan: the Scorpion Clan; "The Emperor's Underhand."
Setting: Scorpion Clan Coup, pre-Clan War era.
For more info, check L5R History at http://www.lowfierce.com/kazenoshiro/
Setting: Scorpion Clan Coup, pre-Clan War era.
For more info, check L5R History at http://www.lowfierce.com/kazenoshiro/
June 12, 2019
a striking beginning to the series. the writing falters at times but fundamentally it’s strong and enjoyable, and the multiple POVs are imo well-balanced. Shoju, in particular, is an excellent tragic hero — channeling a bit of Macbeth, perhaps.
the imperfect Japanese is annoying, though — I’d rather places be referred to just by their anglicized names (which to be fair sometimes they were) than have the messy grammar (“Shiro no Soshi”, anyone? lol).
the imperfect Japanese is annoying, though — I’d rather places be referred to just by their anglicized names (which to be fair sometimes they were) than have the messy grammar (“Shiro no Soshi”, anyone? lol).
September 26, 2012
I started reading this basically because I got into the Collectible Card Game. I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would and am excited to read the rest of the series in the near future. It was a great introduction into the culture and motives for the scorpion clan. Not only does this series give you some history into the world of the game, but each book focuses on one of the major clans and gives you that unique perspective.
It was a little confusing keeping everyone straight, but that was partly because of the traditional Japanese names. And I must admit, the constant description of how every woman is beyond beautiful was noticeable, but that is also a part of the Japanese culture.
I would highly recommend this book and series for anyone interested in the Legend of the Five Rings CCG or RPG or anyone who loves Asian mythology and culture in general.
It was a little confusing keeping everyone straight, but that was partly because of the traditional Japanese names. And I must admit, the constant description of how every woman is beyond beautiful was noticeable, but that is also a part of the Japanese culture.
I would highly recommend this book and series for anyone interested in the Legend of the Five Rings CCG or RPG or anyone who loves Asian mythology and culture in general.
October 10, 2007
An interesting read set in a world of monsters and magic. Based on several Asian mythologies, this book tells how one clan's bid to 'save the world' actually starts its downfall.
It's a great read for fantasy lovers, especially those interested in samurai and the feudal era.
It's a great read for fantasy lovers, especially those interested in samurai and the feudal era.
June 30, 2008
I'm really surprised how much I liked this book.
Well written and exciting.
I thought there would be more to do with magic and demons and monsters, etc, but somehow the author managed to keep it exciting while limiting the fantasy side of things and making them more implied and underlying to the story.
Well written and exciting.
I thought there would be more to do with magic and demons and monsters, etc, but somehow the author managed to keep it exciting while limiting the fantasy side of things and making them more implied and underlying to the story.
February 13, 2016
This was the first book. That began an interesting series.
Kind of urban fantasy, meets Asian feudal traditions.
I did enjoy this series. Plan on reading it again.
Series has central story. Each novel, different clan gets more involved.
Plus gives more detail on each clan itself.
Worth checking out, if you can find it. It is an older series.
Kind of urban fantasy, meets Asian feudal traditions.
I did enjoy this series. Plan on reading it again.
Series has central story. Each novel, different clan gets more involved.
Plus gives more detail on each clan itself.
Worth checking out, if you can find it. It is an older series.
March 20, 2017
The most striking part of this series is the strong and consistent themed groups. Each clan has an internal philosophy and creed, amazingly, the characters reflect such. The prose are young adult, but the plot is subtle and complex, also, zombies.
Legend of the Five Rings was the expansion that made me quit playing Magic the Gathering -- but the novels can't be blamed for power creep.
Legend of the Five Rings was the expansion that made me quit playing Magic the Gathering -- but the novels can't be blamed for power creep.
August 23, 2012
Being a fan of the Legend of the Five Rings CCG, this series of books were a must read. Of course the fanboy element probably added an additional star to the rating. This volume has Bayushi Kachiko - 'nuff said!
June 17, 2012
I used to play the L5R CCG, enjoyed the settings and naturally liked the book.
August 4, 2013
This book made me want to buy the whole series! Now I have them all except one!
