Pride of the Samurai

by Kenneth Jorgensen

Akashi and Kanto are twin brothers, born to a role as samurai in the proud and ancient Kusunoki family. Strange events, however, reveal that Akashi can manipulate the forbidden magic of the tama. This ability brands Akashi as shinobi, one of the hidden ones the samurai are sworn to destroy. He is forced to flee to keep his own family from executing him.

The brothers pursue very different paths, one as samurai and the other as shinobi. Civil war among the samurai, however, brings the brothers to the same battlefield. There, Akashi learns that sinister barbarians, intent on conquest, have been manipulating the samurai toward destroying themselves. Both young men will have to make choices between their competing loyalties, with the fate of a nation and its people at stake.

Genres: Fantasy

385 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

Kenneth Jorgensen is the author of the Kusunoki Chronicles and the Randal Regulus Monster Hunter series. He lives in Boise, Idaho.

Reviews

[Mohamed Anass DJEFFAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read, The book is not only telling the story of the twin brothers, but also it's explaining the way of life making you wish to live in the era. It putting the light on some terms and their meanings (honor, what to serve, ...) and how it differs between when it comes to human from different environment, I was also totally captivated by the way the author is writing and how he is careful when it comes to explain the traditions and the culture (Tea ceremony, honoring the dead, ...).

[Allan Tisdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

most interesting and engaging read

Pride of the Samurai throws Norse mythology, Japanese Mythology, Japanese culture and the human condition together in a large cauldron, adds water and salt and produces a most delicious dish. A most enjoyable read.

[Rick Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good opening "chapter" to the Kusunoki Chronicles. Definitely has me hooked and wanting to read #2 sooner rather than later.

[Laurie Markatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this a 5 except for the science fiction twist. I didn’t enjoy that. Will probably still read book 2 though. A nice insight into lives of samurai

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

Did not want to stop until the end. A good read with a engaging characters. Looking forward to the next book.

[Martha Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given a 4-star rating, but I didn't really like the way the last battle was set up.