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Ronin: The Wolf's Path
As the Izumo Empire falls into ruin, Takeshi the Wolf leads the Hachiman ronin who burn villages for coin, leaving only corpses in their wake. But when they slaughter a priest of the Circle of Black Jade, a cult of forgotten horrors, they awaken forces darker than any blade can cut.
Fleeing the cult's vengeance, the ronin find refuge with the Natsaka clan, who offer them samurai status in exchange for their service. Yet in escaping one nightmare, they fall into trapped between rival clans in a deadly game where honor is a death sentence and even allies hide daggers behind their smiles.
In this web of lies stands one impossible Prince Zasuro, whose unwavering honor and hopeless fight for justice continue in defiance of fate itself. A light so bright it pierces even Takeshi's blackened soul, forcing the Wolf to confront every cruel truth he's taken for granted.
As conflict with the Circle escalates and Zasuro's enemies close in, Takeshi must follow the familiar path of vengeance, or protect the only man who makes him believe in something greater.
In a land of demons and warlords, trust is the deadliest gamble.
Fleeing the cult's vengeance, the ronin find refuge with the Natsaka clan, who offer them samurai status in exchange for their service. Yet in escaping one nightmare, they fall into trapped between rival clans in a deadly game where honor is a death sentence and even allies hide daggers behind their smiles.
In this web of lies stands one impossible Prince Zasuro, whose unwavering honor and hopeless fight for justice continue in defiance of fate itself. A light so bright it pierces even Takeshi's blackened soul, forcing the Wolf to confront every cruel truth he's taken for granted.
As conflict with the Circle escalates and Zasuro's enemies close in, Takeshi must follow the familiar path of vengeance, or protect the only man who makes him believe in something greater.
In a land of demons and warlords, trust is the deadliest gamble.
633 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 28, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an un-biased review.
Ronin: The Wolf’s Path is a grimdark fantasy novel set in feudal Japan. I was immediately intrigued as I’ve never read a book in that particular genre before and I thought it offered a very unique perspective.
The author Robert Nakamura, clearly did a lot of historical research prior to writing this book, and it made it have a very lived in, authentic feel. I was immediately immersed into the world as well as most of the characters.
Ronin is one of the more brutal books that I’ve read in recent memory. Nakamura is quite skilled at describing hand to hand combat and he doesn’t spare the reader the gory details as quite a few heads and limbs go flying. The story definitely leans heavily into fast paced action scenes, which can sometimes get repetitive, Nakamura however manages to keep it fresh and interesting.
I enjoyed how Nakamura introduced the fantastical elements into the story, by eluding to Japanese folk lore.
Some of the areas that didn’t quite work for me was that plot takes a bit to get going. I enjoyed the action, but initially the reader has no idea who is who and it takes a bit to flesh the characters and our story out.
Also, (this is definitely a me issue) I struggled to keep the characters names straight. There are quite a few, and a lot of them have similar names. This happens with places as well. I’m sure if I had more experience with Japanese literature and culture, it wouldn’t have been so confusing, but I found myself constantly flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who. For me that slowed down the page turning a bit, and I had to take breaks here and there.
Overall, I had a good time with this book as I enjoy martial arts and well written combat. I’m looking forward to what’s next up from Mr. Nakamura.
4 1/4 stars.
Ronin: The Wolf’s Path is a grimdark fantasy novel set in feudal Japan. I was immediately intrigued as I’ve never read a book in that particular genre before and I thought it offered a very unique perspective.
The author Robert Nakamura, clearly did a lot of historical research prior to writing this book, and it made it have a very lived in, authentic feel. I was immediately immersed into the world as well as most of the characters.
Ronin is one of the more brutal books that I’ve read in recent memory. Nakamura is quite skilled at describing hand to hand combat and he doesn’t spare the reader the gory details as quite a few heads and limbs go flying. The story definitely leans heavily into fast paced action scenes, which can sometimes get repetitive, Nakamura however manages to keep it fresh and interesting.
I enjoyed how Nakamura introduced the fantastical elements into the story, by eluding to Japanese folk lore.