July 27, 2015
This was simpler than I would have liked had it been a tie-in book. But given the tie-in constraints, this was an excellent little read. Good for an hour or two of fun.
September 10, 2015
It was better than I thought it would be. It was interesting to have all the different animal clans in a japaneseish setting.
March 21, 2022
Book: The Scorpion
Series: Legend of the Five Rings - Clan Wars (#1)
Author: Stephen D Sullivan
Context: I found out about the world of Rolugan and the TTRPG Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) a year or two ago, when I was getting a bit burnt out of Dungeons & Dragons , and was looking for something different. The setting really appealed to me and, even though I haven't had the chance to run it, I started researching it. Then I stumbled upon a fabled Matt Coleville video about "The Best Story in Gaming", which describes how the Clan Wars came to be in the games Toresca ecosystem. A tradition I could never own, I decided to dive into the 2nd best alternative to having been there - the book series.
Ups: L5R is a Feudal Japan-style of Game of Thrones. There's a lot of drama and courtly intrigue, and the motto "a land where honor is stronger than steel" is felt throughout. While in the aforementioned GoT, the ends can justify dishonourable means, not in Rokugan. Which is what makes the choice of beginning the saga with the Scorpion clan a smart move. The book does a good job at showing them as Machiavelian pragmatists and the other clans as basic in their thought process. However, when we hop into the heads of other clans' retainers, we understand they're much more akin then they want to let on. The majn characters'work is good, and the plot unfolds quite organically.
Downs: it carries its Feudal Japanese influences on its sleeve too much. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it felt too much that "Sengoku with magic" was the extent of the done world building. It reads a bit too theatrically, and some secondary characters are not so much flawed victims of fate but more as victims of plot - the Emperor being the biggest culprit. As powerful as he is in theory, he comes across as a pushover, serving as a plot point to be protected until he needs to be dispensed. Some names can be quite similar (there are many names) - it can be a problem for some, it was for me in the beginning but I take it as part of the learning curve, and as a show of world-building. Hoturi and Toturi are quite similar. But so is Stephen and Steven.
Grade: 8/10
Series: Legend of the Five Rings - Clan Wars (#1)
Author: Stephen D Sullivan
Context: I found out about the world of Rolugan and the TTRPG Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) a year or two ago, when I was getting a bit burnt out of Dungeons & Dragons , and was looking for something different. The setting really appealed to me and, even though I haven't had the chance to run it, I started researching it. Then I stumbled upon a fabled Matt Coleville video about "The Best Story in Gaming", which describes how the Clan Wars came to be in the games Toresca ecosystem. A tradition I could never own, I decided to dive into the 2nd best alternative to having been there - the book series.
Ups: L5R is a Feudal Japan-style of Game of Thrones. There's a lot of drama and courtly intrigue, and the motto "a land where honor is stronger than steel" is felt throughout. While in the aforementioned GoT, the ends can justify dishonourable means, not in Rokugan. Which is what makes the choice of beginning the saga with the Scorpion clan a smart move. The book does a good job at showing them as Machiavelian pragmatists and the other clans as basic in their thought process. However, when we hop into the heads of other clans' retainers, we understand they're much more akin then they want to let on. The majn characters'work is good, and the plot unfolds quite organically.
Downs: it carries its Feudal Japanese influences on its sleeve too much. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it felt too much that "Sengoku with magic" was the extent of the done world building. It reads a bit too theatrically, and some secondary characters are not so much flawed victims of fate but more as victims of plot - the Emperor being the biggest culprit. As powerful as he is in theory, he comes across as a pushover, serving as a plot point to be protected until he needs to be dispensed. Some names can be quite similar (there are many names) - it can be a problem for some, it was for me in the beginning but I take it as part of the learning curve, and as a show of world-building. Hoturi and Toturi are quite similar. But so is Stephen and Steven.
