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Sistah Samurai
This is no revenge story. I ain’t got time for that. I’ve got errands to run and things to do and barely enough time to make it home before sundown. I don’t care why folks are going around stealing ink. I don’t care why the monks are acting kinda strange. I don’t care that everybody is expecting me to save them. I might be a Sistah Samurai but those days playing hero were back when my knees didn’t ache, and I wasn’t the only one left. So leave me alone.
All I want to do is get home, drink some green tea lemonade, and enjoy my peace. I’m not asking for much, so why are all these demons daring to get in my way?
I am not the one. Not today.
Sistah Samurai is an Action Fantasy novella that is an homage to the anime, Afro Samurai. Both works feature a feudal Japan-inspired setting that is rife with anachronisms. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “Is that a motherf—ing RPG?”
All I want to do is get home, drink some green tea lemonade, and enjoy my peace. I’m not asking for much, so why are all these demons daring to get in my way?
I am not the one. Not today.
Sistah Samurai is an Action Fantasy novella that is an homage to the anime, Afro Samurai. Both works feature a feudal Japan-inspired setting that is rife with anachronisms. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “Is that a motherf—ing RPG?”
150 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2023
48 people are currently reading
1914 people want to read
About the author
Tatiana Obey
9 books159 followersTatiana Obey writes badass characters slaying dragons. She enjoys combining action with character-driven stories that feature diverse heroes and heroines. She is the author of Bones to the Wind, a 2022 BBA Award Winner, and Sistah Samurai: A Champloo Novella, a 2023 Indie Ink Award Winner. Locus award nominated, she has published short stories in various anthologies, including FIYAH Literary Magazine and Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2025. She was also a contributing editor for Magic in the Melanin: A Black Fantasy Anthology. She taught English in South Korea, studied abroad in Japan, and spent her debut year traveling the world. Learn more about her at www.tatianaobey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
July 30, 2024
Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars
Sistah Samurai is legit one of the most entertaining action-fantasy novellas I’ve ever read.
I’m writing this review while listening to music composed by Nujabes. You see… you might think this doesn’t make any sense. Why mention Nujabes in this review? But here is the thing. Sistah Samurai is a novella heavily inspired by Afro Samurai and Samurai Champloo. Both are great anime I loved. When Tatiana Obey said to me this is a novella inspired by the two anime titles, I instantly accepted the review request, and it exceeded my expectations, especially for a novella format that statistically does not click with me often due to the shorter length. Sistah Samurai was damn fun, vivid, and it is narrated with a superbly distinct first-person narration.
Due to the shorter length of the novella, I will try to be brief with this review. The entire story of the novella takes place in a single day of the life of the main character, the Sistah Samurai. It is a day when she decides to stray away from the mundane. To make time. A day where her patience wears thin. It is the day she must overcome her regrets and past. Sistah Samurai is not only about engaging narrative, but it is also a meaningful tale. Despite the upbeat voice and tone of the narration, the main character is burdened with regret she needs to cut away. More importantly, there were plenty of other relatable themes, such as adulthood and exchanging your days of fighting for safety and something that matters even more.
The world in Sistah Samurai is incredibly feudal-Japan inspired, just like Samurai Champloo. As someone who consumes manga and anime daily, there was no doubt Sistah Samurai would be a hit with me. The way Obey implemented Tamashii (Soul) ink as part of the magic was simple and effective. I wanted to witness the magic used more. To see how the inksmith operates. By inking a kanji into a talisman, and the kanjis are for elemental magics most of the time, the object imbued with the talisman could channel the element or effect. If you plaster a fire talisman into a katana, as proven in the book, the katana will blaze into a flaming katana. If you’re a fan of Samurai Champloo, this is a must-read, in my opinion. There’s even a reference to the Pokemon Blastoise that made me laugh!
Enough said. Read Sistah Samurai if you need a great and fun action-fantasy novella you can read in a day. Read it all the way to the acknowledgment. Do not skip them. I read Sistah Samurai in a single sitting, and if there’s one thing I wanted more from this story, it is to have more installments or continuation to the title. There’s so much potential to this world, magic, and story. This marked the first time I read a book by Tatiana Obey, and it certainly won’t be the last. Sistah Samurai is truly a magnificent homage to Afro Samurai and Samurai Champloo.. Hands down one of the finest novellas I've ever read.
Picture: Sistah Samurai by Felix Ortiz
You can order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Ambrosius, Andrew, Andrew S, Annabeth, Anne, Arliss, Barbara, Bev, Cade, Chris, Christopher, Cullen, Dan, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elaine, Elias, Erich, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, James, Jenn, Jesse, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Lourdes, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Redmischief, Rue, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Sean, Shawn, Stephanie, Trish, TS, Wick, Woodman, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
4.5/5 stars
Sistah Samurai is legit one of the most entertaining action-fantasy novellas I’ve ever read.
“We were women, and mothers, and sisters, and cousins. We were teachers, and healers, and innovators, and warriors. And we went down fighting.”
I’m writing this review while listening to music composed by Nujabes. You see… you might think this doesn’t make any sense. Why mention Nujabes in this review? But here is the thing. Sistah Samurai is a novella heavily inspired by Afro Samurai and Samurai Champloo. Both are great anime I loved. When Tatiana Obey said to me this is a novella inspired by the two anime titles, I instantly accepted the review request, and it exceeded my expectations, especially for a novella format that statistically does not click with me often due to the shorter length. Sistah Samurai was damn fun, vivid, and it is narrated with a superbly distinct first-person narration.
“I didn’t have time to avenge them, but the least I could do was carry them. To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden.”
Due to the shorter length of the novella, I will try to be brief with this review. The entire story of the novella takes place in a single day of the life of the main character, the Sistah Samurai. It is a day when she decides to stray away from the mundane. To make time. A day where her patience wears thin. It is the day she must overcome her regrets and past. Sistah Samurai is not only about engaging narrative, but it is also a meaningful tale. Despite the upbeat voice and tone of the narration, the main character is burdened with regret she needs to cut away. More importantly, there were plenty of other relatable themes, such as adulthood and exchanging your days of fighting for safety and something that matters even more.
“The scroll is nothing more than hopes and dreams. You have something more important to protect: a home.”
The world in Sistah Samurai is incredibly feudal-Japan inspired, just like Samurai Champloo. As someone who consumes manga and anime daily, there was no doubt Sistah Samurai would be a hit with me. The way Obey implemented Tamashii (Soul) ink as part of the magic was simple and effective. I wanted to witness the magic used more. To see how the inksmith operates. By inking a kanji into a talisman, and the kanjis are for elemental magics most of the time, the object imbued with the talisman could channel the element or effect. If you plaster a fire talisman into a katana, as proven in the book, the katana will blaze into a flaming katana. If you’re a fan of Samurai Champloo, this is a must-read, in my opinion. There’s even a reference to the Pokemon Blastoise that made me laugh!
“You don’t know where I come from. You don’t know what I’ve been through. You’ve seen one moment in time, and not my growth. You’ve read a few chapters and think you know the end. You think I am a character in a play for your amusement. You think you know my history. You think you know my fate. You think that I am blind and that I don’t see your hate. You don’t know me. Nor are you entitled to. In the end, my honor was defined by me. And not by you.”
