What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ronin #2
Sword of the Ronin
His sword hides a deadly secret.
But to tell him, it wants blood in payment.
The sword called Silver Crane knows Ken'ishi's hidden past, the heritage he himself does not.
When Silver Crane is stolen, he must recover it all cost, or else Kazuko, the woman he loves, will die.
Kazuko is in love with this ronin she can never have, trapped in a political marriage with a powerful samurai lord.
But her husband's scheming chamberlain knows her secret.
And an unstoppable invading horde is on the horizon...
If you love action, intrigue, star-crossed romance, and epic battles with the perfect mix of history and fantasy, you'll love Sword of the Ronin.
Get yours now.
But to tell him, it wants blood in payment.
The sword called Silver Crane knows Ken'ishi's hidden past, the heritage he himself does not.
When Silver Crane is stolen, he must recover it all cost, or else Kazuko, the woman he loves, will die.
Kazuko is in love with this ronin she can never have, trapped in a political marriage with a powerful samurai lord.
But her husband's scheming chamberlain knows her secret.
And an unstoppable invading horde is on the horizon...
If you love action, intrigue, star-crossed romance, and epic battles with the perfect mix of history and fantasy, you'll love Sword of the Ronin.
Get yours now.
450 pages, ebook
First published June 12, 2013
55 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
About the author
Travis Heermann
66 books193 followersTravis Heermann is also known as T. James Logan.
Freelance writer, novelist, award-winning screenwriter, editor, poker player, poet, biker, roustabout, Travis Heermann is a graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop, a member of the Authors Guild, an Active member of SFWA and the HWA, and the author of The Hammer Falls, The Ronin Trilogy, Rogues of the Black Fury, and co-author of Death Wind. His short fiction appears in anthologies and magazines such as Apex Magazine, Alembical, Blood & Gasoline, BattleTech: Legacy, and many others. As a freelance writer, he has contributed a metric ton of work to such properties as Firefly Roleplaying Game, Legend of Five Rings, EVE Online, and BattleTech.
He enjoys cycling, collecting martial arts styles and belts, torturing young minds with otherworldly ideas, and monsters of every flavor, especially those with a soft, creamy center.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 27, 2013
A rich fusion of cultural historical fiction and fantasy that’s complex and engaging
Deeply embedded in Japanese culture this multilayered masterpiece merges past history together with present-day undertones, for a totally unique and imaginative read. This intricately detailed historical fantasy explores morality and ethics, through the well-developed characters and those events that ensue. Young Ronin Ken’ishi makes his own choices in life, regarding his family and how he regards them. His attitude could be considered unsettling if you were not able to understand this character in more depth, and the foundations upon which he bases his beliefs and actions. Japanese mythology (rather than expected western philosophy) is drawn upon, making this unexpected fantasy less straightforward and more unusual in its composition. Visceral battle scenes and intense drama form the gritty backdrop of this ambitious read, which highlights war legends and the harshness of conflict (including those inner battles that we have with ourselves). As a reader you begin to question yourself, as too does the hero in regards to the way forward, as a result comprehending what the right or wrong path may be. Intimate drama and thrilling action transpire within the second instalment of a satisfying series that reads like a direct Japanese translation and interesting narrative.
In 13th Century Japan; a land of ancient spirits, you will find Demons and shape shifting animals alongside dark magic. Ken’ishi’s quest to recover the sword bestowed upon him by his father; Silver Crane, is one that ultimately expose his true identity and chosen path. In a deadly world with Chinese smugglers, Mongol spies and ambitious Emperor’s Ken’ishi is led to his enemy (Green Tiger) who surprisingly holds the key to his past.
It is not always the darkness surrounding us that need defeating but the darkness that lies within us…within our own soul.
Those interested in Japan’s culture and history, including ancient mythology will find this book an extraordinary read. It is certainly not a story for the fainthearted, but which touches you with its truth-drawing and starkly poignant meaning. As a work of fantasy I enjoyed it very much, although at times it did cause shivers to run down my spine and turned my blood cold.
*I won a copy of “The sword of the Ronin” (#2) by Travis Heermann through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
Deeply embedded in Japanese culture this multilayered masterpiece merges past history together with present-day undertones, for a totally unique and imaginative read. This intricately detailed historical fantasy explores morality and ethics, through the well-developed characters and those events that ensue. Young Ronin Ken’ishi makes his own choices in life, regarding his family and how he regards them. His attitude could be considered unsettling if you were not able to understand this character in more depth, and the foundations upon which he bases his beliefs and actions. Japanese mythology (rather than expected western philosophy) is drawn upon, making this unexpected fantasy less straightforward and more unusual in its composition. Visceral battle scenes and intense drama form the gritty backdrop of this ambitious read, which highlights war legends and the harshness of conflict (including those inner battles that we have with ourselves). As a reader you begin to question yourself, as too does the hero in regards to the way forward, as a result comprehending what the right or wrong path may be. Intimate drama and thrilling action transpire within the second instalment of a satisfying series that reads like a direct Japanese translation and interesting narrative.