Grade: 8/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2022
I had purchased some of the books in this series many years ago but never got around to actually reading them. The first book here follows the tension between the different clans of Rokugan and the inevitable betrayal of the Scorpion clan against the emperor and his family. The Scorpion see their cause as just, but their actions set off a series of unexpected repercussions. Overall, I enjoyed this. It was very plot driven, a tragedy very much like Macbeth or Hamlet, but unfortunately without any deep connection between reader and characters. There were simply too many characters introduced very quickly and with backgrounds that required prior knowledge of the universe. I realize this is based on a Wizards of the Coast game system, but some themes or plot devices that were mentioned off-hand really required a little more explanation. Just because it’s a game doesn’t mean you should sacrifice narrative understanding for brevity. Anyway, I plan on reading the others in the series. Maybe now that I understand more of the setting, the next books won’t seem so confusing or like random plot points are just appearing out of nowhere.
July 28, 2025
Well, umm....i am impressed. This book just caught me off guard. The story follows a the scorpion clan trying to prevent a prophecy of destruction and they actually end it up causing it. The book starts slow with a lot of characters and planning but by half of the book, there is a lot of action. I really liked it. There is a plot twist at the end that i didn't expect at all.
Good book about the ninja world in fantasy.
Good book about the ninja world in fantasy.
March 7, 2020
Very captivating. An easy read but the ending makes you craving for more. The twists and turns and character reflection keeps the pace steady.
So far this book has been the only 1 in the series I have read. Judging by others reviews, it is the best of the 5, but I want to delve into the others already
So far this book has been the only 1 in the series I have read. Judging by others reviews, it is the best of the 5, but I want to delve into the others already
April 29, 2022
This was a pleasant surprise among the sub-genre of game-related fantasy fiction. It was a bit melodramatic at times, but I found the characters consistent and intriguing. It shows its age a bit by using terms like “lame” and “crippled.”
May 27, 2023
I'm not the audience for this
that being said.
If you like epic warriors fighting each
other for their position in the eyes of their
emperor. Including mystical arts, magic and
Destiny
Its a good read
that being said.
If you like epic warriors fighting each
other for their position in the eyes of their
emperor. Including mystical arts, magic and
Destiny
Its a good read
March 18, 2018
This story really captured the tragedy of samurai movies. I was always surprised by what happened next. :-)
IMO (and my only quibble) the author repeated certain phrases to often for my tastes.
IMO (and my only quibble) the author repeated certain phrases to often for my tastes.
January 5, 2019
Surprisingly good. Provides interesting insight into the coup that led up to the Clan War and the Day of Thunder
January 21, 2019
Pedazo de libro. Quién lo pillara de nuevo. Ese Shoju es único.
July 3, 2019
Samurai, ninja castles, dragons...it scratched an itch.
October 31, 2020
Okay the story had some sort-of-good aspects, e.g. the story progression, but the characters simply did not cut it for me.
February 21, 2025
Really enjoyed the setting and characters. I found some of the plot to be a little convenient, but ultimately excited to read the sequel and rest of the series.
March 5, 2025
The writing is atrocious but, the story is fun and cool. There were times I went "tf". It's a good read if u need a break from more serious books.
February 21, 2020
General Overview
One of the best villains I have read in such fiction, The Scorpion is an exciting, thematic introduction to what I hope will be a gripping series.
Style
There are two key elements to the amazing style that shine through every page of this gripping Asian Legend inspired novel. The first is the choice of protagonist, the second is the feel that the author, Stephen D. Sullivan pulls from the setting.
This book is a perfect example of how great villains should be written. Bayushi Shoju, Daimyo of the
Scorpion Clan is the bad guy, but one I find myself understanding throughout this novel. He is well written, thought out, and clear. He may not be that conflict, he actually has little character development, but he needs none. He has a single truth, and he makes the world bend around him. He is an unchanging force, that will do all he can to do what he believes is write. It is simply good writing, and a great example of how to do bad guys.
From page one, I could only picture this book like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Genghis, or countless other great Asian films. I would never confuse The Scorpions route with anything not Asian in style. Yes it is sometimes hammered home quite heavily. but for me, it just allowed me to paint a perfect picture in my minds eye for every well crafted scene in this story.