Some of the areas that didn’t quite work for me was that plot takes a bit to get going. I enjoyed the action, but initially the reader has no idea who is who and it takes a bit to flesh the characters and our story out.
Also, (this is definitely a me issue) I struggled to keep the characters names straight. There are quite a few, and a lot of them have similar names. This happens with places as well. I’m sure if I had more experience with Japanese literature and culture, it wouldn’t have been so confusing, but I found myself constantly flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who. For me that slowed down the page turning a bit, and I had to take breaks here and there.
Overall, I had a good time with this book as I enjoy martial arts and well written combat. I’m looking forward to what’s next up from Mr. Nakamura.
4 1/4 stars.
September 17, 2026
What did it take to become a samurai, a warrior under the leadership of a lord? Was all the sacrifice worth the end goal? Robert Takamura writes about Takeshi, a ronin who desires to become a samurai, in Ronin: The Wolf’s Path. The story specifically follows the different battles and obstacles they have to fight and overcome to prove they are worthy to be samurai and inherit their own lands from Zasuro, the son of the current leader. Takeshi is also haunted by a mysterious force known as Onitsume that is believed to be a myth. Will they achieve their goal? Or will they all die in the process?
This is one of the more gory grimdark novels that I have read. There is almost a constant state of action and adventure. While this can be overwhelming in some novels, Nakamura did a good job of breaking it up with story and background to give each of the characters more depth. Throughout the story, we find out why the Hachiman’s Dogs, Takeshi’s band of ronins, is so loyal. We also learn more about Zasuro and the hand he was dealt from a young age.
One thing that I really loved was how much detail was given on the different types of weapons that would have been used. Nakamura did not just use the basic ones like katanas, but went into all the different types and how they would be wielded. A glossary was provided in the back in case anyone felt overwhelmed by the different types. Even the different fighting styles were described.
As the story is a fantasy, Nakamura added mythical creatures and monasteries that worshipped some of these. I have always enjoyed learning about the history of other cultures and what they might have believed in. This was a really interesting way for him to share different types of beliefs that may have been around during this time period. However, adding the level of fantasy to it through different abilities and creatures gave it even more story.
If you love the grimdark fantasy genre, action, adventure, and samurai, then Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura is definitely a book to check out! I found myself very invested throughout the entire story and curious to see what would happen by the end! Also, for those who like to read more than one book in a series, the story is set up for future additions if the author so desires.
POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: I do want to mention a few things that might be triggering for some. There is a lot of talk about pillaging, which typically involves men forcing themselves on women intimately. However, there is also some mildly described assault done towards men as well in the story. It is not described in detail; but, there are enough hints at what happened that some might find it hard to read. Other than that, there is cursing and, of course, the gore I mentioned before. Both of those are typical in the grimdark genre.
This is one of the more gory grimdark novels that I have read. There is almost a constant state of action and adventure. While this can be overwhelming in some novels, Nakamura did a good job of breaking it up with story and background to give each of the characters more depth. Throughout the story, we find out why the Hachiman’s Dogs, Takeshi’s band of ronins, is so loyal. We also learn more about Zasuro and the hand he was dealt from a young age.
One thing that I really loved was how much detail was given on the different types of weapons that would have been used. Nakamura did not just use the basic ones like katanas, but went into all the different types and how they would be wielded. A glossary was provided in the back in case anyone felt overwhelmed by the different types. Even the different fighting styles were described.
As the story is a fantasy, Nakamura added mythical creatures and monasteries that worshipped some of these. I have always enjoyed learning about the history of other cultures and what they might have believed in. This was a really interesting way for him to share different types of beliefs that may have been around during this time period. However, adding the level of fantasy to it through different abilities and creatures gave it even more story.
If you love the grimdark fantasy genre, action, adventure, and samurai, then Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura is definitely a book to check out! I found myself very invested throughout the entire story and curious to see what would happen by the end! Also, for those who like to read more than one book in a series, the story is set up for future additions if the author so desires.
POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: I do want to mention a few things that might be triggering for some. There is a lot of talk about pillaging, which typically involves men forcing themselves on women intimately. However, there is also some mildly described assault done towards men as well in the story. It is not described in detail; but, there are enough hints at what happened that some might find it hard to read. Other than that, there is cursing and, of course, the gore I mentioned before. Both of those are typical in the grimdark genre.
August 28, 2026
This book took too long to get into. Was it well researched and detailed in its portrayal of the Samurai and Japan at war? Yes. Was the chaos probably representative of the messy, chaotic nature of warfare and conflict? Also, yes. However, a jumpy narrative full of different character POVs, who are barely established as they are scattered in the midst of a conflict the reader is thrown in the middle of... You spend the first half of the book trying to remember who is who and why we are meant to care about them at all. Some of them were put in horrible situations, faced the worst of war and the most disgusting humans, there were scenes that should have been highly emotional but fell flat due to the lack of character development throughout.
There was politics, it was messy and hard to follow at times, especially in the face of timeskips and perspective changes, but it was engaging. There was a lot of action and fairly graphic breakdowns of awful choices made on the battlefield and off it... The incorporation of spirits, legends and magic was interesting. The characters represent a wide range of social statuses, from a prince to a warrior to a slave, all facing very different struggles in the midst of intense political clashes and physical raids. There was just too much being attempted. Even narrowing the narrative to two or three perspectives, fleshing out the characters, their backgrounds and motivations beyond a list or throwaway comment, and viewing each clash through their eyes, the physicality of war, the politics and the impact of it, would have read a lot better.
The research is clear, the world is there, the narrative is just too chaotic and the characters too weakly built to actually be drawn in.
There was politics, it was messy and hard to follow at times, especially in the face of timeskips and perspective changes, but it was engaging. There was a lot of action and fairly graphic breakdowns of awful choices made on the battlefield and off it... The incorporation of spirits, legends and magic was interesting. The characters represent a wide range of social statuses, from a prince to a warrior to a slave, all facing very different struggles in the midst of intense political clashes and physical raids. There was just too much being attempted. Even narrowing the narrative to two or three perspectives, fleshing out the characters, their backgrounds and motivations beyond a list or throwaway comment, and viewing each clash through their eyes, the physicality of war, the politics and the impact of it, would have read a lot better.
The research is clear, the world is there, the narrative is just too chaotic and the characters too weakly built to actually be drawn in.
Review of advance copy
Although not a genre I normally read, I am so glad that I picked this novel up. The beautiful imagery on the cover caught my eye, and the description piqued my interest enough to want to read it. Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura revolves around the journey Takeshi, a notorious and dangerous Ronin, takes in order to become a Samurai and quell the curse that follows his every step.
This novel was not afraid to show the dark and gritty brutality that both a Samurai and Ronin would experience. Everything in the story bleeds authenticity; it felt as if I was actually experiencing life in the Feudal Era of Japan. Additionally, the supernatural elements were intertwined within the story masterfully. The writing had a smooth flow, and it was easy to follow all the different characters introduced throughout the book. The sign of an excellent story is having the ability for emotions to be invoked, and this novel did that expertly. There were many scenes that filled me with rage at was happening, while others drove me to tears with how sad the events were. Almost all characters were enjoyable to follow, minus Kusaji and Kuyama; I absolutely despised those two. Even though Takeshi was a bloodthirsty warrior who showed no mercy, I desperately wanted him to find the peace he sought after. Zasuro emanated peace, confidence, and security; just like Takeshi, I would want to follow him into the depths of hell in order to experience something greater.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories filled with adventure, fantasy, and authentic Japanese history. It is very dark and violent, yet this is necessary in order to convey the story being told accurately. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Due to how many characters were involved in this story, I greatly appreciated the addition of a character list that described who each person was by the faction they belonged to. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novel was not afraid to show the dark and gritty brutality that both a Samurai and Ronin would experience. Everything in the story bleeds authenticity; it felt as if I was actually experiencing life in the Feudal Era of Japan. Additionally, the supernatural elements were intertwined within the story masterfully. The writing had a smooth flow, and it was easy to follow all the different characters introduced throughout the book. The sign of an excellent story is having the ability for emotions to be invoked, and this novel did that expertly. There were many scenes that filled me with rage at was happening, while others drove me to tears with how sad the events were. Almost all characters were enjoyable to follow, minus Kusaji and Kuyama; I absolutely despised those two. Even though Takeshi was a bloodthirsty warrior who showed no mercy, I desperately wanted him to find the peace he sought after. Zasuro emanated peace, confidence, and security; just like Takeshi, I would want to follow him into the depths of hell in order to experience something greater.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories filled with adventure, fantasy, and authentic Japanese history. It is very dark and violent, yet this is necessary in order to convey the story being told accurately. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Due to how many characters were involved in this story, I greatly appreciated the addition of a character list that described who each person was by the faction they belonged to. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book. Even from the beginning, you can tell this book is written with a lot of respect for samurai culture and old Japanese history, and that honestly stands out the most. The world feels detailed and grounded, especially with the way honor, violence, duty, and survival all clash together. It definitely feels darker and more realistic than your typical fantasy, which I appreciated.