In 13th Century Japan; a land of ancient spirits, you will find Demons and shape shifting animals alongside dark magic. Ken’ishi’s quest to recover the sword bestowed upon him by his father; Silver Crane, is one that ultimately expose his true identity and chosen path. In a deadly world with Chinese smugglers, Mongol spies and ambitious Emperor’s Ken’ishi is led to his enemy (Green Tiger) who surprisingly holds the key to his past.
It is not always the darkness surrounding us that need defeating but the darkness that lies within us…within our own soul.
Those interested in Japan’s culture and history, including ancient mythology will find this book an extraordinary read. It is certainly not a story for the fainthearted, but which touches you with its truth-drawing and starkly poignant meaning. As a work of fantasy I enjoyed it very much, although at times it did cause shivers to run down my spine and turned my blood cold.
*I won a copy of “The sword of the Ronin” (#2) by Travis Heermann through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
December 29, 2019
“To be truly happy, a man must forget the past and the future.”
Another fine foray in the history of medieval Japan seen through the lens of the fantastic.
“Every moment is a wonder, not something to be endured on the way to elsewhere.”
Heermann propels the reader into the culture and times of one of the greatest threats to Japanese independence and the forging of a sense of nationhood among the Japanese warrior class, who heretofore had focused themselves on maneuvering and fighting each other.
“One should not love anything in the world too much.”
Ken’ishi is western enough to be recognizable among American readers. He makes a good “everyman” reacting to both fantastic and historical elements of his story. This book’s macro-setting is the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274.
“Master oneself in all things.”
Few quibbles over style or details. All is presented in a way respectful to Japanese history and culture while incorporating fantastic elements which presumably the Japanese themselves would recognize.
“Life would be so much simpler without other people.”
Another fine foray in the history of medieval Japan seen through the lens of the fantastic.
“Every moment is a wonder, not something to be endured on the way to elsewhere.”
Heermann propels the reader into the culture and times of one of the greatest threats to Japanese independence and the forging of a sense of nationhood among the Japanese warrior class, who heretofore had focused themselves on maneuvering and fighting each other.
“One should not love anything in the world too much.”
Ken’ishi is western enough to be recognizable among American readers. He makes a good “everyman” reacting to both fantastic and historical elements of his story. This book’s macro-setting is the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274.
“Master oneself in all things.”
Few quibbles over style or details. All is presented in a way respectful to Japanese history and culture while incorporating fantastic elements which presumably the Japanese themselves would recognize.
“Life would be so much simpler without other people.”
January 14, 2018
I am enjoying this series much more than I thought I would. What makes it more interesting than a run-of-the mill story of an orphan finding a place in society is the interesting mix of a feudal world with elements of fantasy. I like the characters, and really enjoy the quotes from Japanese literature.
April 23, 2025
japanese folklore is present in the book pretty well but erm some other parts of the book are erm well erm a bit too detailed and dont add much if any at all to the story
February 8, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads program, and it was very nicely signed and personalized by the author, which was really nice. Of course, this is the second book in the trilogy, so I was obliged to read the first book as well, the review of which can found on Goodreads or Amazon. While I may have booked up that book out of pseudo necessity so I could read this one, I really enjoyed book 1 and was anxious to follow the story of Ken'ishi.
This book picks up after a couple years have passed. Ken'ishi is still the tenuous constable of his village, enjoying the settled life that he had yet to experience as a ronin. He is still dealing with the his separation from his first love, Kazuko, and trying to sort out his feelings for Kiose and his son by her. However, he also feels somewhat stuck in a rut, somehow feeling like his life was meant for more than that of a simple constable. Finally, Green Tiger lurks, hunting for Ken'ishi's sword, Silver Crane, and plotting with the Mongols to prepare for their invasion of the islands. He manages to steal Silver Crane, propelling Ken'ishi to leave his village to reclaim it.
I thought this book was a lot darker than the first. Things are bleak for Ken'ishi's personal life with an overall sense of teenaged angst and hopelessness in this regard throughout the book. There are some brutal torture scenes as well, and with a war brewing, a lot of fighting. I don't think the dark turn detracted from my enjoyment, but it did seem a bit much at times.