Story
The end of the world is coming! A prophecy is to be fulfilled, and only the Scorpion Clan, ruthless, sneaky and cunning can save the world. From this fact we see the book crescendo in a dramatic coup, followed by a roiling conclusion filled with the promise of greater stories to come.
The book flows main around two characters. Bayushi Shoju who I have already mentioned, and Toturi, the Lion Clam Daimyo. One leads a hidden life, bearing a great but secret shame, whilst the other strives with all their might to save the world, by any means necessary. The duality of their characters add to the story, as does the colourful collection of supporting character, who I cannot wait to read more about in the rest of the series.
The story is somewhat predictable, and follows an expected flow. The pacing of this flow however is spot on, and I found myself reading late into the night to finish the last 1/4 of it.
Final Thoughts
A truly interesting novel, that will inspire many D&D villains and setting for me in the future. A lesser known fantasy series, that I would recommend whole heartily to any fan of the genre.
One of the best villains I have read in such fiction, The Scorpion is an exciting, thematic introduction to what I hope will be a gripping series.
Style
There are two key elements to the amazing style that shine through every page of this gripping Asian Legend inspired novel. The first is the choice of protagonist, the second is the feel that the author, Stephen D. Sullivan pulls from the setting.
This book is a perfect example of how great villains should be written. Bayushi Shoju, Daimyo of the
Scorpion Clan is the bad guy, but one I find myself understanding throughout this novel. He is well written, thought out, and clear. He may not be that conflict, he actually has little character development, but he needs none. He has a single truth, and he makes the world bend around him. He is an unchanging force, that will do all he can to do what he believes is write. It is simply good writing, and a great example of how to do bad guys.
From page one, I could only picture this book like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Genghis, or countless other great Asian films. I would never confuse The Scorpions route with anything not Asian in style. Yes it is sometimes hammered home quite heavily. but for me, it just allowed me to paint a perfect picture in my minds eye for every well crafted scene in this story.
Story
The end of the world is coming! A prophecy is to be fulfilled, and only the Scorpion Clan, ruthless, sneaky and cunning can save the world. From this fact we see the book crescendo in a dramatic coup, followed by a roiling conclusion filled with the promise of greater stories to come.
The book flows main around two characters. Bayushi Shoju who I have already mentioned, and Toturi, the Lion Clam Daimyo. One leads a hidden life, bearing a great but secret shame, whilst the other strives with all their might to save the world, by any means necessary. The duality of their characters add to the story, as does the colourful collection of supporting character, who I cannot wait to read more about in the rest of the series.
The story is somewhat predictable, and follows an expected flow. The pacing of this flow however is spot on, and I found myself reading late into the night to finish the last 1/4 of it.
Final Thoughts
A truly interesting novel, that will inspire many D&D villains and setting for me in the future. A lesser known fantasy series, that I would recommend whole heartily to any fan of the genre.
June 5, 2016
Legend of the Five Rings is a samurai fantasy that arose in the mid-'90s as the shared setting for a collectible card game and roleplaying game. Though familiar with the property itself, I had only vague knowledge of the events upon which the setting's story, an ongoing saga, opened. So I was eager to read this, the first in a series of novels that consolidate the events of this "Clan War," which kick off the rest of the story that I know so well.
One thing that has always intrigued me about Legend of the Five Rings, or L5R as it is commonly abbreviated, is how many traits it shares in common with A Song of Ice and Fire, a series which started around the same time, and nowhere are the parallels between the two settings more evident than within these pages. That said, Stephen D. Sullivan's writing is of a much swifter pacing than George R.R. Martin's, but whereas the latter writer's chapters each take place solely inside a single character's head, Sullivan has a tendency to jump from one character's thoughts to another frequently within each scene. This was not to my liking at first, but I quickly forgave it as the story drew me in. It is at times necessary to convey multiple characters' thoughts this way, so as not to bog down the flow of the story. Another issue I found, which is less a fault of the author as the early handling of the IP itself, was the awkward pseudo-Japanese constructions that appeared occasionally, particularly in the names of cities. This may annoy readers familiar with the Japanese language, but again, I got past it in favor of the narrative.