Enough said. Read Sistah Samurai if you need a great and fun action-fantasy novella you can read in a day. Read it all the way to the acknowledgment. Do not skip them. I read Sistah Samurai in a single sitting, and if there’s one thing I wanted more from this story, it is to have more installments or continuation to the title. There’s so much potential to this world, magic, and story. This marked the first time I read a book by Tatiana Obey, and it certainly won’t be the last. Sistah Samurai is truly a magnificent homage to Afro Samurai and Samurai Champloo.. Hands down one of the finest novellas I've ever read.
“It was funny the arc of a life: knowing fear as a child, to conquering them as a young adult, to going back around to fear in your older years and knowing that your initial assessment had always been right. Life was an endless churn of helplessness and fear that we had no control over. The only difference was that now, I have learned to swim my way through it.”
Picture: Sistah Samurai by Felix Ortiz
You can order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Ambrosius, Andrew, Andrew S, Annabeth, Anne, Arliss, Barbara, Bev, Cade, Chris, Christopher, Cullen, Dan, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elaine, Elias, Erich, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, James, Jenn, Jesse, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Lourdes, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Redmischief, Rue, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Sean, Shawn, Stephanie, Trish, TS, Wick, Woodman, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
November 7, 2023
I don't really know how to review Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey. I find myself connecting with voice more than anything in books these days and this NAILS the voice. It's also powerful and meaningful and beautiful, and an anime in book form.
So my review: Read the damn book!
So my review: Read the damn book!
November 8, 2024
I don't know where to start with this. I've filmed my October wrap up video for YouTube and gushed about this, but trying to also put that into coherent words here is HARD.
I fucking loved this story. It was in turns fun and charming and emotional and devastating. It's definitely going to be in my top 10 books of the year for sure, and I ordered a signed copy from the author's website as soon as I finished reading it from the library.
My video with a lot more rambling and gushing is now up!
I fucking loved this story. It was in turns fun and charming and emotional and devastating. It's definitely going to be in my top 10 books of the year for sure, and I ordered a signed copy from the author's website as soon as I finished reading it from the library.
My video with a lot more rambling and gushing is now up!
November 1, 2023
This review was originally posted on Before We Go Blog
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I heard the comp title “Afro samurai meets The Sword of Kaigen in this anime-inspired novella”, I was immediately sold.
In Sistah Samurai, Obey seamlessly blends Japanese and Black culture to tell a wholly unique and utterly delightful fantasy story. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic, it’s bold, and, maybe most importantly of all, it’s so damn fun!
“They called me Sistah Samurai, but in truth, I was just a tired woman tired of being tired.”
Sistah Samurai might be the last Sistah left standing, but she is absolutely 100% done with playing the hero. Let someone else deal with the Tamashii-ink stealing thieves and the soul-eating demons attacking the world. She is way too busy minding her own business and fighting her own inner demons to care about saving everyone else’s asses. That is, until things start messing with her daily routine and her favourite ramen place is threatened.
As soon as I read the first line of this story, I just fell in love with Sistah Samurai. As a prickly and very tired momma bear, she is not exactly your typical fantasy heroine, but that is exactly why I adore her so much. Armed with her katana ‘Fuck-Around’ and wakizashi ‘Find-Out’, she quickly proves that she is still very much a force to be reckoned with, regardless of whether she is willing to admit it or not.
“Someone's got to teach these fools: You never disrespect a Black woman.”
For a story that is so short and takes place over one single day, it is truly astounding how well-developed and vibrant everything feels. The world building is incredibly immersive and dripping in rich culture, so I honestly felt like I could see, touch, hear, taste, and smell everything that was described on the page.
The characters also absolutely explode off the page with their strong personalities and honestly have an impressive amount of emotional depth. It’s simply impossible not to latch onto them and root for them, which is exactly why all the emotional beats of this story land just as hard as they are supposed to.
And believe me, no punches are pulled here. Delicate themes of grief, loss, self-doubt/self-hate, and depression are beautifully woven into this story and handled with a lot of care. It’s really no easy feat to deliver an absolutely delightful and entertaining fantasy story while also addressing such serious real-world issues, but Obey absolutely nails that balance. She smoothly switches between scenes that are either hysterically funny, terribly pulse-pounding, achingly tender, or brutally raw/honest, without it ever feeling jarring. Simply said, she is a masterful storyteller.
“I didn’t have time to avenge them, but the least I could do was carry them. To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden.”
I acknowledge that this is not a story written for me, a white woman who knows shit all about anime. And yet, I absolutely loved it and I am so grateful that this story exists. Thank you, Tatiana Obey, for opening up your home and allowing people like me to be a guest for a little while.
This novella might be short, but it damn well packs a punch. If you like the sound of a diverse, fun and fast-paced fantasy story with a middle-aged yet badass female MC, sensory world building, thrilling fight scenes, and hard-hitting themes and social commentary, then I can’t recommend Sistah Samurai highly enough!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I heard the comp title “Afro samurai meets The Sword of Kaigen in this anime-inspired novella”, I was immediately sold.
In Sistah Samurai, Obey seamlessly blends Japanese and Black culture to tell a wholly unique and utterly delightful fantasy story. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic, it’s bold, and, maybe most importantly of all, it’s so damn fun!
“They called me Sistah Samurai, but in truth, I was just a tired woman tired of being tired.”
Sistah Samurai might be the last Sistah left standing, but she is absolutely 100% done with playing the hero. Let someone else deal with the Tamashii-ink stealing thieves and the soul-eating demons attacking the world. She is way too busy minding her own business and fighting her own inner demons to care about saving everyone else’s asses. That is, until things start messing with her daily routine and her favourite ramen place is threatened.
As soon as I read the first line of this story, I just fell in love with Sistah Samurai. As a prickly and very tired momma bear, she is not exactly your typical fantasy heroine, but that is exactly why I adore her so much. Armed with her katana ‘Fuck-Around’ and wakizashi ‘Find-Out’, she quickly proves that she is still very much a force to be reckoned with, regardless of whether she is willing to admit it or not.
“Someone's got to teach these fools: You never disrespect a Black woman.”
For a story that is so short and takes place over one single day, it is truly astounding how well-developed and vibrant everything feels. The world building is incredibly immersive and dripping in rich culture, so I honestly felt like I could see, touch, hear, taste, and smell everything that was described on the page.
The characters also absolutely explode off the page with their strong personalities and honestly have an impressive amount of emotional depth. It’s simply impossible not to latch onto them and root for them, which is exactly why all the emotional beats of this story land just as hard as they are supposed to.
And believe me, no punches are pulled here. Delicate themes of grief, loss, self-doubt/self-hate, and depression are beautifully woven into this story and handled with a lot of care. It’s really no easy feat to deliver an absolutely delightful and entertaining fantasy story while also addressing such serious real-world issues, but Obey absolutely nails that balance. She smoothly switches between scenes that are either hysterically funny, terribly pulse-pounding, achingly tender, or brutally raw/honest, without it ever feeling jarring. Simply said, she is a masterful storyteller.
“I didn’t have time to avenge them, but the least I could do was carry them. To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden.”
