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Young Samurai #4

Der Ring der Erde

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Als Ninjas ein englisches Handelsschiff angreifen, ist der Matrosenjunge Jack Fletcher der einzige Überlebende. Es gelingt ihm, sich und das wertvolle Logbuch seines Vaters an die japanische Küste zu retten. Doch Jack muss untertauchen, denn der neue Herrscher Japans verfolgt erbarmungslos alle Ausländer. Auf der Flucht gewähren ihm ausgerechnet die Erzfeinde der Samurai Unterschlupf: Großmeister Soke und seine Ninja-Kämpfer ...

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2010

162 people are currently reading
1595 people want to read

About the author

Chris Bradford

94 books923 followers
Chris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.

Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.

For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.

And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.

His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.

To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk

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5 stars
2,307 (56%)
4 stars
1,320 (32%)
3 stars
416 (10%)
2 stars
55 (1%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,364 reviews6,690 followers
October 27, 2024
An absolutely great book. This whole Young Samurai series is great. The series is so much more than I expected. I originally got it for my 9 year old son to encourage his reading and (on a side note) to hopefully get him interested in martial arts. I have to say the book has done both. He flies trough the pages of each book as he nears the end I have to order the next book in the series for him. I do not have to tell him twice to go read his book. I actually have to tell him to put it down while he is eating or walking.

When I was readying through it. I found the book full of adventures, action packed, even a little romance and subtle point of martial arts that all martial artists would recognize. An example is breathing is emphasized, there is a part of the book that though Jack is in good shape he is being completely out paced in a flat out sprint, the reason being is he breathing is wrong, this is the corner stone to any martial art which ever you practice. It is small details like this that make this series fantastic for all aged. The romance is completely lost on my 9 year old but to older readers like me will see the sparks of jealousy and (if you have a heart) will be wishing the characters together, I love the line "forever bound together".

In this book, what little protection Jack had in Japan has been yanked away. Now traveling alone in a country that has a zero tolerance policy on foreigners, and a personal bounty on his head from the new Shogun. Even former allies have become his enemies, his only hope is learning the skills of his most hated enemy. Once again he must prove to his teachers and to his peers who have a different prejudice against him. Another great book. Like another reviewer said "something for everyone" all done well.
Profile Image for Kyle.
168 reviews68 followers
July 6, 2016

Jack Fletcher is in a world of hurt. His samurai school has been destroyed, his sunsei banished, many of his friends are dead or scattered. The Shogun has put a price on his head so just about every samurai and soldier in Japan is after him. And when I say head I mean just his head. Just when he thinks things can’t get any worse he’s trapped by a group of ninja.

Chris Bradford has created another page turner. The Ring of Earth is another quick read and is hard to put down. Not quite the five star story the first three books were but still great. I guess the only reason I didn’t give it five stars is just how fast Jack learns things. As someone that’s working toward a black belt in Aikido, this type of learning takes time. Even if you do nothing all day but practice, it still takes time. You simply have to accept the fact that Jack is really talented and can master something in weeks that takes normal people years to do. Once you get past that the book is great.

If you are into Eastern culture and martial arts, this book and the series are a must read. 

To see my review of other the books in this series, please use the links below:

Book One - The Way of the Warrior
Book Two - The Way of the Sword
Book Three - The Way of the Dragon
Book Five - The Ring of Water
Book Six - The Ring of Fire
Book Seven - The Ring of Wind
Book Eight - The Ring of Sky
Profile Image for Lyrical.
53 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2011
I had a Young Samurai break after They Way Of The Dragon and I have to say I have sorely missed Jack, and with three new books out I decided it was high time I spent some quality time with my favourite hero again. As Kung Fu Panda Po would say, I am blinded by awesomeness!

In classic Chris Bradford style, The Ring Of Earth hits you with the good stuff on page one and doesn’t stop hitting you until you fall bruised and battered onto the last full stop. The samurai school is gone, his guardian Masamoto is banished and he has left the survivors amongst his friends to attempt a perilous journey back to England. For the first time, the young samurai Jack is utterly alone and I just had to wonder how the story was going to recover from that. But it more than recovers, it sprouts new limbs of awesomeness and my heart is still pounding with excitement just thinking about it. As a reader you’ve been brought up so far to perceive the ninja as a ruthless and unprincipled enemy, encapsulated by the merciless Dragon Eye, but in this book it is the ninja that take the spotlight. The author lets his experience in the ninja arts shine through and reveals that not all is what it seems with these masters of stealth. Chris Bradford has really matured Jack after his experiences in The Way Of The Dragon and this is evident through Jack’s reasoning. Bushido has become who he is and it is through this that he makes his decisions and justifies his actions and in so doing he has already got the heart of a ninja. Bradford, as ever, is brutal with Jack’s new training but the strength of his writing shows through his knowledge of Jack’s character and his unbending enforcement of that character. All his characters get this same treatment, truly he writes characters like Mozart composes music or Da Vinci paints masterpieces, they are so real and complete and convincingly written that they just sit almost tangible in my imagination. They could be standing around me, talking as I read.