The opening chapters immediately throw you into the brutality of that world through Takeshi the Wolf, and I liked how the story doesn’t try to romanticize being a ronin. Takeshi is dangerous, ruthless, and honestly terrifying, which makes him a strong character to follow because you’re never quite sure where his morality actually stands. The village attack in the early chapters was intense and brutal, and it really set the tone for how unforgiving this world is.
I’d definitely say this book is more for readers who are really interested in samurai history, war strategy, and old Japanese culture than for someone looking for nonstop fantasy action. Some parts move slower because the story leans heavily into political tension, battle strategy, and cultural depth, but that’s also what makes it feel authentic. It feels more like a journey through survival, power, and the cost of honor than just an action story.
I also want to mention that I received this book as an advanced reader copy, and I really appreciate the opportunity to read it early. I’m grateful I got the chance to experience the story and share my honest thoughts on it.
Overall, I’d recommend it most to readers who love samurai stories, ronin journeys, historical warfare, and darker morally gray characters. If that’s your thing, this book will probably hit a lot harder for you.
The opening chapters immediately throw you into the brutality of that world through Takeshi the Wolf, and I liked how the story doesn’t try to romanticize being a ronin. Takeshi is dangerous, ruthless, and honestly terrifying, which makes him a strong character to follow because you’re never quite sure where his morality actually stands. The village attack in the early chapters was intense and brutal, and it really set the tone for how unforgiving this world is.
I’d definitely say this book is more for readers who are really interested in samurai history, war strategy, and old Japanese culture than for someone looking for nonstop fantasy action. Some parts move slower because the story leans heavily into political tension, battle strategy, and cultural depth, but that’s also what makes it feel authentic. It feels more like a journey through survival, power, and the cost of honor than just an action story.
I also want to mention that I received this book as an advanced reader copy, and I really appreciate the opportunity to read it early. I’m grateful I got the chance to experience the story and share my honest thoughts on it.
Overall, I’d recommend it most to readers who love samurai stories, ronin journeys, historical warfare, and darker morally gray characters. If that’s your thing, this book will probably hit a lot harder for you.
October 1, 2026
Ronin has just been completed as a read for me, and I'm at a loss for words on how well Robert Nakamura tells his story. If you're looking for a watered-down tale of good always winning out over evil, then this isn't your book. However, if you desire a gritty, realistic, morally ambiguous story, then this dark fantasy is a work of art.
This book does nothing to coddle the reader. The world of Izumo's brutal, violent, and filled with consequence and morality. Rather than perfect heroes, readers are thrown into the twisted thoughts of extremely flawed people. Takeshi the Wolf may be one of my favorite protagonists in recent years. The complete and utter brutality he brings to the battlefield is perfectly matched by Sanjuro's cold, calculating style of warfare. This contrasting dynamic held me to the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
Robert Nakamura never holds back when depicting the harsh reality of war and revenge through his depiction of combat. Each battle sequence is graphically described to capture each frenzied swing of a desperate sword, while also displaying the extreme costs of surviving such battles.