I acknowledge that this is not a story written for me, a white woman who knows shit all about anime. And yet, I absolutely loved it and I am so grateful that this story exists. Thank you, Tatiana Obey, for opening up your home and allowing people like me to be a guest for a little while.
This novella might be short, but it damn well packs a punch. If you like the sound of a diverse, fun and fast-paced fantasy story with a middle-aged yet badass female MC, sensory world building, thrilling fight scenes, and hard-hitting themes and social commentary, then I can’t recommend Sistah Samurai highly enough!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 16, 2023
"One of these days, I would have to slow down and soak in all these near-death experiences and process the exhaustion that seemed to root itself deeper into my bones. But that day wasn't today."
First of all, what a stunning cover - Take a bow Felix Ortiz and Virginia McClain. And secondly, this book has a Pokémon, one that I’m sure is a lot of people’s favorite. And thirdly, the book has something that I don’t think any other book has, a commercial break. I loved it.
All of my favorite books this year almost exclusively have been one with an older protagonist and this one is no exception. I immediately connected with the MC and adored how witty and real she was. This is actually a novella of less than 150 pages and the plot occurs within just one day, but within that how much the main character is fleshed out is absolutely extraordinary. I hadn’t ever thought that one character’s soul could be laid bare so well, especially in an action-packed novella.
The MC’s day starts bright but then in proper anime-esque fashion runs into newer and newer problems as soon as one ends. It reminded me of the earlier Jackie Chan movies where the hero is just going about their day or is trying to get a meal but then a group of minion gang members decides to cause a ruckus in the same store.
The world that has been created is also fascinating. There is a unique ink-based magic system and because of previous wars, ink has also become the system of currency in the world. There are also different varieties of demons to face and to avoid spoilers - ‘other fantastical elements’ in the world.
The writing is extremely vivid. From the beginning of the book, I was able to clearly visualize the world and the characters and the fight scenes. It was almost like reading a graphic novel in fact. And like a comic book, almost every/ every other page had action scenes or LOL moments.
It is not just all action, magic, creatively named weapons, witty punch dialogues, dancing to tunes in the middle of battles though; there is a deep, poignant and evocative journey that the MC goes through. And as arduous as her external conflict is, she is facing just as much or an even harder internal conflict as well. The balance between these and also between the action moments and melancholic moments is struck to perfection, leaving a very satiating reading experience.
I don’t think there has been a novella that has told a richer, or more complete story. I sincerely hope Obey revisits this world with many, many more and/or longer installments. I’m definitely going to pick up the author’s other series - A Forging of Age.
First of all, what a stunning cover - Take a bow Felix Ortiz and Virginia McClain. And secondly, this book has a Pokémon, one that I’m sure is a lot of people’s favorite. And thirdly, the book has something that I don’t think any other book has, a commercial break. I loved it.
All of my favorite books this year almost exclusively have been one with an older protagonist and this one is no exception. I immediately connected with the MC and adored how witty and real she was. This is actually a novella of less than 150 pages and the plot occurs within just one day, but within that how much the main character is fleshed out is absolutely extraordinary. I hadn’t ever thought that one character’s soul could be laid bare so well, especially in an action-packed novella.
The MC’s day starts bright but then in proper anime-esque fashion runs into newer and newer problems as soon as one ends. It reminded me of the earlier Jackie Chan movies where the hero is just going about their day or is trying to get a meal but then a group of minion gang members decides to cause a ruckus in the same store.
The world that has been created is also fascinating. There is a unique ink-based magic system and because of previous wars, ink has also become the system of currency in the world. There are also different varieties of demons to face and to avoid spoilers - ‘other fantastical elements’ in the world.
The writing is extremely vivid. From the beginning of the book, I was able to clearly visualize the world and the characters and the fight scenes. It was almost like reading a graphic novel in fact. And like a comic book, almost every/ every other page had action scenes or LOL moments.
It is not just all action, magic, creatively named weapons, witty punch dialogues, dancing to tunes in the middle of battles though; there is a deep, poignant and evocative journey that the MC goes through. And as arduous as her external conflict is, she is facing just as much or an even harder internal conflict as well. The balance between these and also between the action moments and melancholic moments is struck to perfection, leaving a very satiating reading experience.
I don’t think there has been a novella that has told a richer, or more complete story. I sincerely hope Obey revisits this world with many, many more and/or longer installments. I’m definitely going to pick up the author’s other series - A Forging of Age.
November 19, 2025
"It was funny the arc of a life: knowing fear as a child, to conquering them as a young adult, to going back around to fear in your older years and knowing that your initial assessment had always been right. Life was an endless churn of helplessness and fear that we had no control over. The only difference was that now, I have learned to swim my way through it."
I never knew I needed a story about a Black female samurai with magical powers kicking ass and taking names. And she's an older FMC with a sarcastic and no-nonsense attitude. (Relatable.)
Funny, reverent, and full of heart. One of my favorite reads this year, hands down.
January 1, 2026
"I shed the doubts and claimed my space and lauded my own damned story." - Tatiana Obey, Sistah Samurai
November 6, 2023
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/wolfmantula
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.75/5
FORMAT: Kindle Ebook
When I first saw this amazing cover by Felix Ortiz, I just knew I had to read it. I don’t watch much anime, so I’m not exactly familiar with the champloo style of Afro Samurai or Sistah Samuari, so I got to go into this with an open mind, and I absolutely loved it! I had so much fun reading this because it’s uncompromisingly bold and in your face. You could feel the attitude and personality of the main character oozing off the page. I love that from the first sentence, Obey was letting you know you were in for something fierce and intoxicating, but what I love most about this though, is the last few chapters as Obey REALLY let’s us get to know Sistah Samurai on an even bigger level to make her even more of an incredible character.
“To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden. A garden now empty, and withered, and devoid of color. And no matter how much pain I tilled raw, or how much guilt I planted into the soil, or how much I watered their names again and again and again -I feared we’d never be free.”
The best way I can describe this, is that it is an adrenaline-fueled joyride that really never lets up. I already knew of Obey from when I bought Bones to the Wind, even though I haven’t got to that yet, but after how much fun I had with Sistah Samurai, I may just go ahead and jump into that one pretty soon! However I definitely have to say, I would absolutely love to read more into this world because it does feel like she ended this in a way that could lead to more novellas or even a future series.
If you’re looking for a novella that’s going to suck you in and never let you up for a breath until it’s done, while making you laugh out loud, tossing out all kinds of pop culture references, and delivering a powerful message, then Sistah Samurai is exactly what you’re looking for. Obey has also included a Spotify playlist link at the beginning to jam out to, which the chapters are seemingly influenced by. This has a good shot at being in my final favorites of the year lists, so I highly recommend it to all!
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.75/5
FORMAT: Kindle Ebook
When I first saw this amazing cover by Felix Ortiz, I just knew I had to read it. I don’t watch much anime, so I’m not exactly familiar with the champloo style of Afro Samurai or Sistah Samuari, so I got to go into this with an open mind, and I absolutely loved it! I had so much fun reading this because it’s uncompromisingly bold and in your face. You could feel the attitude and personality of the main character oozing off the page. I love that from the first sentence, Obey was letting you know you were in for something fierce and intoxicating, but what I love most about this though, is the last few chapters as Obey REALLY let’s us get to know Sistah Samurai on an even bigger level to make her even more of an incredible character.
“To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden. A garden now empty, and withered, and devoid of color. And no matter how much pain I tilled raw, or how much guilt I planted into the soil, or how much I watered their names again and again and again -I feared we’d never be free.”
The best way I can describe this, is that it is an adrenaline-fueled joyride that really never lets up. I already knew of Obey from when I bought Bones to the Wind, even though I haven’t got to that yet, but after how much fun I had with Sistah Samurai, I may just go ahead and jump into that one pretty soon! However I definitely have to say, I would absolutely love to read more into this world because it does feel like she ended this in a way that could lead to more novellas or even a future series.
If you’re looking for a novella that’s going to suck you in and never let you up for a breath until it’s done, while making you laugh out loud, tossing out all kinds of pop culture references, and delivering a powerful message, then Sistah Samurai is exactly what you’re looking for. Obey has also included a Spotify playlist link at the beginning to jam out to, which the chapters are seemingly influenced by. This has a good shot at being in my final favorites of the year lists, so I highly recommend it to all!
October 24, 2023
Disclaimer: ARC provided by author in exchange for honest and fair review
So what would happen if Tyler Perry decided to quit making traditional movies and instead make an Anime? Well then I think we would get something along the lines of Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey and I for one would be there on opening night to see it.
I have to start out this review by saying I’m not a big anime fan, honestly I’ve only ever watched a couple in my life. However when Obey posted that she was looking for beta readers for a new novella she was working on and I saw the title I signed up faster than a Bruce Lee punch because I knew this was something I had to check out. This story is bold, raw and in your face from start to finish and I freaking love it. The way Obey blends Black and Japanese cultures together feels effortless.
Hoop earrings swayed as little sister swiveled her head. She asked, with that ever-present smirk, “We knuckin’ and buckin’?”
We start out as Sistah Samurai just trying to go about her daily routine so she can make it back home. She’s sick of dealing with others' problems and she damn sure is over being a hero. While she is clearly dealing with the loss of her sisters and some of her personal inner demons she stops off to get some Ramen and that’s when the proverbial shit hits the fan.
From that point on the story is a rollercoaster as Obey explores themes of self doubt, depression & grief and ultimately closure all while at the same time writing a story that clearly has the ability to cut through the darkness and inspire others. As a child of the 80’s, Sistah Samurai as a character reminds me in a lot of ways of Sho'nuff from the movie ‘The Last Dragon’ only she’s not the villain or is she? I guess you will have to read it to find out. I may be alone in that comparison but couldn’t help but be reminded of him while reading through the story.
Oh snap I almost forgot to mention one of my favorite aspects of the story: her weapons. Sistah Samurai has a katana called ‘Fuck-Around’ and wakizashi called ‘Find-Out’. Seriously if that isn’t enough to both make you laugh and get you intrigued I don’t know what will.
“I didn’t have time to avenge them, but the least I could do was carry them. To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden.”
If I had any criticism about the story it would be that I wish this was a full blown book rather than a novella that takes place on a single day. Actually I wish it was a whole series as I would love to explore the world Obey has created and see all the events that unfolded to lead up to this very action packed explosive day that Obey takes us on in Sistah Samurai.
There are not a lot of books that make me sit and reflect on them days, weeks or even months after I have finished them but this book pops into my mind often. I’m blown away by how sucked into this story I became and how expansive this story really was considering it all takes place in a single day.
Admittedly I’m not the target audience Obey was writing this book for and she made that very clear when she reached back out after I signed up to be a beta reader to ensure I still wanted to move forward with helping out. I don’t regret my decision for a second and I don’t think you will either if you decided to pick up this novella. There are so many great moments and I don’t think I have ever highlighted more quotes than I did in this story which is why I sprinkled a few of my favorites throughout this review.
Little sister laughed. “Is that a diamond in his fo’head?” “Sis, I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head. “Seems kind of unnecessary if you ask me. Like, who he trying to impress? You think he cries rubies and shits out emeralds too?” Little sister grinned wide, vicious and cheeky, “Let’s go find out.”
So what would happen if Tyler Perry decided to quit making traditional movies and instead make an Anime? Well then I think we would get something along the lines of Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey and I for one would be there on opening night to see it.
I have to start out this review by saying I’m not a big anime fan, honestly I’ve only ever watched a couple in my life. However when Obey posted that she was looking for beta readers for a new novella she was working on and I saw the title I signed up faster than a Bruce Lee punch because I knew this was something I had to check out. This story is bold, raw and in your face from start to finish and I freaking love it. The way Obey blends Black and Japanese cultures together feels effortless.
Hoop earrings swayed as little sister swiveled her head. She asked, with that ever-present smirk, “We knuckin’ and buckin’?”
We start out as Sistah Samurai just trying to go about her daily routine so she can make it back home. She’s sick of dealing with others' problems and she damn sure is over being a hero. While she is clearly dealing with the loss of her sisters and some of her personal inner demons she stops off to get some Ramen and that’s when the proverbial shit hits the fan.
From that point on the story is a rollercoaster as Obey explores themes of self doubt, depression & grief and ultimately closure all while at the same time writing a story that clearly has the ability to cut through the darkness and inspire others. As a child of the 80’s, Sistah Samurai as a character reminds me in a lot of ways of Sho'nuff from the movie ‘The Last Dragon’ only she’s not the villain or is she? I guess you will have to read it to find out. I may be alone in that comparison but couldn’t help but be reminded of him while reading through the story.
Oh snap I almost forgot to mention one of my favorite aspects of the story: her weapons. Sistah Samurai has a katana called ‘Fuck-Around’ and wakizashi called ‘Find-Out’. Seriously if that isn’t enough to both make you laugh and get you intrigued I don’t know what will.
“I didn’t have time to avenge them, but the least I could do was carry them. To everyone else, they were just fallen cherry blossoms crushed underfoot. But to me, they were my garden.”
If I had any criticism about the story it would be that I wish this was a full blown book rather than a novella that takes place on a single day. Actually I wish it was a whole series as I would love to explore the world Obey has created and see all the events that unfolded to lead up to this very action packed explosive day that Obey takes us on in Sistah Samurai.
There are not a lot of books that make me sit and reflect on them days, weeks or even months after I have finished them but this book pops into my mind often. I’m blown away by how sucked into this story I became and how expansive this story really was considering it all takes place in a single day.
Admittedly I’m not the target audience Obey was writing this book for and she made that very clear when she reached back out after I signed up to be a beta reader to ensure I still wanted to move forward with helping out. I don’t regret my decision for a second and I don’t think you will either if you decided to pick up this novella. There are so many great moments and I don’t think I have ever highlighted more quotes than I did in this story which is why I sprinkled a few of my favorites throughout this review.
Little sister laughed. “Is that a diamond in his fo’head?” “Sis, I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head. “Seems kind of unnecessary if you ask me. Like, who he trying to impress? You think he cries rubies and shits out emeralds too?” Little sister grinned wide, vicious and cheeky, “Let’s go find out.”
November 19, 2023
This novella is magnificent. It's packed full of action, anime and music references and hilarious moments, and has a great protagonist who has her flaws but is someone that is easy to root for...and yet there is so much more to it than that. I don't think I've ever read something that has managed to speak to me directly in so few pages like this book. As someone who has had issues with social anxiety and, being mixed-race, has had struggles with acceptance from others (hey, it's nice having a personal bodyguard when I go shopping but does it have to happen so frequently?), the social commentary and the themes of struggle and depression in Sistah Samurai are completely on point. The demons are definitely real.
I could have read this novella in one or two sittings, but I purposely took my time, savouring every chapter, trying to draw out the experience for as long as possible.
Thank you, Tatiana Obey, for writing this beautiful novella. It resonated with me in a way that I haven't felt before with a book.
I could have read this novella in one or two sittings, but I purposely took my time, savouring every chapter, trying to draw out the experience for as long as possible.
Thank you, Tatiana Obey, for writing this beautiful novella. It resonated with me in a way that I haven't felt before with a book.
April 10, 2024
That ending dedication brought tears to my eyes. I was not expecting that.
I really enjoyed Tatiana Obey's writing and story telling. A very unique world. Oh blah, honestly, I'm still reeling from that ending. You seem like a beautiful soul, Tatiana Obey. Keep writing.
I really enjoyed Tatiana Obey's writing and story telling. A very unique world. Oh blah, honestly, I'm still reeling from that ending. You seem like a beautiful soul, Tatiana Obey. Keep writing.
December 12, 2025
Sometimes there are not enough words to express what impact a book can have.
To use the dedication of "Sistah Samurai", I want to thank the author for inviting me in her house. I felt seen, I felt I could relate and I felt that I can fight my own demons.
This novella came at the right time for me. It was a balm and a breath of fresh air after some mental health struggles. I am so grateful.
To use the dedication of "Sistah Samurai", I want to thank the author for inviting me in her house. I felt seen, I felt I could relate and I felt that I can fight my own demons.
This novella came at the right time for me. It was a balm and a breath of fresh air after some mental health struggles. I am so grateful.
January 15, 2024
This was fantastic...perfect for the Afro-Samurai lovers and for the Blerds that love anime and manga!
November 16, 2023
Okay, so truly a mixed bag here. What I liked, I really liked. What I didn't like felt very mishandled.
What I did like: look, this concept is great and a lot of fun. It has emotional weight and it immediately captures your attention. The ATMOSPHERE of this novella is, for better or worse, exactly its own thing and you're either in for it or you aren't. A "last Samurai" style story with a black woman who has two swords named Fuck Around and Fuck Out. The voice of the novella is very unique and I can say sincerely I've never read anything like it. The action scenes were also really fun. I realized relatively early on what the "gist" of the central idea was going to be, and I was immediately excited. It centers on grief, trauma, mental illness and survivor's guilt and for the first half of the novella, I was totally in. However...
What I didn't like: as a minor thing, I was fine with most of the anachronisms (because that's part of the point) but some just didn't make any sense. Having Sistah talk a certain way or have a certain attitude and stuff is fine, but things like "she's the type of girl who would drag you out of the club" just...what? Why would clubs exist in this world? Like I get that it's supposed to just be instantly relatable to a certain audience but I value things making internal sense over audience easement and lines like this are just silly. But this isn't a big deal overall.
What I really didn't like was the resolution and the heavy handed-ness. Sistah has been dealing with A Thing for years. And then, randomly, she decides to handle it. And the way she handles it....is very brief. I actually really like the way she handles it, if there were more scenes leading up to. But it was not earned. There was no reason for this catharsis to happen, it was like Sistah realized she was 80% into her own novella so it was time to handle things. It was very clunky. There was also a demon that went on an over the top, ridiculously hamfisted rant that lasted for 1.5 pages. If this rant was a paragraph or two, it would have been excellent. Sometimes less is more. And this general ham-fistedness made some of the thematic elements exhausting. Like, women deal with a lot of shit. Yep. Women are tired. Yep. Women are tired of shitty men. Totally. But can you find a way to say it without, idk, literally saying it every page? It was just too on the nose.
Overall I do recommend this novella, it's a short enjoyable read that you probably haven't seen anything like before. And if you can get past that it is TELLING YOU SOMETHING, you will probably like it more than I did.
What I did like: look, this concept is great and a lot of fun. It has emotional weight and it immediately captures your attention. The ATMOSPHERE of this novella is, for better or worse, exactly its own thing and you're either in for it or you aren't. A "last Samurai" style story with a black woman who has two swords named Fuck Around and Fuck Out. The voice of the novella is very unique and I can say sincerely I've never read anything like it. The action scenes were also really fun. I realized relatively early on what the "gist" of the central idea was going to be, and I was immediately excited. It centers on grief, trauma, mental illness and survivor's guilt and for the first half of the novella, I was totally in. However...
What I didn't like: as a minor thing, I was fine with most of the anachronisms (because that's part of the point) but some just didn't make any sense. Having Sistah talk a certain way or have a certain attitude and stuff is fine, but things like "she's the type of girl who would drag you out of the club" just...what? Why would clubs exist in this world? Like I get that it's supposed to just be instantly relatable to a certain audience but I value things making internal sense over audience easement and lines like this are just silly. But this isn't a big deal overall.
What I really didn't like was the resolution and the heavy handed-ness. Sistah has been dealing with A Thing for years. And then, randomly, she decides to handle it. And the way she handles it....is very brief. I actually really like the way she handles it, if there were more scenes leading up to. But it was not earned. There was no reason for this catharsis to happen, it was like Sistah realized she was 80% into her own novella so it was time to handle things. It was very clunky. There was also a demon that went on an over the top, ridiculously hamfisted rant that lasted for 1.5 pages. If this rant was a paragraph or two, it would have been excellent. Sometimes less is more. And this general ham-fistedness made some of the thematic elements exhausting. Like, women deal with a lot of shit. Yep. Women are tired. Yep. Women are tired of shitty men. Totally. But can you find a way to say it without, idk, literally saying it every page? It was just too on the nose.
Overall I do recommend this novella, it's a short enjoyable read that you probably haven't seen anything like before. And if you can get past that it is TELLING YOU SOMETHING, you will probably like it more than I did.
October 20, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sistah Samurai is the perfect fast-paced novella for fans of Afro-Samurai and Samurai Champloo. Don't worry. If you aren't familiar with these anime, this novella will be an amazing introduction.
This story follows one main character through her daily routine to pick up magic ink from the city. Which sounds pretty straightforward, doesn't it? The story is complicated by a world inhabited by demons, grifters trying to make a buck off desperate people, and Sistah Samurai's traumatic history coming back to take its toll.
The scenes are action-packed and heavily referential, which offers a fun and lighthearted style to the storytelling. However, there is an undercurrent of themes that engage with personal trauma and loss, as well as social commentary that root the sillier moments of the story.
Funny is hard to pull off in written form. Funny and heartfelt is even more difficult. Sistah Samurai succeeds.
My criticisms of this novella are minor. Because of Sistah Samurai's trauma, she is a standoffish character. We are in her head as the reader, and it can be difficult to connect with her right away. It's a short book, and her guard comes down enough to reveal her to the reader, but it takes time. If you give her the time, you will be happy you did so.
This novella is a great introduction to a world that I want to see more of. I want to know what this world looks like outside of this isolated day.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
Sistah Samurai is the perfect fast-paced novella for fans of Afro-Samurai and Samurai Champloo. Don't worry. If you aren't familiar with these anime, this novella will be an amazing introduction.
This story follows one main character through her daily routine to pick up magic ink from the city. Which sounds pretty straightforward, doesn't it? The story is complicated by a world inhabited by demons, grifters trying to make a buck off desperate people, and Sistah Samurai's traumatic history coming back to take its toll.
The scenes are action-packed and heavily referential, which offers a fun and lighthearted style to the storytelling. However, there is an undercurrent of themes that engage with personal trauma and loss, as well as social commentary that root the sillier moments of the story.
Funny is hard to pull off in written form. Funny and heartfelt is even more difficult. Sistah Samurai succeeds.
My criticisms of this novella are minor. Because of Sistah Samurai's trauma, she is a standoffish character. We are in her head as the reader, and it can be difficult to connect with her right away. It's a short book, and her guard comes down enough to reveal her to the reader, but it takes time. If you give her the time, you will be happy you did so.
This novella is a great introduction to a world that I want to see more of. I want to know what this world looks like outside of this isolated day.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
November 1, 2023
Ever since I read Bones to the Wind, Tatiana Obey has been a must-read author so when she announced that her next book would be a novella, I was intrigued to see how Obey would bring the vivid worldbuilding and dynamic gutsy characters she’s known for to life within a smaller page count.
And without a doubt Sistah Samuari brings all the grit and guts, exploding onto the page with her afro pick, a katana and a take-no-nonsense attitude in this cleverly paced slice of life.
As Sistah Samurai goes about her day, we discover who she is and why she is the last surviving member of her clan in an exploration of grief and guilt that showcases the power of resilience through heartbreak and trauma.
I enjoyed the almost nostalgic blend of Japanese anime and American Black culture. As I read I listened to the specially curated playlist and became fully immersed in the story. If there’s one thing I would have loved more of it would be a deeper dive into daimyo backstory and magic system, after all more ink magic and soul-sucking demons never go amiss.
The ending was absolutely beautiful, a lovely conclusion to this novella. I would be all for more tales from this world and a recipe for the green tea lemonade that sounded like the perfect drink to end a long day.
4.5✨
And without a doubt Sistah Samuari brings all the grit and guts, exploding onto the page with her afro pick, a katana and a take-no-nonsense attitude in this cleverly paced slice of life.
As Sistah Samurai goes about her day, we discover who she is and why she is the last surviving member of her clan in an exploration of grief and guilt that showcases the power of resilience through heartbreak and trauma.
I enjoyed the almost nostalgic blend of Japanese anime and American Black culture. As I read I listened to the specially curated playlist and became fully immersed in the story. If there’s one thing I would have loved more of it would be a deeper dive into daimyo backstory and magic system, after all more ink magic and soul-sucking demons never go amiss.
The ending was absolutely beautiful, a lovely conclusion to this novella. I would be all for more tales from this world and a recipe for the green tea lemonade that sounded like the perfect drink to end a long day.
4.5✨
April 4, 2024
To me this is a love letter to African-American and Japanese cultures and the literary version of their fusion that marries historical fiction and modernity — using *champloo* in the title is apt. There is an In Memoriam chapter at the end, which enlightened me to some things I didn’t see while reading, and really solidified for me that this is a very special book.
In a world that is bleak and grim, everyone lives in fear of soul-eating demons, and the cost of protection is high. Our protagonist, Sistah Samurai, rocks an afro and her katana and wakizashi, Fuck-Around and Find-Out, and likes to eat in peace at her favorite ramen joint.
If any of the above sounds interesting to you, you like the animes Samurai Champloo or Afro Samurai, you like to read about characters haunted by guilt, or you like fight scenes, you’ll absolutely want to check this out. If either plot or exploration of character relationships are critically important to you, you might be disappointed. I had a good time with it, I was entranced by the mash-ups and the world, and very curious about the story of the MC.
In a world that is bleak and grim, everyone lives in fear of soul-eating demons, and the cost of protection is high. Our protagonist, Sistah Samurai, rocks an afro and her katana and wakizashi, Fuck-Around and Find-Out, and likes to eat in peace at her favorite ramen joint.
If any of the above sounds interesting to you, you like the animes Samurai Champloo or Afro Samurai, you like to read about characters haunted by guilt, or you like fight scenes, you’ll absolutely want to check this out. If either plot or exploration of character relationships are critically important to you, you might be disappointed. I had a good time with it, I was entranced by the mash-ups and the world, and very curious about the story of the MC.
August 17, 2023
Full of amazing culture, life lessons and love for all of the women that came before her, Tatiana Obey shines in Sistah Samurai.
Sistah Samurai is busy, and she doesn’t have time for this, any of this! Not the demons that interrupt her daily ritual, Brotha monks asking her out or the self doubt and mental battles she holds close to her heart. But she will keep on fighting anyway because she is one bad ass mother … you know the rest.
Armed with weapons F*** Around and Find Out, this is one woman who is not to be messed with.
Amazing, entertaining and an emotional gut punch. I’m convinced Tatiana will always have more to say and to celebrate, I’m absolutely here for it.
Sistah Samurai is busy, and she doesn’t have time for this, any of this! Not the demons that interrupt her daily ritual, Brotha monks asking her out or the self doubt and mental battles she holds close to her heart. But she will keep on fighting anyway because she is one bad ass mother … you know the rest.
Armed with weapons F*** Around and Find Out, this is one woman who is not to be messed with.
Amazing, entertaining and an emotional gut punch. I’m convinced Tatiana will always have more to say and to celebrate, I’m absolutely here for it.
January 2, 2025
With this book I had some highs and lows, it started strong. The first line hooked me up, but then my attention started meandering around for a bit. But around the halfway mark things changed completely and I was hooked, I was 100% there for it and it was epic!
It's not only that it was epic because we have some really cool fights (and they are cool, trust me!) but it is also because this book has some deeper themes and the way in which the author treats them is superb. And it was surprising. It is unapologetic in the best way, and the feeling of vindication is amazing. It is so so satisfying!
I don't want to tell you what all this was about because I think that discovering it while you read it is worth the mystery. So yeah, I won't tell you anything about this book (I'll just add a couple of words about the world, but that's it), but I will tell you that it is surely worth your time.
It is a pretty short book, but we have great character development and an interesting plot. It is a bit lacking on the worldbuilding part because it is set in a strange world, a strange mix between rural Japan (in the past) and the modern Western world, and it is hard to picture and, obviously, this is not helped by the (lack of) length of the book, but it is outlined enough to give you an idea of it. I would have loved a bit more, maybe, but I am not really complaining, especially because the center is occupied by the MC, who is bigger than life and quite unforgettable.
(And we have cool scenes!! So many of them!!)
It's not only that it was epic because we have some really cool fights (and they are cool, trust me!) but it is also because this book has some deeper themes and the way in which the author treats them is superb. And it was surprising. It is unapologetic in the best way, and the feeling of vindication is amazing. It is so so satisfying!
I don't want to tell you what all this was about because I think that discovering it while you read it is worth the mystery. So yeah, I won't tell you anything about this book (I'll just add a couple of words about the world, but that's it), but I will tell you that it is surely worth your time.
It is a pretty short book, but we have great character development and an interesting plot. It is a bit lacking on the worldbuilding part because it is set in a strange world, a strange mix between rural Japan (in the past) and the modern Western world, and it is hard to picture and, obviously, this is not helped by the (lack of) length of the book, but it is outlined enough to give you an idea of it. I would have loved a bit more, maybe, but I am not really complaining, especially because the center is occupied by the MC, who is bigger than life and quite unforgettable.
(And we have cool scenes!! So many of them!!)
December 15, 2023
Sistah Samurai is an exciting and unique story. As short as it is the main character goes on an exciting and action-packed journey until she gets home to her loving family. Along the way she also faces her own demons, saves the city she protects, and gets a surprise that she had long since given up hope for. I would also like to read more about the beginning of this world full of female samurai, because that would be equally interesting.
February 26, 2025
Some books just GO, no hesitation, no wasted space, no dragging their feet. Sistah Samurai is one of those books. The protagonist is the kind of fierce, no-nonsense heroine we don’t get nearly enough of. She’s long past playing the hero—until her favorite ramen shop is threatened. Priorities, right?
Obey’s writing is crisp and cinematic, making every fight scene hit hard. The magic system, centered around Tamashii ink, is seamless and cool as hell. And while the action never slows down, the story still makes space for grief, guilt, and some raw, unspoken truths. There’s heart behind the sword swings, and it works.
It’s short, it’s fresh, and it hits. If you’re in the mood for something fast, fierce, and full of soul, this one’s worth your time. Definitely going to be reading more of Obey's stories.
Obey’s writing is crisp and cinematic, making every fight scene hit hard. The magic system, centered around Tamashii ink, is seamless and cool as hell. And while the action never slows down, the story still makes space for grief, guilt, and some raw, unspoken truths. There’s heart behind the sword swings, and it works.
It’s short, it’s fresh, and it hits. If you’re in the mood for something fast, fierce, and full of soul, this one’s worth your time. Definitely going to be reading more of Obey's stories.
November 3, 2023
An action-packed, hilarious, and affirming love letter to Black women
This book was a breath of fresh air. A quick juicy read that had me laughing and also saying "GURL.". A Sistah Samurai who slays demons with her weapons that are aptly named F*ck Around and Find Out.🤣🤣Oh, she got time today! Black women, this one is for US. Stop what you are doing and read this one today!
This book was a breath of fresh air. A quick juicy read that had me laughing and also saying "GURL.". A Sistah Samurai who slays demons with her weapons that are aptly named F*ck Around and Find Out.🤣🤣Oh, she got time today! Black women, this one is for US. Stop what you are doing and read this one today!
December 26, 2024
I was given a complimentary digital copy of this book as part of the SFINCS judging process. My review is honest and my opinions are my own. 9.5/10
Firstly let me say that I know nothing about anime, apart from Studio Ghibli, so I may have missed any hidden references, but it honestly didn’t matter. I absolutely loved this book.
Sistah Samurai tells the story of a day in the life of a badass, black female Samurai warrior with magical abilities, who is tasked with protecting her village from demons.
The eponymous main character is a wonderfully brash older female who just reeks cool – from her shades hiding her failing eyesight and her greying ‘fro kept in place by her clan headband, to her pink lacquer-sheathed swords and her worn kimono. The characterization in this novella is superb. The layers of her personality are revealed via her inner monologue and her interactions with each of the people she comes across on the day we get to spend with this very likeable, motherlike hero. She puts everone else’s needs before her own, is wracked with guilt, yet determined to keep going even though she is worn out and longs to rest. But if she rests who will stop the village from being overrun by the demons?
“They called me Sistah Samurai, but in truth, I was just a tired woman tired of being tired.”
Her world and the mysteries surrounding her are gradually unveiled to the reader as she goes about her daily business. There is no infodump of world-building here, everything is discovered by the reader as she experiences it or as her memories are triggered naturally.
Sistah Samurai uses elemental magic in an intriguing manner. Each day she buys ink made from her own blood, sweat and tears, and uses it to write magical talismans of protection and battle skills. She believes she is the last Sistah left and carries the pain and guilt surrounding the tragedy of her lost clan with her at every moment:
“We used to dance like bouncing crickets around the fields. We used to laugh like fluttering butterflies in the sky. We used to roam like carefree deer, staking safe places where no one constrained our volume or tore down our joy. We made each other stronger, each Sistah another fold in the forging of our blades. Even after each of us was assigned our own daimyos to protect, nothing compared to the riotous hugs we would give one another after not seeing each other for years. Time used to feel so patient and merciful back then.”
She fights her inner demons and also those she encounters in the world, but must stay strong in order to protect her village from not only demons, but also warlords and ink-thieving gangsters.
Imbued with a sense of humour, and an effortlessly cool vibe, this novella is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a powerful message: we must never forget those who have lost their lives fighting for causes we believe in and should say their names and remember them.
The prose is often poetic and vividly paints a picture of a fantasy feudal Japanese-styled community, with cherry blossom used as a metaphor for life:
“Anger was for the youth, and I was mostly just tired now, so tired of burying folks. I wanted to shake the girl and warn her that loss was never-ending, and that no matter how hard we try to prevent it, cherry blossoms always fall.”
I loved the hint at the existence of parallel universes – one of which might just be our own.
A great addition to the novella was a Spotify playlist which helped to set the tone of the story.
I can’t recommend this novella more highly!
Firstly let me say that I know nothing about anime, apart from Studio Ghibli, so I may have missed any hidden references, but it honestly didn’t matter. I absolutely loved this book.
Sistah Samurai tells the story of a day in the life of a badass, black female Samurai warrior with magical abilities, who is tasked with protecting her village from demons.
The eponymous main character is a wonderfully brash older female who just reeks cool – from her shades hiding her failing eyesight and her greying ‘fro kept in place by her clan headband, to her pink lacquer-sheathed swords and her worn kimono. The characterization in this novella is superb. The layers of her personality are revealed via her inner monologue and her interactions with each of the people she comes across on the day we get to spend with this very likeable, motherlike hero. She puts everone else’s needs before her own, is wracked with guilt, yet determined to keep going even though she is worn out and longs to rest. But if she rests who will stop the village from being overrun by the demons?
“They called me Sistah Samurai, but in truth, I was just a tired woman tired of being tired.”
Her world and the mysteries surrounding her are gradually unveiled to the reader as she goes about her daily business. There is no infodump of world-building here, everything is discovered by the reader as she experiences it or as her memories are triggered naturally.
Sistah Samurai uses elemental magic in an intriguing manner. Each day she buys ink made from her own blood, sweat and tears, and uses it to write magical talismans of protection and battle skills. She believes she is the last Sistah left and carries the pain and guilt surrounding the tragedy of her lost clan with her at every moment:
“We used to dance like bouncing crickets around the fields. We used to laugh like fluttering butterflies in the sky. We used to roam like carefree deer, staking safe places where no one constrained our volume or tore down our joy. We made each other stronger, each Sistah another fold in the forging of our blades. Even after each of us was assigned our own daimyos to protect, nothing compared to the riotous hugs we would give one another after not seeing each other for years. Time used to feel so patient and merciful back then.”