With the start of a new series, Jack is back to basics again and you learn with him as he takes instruction in a whole new world. Honestly, I feel like I’ve gone through it all with him and have a sudden urge to hang out, concealed in the branches of a tree. Bradford never ceases to amaze me with his ability to keep the story fresh and actually very fascinating. I’m sure I couldn’t learn more about the art of ninjutsu if I read an encyclopaedia on the subject. Once again Jack finds he has to prove himself. Just as he had been accepted by the samurai at the Niten Ichi Ryu, he has to start all over again with a new set of suspicious people but if you know Jack as well as I do, you’ll know there is no such thing as giving up. This is exactly the kind of story that makes me believe I can take on the world and win. I just love it!

Lyrical Reviews
@LyricalReviews
Profile Image for Amber.
1,193 reviews
January 21, 2021
Jack Fletcher is back in a brand new adventure. When Samurai patrols try to catch him, Jack is captured and taken to a secret Ninja Village hidden in the mountains where he is taught the ways of the Shinobi Ninja. Can he save those he cares about and be a Samurai and Shinobi? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good installment of the Young Samurai series. If you like stories of Japan, be sure to check this book series out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
18 reviews
December 16, 2020
50 billionth reread of this book. My favourite in the series. Not amazing but just a good brain candy for a couple of days
Profile Image for Merinereads.
421 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2021
Im vierten Band der Reihe schlägt der Protagonist Jack eine ganz neue Richtung ein, trifft neue Verbündete und lernt weitere nützliche Fähigkeiten. Nachdem der Einstieg noch recht ruhig verläuft, wird es spätestens ab der zweiten Hälfte wieder richtig schön actionlastig und auch alte Freunde lassen sich blicken.
2 reviews
June 9, 2020
I like this book a lot, i like action and adventure. These are the books that can attract people who usually don't read . I also love the suspense at the end of the book it makes me want to get the next book and read it all night.
14 reviews
June 13, 2017
Jack gets captured by ninjas and learns in their ways and has to escape crucifixion by the shogun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Atharva Shah.
359 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2017
Young Samurai Book 4
*The Ring of Earth*
Chris Bradford does it yet again! What an astonishing sequel that marks the begnning of the Volume 2 of the young samurai Series after the horrifying 'Way Of the Warrior' trilogy. The setting, plot, characters, learning and arts completely change in the book as if you are transformered to another corner of the world (not really, it's just another Japanese province). Here, our young Hero Jack is on his journey back to get o Nagasaki port but after a hostile encounter he is captured by a friendly ninja clan and taken in for a few days for extra lessons which he would require to 'survive' till the Nagasaki port. There Jack Fletcher, a qualified young samurai finds the village head, the grandmaster, the ninja clan and their arch rival Daimyo Akechi who is bent on wiping out thee ninja clans. Along with the others, Jack slowly learns the way of the ninja and the great powerful elemental magic of the five rings of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky and undertakes missions and finds the long lost brother of his dear friend Akiko and helps them both reunite with each other. This one was particularly very different from its predecessors as it has a completely different setting and plot, nonetheless, it's a lot more interesting. Jack has gradually become more mature and has understood his position and acts with realization. He knows he's unsafe at every step he takes. Still, after the great opening action sequences at the beginning of the book at the inn are incredible. What better way to start a samurai/ninja book? Later, as Jack finds himself in the village o ninja's he encounters various things that he previously didn't know about the Shinobi and their true nature and behavior. Jack learns a hundred new things paired with weapons and martial arts, but stealth and espionage is given the paramount importance. A wide variety of characters have been unveiled with unique personalities and reactions. The characters from previous book don't appear here barring Jack (That's Obvious) and Akiko who return after a long long time at the end. Chris has displayed his great art of writing here too as he describes the nature and the forest, the action sequences, the missions and the battles very expertly with great eloquent writing. I like the way he uses witty dialogues and philosophical speeches to give the reader a 'Non-Grim' situation even in the hardest times. Here, Soke, an old fellow and grand-master of the ninja village replaces Sensei Yamada who teaches Jack almost everything about the Way of the Ninja and guide him on the proper path. Not only that, he also bestows upon Jack the various skills necessary to survive the long road to Nagasaki port. The haunting memories of the past regarding Dragon Eye and the death of his parents and Yamato still keep haunting Jack. Oh! I forgot to write that Dragon Eye's ninjutsu teacher is revealed in the book! It's Soke, not only that but the complete history and the ascendance of Dragon Eye is also unveiled here. Other notable characters are Tenzo, a 'To-Be' leader, Mizuki, 'a haughty ninja fueled by the ambition to take her revenge on the samurai for killing her parents, exceptionally proficient' and finally Hazo, the long lost brother of Akiko stranded by D.E at the Ninja Village. The thing about the Five Rings of the Particular Elements are going to be way more important in the following books! Mark my words! The book has been aptly named the Ring of Earth as it revolves around hiding and spying and using the geographical area to gain the upper hand. The main quest is to defeat the Samurai Daimyo Akechi in order to eradicate his ruthless rule. It proves to be a good side story but I just wished he would be a little bit more formidable and polished. The first half of the book is just introduction to the 'Way of the Ninja', friendship with Miyuki and the survival tips and tricks, but the magic begins at the second half of the book when Jack is paired along with the other members of the ninja clan and sent on espionage missions to D. Akechi. The missions are very interesting for me and I just devoured those chapters, especially when Jack is held prisoner by the torturer and the rescue party at the end of the book when Akiko is reunited with Hanzo and Jack. Akiko's return really brings me joy because if there is anyone who I miss, it's her. There are new weapons, dialogues, skills and tricks that you surely don't want to miss. A really good, well-planned book with a good story. There are various side quests too! Nice Reading!
Profile Image for Sabine.
23 reviews
August 16, 2021
5/5
Vierde boek in de jonge samoerai serie. Dit is de laatste recensie die ik schrijf dus ik heb er niet heel veel zin in om er heel uitgebreid erop in te gaan. Leuk dat ik nu dingen over samoerai en ninja's weet. En hoe ninja's te werk gaan. Lekker snel om te lezen en makkelijk in het engels. De cover is niet de mooiste tho, ik vind de covers van boek 1 tmt 3 in het nederlands zooooo moooooi. Nogmaals lees deze serie
Tchau
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for jia.
292 reviews
March 11, 2011
THUMBS UP AGAIN TO MR. CHRIS BRADFORD for an awesome job!


.
It look a long time for me to make up my mind whether to give this book a five or four stars. >< 5 stars means it was really amazing, I really did like it, however, in comparison to book three and this book, I liked book this book better. So, I have to give it 4 stars (really liked it) xD I just based it on the impact between book 3 and this book. Nevertheless, the forth book is still awesome. (:

So, let's start with the review. :D

- As always, the action is there. Always. And every single time, it just adds up. There's always something new and that's what I like about this series. (:

- Definitly different. I'm not going to tell you why, but this book is way unique than the first 3. And you'll love it. Especially if you like Ninja more than Samurai. (LIKE ME!)

- Learn way more things. Way a lot new.

- New charatcers. Which are awesome and cool. Another thing why I lvoe this series is also because of the charatcers. There's always new ones, and always having character developments. And JACK, (again) evolved in another level. xD He's really really cool.

- From the very depressing book 3 (in a good way) to another depressing book 4 (in a good way) again. I know, it might sound odd, but it's how I desribed it. Jack is like a loner here, and how he copes with that sadness, is what interests me. As always.

- Not so predictable as the past books. Haha! That's a great turn.

- I miss AKIKO! Damn! The ending was sad. Again. Haii. I'm uber excited for the next book, now that JACK is more awesome. Yes, more. xD Wanna know how? READ THE BOOK.

- The action, the drama, the suspense, the romance, the friendship, the twists, the turns, the comedy, it's all here. AWWW!
8 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2014
This book had a type of suspense that makes you go what's gonna happen next. Chris Bradford did an excellent job in writing this book. He wrote plenty of strong images like when jack first saw Soke he described him as an old man wearing simple plain clothes with a lot of energy. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it.
10 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2015
Jack wants to make his way back to England to see his sister, but he is caught by ninjas, so he learns there ways and slowly adapts to their way of life, then he realizes that maybe the ninjas weren't the evil people he thought they were and that the samurais were the evil ones. This book is about perseverance, sacrifice and forgiveness
Profile Image for Thomas.
149 reviews
December 1, 2015
Another in the Young Samurai or ninja series. On his trek to Nagasaki he is forced to work with his worse enemy, the Ninja. what is his true destiny a Ninja or Samurai? Find out in this thrilling, action packed adventure,
Profile Image for Jo.
18 reviews
Read
August 17, 2011
YAY, NINJAS!!!.........that about sums it up.
Profile Image for Maria.
50 reviews
June 28, 2021
This was my favourite book when I was younger and rereading it now, I can truly appreciate that it hasn't lost any of its appeal. Enlightening and educating, dotted with humourous situations and remarks, showing complex and intriguing characters and the challenges they face both as individuals and as a community, this novel is a must-read for any fan of fast-paced action and Japan. It can also teach us valuable ninniku skills (that we hopefully won't need mid-combat) that can enrich our everyday lives.
Profile Image for Doan Tien.
40 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2025
3,5/5
Tập này có chủ đề chính xoay quanh ninja – một hướng đi mới khá thú vị sau hành trình luyện tập samurai của Jack. Jack phải học hỏi và thích nghi với những giá trị, kỹ thuật của ninja, vốn rất khác với samurai. Tuy nhiên, mình cảm thấy tác giả chưa khai thác sâu được chủ đề này.

Cảm giác như tác giả cố gắng nhồi nhét quá nhiều thứ về ninja vào một tập truyện, khiến cho từng chiêu thức, từng bài học trở nên hời hợt, không đủ thời gian để đọng lại. Một số chi tiết khá hấp dẫn nhưng trôi qua nhanh, chưa đủ "đã" để mình thực sự ấn tượng.
64 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2022
Would you rather be a samurai or a ninja?

My son says samurai. I say ninja. Turns out you can be both.

This is the 4th one of these I have read to my son (he calls it mumiobook). He loves them.

They have an awful lot to say about not judging a book by it’s cover (a single tree does not a forest make), family, loyalty and honour. I do find them rather blood thirsty for the intended audience but my son (11) doesn’t seem bothered by this.

This is his rating. 5 stars all the way.

12 reviews
January 1, 2023
Jack Fletcher is on the run. With no sensei to guide him, he has just his wits and his swords against many new and unknown enemies, as he journeys along the treacherous road to the port of Nagasaki and perhaps home. . . But the Shogun's samurai are hot on his trail. Barely escaping their clutches, Jack runs headlong into a trap. Kidnapped by ninja and led to their village deep in the mountains, Jack has no means of escape. The only question is who will kill him first—the ninja or samurai?
Profile Image for Abhisek Dash.
58 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2023
I'm currently reading book 4 of the 'Young Samurai' Series and absolutely love it.
It has striking similarity to 'Ranger's Apprentice' by John Flanagan, and that has enraptured me. NOT that I'm suggesting that 'Young Samurai' is a rip-off or anything, for Chris Bradford is a genuinely talented author and has many skills worth praise apart from writing books.
So, I'm progressing through this book, and will complete this review on completion of the book...
Profile Image for Carter.
16 reviews
January 30, 2020
This book is my favorite book in the whole series! Not only it contains Samurai knowledge, the author also added some Ninja knowledge too! P.s. The whole series is about a England child who was shipwrecked at the coast of Toba, Japan. But he was trained as a Samurai warrior so that he can get back home safely.
Profile Image for Hope.
124 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2023
My favorite book yet. These ones are always interesting and the plot always grows a bit thicker. My only complaint is that Jacks quest drags on.. But, it's not a boring dragging feel. I'm just anxious for the end! What is going to happen?! I definitely recommend these books for anyone who wants an interesting, action packed, clean read
Profile Image for Nguyễn Anh Quân.
9 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2024
Đây là tiểu thuyết phưu lưu hay nhất mình từng đọc. Nếu bạn là người yêu thích văn hoá Nhật Bản, Samurai hay Ninja thì chắc chắn đây là bộ truyện không thể bỏ qua. Câu truyện là hành trình tìm đường trở về Anh Quốc của Jack sau khi con thuyền của anh bị tập kích tại Nhật Bản. Để có thể trở về nhà an toàn, Jack đã khổ luyện để trở thành một võ sĩ hay nhẫn giả.
Profile Image for Murray.
Author 151 books748 followers
January 14, 2020
Ninja Ninja!!

The author is well-trained in various martial arts including ninjutsu. Now it’s time for the warriors of stealth to tell their side of the story and exhibit their prowess in their form of bushido. An enthralling and riveting read about “the other side.”
3 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
Outstouding

This book really touched me and I was happy when they were happy, I was mad when they were mad. It is interesting to see a life in Japan that is not supposed to be there.
Profile Image for Saskia (Smitie).
681 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2024
As Jack is desperate to leave Japan, he ends up in a ninja village and has to learn their ways of the five rings. The book is full of action, drama and strong characters. The only little comment I can make, is that I expected more conflict between Jack and the Ninja.
9 reviews
June 5, 2024
The story is a good mixed between historical nonfiction source material and fiction creation the main character jack fletcher is a good take on the original sourced English man William Adams but for a young adult.

Jack fletchers guardian in the book shares a lot of characteristics of the source inspiration being that of Miyamoto Musashi.

The whole series from The way of the Warrior book to the Return of the Warrior book is excellent.

I especially liked the glossary in each book that helps teach you pronunciation of Japanese words and there English counterparts.
Profile Image for Jude Morse.
243 reviews
February 1, 2025
Jack is in the most pain in the whole series in this book. Everything he has gained since he lost his dad is gone. His only family gone. He then is faced with the people who took everything from him, ninjas.
44 reviews
June 19, 2017
Really good book, I'm rating it five stars. I enjoyed the story and the martial arts within the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

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