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Osu: A Coming of Age Novel - An Empowering Book of Self-Acceptance and Resilience
In the dojo, Olive discovers her empowering strength. Outside, she faces her greatest challenge.
Sixteen-year-old Olive has always been an outsider and when her family uproots her from the bustling city to sleepy Buxton, she's sure her life is over. That is, until she stumbles upon a local martial arts, karate school.
The dojo becomes Olive's sanctuary, and her natural talent catches everyone's eye—especially Boyan, the enigmatic adopted son of her sensei. As Olive and Boyan's connection deepens, she realises he's fighting battles of his own.
But just as Olive begins to find her footing, a devastating secret threatens everything she's built. Now, she must summon every ounce of her newfound strength to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out.
Osu is a gripping, empowering coming-of-age-tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of finding where you belong.
In this unforgettable debut, Sensei Sarhn reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest enemy—or our most powerful ally.
AWARDS
2025 Wishing Shelf International Book Awards - Silver Winner in 'Teens Category'
Sixteen-year-old Olive has always been an outsider and when her family uproots her from the bustling city to sleepy Buxton, she's sure her life is over. That is, until she stumbles upon a local martial arts, karate school.
The dojo becomes Olive's sanctuary, and her natural talent catches everyone's eye—especially Boyan, the enigmatic adopted son of her sensei. As Olive and Boyan's connection deepens, she realises he's fighting battles of his own.
But just as Olive begins to find her footing, a devastating secret threatens everything she's built. Now, she must summon every ounce of her newfound strength to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out.
Osu is a gripping, empowering coming-of-age-tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of finding where you belong.
In this unforgettable debut, Sensei Sarhn reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest enemy—or our most powerful ally.
AWARDS
2025 Wishing Shelf International Book Awards - Silver Winner in 'Teens Category'
- GenresFiction
330 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2024
About the author
Sensei Sarhn
3 books18 followersAUTHOR BIO
Renowned and highly trusted in the 1990s and 2000s for her striking and distinctive flair as a professional photographer, Sarhn photographed four Australian Prime Ministers, immortalised numerous celebrities, and vividly captured a plethora of sporting legends through her lens.
After retiring her camera, Sarhn followed her passion for martial arts into founding a karate dojo, channelling her desire into making a profound and positive impact on the lives of her students. Imparting invaluable life skills such as; strength of character, compassion, respect, self-awareness, focus, confidence, determination, and discipline.
The 'OSU Rising' series serves as the latest evolution of Sarhn’s mission, sharing with young adults everywhere the tools and mindset needed to make a meaningful difference in their lives and the world.
Join Sensei Sarhn’s Inner Circle to receive latest updates on the 'OSU Rising' series. Plus, enjoy exclusive offers and special giveaways reserved only for Inner Circle members.
https://sarhn.com.au/join-sarhns-emai...
Renowned and highly trusted in the 1990s and 2000s for her striking and distinctive flair as a professional photographer, Sarhn photographed four Australian Prime Ministers, immortalised numerous celebrities, and vividly captured a plethora of sporting legends through her lens.
After retiring her camera, Sarhn followed her passion for martial arts into founding a karate dojo, channelling her desire into making a profound and positive impact on the lives of her students. Imparting invaluable life skills such as; strength of character, compassion, respect, self-awareness, focus, confidence, determination, and discipline.
The 'OSU Rising' series serves as the latest evolution of Sarhn’s mission, sharing with young adults everywhere the tools and mindset needed to make a meaningful difference in their lives and the world.
Join Sensei Sarhn’s Inner Circle to receive latest updates on the 'OSU Rising' series. Plus, enjoy exclusive offers and special giveaways reserved only for Inner Circle members.
https://sarhn.com.au/join-sarhns-emai...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 2, 2024
'OSU' (the book) - pronounced 'OOS'.
Ordinarily, not being an avid reader and not knowing anything about it, or understanding it's subject or content, I would have easily passed this book by. Through encouragement I am very glad that I delved into it.