Together these issues forced me to drop "The Scorpion" from a 4-star to a 3-star rating, and they remain my only quibble with the book. All in all it is a clever read, one which captures the spirit of samurai fiction in a way that gives equal nods to Akira Kurosawa's film career, to the above-mentioned A Song of Ice and Fire (though I am not aware of any conscious imitation on either contemporary's part), and to Japanese animation, which is the source of much of my understanding of the folklore on which the higher fantasy elements of the L5R setting are based. Any fan of these inspirations will surely find something to love in "The Scorpion."
One thing that has always intrigued me about Legend of the Five Rings, or L5R as it is commonly abbreviated, is how many traits it shares in common with A Song of Ice and Fire, a series which started around the same time, and nowhere are the parallels between the two settings more evident than within these pages. That said, Stephen D. Sullivan's writing is of a much swifter pacing than George R.R. Martin's, but whereas the latter writer's chapters each take place solely inside a single character's head, Sullivan has a tendency to jump from one character's thoughts to another frequently within each scene. This was not to my liking at first, but I quickly forgave it as the story drew me in. It is at times necessary to convey multiple characters' thoughts this way, so as not to bog down the flow of the story. Another issue I found, which is less a fault of the author as the early handling of the IP itself, was the awkward pseudo-Japanese constructions that appeared occasionally, particularly in the names of cities. This may annoy readers familiar with the Japanese language, but again, I got past it in favor of the narrative.
Together these issues forced me to drop "The Scorpion" from a 4-star to a 3-star rating, and they remain my only quibble with the book. All in all it is a clever read, one which captures the spirit of samurai fiction in a way that gives equal nods to Akira Kurosawa's film career, to the above-mentioned A Song of Ice and Fire (though I am not aware of any conscious imitation on either contemporary's part), and to Japanese animation, which is the source of much of my understanding of the folklore on which the higher fantasy elements of the L5R setting are based. Any fan of these inspirations will surely find something to love in "The Scorpion."
January 25, 2021
This was more enjoyable than it deserved. Technically, it was poorly written. It abuses third person omniscient with a vengeance. Characters navel gaze like there's no tomorrow and smile all the time. The smiling! Every thought, every memory makes these characters smile again and again. This is a dark, samurai fantasy, why is there so much smiling? Sigh.
Take that away and within this book is an enjoyable story, though it doesn't start being interesting until halfway through. I used to play Legend of the Five Rings, and it was a lot of fun. I loved the setting and the clans, and this was a great way to change my negative perception of the Scorpion clan. While they're still the "villains", I suppose, they have their own sense of owner and loyalty that I understand much better. The coup in the middle is handled well and has a great sense of movement thereafter. Holding the fortress proves to be no easy matter and the end results is expected though sad. I just wish the rest of this book had the same power.
Take that away and within this book is an enjoyable story, though it doesn't start being interesting until halfway through. I used to play Legend of the Five Rings, and it was a lot of fun. I loved the setting and the clans, and this was a great way to change my negative perception of the Scorpion clan. While they're still the "villains", I suppose, they have their own sense of owner and loyalty that I understand much better. The coup in the middle is handled well and has a great sense of movement thereafter. Holding the fortress proves to be no easy matter and the end results is expected though sad. I just wish the rest of this book had the same power.
June 19, 2016
*sigh* I liked this book, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's the first of a series of tie-in novels for the Legend of the Five Rings card game (I believe at the time this was published the RPG wasn't out yet) and it tells one of the biggest stories in L5R canon, the Scorpion Clan coup and the Clan War. To that end, the parts that were most interesting were those whose points I did not already know from the RPG books. The writing is not the purplest I've ever seen, but it's definitely in the direction of someone writing out descriptions for an RPG session.
My favorite parts were the ones where Bayushi Kachiko, the Mother of Scorpions, was plotting and executing those plots. She is devious and interesting. Luckily she's now the Empress, so if I choose to read more, she'll be there.
My favorite parts were the ones where Bayushi Kachiko, the Mother of Scorpions, was plotting and executing those plots. She is devious and interesting. Luckily she's now the Empress, so if I choose to read more, she'll be there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews