Only a Shadow

Fated Blades #0.5

by Steve Bein

The Tiger on the Mountain is a legendary blade, crafted by the master sword smith Inazuma, and reputed to possess magical powers. In 1442 Japan, the sword dwells inside the impregnable fortress of Hirata Nobushige, the enemy of the Iga clan.

Venerable shinobi Jujiro has recruited the brave young ninja Tada to steal the sword and restore power to the Iga clan. If Tada is successful, he’ll go from being the clan’s orphaned ward to a legend for the ages—and he’ll be able to ask for Old Jujiro’s granddaughter’s hand in marriage. If he fails, the clan will be annihilated.

Getting inside the castle is next to impossible—getting out is inconceivable. But as Tada prepares himself for one of the boldest thefts in history, the greatest obstacle he faces may just prove to be himself…

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Short Stories, Audiobook

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Paul Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jujiro, the leader of the Iga clan and the best shinobi is now an old man. He recruits Tada a young orphan with great promise to pull off an impossible heist and rescue the clan from destruction. Tada must steal a sword, the tiger of the mountain, a magical sword made by the master Inazuma..
Tada passes a series of tests and on learning he is to be chosen for the life changing mission, Jijuro imparts some final words of advice. "You are patient, quick witted, creative, and insightful. The question that remains is whether you know when to double-cross and, more importantly, when not to".
A excellent and very clever short story, and I shall be reading Daughter of the sword very soon.

[Mihir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review originally at Fantasy Book Critic

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Only A Shadow is a novella set in the Fated Blades Universe. It was originally a part of Daughter of The Sword in its earlier drafts however was later removed and now is being offered as an e-special. It was released on September 4, 2012 and is 59 pages long. The story is eight chapters long and packs a strong punch.

The story is set in 117th year of the Muromachi era or 1442 C.E. and is about Iga Jujiro and his new ninja recruit Tada and their plan to steal the Tiger of the Mountain from Jujiro’s clan enemies. Both Jujiro and Tada are Point-of-view characters and they each have their own plans and machinations. The story is a heist story but also one in which both characters strive to do what they feel is right and in the end only one may prevail.

This novella is a perfect introduction to Steve Bein’s writing style and the Fated Blades milieu. The story immediately drops the reader into a world wherein ninjas are actively working and feudal clan warfare is raising its ugly head. The author then introduces both main characters and their motivations while simultaneously laying out the background story of one of the famed Inazuma blades. Terrific action scenes are combined with rousing characterization to make this novella a must read for all those interested in a slice of historical Japanese fiction.

Since I had previously read the Daughter Of The Sword, I knew how crucial the Tiger On The Mountain’s presence was in several sections of the debut book and so I was excited to know more about its background. While this story is a small snippet in its illustrious history, it doesn’t give us the entire backstory. I believe that is the author’s objective in doling out tantalizing bits of information and secrets for beguiling readers bit by bit. This attempt works and readers will find an excellent story here about a theft that is to occur while at the same time contemplating who is fooling whom. An excellent introduction to the Fated Blades milieu and a must read for all those looking for a short, fast paced, and twisted read.

[Abby Goldsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever. This story has intelligent architecture and masterful prose, and I would normally say, "what a joy to read." My problem was that I didn't like the two main characters. This story is clearly set up as a way to teach about the foibles of youth and the wisdom of old age, Japanese-legend style. But with my weirdo independent streak, I ended up rooting for the young man instead, which you're not supposed to do with a story like this. If you remove the teaching factor from this story, what I'm seeing is two people pitted against each other. One is more clever but less moral. One is less clever but more moral. I rooted for the loser, because I knew he was an underdog, and I hoped he'd come out on top. He did not.

After "Daughter of the Blade," I have a lot of respect for Steve Bein as a writer and storyteller, and I'm sure I'll read more by him. This one is solid in terms of storytelling and prose, and I think it will appeal to a lot of readers.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 15th century Japan, two shinobi plot the audacious theft of one of the powerful Inazuma blades from within a heavily guarded castle - and driven by youthful folly, one also plots a double cross.

Quick and entertaining prequel to the Fated Blades series with an excellent twist.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Shadow is a novella from the Fated Blades series written by Steve Bein, which has venerable shinobi Jujiro recruiting a brave young ninja Tada to steal a particular sword and restore power to the Iga clan. This novella takes place before Daughter of the Sword, but should be read after it.

The story is set in 117th year of the Muromachi era or 1442 and is about Iga Jujiro and his new ninja recruit Tada and their plan to steal the Tiger of the Mountain from their clan's enemies. It is a dual point of view between these two character and they each have their own plans and machinations. It is a heist story, but also one in which both characters strive to do what they feel is right and in the end only one may prevail.

Only a Shadow is written rather well. The novella is a perfect introduction to Bein's writing style and the Fated Blades universe. The story immediately drops the reader into a world wherein ninjas are actively working and feudal clan warfare is raising its ugly head. Bein introduces both main characters and their motivations while simultaneously laying out the background story of one of the famed blades.

All in all, Only a Shadow is a wonderfully written novella about the sword's history and gives a wonderful backstory to the core series. It is also a worthy addition to the Fated Blades universe – enriching it just a tad more.

[Nayan Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tightly wrought, this is a must read for anyone who liked the saga of the three Inazuma swords by the same author. This story however focuses mainly on one of the swords - The Tiger on the Mountain.

Do give this a read also if you are unsure whether to take up the Daughter of the Sword.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun one to read. I liked how the "old man" was looking to mentor a "kid", the only question that remained was if the kid could be trusted or would he pull a quick double cross. What the kid needed to learn that the old man had learned many tricks and he really should have believed in him.

[Jesse VanDeWalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ninjas, samurai, and a heist story to boot. What's not to like here?

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but the Fated blade novels are better.

[Pedro Marroquín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buena, aunque corta historia del robo de una espada por parte de un shinobi. Me ha gustado la forma en que el sensei enseña al alumno cuando hay que traicionar y cuando no

[Ora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. It made me miss reading another book of this series.