Importantly, this book is a sport based story, very much of the various arts and disciplines of karate, although it is far more than just that. The book is primarily focused towards young people, teenagers, yet it is a damn good read for adults and parents alike.
The story evolves around a charming adopted 16 year old teenager named Olive. She is uprooted from her very familiar bustling Sydney suburban surroundings to a new home in the semi-rural town of Buxton in NSW.
With some resentment with the 'old' house and her parent's moving; and now finding herself friendless, Olive ventures out to explore her new town. By chance she stumbles across the local marital arts school, the Wollondilly Karate 'Dojo'. She enters and from that day onwards Olive's life and sense of belonging begins to change forever.
This is quite substantially a karate themed story, obviously based upon the author's very significant experience in the ancient Japanese art. Not ever having known anything about Karate myself, I still found the story hugely fascinating and entertaining. The story telling is vivid, descriptive and very sensitive in many ways.
Olive joins the 'Dojo' classes and makes brand new friends with Boyan and the other central figures in the book and bonds closely with them all. Olive learns all the values of the Karate arts including respect, discipline, caring, empowerment and self-acceptance. Even affection and Love find their way into the story.
Being totally naive and ignorant about karate, I still found both the fight tournaments and 'gradings' along with the hurt, injuries and suffering common with the sport particularly interesting and exciting. The book also covers various other ups and downs and dramas along the way, but ultimately ends up in an extremely satisfying manner (as all good book should).
This book would be a very pleasant read for 'all', but more importantly for young people and teenagers, both karate inspired or otherwise who are keen and willing to learn and appreciate more of the values of love, respect, discipline, caring and self-awareness.
A very clever and sensitive story telling with a few lovely twists that you might never have expected.
Ordinarily, not being an avid reader and not knowing anything about it, or understanding it's subject or content, I would have easily passed this book by. Through encouragement I am very glad that I delved into it.
Importantly, this book is a sport based story, very much of the various arts and disciplines of karate, although it is far more than just that. The book is primarily focused towards young people, teenagers, yet it is a damn good read for adults and parents alike.
The story evolves around a charming adopted 16 year old teenager named Olive. She is uprooted from her very familiar bustling Sydney suburban surroundings to a new home in the semi-rural town of Buxton in NSW.
With some resentment with the 'old' house and her parent's moving; and now finding herself friendless, Olive ventures out to explore her new town. By chance she stumbles across the local marital arts school, the Wollondilly Karate 'Dojo'. She enters and from that day onwards Olive's life and sense of belonging begins to change forever.
This is quite substantially a karate themed story, obviously based upon the author's very significant experience in the ancient Japanese art. Not ever having known anything about Karate myself, I still found the story hugely fascinating and entertaining. The story telling is vivid, descriptive and very sensitive in many ways.
Olive joins the 'Dojo' classes and makes brand new friends with Boyan and the other central figures in the book and bonds closely with them all. Olive learns all the values of the Karate arts including respect, discipline, caring, empowerment and self-acceptance. Even affection and Love find their way into the story.
Being totally naive and ignorant about karate, I still found both the fight tournaments and 'gradings' along with the hurt, injuries and suffering common with the sport particularly interesting and exciting. The book also covers various other ups and downs and dramas along the way, but ultimately ends up in an extremely satisfying manner (as all good book should).
This book would be a very pleasant read for 'all', but more importantly for young people and teenagers, both karate inspired or otherwise who are keen and willing to learn and appreciate more of the values of love, respect, discipline, caring and self-awareness.
A very clever and sensitive story telling with a few lovely twists that you might never have expected.
September 4, 2024
Sarhn’s fierce devotion to her craft is evident in this riveting debut novel set amidst a small rural community karate dojo. Aimed at engaging and empowering young people, ‘Osu’ will also appeal to adults looking for a bloody good read and an escape from the realities of life.
‘Osu’ is an incredibly well-written novel centred around Olive - a young high school student uprooted from her city existence to a small town. As someone who knows Buxton quite well, it was a source of pride to read of Olive’s cautious exploration of familiar streets and landmarks in the early chapters, before she finds herself at the local community hall and the friendships she will eventually develop inside.
Olive’s journey is compellingly told. The novel’s themes are expertly woven throughout: Olive’s sense of belonging, empowerment, seeking connection and bravery in the face of adversity. I feel Olive’s experiences in the book mirror the values taught through the sport of Karate; values Sensei Sarhn would seek to instil in all of her students.
Sarhn’s flair for world-building is evident, as is her ability to develop well-rounded, interesting characters.
This novel is also a great introduction to the world of Karate, as the reader learns and experiences the sport along with Olive.
Sensei Sarhn is an Australian author to watch. A fantastic read!
‘Osu’ is an incredibly well-written novel centred around Olive - a young high school student uprooted from her city existence to a small town. As someone who knows Buxton quite well, it was a source of pride to read of Olive’s cautious exploration of familiar streets and landmarks in the early chapters, before she finds herself at the local community hall and the friendships she will eventually develop inside.
Olive’s journey is compellingly told. The novel’s themes are expertly woven throughout: Olive’s sense of belonging, empowerment, seeking connection and bravery in the face of adversity. I feel Olive’s experiences in the book mirror the values taught through the sport of Karate; values Sensei Sarhn would seek to instil in all of her students.
Sarhn’s flair for world-building is evident, as is her ability to develop well-rounded, interesting characters.
This novel is also a great introduction to the world of Karate, as the reader learns and experiences the sport along with Olive.
Sensei Sarhn is an Australian author to watch. A fantastic read!
November 1, 2024
Everything I know about karate, I learned from The Karate Kid.
.
It was nice to get a more in-depth look into the karate world.
.
This is a really sweet coming of age story, set in Australia. It has themes of family, found family, and learning to navigate friendships and first relationships. It's a gentle story that packs an emotional punch.
.
Special thanks to the author for reaching out to offer her book for me to read.
.
It was nice to get a more in-depth look into the karate world.
.
This is a really sweet coming of age story, set in Australia. It has themes of family, found family, and learning to navigate friendships and first relationships. It's a gentle story that packs an emotional punch.
.
Special thanks to the author for reaching out to offer her book for me to read.
August 22, 2024
I couldn't put it down! From the first chapter I was drawn into the story as if I was Olive myself. I could feel the story. The tension, the excitement, the romance. Olives deep personal journey in her teenage years shares empowering life lessons with the reader. I loved the book so much I read it again two weeks later.
August 22, 2024
Amazing book! Would recommend to any one it has such a great story!
Osu Sensei.
Osu Sensei.
September 28, 2026
Sixteen-year-old Olive has always struggled with the feeling that she does not quite belong. When her family leaves the city and moves to the quiet town of Buxton, the prospect of starting over in an unfamiliar place feels overwhelming.
Everything begins to change when she discovers a local karate dojo and decides to give it a try. Through training, Olive gradually builds confidence, develops a stronger sense of who she is and finds a community where she feels accepted.
She forms meaningful friendships at the dojo, including a growing connection with Boyan, her sensei’s adopted son.
However, when a secret threatens the belonging she has worked so hard to find, Olive must draw on her new strength and trust in herself. This heartfelt young adult story explores friendship, identity, courage and the importance of finding a place where you can truly be yourself.
I loved this book! Olive’s journey from feeling uncertain and out of place to discovering confidence through karate was both moving and satisfying to follow.
Her progress felt gradual and believable, which made each step forward even more meaningful. I especially enjoyed watching the friendships she formed at the dojo and her growing connection with Boyan. Their relationship added warmth to the story and helped show how much the right people can change the way someone sees themselves.
There is so much heart in this story, and its themes are easy to connect with. At its core, it is about finding your people, learning to believe in yourself, and realising that strength can grow in unexpected ways.
I also appreciated the way the story balances Olive’s personal challenges with hopeful moments of friendship, support and self-discovery.
It is an uplifting and thoughtful read that shows how belonging is not always about fitting in, but about finding the people and places that allow you to grow.
Everything begins to change when she discovers a local karate dojo and decides to give it a try. Through training, Olive gradually builds confidence, develops a stronger sense of who she is and finds a community where she feels accepted.
She forms meaningful friendships at the dojo, including a growing connection with Boyan, her sensei’s adopted son.
However, when a secret threatens the belonging she has worked so hard to find, Olive must draw on her new strength and trust in herself. This heartfelt young adult story explores friendship, identity, courage and the importance of finding a place where you can truly be yourself.
I loved this book! Olive’s journey from feeling uncertain and out of place to discovering confidence through karate was both moving and satisfying to follow.
Her progress felt gradual and believable, which made each step forward even more meaningful. I especially enjoyed watching the friendships she formed at the dojo and her growing connection with Boyan. Their relationship added warmth to the story and helped show how much the right people can change the way someone sees themselves.
There is so much heart in this story, and its themes are easy to connect with. At its core, it is about finding your people, learning to believe in yourself, and realising that strength can grow in unexpected ways.
I also appreciated the way the story balances Olive’s personal challenges with hopeful moments of friendship, support and self-discovery.
It is an uplifting and thoughtful read that shows how belonging is not always about fitting in, but about finding the people and places that allow you to grow.
October 22, 2026
I recently finished OSU and thought it was such a fantastic read. Aimed at Young Adults, it brings such a positive message of resilience and self acceptance.
Olive is such a determined character, yet she also shows vulnerability in not only her abilities but in her self confidence in various aspects of her life. She has always felt like an outsider, so when she suddenly finds herself having to move from the city to the small town of Buxton, it all seems so incredibly overwhelming to her until she comes across a local karate dojo.
It is there that she begins to find herself, and starts to learn about a strength that she didn't realise she had all along.
I really enjoyed seeing Olive's personal development within OSU and also really enjoyed seeing the friendships grow as well.
I am really looking forward to continuing with YAME.
Thank you so much to Sensei Sahrn for sending me a copy of these two books - I am so grateful
Olive is such a determined character, yet she also shows vulnerability in not only her abilities but in her self confidence in various aspects of her life. She has always felt like an outsider, so when she suddenly finds herself having to move from the city to the small town of Buxton, it all seems so incredibly overwhelming to her until she comes across a local karate dojo.
It is there that she begins to find herself, and starts to learn about a strength that she didn't realise she had all along.
I really enjoyed seeing Olive's personal development within OSU and also really enjoyed seeing the friendships grow as well.
I am really looking forward to continuing with YAME.
Thank you so much to Sensei Sahrn for sending me a copy of these two books - I am so grateful
November 12, 2026
A heartfelt book with an important message: being "enough" doesn't require being perfect.
An inspiring story of self-acceptance, resilience, and personal growth. Olive is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with self-doubt feel genuine and whose victories feel well earned. The martial arts setting provides meaningful life lessons about courage, discipline, and confidence.
An inspiring story of self-acceptance, resilience, and personal growth. Olive is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with self-doubt feel genuine and whose victories feel well earned. The martial arts setting provides meaningful life lessons about courage, discipline, and confidence.
March 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
OSU is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of belonging. Sensei Sarhn’s debut follows 16-year-old Olive, who moves to the quiet town of Buxton and finds unexpected solace in a local karate dojo. As she immerses herself in training, Olive not only discovers her inner strength but also navigates the complexities of friendship, family, and personal growth.
What makes OSU stand out is its authenticity. Sensei Sarhn, drawing from her own experience as a karate instructor, brings the dojo to life with vivid storytelling. The novel captures the discipline and philosophy of martial arts while making it accessible to all readers — whether they practice karate or not. Olive’s journey feels real, her struggles relatable, and her triumphs genuinely uplifting.
Beyond its martial arts theme, OSU is a story of empowerment, reminding readers — especially young women — that resilience comes from within.
I found OSU to be an inspiring and uplifting read. And I thank Sensei Sarhn for reaching out and sending me a copy of her beautiful book.
OSU is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of belonging. Sensei Sarhn’s debut follows 16-year-old Olive, who moves to the quiet town of Buxton and finds unexpected solace in a local karate dojo. As she immerses herself in training, Olive not only discovers her inner strength but also navigates the complexities of friendship, family, and personal growth.
What makes OSU stand out is its authenticity. Sensei Sarhn, drawing from her own experience as a karate instructor, brings the dojo to life with vivid storytelling. The novel captures the discipline and philosophy of martial arts while making it accessible to all readers — whether they practice karate or not. Olive’s journey feels real, her struggles relatable, and her triumphs genuinely uplifting.
Beyond its martial arts theme, OSU is a story of empowerment, reminding readers — especially young women — that resilience comes from within.
I found OSU to be an inspiring and uplifting read. And I thank Sensei Sarhn for reaching out and sending me a copy of her beautiful book.
Read
July 27, 2025Excellent reading option for a teen interested in martial arts.
Received a gifted copy from the author and shared copies with my local libraries as well.
Received a gifted copy from the author and shared copies with my local libraries as well.
September 8, 2025
Osu - Sensei Sarhn
This book isn't my usual genre of choice, but Sarhn reached out to me to give it a read seeing as I have spent a majority of my life training in a martial arts style.
This book was captivating, and definitely hooked me on a personal level, as I could relate to some of the struggles within the book. It was a beautifully written story, that made me a little nostalgic and made me remember my own journey through the Dojo.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your book.
This book isn't my usual genre of choice, but Sarhn reached out to me to give it a read seeing as I have spent a majority of my life training in a martial arts style.
This book was captivating, and definitely hooked me on a personal level, as I could relate to some of the struggles within the book. It was a beautifully written story, that made me a little nostalgic and made me remember my own journey through the Dojo.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your book.
August 27, 2024
great read
This was a great read and even better then I imagined. I was hooked the moment I started the book!
It’s about a girl who is discovering herself and finding her true strength within herself.
Olive faces her greatest challenge.
Olive is 16 and has always been more of an outsider trying to find her own path and her family decide to move her to a small little excluded village called Buxton.
Olive didn’t have high hopes as she was use to the City life.
She finds a local martial arts, karate school. Where she starts to really find herself. It becomes like a second home where she finds her courage power and inspiration to be inspired by finding herself.
This book is a wonderful read with so many unique unknowns, growth, finding ones true self and exploring such strengths, theres secrets I didn’t expect which was a great touch, and the challenges Olive has to over come to be the best version of herself.
This is a great read for most people, not only teens. It’s about finding yourself all over again, even when the world throws you a shit hand. Olive reminds us of taking back your own power and strength at all cost.
I love that she is a fighter, a warrior, strong, and determined to never give up. And I love that she isn’t a sook or whinge like most main characters can be.
I definitely recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great read and even better then I imagined. I was hooked the moment I started the book!
It’s about a girl who is discovering herself and finding her true strength within herself.
Olive faces her greatest challenge.
Olive is 16 and has always been more of an outsider trying to find her own path and her family decide to move her to a small little excluded village called Buxton.
Olive didn’t have high hopes as she was use to the City life.
She finds a local martial arts, karate school. Where she starts to really find herself. It becomes like a second home where she finds her courage power and inspiration to be inspired by finding herself.
This book is a wonderful read with so many unique unknowns, growth, finding ones true self and exploring such strengths, theres secrets I didn’t expect which was a great touch, and the challenges Olive has to over come to be the best version of herself.
This is a great read for most people, not only teens. It’s about finding yourself all over again, even when the world throws you a shit hand. Olive reminds us of taking back your own power and strength at all cost.
I love that she is a fighter, a warrior, strong, and determined to never give up. And I love that she isn’t a sook or whinge like most main characters can be.
I definitely recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2025
Osu is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that blends emotional vulnerability with the quiet strength of martial arts. At sixteen, Olive feels displaced and invisible after her move from the city to the small town of Buxton. Her discovery of a local karate dojo becomes more than a hobby, it becomes a lifeline. Through discipline, practice, and perseverance, Olive begins to reclaim her confidence and sense of self.
What makes this novel stand out is how authentically it portrays both adolescence and karate. Sensei Sarhn writes with clarity and heart, showing how growth happens not in grand moments but in small, repeated acts of courage. Olive’s journey is raw and relatable, she doubts herself, struggles to belong, and slowly learns that strength isn’t about winning fights, but about standing your ground.
The relationships in the book, especially within the dojo, add emotional depth and warmth. The themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and inner power resonate long after the final page. Osu isn’t just a story about martial arts; it’s about finding your place in the world and learning to rise again and again.
What makes this novel stand out is how authentically it portrays both adolescence and karate. Sensei Sarhn writes with clarity and heart, showing how growth happens not in grand moments but in small, repeated acts of courage. Olive’s journey is raw and relatable, she doubts herself, struggles to belong, and slowly learns that strength isn’t about winning fights, but about standing your ground.
The relationships in the book, especially within the dojo, add emotional depth and warmth. The themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and inner power resonate long after the final page. Osu isn’t just a story about martial arts; it’s about finding your place in the world and learning to rise again and again.
September 8, 2024
A fantastic novel to give to any struggling teenager, especially girls; however a great read for all.
This novel brought me back to when I was a teenager practising martial arts. I have such a high regard and respect for the practice and this book encapsulates the qualities in a great way.
It helped me when I was confused about life and felt unsafe in the world.
So now with a young daughter I find it highly important that martial arts is something that is a constant in her life and finding Sarhn was a blessing. She inspires the children to be their best selves.
The Novel follows the story of a young girl named Olive who's life is turned upside down until she finds the local Dojo which changes everything.
A great read.
Does a great job at show casing the great qualities of martial arts: dicipline, mental strength, respect, confidence, integrity and true friendships.
A story that will inspire teenagers to make one of the best decisions in their lives by joining a Dojo (if they haven't already).
This novel brought me back to when I was a teenager practising martial arts. I have such a high regard and respect for the practice and this book encapsulates the qualities in a great way.
It helped me when I was confused about life and felt unsafe in the world.
So now with a young daughter I find it highly important that martial arts is something that is a constant in her life and finding Sarhn was a blessing. She inspires the children to be their best selves.
The Novel follows the story of a young girl named Olive who's life is turned upside down until she finds the local Dojo which changes everything.
A great read.
Does a great job at show casing the great qualities of martial arts: dicipline, mental strength, respect, confidence, integrity and true friendships.
A story that will inspire teenagers to make one of the best decisions in their lives by joining a Dojo (if they haven't already).
December 29, 2025
OSU by Sensei Sarhn is a coming-of-age novel, focusing on self-acceptance and resilience.
The plot follows Olive, a sixteen year old girl who moves from the city to a small town called Buxton. She then goes to a local karate dojo school to learn the ancient martial arts. The training transforms her into a much stronger person. She gains courage and becomes much more confident. But is the karate school only about training? Absolutely not. Wouldn't revealing much, I will stop the plot here as I am tensed about blurting out more.
I'm happy I picked this novel during one of my rough days. I loved the storyline and the way the author has put it across is amazing. I couldn't believe it was a debut. The language is easy-going and beginner-friendly. The plot is interesting and has many twists and turns. More than that, Olive's character will give you strength and power especially during your low days.
The plot follows Olive, a sixteen year old girl who moves from the city to a small town called Buxton. She then goes to a local karate dojo school to learn the ancient martial arts. The training transforms her into a much stronger person. She gains courage and becomes much more confident. But is the karate school only about training? Absolutely not. Wouldn't revealing much, I will stop the plot here as I am tensed about blurting out more.
I'm happy I picked this novel during one of my rough days. I loved the storyline and the way the author has put it across is amazing. I couldn't believe it was a debut. The language is easy-going and beginner-friendly. The plot is interesting and has many twists and turns. More than that, Olive's character will give you strength and power especially during your low days.
December 25, 2025
"OSU is a masterful blend of martial arts grit and heartfelt self-discovery 🥋✨. Olive's journey from uncertainty to empowerment in Buxton's dojo is both inspiring and moving. Sensei Sarhn's authentic portrayal of karate — rooted in respect, perseverance, and growth — adds depth to this coming-of-age tale.
What sets OSU apart is its raw relatability: Olive's struggles, stumbles, and triumphs feel universal. The prose is beautifully descriptive, resonating with teens and adults alike. This isn't just a sports story; it's a celebration of inner strength, identity, and quiet courage 💪.
In short, OSU is inspiring, uplifting, and unforgettable — a must-read for anyone who's ever fought to find their place in the world 😊."
What sets OSU apart is its raw relatability: Olive's struggles, stumbles, and triumphs feel universal. The prose is beautifully descriptive, resonating with teens and adults alike. This isn't just a sports story; it's a celebration of inner strength, identity, and quiet courage 💪.
In short, OSU is inspiring, uplifting, and unforgettable — a must-read for anyone who's ever fought to find their place in the world 😊."
August 22, 2024
Set in the rural town of Buxton in the Wollondilly Shire of New South Wales, OSU is an inspirational read for any young adult. It is sure to inspire teen readers to think about joining a Dojo and undertaking their journey to self-discovery and building their self-esteem just like Olive’s inspirational journey. There is a strong message in the book for all young adults about forming friendships, caring for each other and having each other’s back as with Olive’s friends at the Wollondilly Dojo. I found it very educational with all the Japanese words for the karate moves, katas and routines as well as very descriptive about the way in which a karate dojo operates.
December 25, 2025
Osu is a total vibe! 😊 The book's got a cool protagonist, Olive, who's determined to find herself through karate. The dojo scenes are fire 🔥, and there's even a cute romance 💕 thrown in. It's a great coming-of-age story that's empowering and inspiring, especially for YA girls. One reader was so inspired that they joined a karate club! 💪 The pacing is spot-on, and the story's never boring. If you're into martial arts or just love a good underdog story, you'll devour Osu. It's not too long, and it's totally worth the read. Overall, Osu's a thought-provoking and inspiring read that'll leave you feeling pumped up! 😎
December 25, 2025
"🔥 OSU just hit me like a ton of bricks! 🥋✨ Olive's journey from doubt to unstoppable empowerment had me hooked! Sensei Sarhn's kick-butt vibes and the raw, real deal of karate (respect, perseverance, growth - yes, please!) made this a standout read. It's like you're right there with Olive, sweating through her stumbles and cheering her wins 💪. The writing's so vivid, you'll feel like you're kicking butt in Buxton's dojo 🥊. It's more than just a sports story – it's a celebration of inner strength, identity, and quiet courage. Trust me, you NEED to read this inspiring, uplifting masterpiece 😊👏!"
September 2, 2024
I wish I had of read this when I was younger. I enjoyed getting to know Olive and the inner world of karate. The story had me hooked from start to finish with a great range of action, suspense, mystery, romance and a bit of comedy too. By the end of the book, I longed to know more of Olive and her friends, and I hope there are more books coming. There are some really valuable messages woven into this narrative not just for teens, but for adults too. It left me with a really positive feeling. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2024
Osu is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that intricately balances the challenges of self-discovery with the highs and lows of teenagehood. Sensei Sarhn masterfully weaves together Olive’s journey as she confronts her fears, gradually builds resilience, and begins to fall in love with karate. The richly detailed Australian setting, paired with thoughtful nods to multiculturalism, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. This novel is both empowering and heartwarming—a story I couldn’t put down. Highly recommended!
August 29, 2024
In this beautifully written tale, the book vividly portrays a captivating narrative of self-acceptance and resilience, portraying the transformative nature of discovering one's identity and sense of belonging. In her debut novel, Sensei Sarhn eloquently underscores the impact of the narratives we weave for ourselves, the potential to either hinder our progress or fortify our spirits. Highly recommend.
August 30, 2024
A brilliant book for any teen/young adult looking for inspiration. Sensei Sarhn brings a fresh and relatable perspective for young readers. Osu is not only about martial arts but pushing through tough times, being respectful, the importance of mateship, perseverance and striving to be the best version of you. Sensei Sarhn has written a book that’s as much about growing up strong and resilient as it is about martial arts. Well worth a read.
September 3, 2024
A wholesome & enjoyable novel.
A great read for teenagers. I read this novel before offering it to my early teens to read to ensure it was appropriate for them. It is both wholesome and a lovely reflection of a regular teenagers life with a small amount of (non-spicy) romance with bit of action and intrigue. This is a story of resilience, insight and self-discovery of the protagonist and what we all can achieve with friends and perseverance.
A great read for teenagers. I read this novel before offering it to my early teens to read to ensure it was appropriate for them. It is both wholesome and a lovely reflection of a regular teenagers life with a small amount of (non-spicy) romance with bit of action and intrigue. This is a story of resilience, insight and self-discovery of the protagonist and what we all can achieve with friends and perseverance.
February 9, 2026
Having won this book from a GoodReads giveaway, I found this captivating book delivers a profound emotional journey, masterfully blending life lessons with deep, personal epiphanies about self-awareness and behavioral impact. The beautifully built relationships within the narrative are a highlight, while the immersive dive into karate culture and language provides an authentic, rich environment that makes this a truly life-changing read.
August 22, 2024
OSU is a wonderful inspiring read that keeps you engaged to the end.
A book that is enriched with powerful life lessons for our young teens.
It is a fantastic blend of karate action and personal growth.
The characters are so relatable, and the story draws you in.
The themes of friendship and never giving up are so well portrayed.
I recommend this book!
A book that is enriched with powerful life lessons for our young teens.
It is a fantastic blend of karate action and personal growth.
The characters are so relatable, and the story draws you in.
The themes of friendship and never giving up are so well portrayed.
I recommend this book!
August 22, 2024
Loved reading this book. Reading the fine details of wollondilly, making me reminince the years i spent in the dilly.
Not only does this book shows olive's passion of karate, but also shows her emotions and self growing. I recommend all ages to read.
I cant wait for my teen boys to read this.
Osu
Not only does this book shows olive's passion of karate, but also shows her emotions and self growing. I recommend all ages to read.
I cant wait for my teen boys to read this.
Osu
September 6, 2024
Osu is an easy, captivating read that allows us to visit parts of ourselves that we don’t often share.
Olive’s transformative adventure is brilliantly told so you share the journey as she empowers herself.
I would recommend this great book for any preteen, teen and any parent and any grandparent too. Actually I think this book can inspire the soul of any reader.
Olive’s transformative adventure is brilliantly told so you share the journey as she empowers herself.
I would recommend this great book for any preteen, teen and any parent and any grandparent too. Actually I think this book can inspire the soul of any reader.
August 22, 2024
This was such a beautiful book for teens. It shares emotions with the reader and the characters are easy to bond with. Clearly written in such a knowledgeable way that you learn a few things along the way.
August 25, 2024
Such a beautifully written story and a must read for any young adult!
If you, or anyone you love are journeying through this age with all its growth and challenges, this book will encourage and inspire.
If you, or anyone you love are journeying through this age with all its growth and challenges, this book will encourage and inspire.
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