I found it to be very impressive that Robert Nakamura made the conscious decision to create names that were easy for new readers to understand without losing the feel of being transported to 16th century Japan. This allowed him to keep the pace moving rapidly.
In conclusion, Ronin appealed to me due to its unflinching brutal nature. It makes you confront some difficult realities about blind ambition and endless cruelty, and wraps them in a masterful level of tension. I would suggest anyone pick up this phenomenal novel; it will leave an indelible mark once you reach the end.
This book does nothing to coddle the reader. The world of Izumo's brutal, violent, and filled with consequence and morality. Rather than perfect heroes, readers are thrown into the twisted thoughts of extremely flawed people. Takeshi the Wolf may be one of my favorite protagonists in recent years. The complete and utter brutality he brings to the battlefield is perfectly matched by Sanjuro's cold, calculating style of warfare. This contrasting dynamic held me to the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
Robert Nakamura never holds back when depicting the harsh reality of war and revenge through his depiction of combat. Each battle sequence is graphically described to capture each frenzied swing of a desperate sword, while also displaying the extreme costs of surviving such battles.
I found it to be very impressive that Robert Nakamura made the conscious decision to create names that were easy for new readers to understand without losing the feel of being transported to 16th century Japan. This allowed him to keep the pace moving rapidly.
In conclusion, Ronin appealed to me due to its unflinching brutal nature. It makes you confront some difficult realities about blind ambition and endless cruelty, and wraps them in a masterful level of tension. I would suggest anyone pick up this phenomenal novel; it will leave an indelible mark once you reach the end.
Review of advance copy
This is a great Supernatural Samurai Action book. The author definitely researched Feudal Era Japan to create an authentic fantasy version of that time period. The battle scenes in this book are extremely detailed with descriptions that make it easily imaginable in your mind. It felt like I was watching a movie scene instead of just reading. In addition to political intrigue and samurai/ninja fighting scenes, there are also some supernatural elements mixed in that include ghosts, demons, and curses. This makes the book even more interesting to read. The main character, Takeshi, is a very complex person that constantly keeps you guessing as to what he will do next. Every time I thought I finally understood him, he would surprise me. The female characters in this book are interesting as well - they are all side characters, but add their own perspective to the story. They run the full gamut of helpless to very strong fighters, so it is nice to see not just one aspect portrayed.
The only thing I deducted 1 star for is the fact that there is an overwhelming number of characters in the book. It is very hard to keep track of who each person is. I highly recommend reading the glossary in the back of the book before reading the story to help with this situation.
This is a standalone book, but the author mentions that there might be other books coming in this world. I hope this is the case because I really enjoyed reading it and would love to spend more time with the characters. Note: I received a free copy of this book.
The only thing I deducted 1 star for is the fact that there is an overwhelming number of characters in the book. It is very hard to keep track of who each person is. I highly recommend reading the glossary in the back of the book before reading the story to help with this situation.
This is a standalone book, but the author mentions that there might be other books coming in this world. I hope this is the case because I really enjoyed reading it and would love to spend more time with the characters. Note: I received a free copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
What did it take to become a samurai, a warrior under the leadership of a lord? Was all the sacrifice worth the end goal? Robert Takamura writes about Takeshi, a ronin who desires to become a samurai, in Ronin: The Wolf’s Path. The story specifically follows the different battles and obstacles they have to fight and overcome to prove they are worthy to be samurai and inherit their own lands from Zasuro, the son of the current leader. Takeshi is also haunted by a mysterious force known as Onitsume that is believed to be a myth. Will they achieve their goal? Or will they all die in the process?
I do want to mention a few things that might be triggering for some. There is a lot of talk about pillaging which typically involves men forcing themselves on women intimately. However, there is also some mildly described assault done towards men as well in the story. It is not described in detail, however there are enough hints at what happened that some might find it hard to read. Other than that, there is cursing and, of course, the gore I mentioned before. Both of those are typical in the grimdark genre.
If you love the grimdark fantasy genre, action, adventure, and samurai’s, then Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura is definitely a book to check out! I found myself very invested throughout the entire story and curious to see what would happen by the end! Also, for those who like to read more than one book in a series, the story is set up for future additions if the author so desires! If any of this sounds like something you might enjoy, go pick up the book today!
For the full review, go to Reader Views.
I do want to mention a few things that might be triggering for some. There is a lot of talk about pillaging which typically involves men forcing themselves on women intimately. However, there is also some mildly described assault done towards men as well in the story. It is not described in detail, however there are enough hints at what happened that some might find it hard to read. Other than that, there is cursing and, of course, the gore I mentioned before. Both of those are typical in the grimdark genre.
If you love the grimdark fantasy genre, action, adventure, and samurai’s, then Ronin: The Wolf’s Path by Robert Nakamura is definitely a book to check out! I found myself very invested throughout the entire story and curious to see what would happen by the end! Also, for those who like to read more than one book in a series, the story is set up for future additions if the author so desires! If any of this sounds like something you might enjoy, go pick up the book today!
For the full review, go to Reader Views.
Review of advance copy
Ronin masterfully blends dark samurai drama with cosmic horror, delivering a relentless tale of violence and reluctant redemption. Takeshi the Wolf is a viciously compelling antihero—a mercenary who burns villages without flinching, yet finds himself unmoored by the impossible honor of Prince Zasuro. Their uneasy dynamic elevates what could be grimdark spectacle into something more poignant: a scarred predator grappling with the first light he's ever followed. The cult of Black Jade provides genuinely unsettling supernatural stakes, while the clan warfare traps the ronin in a suffocating web of betrayal where no alliance is safe. The prose is lean and visceral, though some supporting characters blur together amid the carnage. Still, for fans of morally complex fantasy where trust cuts deeper than any blade, Ronin is a brutal, surprisingly affecting journey.
September 16, 2026
Overall intriguing story I like the development of the charakters and some parts of the fights (some of them war very confusing) as well as the spiritual content (I need more light on that).
The downfall is the chapters way too long it was dreadful to finish one😪. Couple of times I considered to leave it, in the beginning is difficult to adjust to the constant view point (at least for me was difficult I couldn't grasp who is who). Also I find it annoying to mention almost in every 5 pages (at lest it felt like that) the BL reference that was unnecessary.
Probably not gonna continue with the story if there's another part.
I received a free copy of this book via BetaFide.
The downfall is the chapters way too long it was dreadful to finish one😪. Couple of times I considered to leave it, in the beginning is difficult to adjust to the constant view point (at least for me was difficult I couldn't grasp who is who). Also I find it annoying to mention almost in every 5 pages (at lest it felt like that) the BL reference that was unnecessary.
Probably not gonna continue with the story if there's another part.
I received a free copy of this book via BetaFide.
Review of advance copy
This takes place in feudal Japan, pre-Industrial age, and holds a lot of violence. Samurai hold themselves to their own code of honor and conduct that doesn't always align with the laws or rules in the territories. There is a lot of graphic violence, blood, fighting and killing but Mr. Nakamura paints the scenes with such vivid authenticity. There are so many moving parts, so many people, but he paints the scene and pulls you into the story. All you have to do is come along for the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
"Ronin: The Wolf’s Path" starts off with a lot of names and shifting loyalties, but once everything settles, the story really grabs hold. The ronin’s journey has grit, heart, and real emotion behind it, and I found myself rooting for him more as the chapters went on. The action hits at the right moments, and the world feels real without being too heavy. By the middle of the book, I was fully pulled in and wanted to see where his path would lead. A solid, engaging samurai story with characters you end up caring about.”
September 21, 2026
Follow one man who shines brightly against the dark forces trying to take over everything. A darkness has risen and his brightest can get through their heart. Follow him as he decides what is more important love or revenge. See how it all goes
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
Review of advance copy
This book is amazing! It's got a good steady pace and just enough detail to keep the reader interested without too much filler or repeating. It twists so you can't expect where the story is going to go but you won't lose interest. I would highly recommend.
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