In the first book, it seemed like Ken'ishi's own concerns were the main thrust of the story, but that the Green Tiger's scheming with the Mongols seemed destined to be the over arcing story throughout the trilogy. That continues in this book, with Ken'ishi's story intersecting with the Mongols, but also now the quest to discover more of Ken'ishi's familial background and the secrets of Silver Crane have been emphasized.
It will be interesting to see where Heermann goes from here; will it be all about Ken'ishi trying to find his place in the world and peace in his heart? Will the sword and his heritage be the main plotline going forward? Hopefully it doesn't take two and a half years for the third book to come out.
This book picks up after a couple years have passed. Ken'ishi is still the tenuous constable of his village, enjoying the settled life that he had yet to experience as a ronin. He is still dealing with the his separation from his first love, Kazuko, and trying to sort out his feelings for Kiose and his son by her. However, he also feels somewhat stuck in a rut, somehow feeling like his life was meant for more than that of a simple constable. Finally, Green Tiger lurks, hunting for Ken'ishi's sword, Silver Crane, and plotting with the Mongols to prepare for their invasion of the islands. He manages to steal Silver Crane, propelling Ken'ishi to leave his village to reclaim it.
I thought this book was a lot darker than the first. Things are bleak for Ken'ishi's personal life with an overall sense of teenaged angst and hopelessness in this regard throughout the book. There are some brutal torture scenes as well, and with a war brewing, a lot of fighting. I don't think the dark turn detracted from my enjoyment, but it did seem a bit much at times.
In the first book, it seemed like Ken'ishi's own concerns were the main thrust of the story, but that the Green Tiger's scheming with the Mongols seemed destined to be the over arcing story throughout the trilogy. That continues in this book, with Ken'ishi's story intersecting with the Mongols, but also now the quest to discover more of Ken'ishi's familial background and the secrets of Silver Crane have been emphasized.
It will be interesting to see where Heermann goes from here; will it be all about Ken'ishi trying to find his place in the world and peace in his heart? Will the sword and his heritage be the main plotline going forward? Hopefully it doesn't take two and a half years for the third book to come out.
August 9, 2013
A rich, engaging, morally complex historical fantasy, deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
This is the second novel in a series, but I must tell you up front that I had not read the first. I supported the kickstarter project that launched the book, and recieved the ebook as a reward.
At first, it took me a little while to sink into this book. Something about the style was unsettling. . .and it occurred to me that the book reads like a translation from the Japanese. The syntax is just a little different, the passages of poetry or other Japanese works that open each chapter often flow naturally into the style of the narrative itself, a fascinating phenomenon, and one that speaks well for Heermann's linguistic ear. The author lived in Japan for several years.
So, on to the story. We meet young ronin Ken'ishi working as a constable in a small fishing village, defending the week, denying the child of the former prostitute whom he saved from the life, even as he enjoys the company of both mother and child.
Ken'ishi's choices--including how he treats this family that might or might not be his--were often unsettling as well. Once, I nearly set it down again, but when I read on past the moment that rankled, I found Ken'ishi the stronger for it.
His mindset and the world he lives in are decidedly non-Western, and the reader expecting a more straightforward fantasy narrative might be surprised by some of the turns, but the book rewards the curious reader with moving relationships, visceral battle scenes, and all the marvels of Japanese mythology.
Not for the faint of heart, Sword of the Ronin balances action with more intimate drama as both reader and hero question the way forward, and move through a landscape of war and legends to just the right moment of balance before the third volume. I, for one, will be looking forward to it.
This is the second novel in a series, but I must tell you up front that I had not read the first. I supported the kickstarter project that launched the book, and recieved the ebook as a reward.
At first, it took me a little while to sink into this book. Something about the style was unsettling. . .and it occurred to me that the book reads like a translation from the Japanese. The syntax is just a little different, the passages of poetry or other Japanese works that open each chapter often flow naturally into the style of the narrative itself, a fascinating phenomenon, and one that speaks well for Heermann's linguistic ear. The author lived in Japan for several years.
So, on to the story. We meet young ronin Ken'ishi working as a constable in a small fishing village, defending the week, denying the child of the former prostitute whom he saved from the life, even as he enjoys the company of both mother and child.
Ken'ishi's choices--including how he treats this family that might or might not be his--were often unsettling as well. Once, I nearly set it down again, but when I read on past the moment that rankled, I found Ken'ishi the stronger for it.