She fights her inner demons and also those she encounters in the world, but must stay strong in order to protect her village from not only demons, but also warlords and ink-thieving gangsters.
Imbued with a sense of humour, and an effortlessly cool vibe, this novella is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a powerful message: we must never forget those who have lost their lives fighting for causes we believe in and should say their names and remember them.
The prose is often poetic and vividly paints a picture of a fantasy feudal Japanese-styled community, with cherry blossom used as a metaphor for life:
“Anger was for the youth, and I was mostly just tired now, so tired of burying folks. I wanted to shake the girl and warn her that loss was never-ending, and that no matter how hard we try to prevent it, cherry blossoms always fall.”
I loved the hint at the existence of parallel universes – one of which might just be our own.
A great addition to the novella was a Spotify playlist which helped to set the tone of the story.
I can’t recommend this novella more highly!
September 6, 2023
Tatiana Obey is a Goddess. I say that because, Bones to the Wind, her debut had changed my life FOREVAH. She's amazing and now she's wrote this awesome Novella too.
Sistah Samurai is a Champloo novella that takes place in a demon infested village. The writing is rich in the Samurai way and Japanese culture down to the roots of your cherry blossom. The events in the novella takes place entirely in a day. It's a commendable feat and like we've already established, Tatiana is a Goddess.
Our girl belongs to a category of warriors called the Sistah Samurais. Unfortunately they fell due to a demon attack and the world is in chaos. But Sistah doesn't care. She has things to do, places to be. She doesn't have to carry the weight of others on her shoulder. She's BADASS in every sense of the word.
Sistah has faced everything. Self-doubt, self-hate, a demon Armageddon, looters, Warlords, woes of the domestic life. She reminded me of Melinda May from Agents of Shield (mostly because I'm rewatching it. Again)
Anyway, this book is so loud, I can hear it three days after reading it in my head. Black women, the power they have, the power they are and the possibility of a world where they're free to unleash their potential.
There's a lot of katana-violence too in this book because WHY NOT.
Sistah Samurai is a Champloo novella that takes place in a demon infested village. The writing is rich in the Samurai way and Japanese culture down to the roots of your cherry blossom. The events in the novella takes place entirely in a day. It's a commendable feat and like we've already established, Tatiana is a Goddess.
Our girl belongs to a category of warriors called the Sistah Samurais. Unfortunately they fell due to a demon attack and the world is in chaos. But Sistah doesn't care. She has things to do, places to be. She doesn't have to carry the weight of others on her shoulder. She's BADASS in every sense of the word.
Sistah has faced everything. Self-doubt, self-hate, a demon Armageddon, looters, Warlords, woes of the domestic life. She reminded me of Melinda May from Agents of Shield (mostly because I'm rewatching it. Again)
Anyway, this book is so loud, I can hear it three days after reading it in my head. Black women, the power they have, the power they are and the possibility of a world where they're free to unleash their potential.
There's a lot of katana-violence too in this book because WHY NOT.
December 17, 2023
1.5/5
This has been toted as Afro Samurai meets The Sword of Kaigen, well I haven't read The Sword of Kaigen and I found Afro Samurai very overrated, so that wasn't a selling point. But, the synopsis sounded intriguing and the book was short so I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I found that this just didn't work for me, the story felt like it was written by a sassy 12-year-old Otaku stealing bits and pieces from their favorite anime and pop songs and making a mish-mash urban alternative fantasy.
This has been toted as Afro Samurai meets The Sword of Kaigen, well I haven't read The Sword of Kaigen and I found Afro Samurai very overrated, so that wasn't a selling point. But, the synopsis sounded intriguing and the book was short so I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I found that this just didn't work for me, the story felt like it was written by a sassy 12-year-old Otaku stealing bits and pieces from their favorite anime and pop songs and making a mish-mash urban alternative fantasy.
January 2, 2026
Read this last year and was blown away. Did not expect it to be so good. Had seen it shared on Bluesky I think and the cover was cool. Had it on my Kindle for too long before reading, the next one I read the moment it came out.
Sistah Samurai is simple story in essence. The tale of how Sistah passes through a day. Loved the world she lives in and Sistah is a cool character, fight scenes are awesome, but the surprising depth and emotional aspects of the ending lifted it to a new level.
Just read it.
Sistah Samurai is simple story in essence. The tale of how Sistah passes through a day. Loved the world she lives in and Sistah is a cool character, fight scenes are awesome, but the surprising depth and emotional aspects of the ending lifted it to a new level.
Just read it.
December 20, 2023
4.5 Stars!
December 31, 2023
This was so fun! Definitely felt the Champloo vibes. I found this highly entertaining, with a underlying message of taking time to rest and forgiving yourself and giving yourself grace. I loved the Sistah Samurai's and Brotha Monks.
A fast paced novella that doesn't hesitate to jump into the action, I highly recommend this to all my fellow Black Otakus.
A fast paced novella that doesn't hesitate to jump into the action, I highly recommend this to all my fellow Black Otakus.
August 22, 2024
This story started off slow, but gradually grew into a favourite read this year. No pages were wasted as the novella established a world, culture, character and magic system in a succinct and exciting manner. The second half uncovered endearing revelations that deeply cut into topics of forgiveness, black culture and sisterhood. Would love to return to this world if another story is in the cards.
November 2, 2023
Sistah Samurai, a campy and hard-hitting novella by Tatiana Obey, delivers an homage to the anime Afro Samurai and it is a love letter to black nerds everywhere. With a keen focus on the power of black women and proudly celebrating black culture, Obey crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends elements of action and fantasy, set against the backdrop of a feudal Japan-inspired setting where ink holds both magical and monetary value.
The protagonist's journey is one of resilience (though she is dang tired) and determination, underscored by the weight of past losses and the desire for a semblance of peace. Despite her reluctance to be drawn into the conflicts around her, events of the story force her to confront the challenges head-on, unraveling a series of events that lead to some stellar and violent battle scenes. Obey's skillful storytelling transports readers into a vivid anime-like experience, enriched with engaging battle scenes.
The novella also has a huge amount of metaphor and more subtle nods to contemporary culture and deeper societal issues. This is a must-read for those seeking a refreshing take on black nerd culture and a celebration of black women.
It's campy, it's funny, it's cool as hell, and I had a great time. Pick this up and don't forget to listen to the playlist.
I can't wait to see what Obey does next.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
The protagonist's journey is one of resilience (though she is dang tired) and determination, underscored by the weight of past losses and the desire for a semblance of peace. Despite her reluctance to be drawn into the conflicts around her, events of the story force her to confront the challenges head-on, unraveling a series of events that lead to some stellar and violent battle scenes. Obey's skillful storytelling transports readers into a vivid anime-like experience, enriched with engaging battle scenes.
The novella also has a huge amount of metaphor and more subtle nods to contemporary culture and deeper societal issues. This is a must-read for those seeking a refreshing take on black nerd culture and a celebration of black women.
It's campy, it's funny, it's cool as hell, and I had a great time. Pick this up and don't forget to listen to the playlist.
I can't wait to see what Obey does next.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. This is an honest review.
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