His mindset and the world he lives in are decidedly non-Western, and the reader expecting a more straightforward fantasy narrative might be surprised by some of the turns, but the book rewards the curious reader with moving relationships, visceral battle scenes, and all the marvels of Japanese mythology.
Not for the faint of heart, Sword of the Ronin balances action with more intimate drama as both reader and hero question the way forward, and move through a landscape of war and legends to just the right moment of balance before the third volume. I, for one, will be looking forward to it.
July 27, 2015
I read this book as part of Goodreads Firstreads program. I didn't love the first book in the series because I thought that the protagonists were just drifting through their world. I felt like that got a bit better in the book, but overall I just didn't love the characters and I couldn't really respect them.
May 14, 2021
Narrator sounds like he’s falling asleep!
The narrator should be the first thing to go; between odd inflections, weird character voice choices, and sounding like he’s yawning it is horribly difficult to pay attention to the story.
Parents: there is no mention of this in the description but the sexual content is pretty intense. This is meant as an adult series ONLY.
The story felt confusing and choppy, maybe the next book will be better and have a narration that suits it better.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The narrator should be the first thing to go; between odd inflections, weird character voice choices, and sounding like he’s yawning it is horribly difficult to pay attention to the story.
Parents: there is no mention of this in the description but the sexual content is pretty intense. This is meant as an adult series ONLY.
The story felt confusing and choppy, maybe the next book will be better and have a narration that suits it better.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 14, 2021
If you love samurai then this story is for you. A story full of greed, loyalty, love & friendship. The saying that says " You don't know what you've got until it's gone." rings true for this story. The author did a great job with the characters. The story sucked me right in from the start. A must read.
April 29, 2019
This was an amazing installment in this trilogy. Thirteenth century Japan has really come alive. The characters are amazing. I love how the author weaves his way through history and fantasy. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2020
An excellent read, plenty of story and well crafted characters. The 2nd book in this series has Ken'ishi losing his most prized possession and his search to recover it forces him to travel far from home and encounter great evil.
March 21, 2018
Perfect. Just great
February 6, 2021
Amazing
I didn’t know I was getting into a tour de force when I picked up ronin trilogy. 20 hours later I remain intrigued. Not surprised w cast of hundreds to produce.
I didn’t know I was getting into a tour de force when I picked up ronin trilogy. 20 hours later I remain intrigued. Not surprised w cast of hundreds to produce.
February 7, 2022
Good.
June 23, 2025
I have wanted to read this book since 2015 after I read the 1st one. But boy, I just could not get into this book at all. Was super slow for me. DNF
December 26, 2014
I got this book from the Goodreads First Reads program and when I entered to win it, I had not been aware that it was a sequel. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have entered.
But for once, I am glad that I had acted in ignorance because I might have missed out on a great book.
Sword of the Ronin follows Ken'ishi on his quest to regain his stolen sword, Silver Crane, and learn more about his own mysterious origins. Without going into too much detail, as I am not very good about summing up books concisely, he fights against the criminal underworld of feudal Japan to regain Silver Crane. And he befriends a tanuki along the way, too. Basically, it's a really good historical adventure story with fantasy elements.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that the characters were well developed and had internal monologues that really gave you a feel for their feelings and motivations without going into overbearing detail.
I know my review doesn't really do the book justice, but please consider tracking a copy down. I know I will definitely be checking out the first book in this trilogy.
But for once, I am glad that I had acted in ignorance because I might have missed out on a great book.
Sword of the Ronin follows Ken'ishi on his quest to regain his stolen sword, Silver Crane, and learn more about his own mysterious origins. Without going into too much detail, as I am not very good about summing up books concisely, he fights against the criminal underworld of feudal Japan to regain Silver Crane. And he befriends a tanuki along the way, too. Basically, it's a really good historical adventure story with fantasy elements.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that the characters were well developed and had internal monologues that really gave you a feel for their feelings and motivations without going into overbearing detail.
I know my review doesn't really do the book justice, but please consider tracking a copy down. I know I will definitely be checking out the first book in this trilogy.
October 31, 2016
I stumbled across this one when I was looking for some martial arts books for study, and it looked interesting. Since the first volume was available for free on my Kindle Unlimited account, I gave it a spin, and rapidly went on to the sequels. Although set in feudal Japan, and following the story of a ronin, a masterless samurai, the writing style is very “western” in its approach, which gave them an interesting flavor – sort of like watching a completely foreign culture and concept develop from an outside observer’s eye. The author has a nice little quip on his site, “Writing fiction set in a far different time and place is challenging. The key is cram as much background information into your brain, let it percolate for a while, and see what bubbles out.”. And, no question, that’s what he’s done – creating a real image of a very different world than I’m familiar with, and at the same time, letting it develop in a way that I could actually visualize it, without feeling lost. I loved it.
August 25, 2023
I enjoyed book 1 in this series, this one was a bit difficult to start but. Mostly because there was some character development between book one and book two but it's necessary to set up further character development in the story. As the story begins Ken'ishi has become complacent in his role as village constable. Destiny and Fate have other plans for him and he's pushed onward. When his sword, Silver Crane, is stolen it begins the impetus for him to move his destiny forward.
There are two other characters that move the overall story forward, Kazuko, the former lover of Ken'ishi and now married to a powerful samurai lord. And the underworld criminal boss known as Green Tiger.
The author combines the historical elements of the attempt by the Mongols to invade Japan but sets the story more into the mythical aspects of Japan's past of spirit animals, demons, and more.
There are two other characters that move the overall story forward, Kazuko, the former lover of Ken'ishi and now married to a powerful samurai lord. And the underworld criminal boss known as Green Tiger.
The author combines the historical elements of the attempt by the Mongols to invade Japan but sets the story more into the mythical aspects of Japan's past of spirit animals, demons, and more.
December 27, 2015
Where to start... I have never written a review before but here goes.
*I received Sword of the Ronin as a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the book, it stands up well when compared to the first in the series. It is not an amazing read, but I find neither was the first. It hung up in a few spots, there were some terrible things that happened to a few characters that I find served no purpose and did nothing to move the story forward. However the story was definitely interesting, Ken'ishi's had some nice development throughout the story which helped it move along. The action and sword play is written very well. In the end I think it was worth the read.
If you liked the first, you'll probably like this one as well, I look forward to the the third installment.
*I received Sword of the Ronin as a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the book, it stands up well when compared to the first in the series. It is not an amazing read, but I find neither was the first. It hung up in a few spots, there were some terrible things that happened to a few characters that I find served no purpose and did nothing to move the story forward. However the story was definitely interesting, Ken'ishi's had some nice development throughout the story which helped it move along. The action and sword play is written very well. In the end I think it was worth the read.
If you liked the first, you'll probably like this one as well, I look forward to the the third installment.
December 3, 2015
I read the whole Ronin trilogy one after another so this review is really of the whole thing. I liked these books a lot, and they definitely kept me interested the whole way through. Great stuff if you like Japanese folklore, samurai movies, and/or straightforward epic fantasy that comes in a flavor other than generic medieval European. High points: good characters that grow over the course of the series, a smattering of interesting magic, and classic themes of honor, love, duty, and good vs. evil. Low points: there were some torture and war scenes I had a hard time with, but at least they were there for a good reason and not gratuitous (I just get squeamish sometimes.) A very satisfying series overall.
January 5, 2018
Merry Christmas & Happy New Years to you Travis ,! Your Christmas present was well received just in time. After the merry time I read your work, Thanks. Well compiled fairytale from ancient legends. ... , Lustbader...,Rowland best comming through !
I'm looking forward to read the rest!
My best regards,
Thanks Laszlo
I'm looking forward to read the rest!
My best regards,
Thanks Laszlo
February 21, 2017
I recieved this book as a part of the Goodreads First Reads early reviewer program.
Even though I didn't read the first book to the Trilogy, I still understood most of what was going on. Very well written. I love the thought and everything that was put into writing this book!
Even though I didn't read the first book to the Trilogy, I still understood most of what was going on. Very well written. I love the thought and everything that was put into writing this book!
June 16, 2016
A great read
I have become a fan of Oriental historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint. There's a bit of fantasy, but it's used well, and not too often. This series is a favorite.
I have become a fan of Oriental historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint. There's a bit of fantasy, but it's used well, and not too often. This series is a favorite.
March 12, 2014
Great sequel, slightly slower pace than the first but clearly building into what will be a fantastic finale. Travis, please get a move on with the next book!
July 29, 2015
Ok book. It was interesting to read about samurais and Japan. Torturing parts were little gross. Because of them and some war description, not for younger reader.
Read
March 5, 2016A good read...
The mystique of a feudal society melded to the hero quest. Expressive and elegant. I would recommend this one for the escapism and romance.
The mystique of a feudal society melded to the hero quest. Expressive and elegant. I would recommend this one for the escapism and romance.
July 26, 2016
Very good book, filled with japanese folklore, in a beautiful though terrible story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews