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Seasons of the Sword #1
Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale
Can one girl win a war?
My name is Kano Murasaki, but most people call me Risuko. Squirrel.
I am from Serenity Province, though I was not born there.
My nation has been at war for a hundred years, Serenity is under attack, my family is in disgrace, but some people think that I can bring victory. That I can be a very special kind of woman.
All I want to do is climb.
My name is Kano Murasaki, but everyone calls me Squirrel.
Risuko.
Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems.
Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possibly have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?
Historical adventure fiction appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers.
COMING September, 2016!
My name is Kano Murasaki, but most people call me Risuko. Squirrel.
I am from Serenity Province, though I was not born there.
My nation has been at war for a hundred years, Serenity is under attack, my family is in disgrace, but some people think that I can bring victory. That I can be a very special kind of woman.
All I want to do is climb.
My name is Kano Murasaki, but everyone calls me Squirrel.
Risuko.
Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems.
Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possibly have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?
Historical adventure fiction appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers.
COMING September, 2016!
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First published June 15, 2016
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About the author
David Kudler
59 books187 followersDavid Kudler is a writer and editor living just north of the Golden Gate Bridge with his wife, actress, teacher, and author Maura Vaughn, their author-to-be daughters, and their (apparently) non-literary cats.
His award-winning novel Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale , a young-adult historical adventure novel set in sixteenth century Japan, serves as the first book in the Seasons of the Sword series. The sequel, Bright Eyes , hit the shelves on May 5, 2022. He's now hard at work on Book 3 ( Kano ).
He served as managing editor for the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, editing Pathways to Bliss, Myths of Light, and Campbell's Asian Journals) in addition to managing the publication of over a hundred other print, ebook, print, audio, and video titles, including the first revised edition of the seminal The Hero with a Thousand Faces since the author's death.
Currently, he serves as publisher for Stillpoint Digital Press, producing fine print, ebook, and audiobook editions for all ages in a wide variety of genres from philosophy and poetry to memoir and historical to fantasy and romance.
His award-winning novel Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale , a young-adult historical adventure novel set in sixteenth century Japan, serves as the first book in the Seasons of the Sword series. The sequel, Bright Eyes , hit the shelves on May 5, 2022. He's now hard at work on Book 3 ( Kano ).
He served as managing editor for the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, editing Pathways to Bliss, Myths of Light, and Campbell's Asian Journals) in addition to managing the publication of over a hundred other print, ebook, print, audio, and video titles, including the first revised edition of the seminal The Hero with a Thousand Faces since the author's death.
Currently, he serves as publisher for Stillpoint Digital Press, producing fine print, ebook, and audiobook editions for all ages in a wide variety of genres from philosophy and poetry to memoir and historical to fantasy and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
July 17, 2017
As most of my goodreads buddies know, I despise young adult as a genre. The characters are always stupid and all the angst is useless. Authors make their characters unable to communicate with each other, and that leads to the most absurd/uncalled-for situations. So why did I sign up on NetGalley to read Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale? Because Japan! And because I really liked the cover.
The official description:
Ok, don't get fooled by the whole appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers because Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale is so much more than a simple fairy tale.
This is the story of an amazing girl, Risuko, on her quest to become a Kunoichi. And everything mesmerizes from the moment you start reading. David Kudler does an amazing job with the descriptions and the worldbuilding. I constantly felt as if watching a movie, seeing beautiful sceneries, not reading words in a book. I have never seen a young girl with white hair, but the author helped me picture Fuyudori perfectly as if she was standing right before my eyes and she was the most natural appearance.
By the way, Risuko's actual age is never mentioned. I kept waiting to learn it at first, but then I didn't care anymore. It felt unimportant to the story. What I deducted is that her and the other two girls, Emi and Toumi, should be around 13-15 years old, as they are about to get their first period. Yes! This is a book where girls and young women get their period. I appreciate this more as there's a male author and I can't remember when I have last read about menstruation in a man's book.
Also, romance is less important in Risuko's world. She is studying and working hard, not mooning over the first idiot who crosses her path. I love her!
Bottom line is you should read Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale. It's wonderful and refreshing in a YA world full of love triangles, angst and stupidity.
*I thank NetGalley, Stillpoint Digital Press, and David Kudler for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
The official description:
Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems.
Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possibly have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?
Historical adventure fiction appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers.
Ok, don't get fooled by the whole appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers because Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale is so much more than a simple fairy tale.
“A Kunoichi is married to her duty and to death.”
This is the story of an amazing girl, Risuko, on her quest to become a Kunoichi. And everything mesmerizes from the moment you start reading. David Kudler does an amazing job with the descriptions and the worldbuilding. I constantly felt as if watching a movie, seeing beautiful sceneries, not reading words in a book. I have never seen a young girl with white hair, but the author helped me picture Fuyudori perfectly as if she was standing right before my eyes and she was the most natural appearance.
By the way, Risuko's actual age is never mentioned. I kept waiting to learn it at first, but then I didn't care anymore. It felt unimportant to the story. What I deducted is that her and the other two girls, Emi and Toumi, should be around 13-15 years old, as they are about to get their first period. Yes! This is a book where girls and young women get their period. I appreciate this more as there's a male author and I can't remember when I have last read about menstruation in a man's book.
Also, romance is less important in Risuko's world. She is studying and working hard, not mooning over the first idiot who crosses her path. I love her!
Bottom line is you should read Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale. It's wonderful and refreshing in a YA world full of love triangles, angst and stupidity.
*I thank NetGalley, Stillpoint Digital Press, and David Kudler for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2016
3.5 stars
I really loved the concept of this book and the writing was really great as well. I do think this is more Middle Grade than Young Adult though. I wasn't really expecting MG so I was a little bit disappointed. I thought the first %10 was kind of confusing and just felt weird to me but it definitely got better. I loved the Japanese culture and history and even though I don't much about Japan, it felt like the author did a great deal of research and knew what he was talking about.
The one thing that held me back from really loving this book was that I was never emotionally invested. I didn't really care that much the characters or what happened to them. I think because the last half of the book was so much better than the first half, I didn't have time to get become invested in the characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this book but it never hit me in the right way. I loved the concept and the writing. But this book just wasn't really for me.
I really loved the concept of this book and the writing was really great as well. I do think this is more Middle Grade than Young Adult though. I wasn't really expecting MG so I was a little bit disappointed. I thought the first %10 was kind of confusing and just felt weird to me but it definitely got better. I loved the Japanese culture and history and even though I don't much about Japan, it felt like the author did a great deal of research and knew what he was talking about.
The one thing that held me back from really loving this book was that I was never emotionally invested. I didn't really care that much the characters or what happened to them. I think because the last half of the book was so much better than the first half, I didn't have time to get become invested in the characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this book but it never hit me in the right way. I loved the concept and the writing. But this book just wasn't really for me.
June 7, 2016
I received a free ARC copy of this ebook from Netgalley, the Publisher, and the author in exchange for a honest review.
Risuko Murasaki loves to climb trees. When she is taken away from her family and sold to a noblewoman named Lady Chiyome who has chosen her to become a shrine maiden at her school The Full Moon, Risuko must quickly grow up and learn how to be a kunoichi while surviving in times of war. Want to read more? Check this book out for yourself and find out.
This book was a pretty good read. It plays out like an anime. There is tons of action, drama, characters that you love and hate and more. I enjoyed this read set in historical Japan. If you love all that I have listed about it, then check this book out when its in bookstores this June.
Risuko Murasaki loves to climb trees. When she is taken away from her family and sold to a noblewoman named Lady Chiyome who has chosen her to become a shrine maiden at her school The Full Moon, Risuko must quickly grow up and learn how to be a kunoichi while surviving in times of war. Want to read more? Check this book out for yourself and find out.
This book was a pretty good read. It plays out like an anime. There is tons of action, drama, characters that you love and hate and more. I enjoyed this read set in historical Japan. If you love all that I have listed about it, then check this book out when its in bookstores this June.
July 23, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Risuko means squirrel and is a nickname for Kano Murasaki, a girl who loves to climb trees to escape the hardships her little sister and mother go through trying to survive without her father. Set in historical Japan, the land is torn apart by warring samurai lords trying to unite Japan under one flag. An old woman, Lady Chiyome, decided she wanted to play a part in forming Japan's future and sets up a compound to train girls. She buys Risuko, changing the direction of the girl's life, training her to become a Miko, a shrine maiden.
By rights this book ought to be a 4 star book. I did have a few problems with it, especially if this is meant to be a young adult book and not a middle grade book. (Yes, it matters!) For example, if this were a YA book I would have wanted Risuko to have more interactions with all the other women so as to be more puzzling as to who the villain is in the end. As it was written we stayed inside Risuko's head a bit too much for YA and only really learned about the other characters very lightly. Very little characterization went on except of Kee Sun the cook, Lady Chiyome her patron, Masuga the crush and the other 2 girls her age, Emi the friend and Toumi the rival. This is the characterization of a middle grade book.
One thing I was decidedly puzzled about was why Lady Chiyome decided Risuko was the most likely culprit of the person rummaging the rooms. One reviewer said it was because she was nicknames squirrel. That doesn't fly with me at all, nor does her parentage have a lick to do with whether someone is a spy or a thief. If a situation had been developed where she had been caught somewhere she shouldn't or where she made a poor choice that made her look guilty when she had legitimate motivations then I would have drawn this conclusion more readily. As it was the climbing was not utilized much. She didn't escape her chores to go climb and hide or to get time to herself. She was really diligent and obedient.
There were so many things I liked about the book I decided to give it my highest rating, because as a straight middle grade book I feel it gave a 5 star effort. This would help middle grade readers learn to love reading and books! I also would love revisiting this book with my own child, high praise from me!
I loved Risuko's attitude after she was sold. She contemplated running away and rebellious actions but instead chose to do the right thing and fulfill the contract her mother made. I really enjoyed her relationship with Masuga. While it was kept at the beginning of the story during their travel to the complex I really related to the fact that she bonded with him so strongly. This felt like the perfect "crush" for Risuko in a story decidedly full of females, but it wasn't out of control, we'll get together and live happily ever after, it stayed a crush! We also got a taste of the war that Masuga and Lady Chiyome were a part of but it was kept in the frame of Risuko's world and not expanded beyond that POV. I liked how she didn't become some warrior girl overnight or just because they were attacked but did use her skills to do what she could and they made a real difference.
Once at the complex I really enjoyed the "training" by KeeSun! I totally got why they did all the chores and cookery that they did. I really liked how the story built to them slaughtering the meat for the meals. This brought a slow awareness of what a Kunoichi did for Lady Chiyome and what would be expected of them later. The details of the time brought this to life for me:
"Yeh know how we’re always careful to balance the flavors, the colors in meals? Sour, bitter, sweet, hot, salty? Green, red, yellow, white, brown?” Now we nodded more certainly; he’d been drilling that into us for weeks. The evening meal the night before had included green negi onions, red smoked trout, yellow squash, white daikon radish and brown mushrooms."
I loved the weapon training to that linked right back to her own back history with her father and what he had taught her about right and wrong, life and death. As a young adult she had to make her own decisions based upon what she was experiencing and her own value system. There was just enough world building that we understood what was going on eventually but not so much that everything became clear instantly. Again the details were rich enough to give depth to the concept of the story:
“This,” he said, “we call The Sixty-four Changes. Mastering these positions, you will learn to wield a sword in balance, attacking and defending while still remaining rooted to your center. Each position combines the five elements, the two energies. All flow from the first position, The Two Fields.”
I actually quite liked that the woman's time was mentioned and worked into the plot of the story! This made total sense to me and gave such a nice little twist for girls but not so much was said that it would be TMI for boy readers. There was a really nice balance in this book. Climbing but not too much climbing but essential use of it to the story. There was the food and rock training then the movement and sword training and all that it entailed. Depth was had in the moment but not so much I felt I was being swamped by information just because the author had done research! This is perhaps the strength of the story: balance tied to a great interpretation of a Japanese world.
BOTTOM LINE: I loved Lady Chiyome's Japan, the idea of Kunoichi and Risuko's squirrely moxy!
Risuko means squirrel and is a nickname for Kano Murasaki, a girl who loves to climb trees to escape the hardships her little sister and mother go through trying to survive without her father. Set in historical Japan, the land is torn apart by warring samurai lords trying to unite Japan under one flag. An old woman, Lady Chiyome, decided she wanted to play a part in forming Japan's future and sets up a compound to train girls. She buys Risuko, changing the direction of the girl's life, training her to become a Miko, a shrine maiden.
By rights this book ought to be a 4 star book. I did have a few problems with it, especially if this is meant to be a young adult book and not a middle grade book. (Yes, it matters!) For example, if this were a YA book I would have wanted Risuko to have more interactions with all the other women so as to be more puzzling as to who the villain is in the end. As it was written we stayed inside Risuko's head a bit too much for YA and only really learned about the other characters very lightly. Very little characterization went on except of Kee Sun the cook, Lady Chiyome her patron, Masuga the crush and the other 2 girls her age, Emi the friend and Toumi the rival. This is the characterization of a middle grade book.
One thing I was decidedly puzzled about was why Lady Chiyome decided Risuko was the most likely culprit of the person rummaging the rooms. One reviewer said it was because she was nicknames squirrel. That doesn't fly with me at all, nor does her parentage have a lick to do with whether someone is a spy or a thief. If a situation had been developed where she had been caught somewhere she shouldn't or where she made a poor choice that made her look guilty when she had legitimate motivations then I would have drawn this conclusion more readily. As it was the climbing was not utilized much. She didn't escape her chores to go climb and hide or to get time to herself. She was really diligent and obedient.
There were so many things I liked about the book I decided to give it my highest rating, because as a straight middle grade book I feel it gave a 5 star effort. This would help middle grade readers learn to love reading and books! I also would love revisiting this book with my own child, high praise from me!
I loved Risuko's attitude after she was sold. She contemplated running away and rebellious actions but instead chose to do the right thing and fulfill the contract her mother made. I really enjoyed her relationship with Masuga. While it was kept at the beginning of the story during their travel to the complex I really related to the fact that she bonded with him so strongly. This felt like the perfect "crush" for Risuko in a story decidedly full of females, but it wasn't out of control, we'll get together and live happily ever after, it stayed a crush! We also got a taste of the war that Masuga and Lady Chiyome were a part of but it was kept in the frame of Risuko's world and not expanded beyond that POV. I liked how she didn't become some warrior girl overnight or just because they were attacked but did use her skills to do what she could and they made a real difference.
Once at the complex I really enjoyed the "training" by KeeSun! I totally got why they did all the chores and cookery that they did. I really liked how the story built to them slaughtering the meat for the meals. This brought a slow awareness of what a Kunoichi did for Lady Chiyome and what would be expected of them later. The details of the time brought this to life for me:
"Yeh know how we’re always careful to balance the flavors, the colors in meals? Sour, bitter, sweet, hot, salty? Green, red, yellow, white, brown?” Now we nodded more certainly; he’d been drilling that into us for weeks. The evening meal the night before had included green negi onions, red smoked trout, yellow squash, white daikon radish and brown mushrooms."
I loved the weapon training to that linked right back to her own back history with her father and what he had taught her about right and wrong, life and death. As a young adult she had to make her own decisions based upon what she was experiencing and her own value system. There was just enough world building that we understood what was going on eventually but not so much that everything became clear instantly. Again the details were rich enough to give depth to the concept of the story:
“This,” he said, “we call The Sixty-four Changes. Mastering these positions, you will learn to wield a sword in balance, attacking and defending while still remaining rooted to your center. Each position combines the five elements, the two energies. All flow from the first position, The Two Fields.”
I actually quite liked that the woman's time was mentioned and worked into the plot of the story! This made total sense to me and gave such a nice little twist for girls but not so much was said that it would be TMI for boy readers. There was a really nice balance in this book. Climbing but not too much climbing but essential use of it to the story. There was the food and rock training then the movement and sword training and all that it entailed. Depth was had in the moment but not so much I felt I was being swamped by information just because the author had done research! This is perhaps the strength of the story: balance tied to a great interpretation of a Japanese world.
BOTTOM LINE: I loved Lady Chiyome's Japan, the idea of Kunoichi and Risuko's squirrely moxy!
June 25, 2016
Original Post: Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale at FLYLēF (www.flylef.com)
IT WAS ODDLY nostalgic reading Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler. The vivid portrayal of the Japanese culture brought back many fond memories of my childhood, a time when I was much more rooted in my Asian heritage.
Kano Murasaki, nicknamed Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl with a gift for climbing. Her unique talent catches the eye of Lady Chiyome, Head Mistress of a remote school in Mount Fuji. Risuko soon finds herself torn from her family and swept into a school that is much more than what it seems. Here, Risuko and orphans Emi and Toumi, are taught the ways of a Kunoichi—the Japanese art of becoming an assassin—in the hopes of possibly changing the outcome of a feudal Japan.
I’m drawn to Risuko and the young orphans for their misfortunes. Though complete strangers, they share a great responsibility to restore the honor to each of their family's name and legacy. But, I had difficulty seeing how they would achieve that. Emi is quiet and wears a perpetual frown, Toumi is often angry, or "growling [and] clenching her fist." Risuko is my favorite of the orphans for she is more resilient, curious and compassionate. Even so, the characters were simple, even childish at time, and fell a bit flat for me.
I enjoyed the older, secondary characters. Mr. Kudler poignantly and effortlessly captured the quiet and unspoken deadly art of an assassin through Meiko. As one of the highly trained assassins, and instructor to Risuko, she is as formidable in her ability to kill from the shadows, as she is gentle and feminine...beautiful.
The pacing was slow, with thorough attention dedicated to the culture: food (Korean, actually, but still mouthwatering), custom, and philosophy. With my rudimentary knowledge of ancient Japan, Mr. Kudler introduced the culture in such a way that felt authentic by capturing my baseline knowledge, yet still affording me with plenty of beautiful eye-opening moments.
I didn’t realize this was a series since I received my ARC very early on. I’m really glad that Risuko’s story continues because the ending felt rushed with too many secrets revealed quickly and unexpectedly. Where Mr. Kudler meticulously paints a luscious portrait of a war stricken Japan and its culture, I did not feel that the same amount of detail was dedicated to the plot twists and climax. Nevertheless, reading this story has been an enriching journey in understanding the ways of a Kunoichi, and I look forward to reading Seasons of the Sword 2.
{I received this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, especially to the author and publisher, for kindly giving me an opportunity to review this title.}
June 30, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was delicious.
This may sound absolutely weird, I know.
But I don't find another word for it.
I loved the cover, I love foreign languages, I think it's no wonder that I loved this book.
Though, I have to admit, at first it was a bit difficult for me to distinguish all the characters because of their Japanese names and because of all the nicknames everyone had.
But after a while you get used to it and it was really fun for me to learn some Japanese words.
After these logical points maybe now I can manage to explain why I think this book was delicious.
First of all, the characters stayed for long times in the kitchen and prepared typical meals for several times a day. This was not only interesting, because you got to learn a lot about herbs and so on, but it also made me kind of hungry, especially if you like dishes with rice like me.
However, this was not really the reason for my description as delicious. It was more the words and the language. I ate every word and foreign term with eagerness and pleasure and it seemed like I just couldn't get enough of it. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
Thus, I won't say much more and I won't recommend to read this book.
But to eat it.
This book was delicious.
This may sound absolutely weird, I know.
But I don't find another word for it.
I loved the cover, I love foreign languages, I think it's no wonder that I loved this book.
Though, I have to admit, at first it was a bit difficult for me to distinguish all the characters because of their Japanese names and because of all the nicknames everyone had.
But after a while you get used to it and it was really fun for me to learn some Japanese words.
After these logical points maybe now I can manage to explain why I think this book was delicious.
First of all, the characters stayed for long times in the kitchen and prepared typical meals for several times a day. This was not only interesting, because you got to learn a lot about herbs and so on, but it also made me kind of hungry, especially if you like dishes with rice like me.
However, this was not really the reason for my description as delicious. It was more the words and the language. I ate every word and foreign term with eagerness and pleasure and it seemed like I just couldn't get enough of it. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
Thus, I won't say much more and I won't recommend to read this book.
But to eat it.
January 31, 2017
Review originally posted at The Nerdy side of a queen
Thank you Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Characters:
-Risuko-Proper name: Kano Murasaki
-Lady Mochizuki Chiyome
-Mieko and Kuniko-Lady Chiyome’s maid
-Hanichi Emi and Tasugu Toumi-Risuko’s friends.
-Little brothers-Servants of Lady Chiyome.
Rating: 3.5 stars
“A Kunoichi is married to her duty and to death.”
I have a lot of things to say about this story by David Kudler; there were things that I didn’t like, still there were good things to mention. Let’s just talk about first what was the story all about.
Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale takes place in Japan, specifically Mochizuki in Nagano. There was a girl named Kano Murasaki, or for everyone they called her Risuko (Squirrel). The reason for this nickname was because, she climbs trees and roofs as fast and high as the squirrel. She lives in a simple life with her mother and her sister, though their lives were not as good as the rich ones. But, someone made her life turn in an unexpected way; Lady Chiyome bought Risuko from her mother because she wants Risuko to train as Kunoichi (Ooppss. I will not tell you what really it is!) Before she become what her destiny wants her to be, she must first face the challenges that will make her stronger and will make her true abilities sharpen.
Well, I will not continue the story until the end, what am I a story teller? Just kidding. :D
Seriously, I will now make points on what are my perspectives about this book.
The things I like:
1. The concept of the story.
-I was become intrigued in the story line of this. It really fascinated me because of these facts: Young girl destined to fight for a war, sets in Japan and a historical fiction. What will I say? Though, I know there were a lot of books the same with this one; but one thing was for sure, the author really nailed this concept plus the cover was absolutely stunning.
2. The world built-up.
-For this, it was an OKAY for me. Well, it really didn’t level my expectations if I will base from the blurb in the story. Still, this really amazed and excites me as I read every chapter of the book, and I wasn’t really bored while reading this one. It was a light-read plus the words can pick-up easily which was a good point, because it was categorized for young-adult/middle grade. Thumbs up for this!
3. The characters.
-The characters felt like they were really a young persons, which is my standard to every book that I read. Though there were no progress has been made for them, still their characterizations was like a Ying and Yang—balance.
Next, the things that I dislike in this book:
1. CONFUSING.
-Yes. As I said earlier this story was a light-read; but there were times that I really got confused on what has happened in a particular scene. Fortunately, I was able to tolerate this one. But my concern was, if the others will read this especially the target audiences, it will give them a hard time to process on what’s happening to the story. On the positive side, you can still understand it because as I mention above, the author wrote it using with light words.
2. Unanswered questions.
-There were some parts that I didn’t quite understand, because there were parts that I hope it answered clearly. Well, it is the first book, and I’m still expecting alot from this.
Phew! Congratulations, I was able to make this review up to this point. LOL. As you noticed, my likes and dislikes for this book was a balance. If you will ask me if I will recommend this one, I will just say–YES.
May 24, 2016
3.9 Stars
Rusiko is a beautiful story set in sixteenth century Japan. Females are warriors and Japan is tearing itself apart all in the belief they are helping put the country back together.
Risuko is full of beautiful language, amazing settings and jam packed with cultural knowledge.
I loved the descriptions of the fighting dance, the smooth movements and grace, the prediction of moves and serenity. I felt I was there doing the moves with Risuko in the falling snow with the other woman.
The reason this wasn't a 5 star or even a full 4 stars was the ending. The ending was lacking and I spotted the plot twists a mile away it was all too predictable for me and I think this is because it is more MG then YA.
I wanted a big fight scene! Something action packed that involved climbing! a finally with a BANG! Instead received a scared girl and a annoying antagonist. This isn't necessarily a bad thing I like Risuko even more now as she isn't tough, she isn't better then anyone or particularly skilled, she is just a little girl and shes doing her best, BUT I just felt I needed something a little bit more to round this book off.
I expect in the next books Risuko will go through ALOT of character development and I can't wait to see what happens and how this story evolves.
I have high hopes that the next book will be full of training and a heap more character development oh and some more beautiful world descriptions.
* Thankyou Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest review and Thank you David Kudler for this beautiful story.
Rusiko is a beautiful story set in sixteenth century Japan. Females are warriors and Japan is tearing itself apart all in the belief they are helping put the country back together.
Risuko is full of beautiful language, amazing settings and jam packed with cultural knowledge.
I loved the descriptions of the fighting dance, the smooth movements and grace, the prediction of moves and serenity. I felt I was there doing the moves with Risuko in the falling snow with the other woman.
The reason this wasn't a 5 star or even a full 4 stars was the ending. The ending was lacking and I spotted the plot twists a mile away it was all too predictable for me and I think this is because it is more MG then YA.
I wanted a big fight scene! Something action packed that involved climbing! a finally with a BANG! Instead received a scared girl and a annoying antagonist. This isn't necessarily a bad thing I like Risuko even more now as she isn't tough, she isn't better then anyone or particularly skilled, she is just a little girl and shes doing her best, BUT I just felt I needed something a little bit more to round this book off.
I expect in the next books Risuko will go through ALOT of character development and I can't wait to see what happens and how this story evolves.
I have high hopes that the next book will be full of training and a heap more character development oh and some more beautiful world descriptions.
* Thankyou Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest review and Thank you David Kudler for this beautiful story.
June 13, 2021
I really like this story. It has great characters, great history and the end surprised me. You should read it if you have the chance.
November 2, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Stillpoint Digital Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Kano Murasaki has loved climbing her whole life. So much so that she has been nicknamed Risuko by her family - Squirrel. One moment she's simply climbing a tree with her sister, and the next she's going off with Lady Chiyome, who tells her that her mother has sold her to Lady Chiyome's services. Risuko doesn't know what this entails, but she has no choice but to go with Lady Chiyome. She is taken to a little villa of sorts where she is being trained to become a Kunoichi - but she doesn't know what that is. For now, the only thing she can do is to do her duties as well as she can, and hopefully train well in the process.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started this book, but based on the cover I was expecting some kind of female warrior protagonist. While that isn't necessarily what was delivered, I can say that I did enjoy it. It wasn't exactly fast paced or exhilarating, but the overall feel of the novel was pleasant. It takes place in historical Japan, and habits of that day are included, but it is written using modern language to make it easy to understand. I wouldn't have minded googling what a certain word or action was supposed to mean every so often, but I appreciated how easy it was to grasp. I did google what Kunoichi meant, which I suppose some people might call spoiling myself, but I think it actually improved my enjoyment of the book. If I hadn't known I probably would've figured it out anyway, and the book takes a really long time to actually reveal what they are.
The book had good characters, and I especially liked Masugu, who acted as a friend and mentor to Risuko at times. Some of the characters weren't very likeable, but I wasn't too devastated. Risuko was good and definitely had her flaws, but I would say she's my second favourite character. While the thought of who the villain was had crossed my mind, I wasn't entirely sure who it was. So it wasn't a total surprise, I didn't fully expect it.
Overall, this was a pleasant read with a good atmosphere and pretty good characters. I liked the historical feel of it, and I appreciated it even more after learning that Lady Chiyome actually existed in the way she did in the novel. It isn't a fast paced novel, but I learned to appreciate what was happening, and I was never bored. I would definitely recommend it to you if you're into historical fiction, or wish to give the genre a try. Just a warning though, it isn't fantasy like the top genres suggest.
(I received a free copy from the publisher, Stillpoint Digital Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Kano Murasaki has loved climbing her whole life. So much so that she has been nicknamed Risuko by her family - Squirrel. One moment she's simply climbing a tree with her sister, and the next she's going off with Lady Chiyome, who tells her that her mother has sold her to Lady Chiyome's services. Risuko doesn't know what this entails, but she has no choice but to go with Lady Chiyome. She is taken to a little villa of sorts where she is being trained to become a Kunoichi - but she doesn't know what that is. For now, the only thing she can do is to do her duties as well as she can, and hopefully train well in the process.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started this book, but based on the cover I was expecting some kind of female warrior protagonist. While that isn't necessarily what was delivered, I can say that I did enjoy it. It wasn't exactly fast paced or exhilarating, but the overall feel of the novel was pleasant. It takes place in historical Japan, and habits of that day are included, but it is written using modern language to make it easy to understand. I wouldn't have minded googling what a certain word or action was supposed to mean every so often, but I appreciated how easy it was to grasp. I did google what Kunoichi meant, which I suppose some people might call spoiling myself, but I think it actually improved my enjoyment of the book. If I hadn't known I probably would've figured it out anyway, and the book takes a really long time to actually reveal what they are.
The book had good characters, and I especially liked Masugu, who acted as a friend and mentor to Risuko at times. Some of the characters weren't very likeable, but I wasn't too devastated. Risuko was good and definitely had her flaws, but I would say she's my second favourite character. While the thought of who the villain was had crossed my mind, I wasn't entirely sure who it was. So it wasn't a total surprise, I didn't fully expect it.
Overall, this was a pleasant read with a good atmosphere and pretty good characters. I liked the historical feel of it, and I appreciated it even more after learning that Lady Chiyome actually existed in the way she did in the novel. It isn't a fast paced novel, but I learned to appreciate what was happening, and I was never bored. I would definitely recommend it to you if you're into historical fiction, or wish to give the genre a try. Just a warning though, it isn't fantasy like the top genres suggest.
March 2, 2017
Note: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
If you've been my friend for a long time, you would know how I love Japan; food, culture, mangas, people, language—name it. So basically, the title of this novel caught my attention that's why I signed up for it.
Anyway, the story was about Risuko on her journey to be a kunoichi, an assassin. Her mother sold her for an unknown reason The setting was during the sixteenth century and, obviously, in Japan and there were Japanese words that was used, which I honestly did not understand. But the way Kudler described every scenery on the book was rich and flavorful; it was beautiful and amazing. And once again, I am in love with Japan.
Risuko was not who I thought she would be. At first, she seemed weak and meek, but as the story developed she showed she also had something else to give. And we also had this and those characters, y'know, the usual. But I had my fave, Masugu, who's perf af!
Anyhow, it was an action-packed story, as expected. There were just parts that I found really confusing and puzzling. So perhaps, David could've explain those circumstances or events in a clear and subtle way. Then again, those were some of the reasons that I held on to finish this until the very end. *sigh* it was easy to get through Risuko's world.
The story was actually very nice. It was light-read but still very interesting as it surprised me in so many ways. The writing was smoothly done. The tone was placid. It was very refreshing and beautiful. Oh, and the cover was awesome; it would be nice addition in my bookshelf. I just can't wait for it to be distributed in the Philippines.
Final rating: SOLID 4 STARS!!!
If you've been my friend for a long time, you would know how I love Japan; food, culture, mangas, people, language—name it. So basically, the title of this novel caught my attention that's why I signed up for it.
Anyway, the story was about Risuko on her journey to be a kunoichi, an assassin. Her mother sold her for an unknown reason The setting was during the sixteenth century and, obviously, in Japan and there were Japanese words that was used, which I honestly did not understand. But the way Kudler described every scenery on the book was rich and flavorful; it was beautiful and amazing. And once again, I am in love with Japan.
Risuko was not who I thought she would be. At first, she seemed weak and meek, but as the story developed she showed she also had something else to give. And we also had this and those characters, y'know, the usual. But I had my fave, Masugu, who's perf af!
Anyhow, it was an action-packed story, as expected. There were just parts that I found really confusing and puzzling. So perhaps, David could've explain those circumstances or events in a clear and subtle way. Then again, those were some of the reasons that I held on to finish this until the very end. *sigh* it was easy to get through Risuko's world.
The story was actually very nice. It was light-read but still very interesting as it surprised me in so many ways. The writing was smoothly done. The tone was placid. It was very refreshing and beautiful. Oh, and the cover was awesome; it would be nice addition in my bookshelf. I just can't wait for it to be distributed in the Philippines.
Final rating: SOLID 4 STARS!!!
June 22, 2017
I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating: 3.75
This was a great read. The story was interesting and fascinating. I thought that the story-telling was like that of an anime than a book. I enjoyed learning about Japan and its history. However, the story was not fast-paced and I thought that made the story a bit boring.
Risuko is an interesting character. Her name means "Squirrel" in Japanese because she loves to climb trees. I thought her character was strong. I thought she was an impressive individual. I think she is the one of the reasons why I enjoyed the book so much. Her journey throughout the story was great.
The culture and mythology of Japan is represented in this book. This is the other reason I enjoyed the book so much. While reading, I learned about the Kunoichi legend and how the Japanese believe in magic. Can't wait for the second book to come out. Overall, a fascinating read.
Actual Rating: 3.75
This was a great read. The story was interesting and fascinating. I thought that the story-telling was like that of an anime than a book. I enjoyed learning about Japan and its history. However, the story was not fast-paced and I thought that made the story a bit boring.
Risuko is an interesting character. Her name means "Squirrel" in Japanese because she loves to climb trees. I thought her character was strong. I thought she was an impressive individual. I think she is the one of the reasons why I enjoyed the book so much. Her journey throughout the story was great.
The culture and mythology of Japan is represented in this book. This is the other reason I enjoyed the book so much. While reading, I learned about the Kunoichi legend and how the Japanese believe in magic. Can't wait for the second book to come out. Overall, a fascinating read.
April 7, 2016
"An Advanced Review Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review."
Such a lovely & amazing book!!! This one was the best book I read ever. Everyone could be a writer, But everyone can't be an author. A clever author. I think David Kudler is a good author. A clever author. I must admire author's writing style. It was very impressive. Because when I read the first paragraph of the "prologue - Serenity" positive feelings come through my mind.
And yeah, this book was a page-turner! Plot & the concepts of the story was very interesting. I could imagine a clear pictures of the incidents happen in the story on my mind while I was reading the book like a movie scenes. I learnt lots of cultural, ethical, geographical, social & historical facts about ancient Japan from the story. Really enjoyable & entertaining novel. Can't wait to read the book #02 in this series.
Such a lovely & amazing book!!! This one was the best book I read ever. Everyone could be a writer, But everyone can't be an author. A clever author. I think David Kudler is a good author. A clever author. I must admire author's writing style. It was very impressive. Because when I read the first paragraph of the "prologue - Serenity" positive feelings come through my mind.
And yeah, this book was a page-turner! Plot & the concepts of the story was very interesting. I could imagine a clear pictures of the incidents happen in the story on my mind while I was reading the book like a movie scenes. I learnt lots of cultural, ethical, geographical, social & historical facts about ancient Japan from the story. Really enjoyable & entertaining novel. Can't wait to read the book #02 in this series.
January 5, 2016
A beautiful story about a young girl in Japan during a time of great turmoil. Known as as Squirrel because of her ability to climb, she is sold away from her mom and sister to Lady Chiyome. Risuko doesn't know why or where she is headed. Along with two other girls, she finds herself at a school of sorts where they work in the kitchen and at lessons. The food is better than anything they have seen. Risuko learns more about the goal of the school and how her father's story brought her to this place.
I loved this story and didn't want it to end. The writing is smooth, soft and yet creates characters of great strength. I would recommend the book for middle school up, but definitely a great read as an adult as well. I will eagerly await book two.
Full disclosure - I received an advanced copy from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story and didn't want it to end. The writing is smooth, soft and yet creates characters of great strength. I would recommend the book for middle school up, but definitely a great read as an adult as well. I will eagerly await book two.
Full disclosure - I received an advanced copy from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2016
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Stillpoint Digital Press and NetGalley for this opportunity.
I am really impressed by how my feelings changed from lack of interest to admiration for this book. The start was slow as always is with 'different' books. By different I mean not the usual mainstream/hyped up books. It's a literary work in its honest form. However, once I passed the 30% mark, I was starting to get invested in the story.
I like how unique Risuko is as a heroine but I do feel she isn't utilized properly, in a way that will make readers know her. I still need more of her personality flushed out. And hopefully book two will give us that. I was also, surprisingly not bother by the lack of romance.
Overall, great book and one that I am happy to have read and not stopped reading..
I am really impressed by how my feelings changed from lack of interest to admiration for this book. The start was slow as always is with 'different' books. By different I mean not the usual mainstream/hyped up books. It's a literary work in its honest form. However, once I passed the 30% mark, I was starting to get invested in the story.
I like how unique Risuko is as a heroine but I do feel she isn't utilized properly, in a way that will make readers know her. I still need more of her personality flushed out. And hopefully book two will give us that. I was also, surprisingly not bother by the lack of romance.
Overall, great book and one that I am happy to have read and not stopped reading..
March 2, 2016
This book is AMAZING! The plot is interesting, the characters are interesting, just EVERYTHING was great. I can't recommend this enough to friends, family and random people on the internet! All ready waiting for the sequel!!!
January 29, 2016
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review!**
This book wasn't at all what I was expecting, which was actually kind of nice.
First, I have to say that if I was a middle grades student, I probably would have absolutely loved this novel and given it 5 stars. The writing is definitely geared more toward a younger audience, but at the same time, some of the themes are decidedly not child-like. That really would have appealed to me as a younger reader, and probably many others, because I remember getting frustrated with trite, simplistic concepts and plot lines in the suggested reading for middle schoolers when I was that age. This book would have been more of a challenge in many ways - the themes and topics are more controversial and realistic, the culture is one I had little experience reading about at that time, there is a large cast of characters, and there are elements of another language scattered frequently in the text that require context clues to decipher.
The fact that this story is set in a totally foreign culture to most Western readers is really exciting. Even now, I have little experience with Japanese themes, words, culture, etc. Discovering so much about ancient Japan was really and truly the highlight of this novel, because it was so very rich in detail. The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the story and the culture without alienating readers who have no prior experience with it. While there were times when a Japanese word/phrase or concept felt especially foreign and difficult to understand, the text did a wonderful job of explaining the meaning, though sometimes not immediately. For example, it took me quite a while to understand why Risuko had been taken, what she had been taking for, and who she was in training to become, especially toward the end when the issue of her family's past came into play. However, I felt that by the end, I had a good (but not 100% solid) grasp on it.
There is a pretty large cast of characters in this novel. I struggled with this mainly because, having no background in Japanese, I would struggle putting names to genders, so sometimes I would think one character was someone else until the sentence added "she" or "her", and by that point, I'd be pretty confused. That dissipated over time, but it created difficulties in the beginning. Other than that, though, I really thought the characters were extremely well written. Each had a distinct personality, but the author was talented in his ability to keep certain characters' motives hidden until the right moment in the plot. That definitely made for some plot twists and unexpected moments.
So, why only 3 stars? These were 3 "I really had a good time reading this novel" stars. My only major concern is that for me, the story seemed to lag a good bit, which makes me think that for younger readers, it might become a bore. There was very little action, relatively speaking. A large portion of the novel focuses on Risuko learning her daily tasks and navigating daily life once she arrives at her new home, which became rather tedious after a while. However, by the end, I did see that the author was building something very important for the climax and resolution within those chapters through small details mixed into Risuko's daily life. Thankfully, the interest the cultural details had over me kept me going, otherwise I don't know that this is a novel I would have enjoyed as much. The last 30% picks up in tempo a good bit, and the first 15% was enough to bait me, but the middle chunk was at times a struggle. A beautiful struggle, but a struggle nonetheless.
I also did not know going in that this book would end up as part of a series. Usually, I stay away from series books until the series is complete, so I especially avoid series books on Netgalley. That being said, I will more than likely continue this series to see where Risuko's character goes from the ending, which should be really interesting!
This book wasn't at all what I was expecting, which was actually kind of nice.
First, I have to say that if I was a middle grades student, I probably would have absolutely loved this novel and given it 5 stars. The writing is definitely geared more toward a younger audience, but at the same time, some of the themes are decidedly not child-like. That really would have appealed to me as a younger reader, and probably many others, because I remember getting frustrated with trite, simplistic concepts and plot lines in the suggested reading for middle schoolers when I was that age. This book would have been more of a challenge in many ways - the themes and topics are more controversial and realistic, the culture is one I had little experience reading about at that time, there is a large cast of characters, and there are elements of another language scattered frequently in the text that require context clues to decipher.
The fact that this story is set in a totally foreign culture to most Western readers is really exciting. Even now, I have little experience with Japanese themes, words, culture, etc. Discovering so much about ancient Japan was really and truly the highlight of this novel, because it was so very rich in detail. The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the story and the culture without alienating readers who have no prior experience with it. While there were times when a Japanese word/phrase or concept felt especially foreign and difficult to understand, the text did a wonderful job of explaining the meaning, though sometimes not immediately. For example, it took me quite a while to understand why Risuko had been taken, what she had been taking for, and who she was in training to become, especially toward the end when the issue of her family's past came into play. However, I felt that by the end, I had a good (but not 100% solid) grasp on it.
There is a pretty large cast of characters in this novel. I struggled with this mainly because, having no background in Japanese, I would struggle putting names to genders, so sometimes I would think one character was someone else until the sentence added "she" or "her", and by that point, I'd be pretty confused. That dissipated over time, but it created difficulties in the beginning. Other than that, though, I really thought the characters were extremely well written. Each had a distinct personality, but the author was talented in his ability to keep certain characters' motives hidden until the right moment in the plot. That definitely made for some plot twists and unexpected moments.
So, why only 3 stars? These were 3 "I really had a good time reading this novel" stars. My only major concern is that for me, the story seemed to lag a good bit, which makes me think that for younger readers, it might become a bore. There was very little action, relatively speaking. A large portion of the novel focuses on Risuko learning her daily tasks and navigating daily life once she arrives at her new home, which became rather tedious after a while. However, by the end, I did see that the author was building something very important for the climax and resolution within those chapters through small details mixed into Risuko's daily life. Thankfully, the interest the cultural details had over me kept me going, otherwise I don't know that this is a novel I would have enjoyed as much. The last 30% picks up in tempo a good bit, and the first 15% was enough to bait me, but the middle chunk was at times a struggle. A beautiful struggle, but a struggle nonetheless.
I also did not know going in that this book would end up as part of a series. Usually, I stay away from series books until the series is complete, so I especially avoid series books on Netgalley. That being said, I will more than likely continue this series to see where Risuko's character goes from the ending, which should be really interesting!
February 9, 2016
Tough Love for a Lovable Novel
This review was originally posted on my blog Hounds & Habits.
Risuko by David Kudler is my first ARC and I absolutely loved the main character and story. Being an ARC, however, it needs a little tough love before it reaches its full potential.
Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first.
The first thing anyone will notice about Risuko is the killer cover. I actually fell in love with the cover alone; this book barely needed a summary & hook to get me reading at all! (It was designed by James T. Egan of Bookfly Designs, if you’re wondering.) Brace yourself, then, to see the back cover. It’s awkward and cheap and broke my cover-loving heart.
It was hard to snap a photo that did the back justice without overdoing it, so you may have to take my word on this one. Imagine the author typing up the summary in a word document. Now print it out and paste it on the back of a paperback. It’s a weird, semi-transparent white block that only looks natural on the bottom half of the book, because that’s the only place where there’s anything in the background. Fingers crossed this is just because it’s the unfinished version. Whether it’s the amazing 10/10 of a front cover dragging down the back cover or it’s actually as bad as I think it is, I’m disappointed all the same.
Risuko is almost a diamond in the rough. It is so close to being a five star novel it hurts. It’s the sentences that snap you out of the story because they’re so awkward to stumble over. It’s reusing the same phrase three times in the first quarter of the book, and it wasn’t very good the first time around. (How many times can you physically do something without knowing you’re doing it?) It’s giving away the twist just a few sentences too early that doesn’t give the intended dramatic effect.
Now for the good news
Aesthetic lovers who noticed the cover before anything else will be pleased to know the styling doesn’t end when you open the page. The Japanese-inspired font graces every title page and there are even Japanese characters on the dedication page. More interesting, to me, was the use of discretionary ligatures connecting the “ct” and “st”s throughout. They reflect the story’s historical setting in 1570 AD, when it would’ve been cheaper for a scribe to take up less space on paper and have to lift his pen less frequently to save time.
Even the shape of the book felt more Japanese as it’s taller and skinnier, reminiscent of manga.
The story itself was perfect. By the end of chapter one, I was already invested in the main character, Risuko, and itching to turn pages. I ended up finishing the novel at 5 am because I couldn’t stop! This is a refreshing change from YA books that seem to lull until the midway point.
It should be noted, however, that despite the genre, Risuko isn’t a teenager, not even for her time. It’s explicitly stated that she’s hanging out with older “children” and that she hasn’t had her “moon time” yet. This gives the sequels an opportunity to watch her grow older. It does have the tendency to leave the first novel feeling middle grade with a few adult jokes thrown in, Disney style.
If you’re sitting on the fence about this one, I’m here to tell you: read this. You won’t regret it. The story is filled with character tension and growth, intrigue, and immersion in a Japanese world that feels incredibly authentic.
4.5 Stars to Risuko
With more than four months before publication, there’s plenty of time to fix up some awkward lines. Realistically, it’s unlikely that I’ll get my every wish, so I’m giving Risuko 4.5 stars in good faith that enough will be tidied up to make this novel everything it should be. I will 100% be watching for the sequel! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for Risuko’s big debut on 15 June, 2016.
This review was originally posted on my blog Hounds & Habits.
Risuko by David Kudler is my first ARC and I absolutely loved the main character and story. Being an ARC, however, it needs a little tough love before it reaches its full potential.
Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first.
The first thing anyone will notice about Risuko is the killer cover. I actually fell in love with the cover alone; this book barely needed a summary & hook to get me reading at all! (It was designed by James T. Egan of Bookfly Designs, if you’re wondering.) Brace yourself, then, to see the back cover. It’s awkward and cheap and broke my cover-loving heart.
It was hard to snap a photo that did the back justice without overdoing it, so you may have to take my word on this one. Imagine the author typing up the summary in a word document. Now print it out and paste it on the back of a paperback. It’s a weird, semi-transparent white block that only looks natural on the bottom half of the book, because that’s the only place where there’s anything in the background. Fingers crossed this is just because it’s the unfinished version. Whether it’s the amazing 10/10 of a front cover dragging down the back cover or it’s actually as bad as I think it is, I’m disappointed all the same.
Risuko is almost a diamond in the rough. It is so close to being a five star novel it hurts. It’s the sentences that snap you out of the story because they’re so awkward to stumble over. It’s reusing the same phrase three times in the first quarter of the book, and it wasn’t very good the first time around. (How many times can you physically do something without knowing you’re doing it?) It’s giving away the twist just a few sentences too early that doesn’t give the intended dramatic effect.
Now for the good news
Aesthetic lovers who noticed the cover before anything else will be pleased to know the styling doesn’t end when you open the page. The Japanese-inspired font graces every title page and there are even Japanese characters on the dedication page. More interesting, to me, was the use of discretionary ligatures connecting the “ct” and “st”s throughout. They reflect the story’s historical setting in 1570 AD, when it would’ve been cheaper for a scribe to take up less space on paper and have to lift his pen less frequently to save time.
Even the shape of the book felt more Japanese as it’s taller and skinnier, reminiscent of manga.
The story itself was perfect. By the end of chapter one, I was already invested in the main character, Risuko, and itching to turn pages. I ended up finishing the novel at 5 am because I couldn’t stop! This is a refreshing change from YA books that seem to lull until the midway point.
It should be noted, however, that despite the genre, Risuko isn’t a teenager, not even for her time. It’s explicitly stated that she’s hanging out with older “children” and that she hasn’t had her “moon time” yet. This gives the sequels an opportunity to watch her grow older. It does have the tendency to leave the first novel feeling middle grade with a few adult jokes thrown in, Disney style.
If you’re sitting on the fence about this one, I’m here to tell you: read this. You won’t regret it. The story is filled with character tension and growth, intrigue, and immersion in a Japanese world that feels incredibly authentic.
4.5 Stars to Risuko
With more than four months before publication, there’s plenty of time to fix up some awkward lines. Realistically, it’s unlikely that I’ll get my every wish, so I’m giving Risuko 4.5 stars in good faith that enough will be tidied up to make this novel everything it should be. I will 100% be watching for the sequel! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for Risuko’s big debut on 15 June, 2016.
January 10, 2016
The story starts with our main character, Risuko, called that for her affinity for climbing (Risu means squirrel in Japanese), playing with her sister amongst the trees. Risuko also means ‘child of the law’, which is fitting for a child who is said to bring victory back to her disgraced family, of whom we learn more about as the story progresses. Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, but Risuko lives rurally and only knows of her own family troubles until her life takes an unexpected turn; she is sold to a rich old woman, and soon finds herself pulled into a mess of feuding and scheming warlords, where her talents are believable yet extraordinary. Risuko may reunite Japan — or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends amongst warriors and, later, at a school that may not be entirely what it first seems.
This book is written calmly and with obvious care for the culture and smooth tone of writing. We have quite a large cast of characters for a middle-grade book, and yet each character is well rounded and easy to keep track of, with Masugu an early favourite. From the start there is quite a lot of intrigue and action to keep you reading, as our poor band of fighters are attacked multiple times on their way to this secretive school Risuko has been hand-picked to attend. Though we’re told the children are to become temple attendants, the surprising fighting ability of those who surround the rich Lady Chiyome make the reader think that there’s more to this temple school than is being said, especially with the hints dropped about her father and the skills that made him renown before he became a simple scribe.
Whilst the first half of the book has a decent pace and is gripping enough to keep you reading, it’s the second half of the book that shines. Characters we have come to care about are in trouble, and through the story as we learn about food and herbs and how they can be used as poisons, we note hints that something bad is about to happen… and then we have a mini-mystery on our hands as we try to figure out who’s behind these terrible things.
With a beautiful cover and careful writing, this book is a lovely surprise, and I would recommend it to children who would like to read an action-filled and to get a glimpse of Japanese culture and interactions as the characters are quite carefully stereotypical of the times. With a helpful glossary at the end, to assist those who aren’t familiar with the Japanese language for what some of the more common-day words mean in English.
This book is written calmly and with obvious care for the culture and smooth tone of writing. We have quite a large cast of characters for a middle-grade book, and yet each character is well rounded and easy to keep track of, with Masugu an early favourite. From the start there is quite a lot of intrigue and action to keep you reading, as our poor band of fighters are attacked multiple times on their way to this secretive school Risuko has been hand-picked to attend. Though we’re told the children are to become temple attendants, the surprising fighting ability of those who surround the rich Lady Chiyome make the reader think that there’s more to this temple school than is being said, especially with the hints dropped about her father and the skills that made him renown before he became a simple scribe.
Whilst the first half of the book has a decent pace and is gripping enough to keep you reading, it’s the second half of the book that shines. Characters we have come to care about are in trouble, and through the story as we learn about food and herbs and how they can be used as poisons, we note hints that something bad is about to happen… and then we have a mini-mystery on our hands as we try to figure out who’s behind these terrible things.
With a beautiful cover and careful writing, this book is a lovely surprise, and I would recommend it to children who would like to read an action-filled and to get a glimpse of Japanese culture and interactions as the characters are quite carefully stereotypical of the times. With a helpful glossary at the end, to assist those who aren’t familiar with the Japanese language for what some of the more common-day words mean in English.
January 10, 2019
Risuko was quick-paced, fun to read and very interesting. I loved the setting. Japan is so interesting and so beautiful. The political talk and history was good. I liked how important and strong women were portrayed in the book. Maybe I would've liked a little more world-building or explanations for the surroundings, but I liked it nonetheless. The story was action packed and the second half of the book was my favorite! So much started to happen. The little mysteries surrounding the book were what kept me reading because I really wanted to find out about them.
Risuko was a very interesting character and I was so curious about her the whole time. I liked Masugu a lot and Kee Sun was my absolute favorite: he was so fun and lovely. I wish the characters had more building. It was only at the end of the novel that I got an idea of who Risuko really was and what she was like. There are many great females in this novel but they don't get the explanations they deserve, like Mieko. The characters were sometimes quite flat and that made the relationships between the characters flat as well.
The writing was very refreshing and beautiful. It was easy to get through and I wanted to keep reading until the very end. And what a beautiful cover that is, surely it will look good on my bookshelf.
Risuko was a very interesting character and I was so curious about her the whole time. I liked Masugu a lot and Kee Sun was my absolute favorite: he was so fun and lovely. I wish the characters had more building. It was only at the end of the novel that I got an idea of who Risuko really was and what she was like. There are many great females in this novel but they don't get the explanations they deserve, like Mieko. The characters were sometimes quite flat and that made the relationships between the characters flat as well.
The writing was very refreshing and beautiful. It was easy to get through and I wanted to keep reading until the very end. And what a beautiful cover that is, surely it will look good on my bookshelf.
January 12, 2016
Source: This book is available as Read Now on Netgalley.
Cost: Free
Title: Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale
Series: Seasons of the Sword #1
Author: David Kudler
Overall Rating: 3.7 stars
When I saw this book, this cover, on Netgalley as Read Now, I grabbed it almost immediately. In my head, I was picturing some kind of Japanese Mulan going on.
I love Japan, I love learning about Japan and it's culture, and this book is a really interesting read. Squirrel, or Risuko, is our main and she seems like a pretty solid female lead, she's not annoying, she takes things in her stride and is overall a good character.
However, this book lacked the fast paced adventure that I wanted and in some places I found myself a little bored. But overall, it's an interesting and gripping read.
Cost: Free
Title: Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale
Series: Seasons of the Sword #1
Author: David Kudler
Overall Rating: 3.7 stars
When I saw this book, this cover, on Netgalley as Read Now, I grabbed it almost immediately. In my head, I was picturing some kind of Japanese Mulan going on.
I love Japan, I love learning about Japan and it's culture, and this book is a really interesting read. Squirrel, or Risuko, is our main and she seems like a pretty solid female lead, she's not annoying, she takes things in her stride and is overall a good character.
However, this book lacked the fast paced adventure that I wanted and in some places I found myself a little bored. But overall, it's an interesting and gripping read.
July 9, 2022
Risuko is the first book within the Seasons of the Sword series. In it, you will meet Kano. She's mostly known by her nickname though, Risuko, because she is very fond of climbing trees like a squirrel. At first, I thought her nickname was cute and that this book was going to be somewhat pretty cute. Unfortunately, it took me a while to get into it.
I will not lie, some things within this book were pretty interesting. For example, the history of Japan and the mythology throughout. It's just that the beginning kind of felt a bit repetitive and I wasn't overly fond of the pace either. There were definite moments of nothing really happening and I found myself being bored.
The main thing that kept me going was Risuko. She was just a pretty interesting character and I wanted to see what she could do. It also didn't hurt that I had the opportunity to read the sequel as an ARC either. So, that definitely motivated me to finish this book.
In the end, things started off okay and eventually got better. Definitely excited to jump into the sequel to see what will happen next.
I will not lie, some things within this book were pretty interesting. For example, the history of Japan and the mythology throughout. It's just that the beginning kind of felt a bit repetitive and I wasn't overly fond of the pace either. There were definite moments of nothing really happening and I found myself being bored.
The main thing that kept me going was Risuko. She was just a pretty interesting character and I wanted to see what she could do. It also didn't hurt that I had the opportunity to read the sequel as an ARC either. So, that definitely motivated me to finish this book.
In the end, things started off okay and eventually got better. Definitely excited to jump into the sequel to see what will happen next.
April 7, 2016
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale
Series: Seasons of the Sword #1
Author: David Kudler
Release Date: June 15th 2016
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Cliffhanger: Not really
Writing Style: First Person, Female POV
HEA:
MY REVIEW
One word to describe this book: unexpected.
When I saw this book on NetGalley, the title really captivated me. Although I didn't really read this kind of book, in fact I never read a book with this genre before, but I just knew that I had to read this.
Without any second thoughts, I requested it from NetGalley immediately.
I love Japan so much, and I'm so biased (LOL), so when I saw a book with Japan-theme, I just had to read it. Especially if it was written by non-Japanese people. I want to know how their perspective about Japan and Japanese culture.
「栗鼠」 (risu) or 「リス」if it's written in Katakana, in Japanese means Squirrel. And 「子 」(ko) in Japanese means child/young animal/young woman, etc. 'Ko' also usually used as the ending of female's name, like Konoko, Ryoko, etc.
So literally 「リス子」(Risuko) means squirrel-child, or young squirrel.
Meanwhile Kunoichi「くノ一」 literally means Female Ninja.
As you can see from the title, Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale, I was actually expecting this book full of actions, you know like ninja fighting and all.
But it wasn't like that...
Just like what I said earlier, this book was so unexpected, both in good and bad way. LOL
Let's started with the bad one first (Cuz they say "save the best for the last" LOL).
So here's the bad one:
I thought Kano Murasaki aka Risuko would have lots of fighting scenes since the title said "Kunoichi Tale". But I was wrong. She actually didn't even know what Kunoichi really is (´･_･`)
Honestly I found the first half of the book was super boring because it seemed like the story was stuck right there and didn't move forward at all. And I ended up reading so many other books in between because I just didn't have mood to continue reading this book. Hence I just finished this book on April 5, though I started it on February 21. Wow. Yeah, I know.
And I couldn't be more relief when I finally finished this book.
Because when I saw "Kunoichi" all I have in my mind was 'sword fighting and all', to say I was disappointed when I found out the story wasn't like that was an understatement. Instead of "Female Ninja" like what I thought it would be, Risuko and all her 'friends' were more like a servant. The first half of the book was full of how they were trained to be a good servant, like how to cook, how to be polite to the people who are older than them, etc; mostly all about their manners.
I was keep asking myself "where is the real actions?! Where is the fighting?!!"
And by 'fighting' I meant Risuko fights with the bandits, not all the chaos that happened to their provinces.
And now here's the good one:
Although the first half of the book was kind of a turn off for me, but the second half was really interesting. I'm glad the pace was picking up. And that plot-twist though!! I really wasn't expecting that!
From there I really didn't want to put this book down ever again, I just wanted to keep reading to find out about the truth.
Now let's talk about the writing. I like how the author describes all about the Japanese cultures and the Japanese terms. The author indeed knows what he's writing.
This story is set in Japan, so obviously Japanese terms are used in this book. But I think some were written incorrectly like:
'Father' in Japanese is お父さん or if it's written in Romaji, it should be Otou-san or Otō-san, NOT Oto-san. Because 'Oto' (音) in Japanese means 'Sound'.
'Mother' in Japanese is お母さん or if it's written in Romaji, it should be Okaa-san (double A) or Okā-san, NOT Oka-san.
Because 'Oka' (丘) in Japanese means 'Hill'.
See? How different the meaning can be if it's written wrongly. So please write the Romaji correctly.
書き間違えたら違う意味になってるからね！
This book also has glossary in the back, so for people who don't understand the Japanese terms can understand it easily.
Although I didn't really like the first half of the book, this book was such an enjoyable read.
Very good book for people who love Japan and Japanese culture, and for who don't really know about Japanese culture this book can give you more knowledge about it.
So don't forget to buy this when it's published on June 15! ;)
Big thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me this ARC. Looking forward for the 2nd book.
April 27, 2016
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DAMN! DAVID KUDLER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME! I ALREADY WANT THE SECOND BOOK!
I really liked this book! From the beginning to the end! The concept, the world, the writing style, everything!
But one thing was missing and it was the plot. And i guess that i why i gave this book 4 stars. I mean i was reading this book not knowing what we were seeking?!
The first half of the book's pace was slow but then it got better and faster through the second half of the book. And even though I did not know what was going on (The plot thing i mean) i enjoyed reading this book. I mean, who doesn't like to read a book which is set in the sixteenth century Japan?! And also it was beautifully written that it never bored me. Never!
The world that Kudler has created... oh, please don't let me get started on that! I REALL REALLY LOVED IT! And i could imagine myself in that world. XD
I am so happy that I've read this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
Thanks to David Kudler, the publisher and NetGalley who gave me a free copy of this book! :)
review in Persian:
انقدر تند تند خوندم که سرم داره دور میزنه :دی
خب بریم سر اصل مطلب...
واقعا این کتاب رو دوست داشتم! از موضوعش گرفته تا نثر نویسنده و کلا همه چی! ولی خب یه چیزی کم بود. و اونم پلات داستان بود. و این دلیلیه که 5 تا ستاره ندادم.
نصفه ی اول کتاب کند پیش میره و همونطور که گفتم پلات نداره و اصن نمیدونی قراره سرانجامش چی بشه و کلا یه علامت سوالی. ولی نصفه ی دوم خیلی بهتر میشه و حداقل یه چیزی رخ میده :دی که باید اعتراف کنم اصلا و عمرا حدس نمیزدم اون اتفاقا کار اون شخصیته باشه :|
ولی با وجودی که نمیدونستم اصلا دنبال چی ایم، از خوندن این کتاب لذت بردم، چون هم اینکه راجبه ژاپن قدیم بود (کی واقعا فرهنگ شرق آسیا رو دوست نداره؟!) هم با وجودی که بیشترش درباره ی این بود که ریسوکو چیکار میکنه، واقعا عالی نوشته شده بود طوری که من اصلا خسته نمیشدم و حوصله م سر نمی رفت.
واقعا عاشق دنیایی شدم که کادلر توی این داستان خلق کرده! هر کلمه که میخوندم حس میکردم توی داستانم و کاش واقعا اینطور می بود!
و یه چیز دیگه... ام راستش داستان طوری بود که اصن وابسته به شخصیت ها نمیشدی. مثلا اگه یکیشون میمرد عمرا اشکم در نمیومد (البته از لحاظی هم برای منی که دم به دقه اشکم در میاد خوبه :دی)
خلاصه اینکه خوشحالم که این داستانو خوندم و دست نویسنده و انتشاراتی و نت گالی درد نکنه که اجازه دادن این کتابو در عوض نوشتن یه نقد بخونم!
و اصلا صبر ندارم برا کتاب دوم! که خدا میدونه کی میاد! چون همین کتاب اول هم واقعا رسما منتشر نشده!
DAMN! DAVID KUDLER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME! I ALREADY WANT THE SECOND BOOK!
I really liked this book! From the beginning to the end! The concept, the world, the writing style, everything!
But one thing was missing and it was the plot. And i guess that i why i gave this book 4 stars. I mean i was reading this book not knowing what we were seeking?!
The first half of the book's pace was slow but then it got better and faster through the second half of the book. And even though I did not know what was going on (The plot thing i mean) i enjoyed reading this book. I mean, who doesn't like to read a book which is set in the sixteenth century Japan?! And also it was beautifully written that it never bored me. Never!
The world that Kudler has created... oh, please don't let me get started on that! I REALL REALLY LOVED IT! And i could imagine myself in that world. XD
I am so happy that I've read this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
Thanks to David Kudler, the publisher and NetGalley who gave me a free copy of this book! :)
review in Persian:
انقدر تند تند خوندم که سرم داره دور میزنه :دی
خب بریم سر اصل مطلب...
واقعا این کتاب رو دوست داشتم! از موضوعش گرفته تا نثر نویسنده و کلا همه چی! ولی خب یه چیزی کم بود. و اونم پلات داستان بود. و این دلیلیه که 5 تا ستاره ندادم.
نصفه ی اول کتاب کند پیش میره و همونطور که گفتم پلات نداره و اصن نمیدونی قراره سرانجامش چی بشه و کلا یه علامت سوالی. ولی نصفه ی دوم خیلی بهتر میشه و حداقل یه چیزی رخ میده :دی که باید اعتراف کنم اصلا و عمرا حدس نمیزدم اون اتفاقا کار اون شخصیته باشه :|
ولی با وجودی که نمیدونستم اصلا دنبال چی ایم، از خوندن این کتاب لذت بردم، چون هم اینکه راجبه ژاپن قدیم بود (کی واقعا فرهنگ شرق آسیا رو دوست نداره؟!) هم با وجودی که بیشترش درباره ی این بود که ریسوکو چیکار میکنه، واقعا عالی نوشته شده بود طوری که من اصلا خسته نمیشدم و حوصله م سر نمی رفت.
واقعا عاشق دنیایی شدم که کادلر توی این داستان خلق کرده! هر کلمه که میخوندم حس میکردم توی داستانم و کاش واقعا اینطور می بود!
و یه چیز دیگه... ام راستش داستان طوری بود که اصن وابسته به شخصیت ها نمیشدی. مثلا اگه یکیشون میمرد عمرا اشکم در نمیومد (البته از لحاظی هم برای منی که دم به دقه اشکم در میاد خوبه :دی)
خلاصه اینکه خوشحالم که این داستانو خوندم و دست نویسنده و انتشاراتی و نت گالی درد نکنه که اجازه دادن این کتابو در عوض نوشتن یه نقد بخونم!
و اصلا صبر ندارم برا کتاب دوم! که خدا میدونه کی میاد! چون همین کتاب اول هم واقعا رسما منتشر نشده!
December 30, 2016
Crosspost: TheReadingBelle.com
This book is available as Read Now on NetGalley.
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I just knew I had to pick it up! The synopsis is what won me over and I love the cover.
This book was an excellent introduction to the series, it was very entertaining. Risuko is sold from her family, not out of spite, but for Risuko’s own good. Along the way, Risuko learns about the politics in her country, and there are hints of the war to come.
Risuko focuses on the journey of the protagonist. If you are expecting a romance, this is not the book for you. This book is about Risuko’s personal growth and accepting her faith as a kunochi. A kunochi is a female ninja. What I loved about this book was that the author researched his topic. I really liked that there was a glossary at the end of the book, served as a good reference guide. Another aspect that I loved was the school at Mochizuki. I loved how the women from the school had to undergo miko training before becoming a kunochi.
Risuko is a great character! I loved her misadventures and I love the way that her character stayed consistent throughtout the book. I was hoping that she and Lieutenant Masugu were going to develop feelings for each other. I can still hope that happens in the second book. Now as for the villain, I’ve seen my good share of anime, and when that character revealed, I was right.
I really thought Risuko was going to be young adult, but it is more of a middle grade book. Not that I have a problem with it, but the protagonist is much younger than I’d imagine her to be. Secondly, I thought that the war was going to play a major role in this book, but that’s not the case. I’ll keep my hopes up for the sequel. Also the length was too short! I would have liked it much more if there were more chapters!
I love learning about Japanese history, and this book was welldone. By the time I finished the book, I was sad. Why is that? Well, I want to read the second book already! This book gets published all the way in June, and I’m buying my physical copy when it comes out. I am hoping that the sequel gives backstories on certain characters. This book was fast pace and I really liked the author’s writing style.
Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is available as Read Now on NetGalley.
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I just knew I had to pick it up! The synopsis is what won me over and I love the cover.
This book was an excellent introduction to the series, it was very entertaining. Risuko is sold from her family, not out of spite, but for Risuko’s own good. Along the way, Risuko learns about the politics in her country, and there are hints of the war to come.
Risuko focuses on the journey of the protagonist. If you are expecting a romance, this is not the book for you. This book is about Risuko’s personal growth and accepting her faith as a kunochi. A kunochi is a female ninja. What I loved about this book was that the author researched his topic. I really liked that there was a glossary at the end of the book, served as a good reference guide. Another aspect that I loved was the school at Mochizuki. I loved how the women from the school had to undergo miko training before becoming a kunochi.
Risuko is a great character! I loved her misadventures and I love the way that her character stayed consistent throughtout the book. I was hoping that she and Lieutenant Masugu were going to develop feelings for each other. I can still hope that happens in the second book. Now as for the villain, I’ve seen my good share of anime, and when that character revealed, I was right.
I really thought Risuko was going to be young adult, but it is more of a middle grade book. Not that I have a problem with it, but the protagonist is much younger than I’d imagine her to be. Secondly, I thought that the war was going to play a major role in this book, but that’s not the case. I’ll keep my hopes up for the sequel. Also the length was too short! I would have liked it much more if there were more chapters!
I love learning about Japanese history, and this book was welldone. By the time I finished the book, I was sad. Why is that? Well, I want to read the second book already! This book gets published all the way in June, and I’m buying my physical copy when it comes out. I am hoping that the sequel gives backstories on certain characters. This book was fast pace and I really liked the author’s writing style.
Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 24, 2016
Risuko!!! First things first: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The book came out june 15th and I really recommend this book.
Look at that another review. I'm on a roll today. Wohohoooo!!!!
Book summary:
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possible have the power to change the outcome.
Or could she?
I just finished the book and aaaaah!!!!
I haven't read that many books yet that are set in Japan, so this was totally new to me but wonderful. I really liked the setting and the world building. Really beautiful.
The book has a lot of characters, so it took a while for me to get really into them and figure out who was who. There's a list of all the characters in the back of the book, though.
I found myself caring for Risuko very quickly. From one moment to the next she got torn out of her normal live, away from her family to be put into a world that she didn't seem to understand. I mean, that alone made me wanna wrap her in a blanket and protect her from the world. There are also lots of great side characters that I really enjoyed reading.
The story is progressing really slow but I actually liked that. I'm so happy that the girls training is going slow and that by chapter 10 there wasn't already a sword in their hands and they had to save the world. Cause even though it was a slow progress their were still a lot of things happening.
A really great first book. I can't wait to read more of this story and see were things are going.
The book came out june 15th and I really recommend this book.
Look at that another review. I'm on a roll today. Wohohoooo!!!!
Book summary:
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possible have the power to change the outcome.
Or could she?
I just finished the book and aaaaah!!!!
I haven't read that many books yet that are set in Japan, so this was totally new to me but wonderful. I really liked the setting and the world building. Really beautiful.
The book has a lot of characters, so it took a while for me to get really into them and figure out who was who. There's a list of all the characters in the back of the book, though.
I found myself caring for Risuko very quickly. From one moment to the next she got torn out of her normal live, away from her family to be put into a world that she didn't seem to understand. I mean, that alone made me wanna wrap her in a blanket and protect her from the world. There are also lots of great side characters that I really enjoyed reading.
The story is progressing really slow but I actually liked that. I'm so happy that the girls training is going slow and that by chapter 10 there wasn't already a sword in their hands and they had to save the world. Cause even though it was a slow progress their were still a lot of things happening.
A really great first book. I can't wait to read more of this story and see were things are going.
October 1, 2025
If you had told me that I would read and enjoy a YA novel set in 15th century Japan about a girl’s journey to both her first menstrual period and training to become (what I guessed to be) a samurai warrior, I would have said you’re crazy.
Turns out, I’m crazy about this story of not an apprentice samurai but, a “kunoichi” in training. Google it.
I love discovering not just new books but altogether new genres on Goodreads. Usually it’s via friend recommendations or the magical Goodreads recommendation algorithm.
This time, however, I discovered a new book via The Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) from their gracious invitation to speak to the group. It was there that I met David Kudler, a BAIPA Board Member and also the author of Risuko. I was so impressed with how accommodating and helpful David was during the meeting that I was motivated to learn more about and read his book. So the day after meeting him, I read some reviews about Risuko, bought a copy and dove it.
This is a really fun and good book and it would make a really fun and good movie too.
I enjoyed the core of the story and the various characters. especially Mochizuki Chiyome. Admittedly I sometimes became a little weary of the pace; there was a lot of time in the kitchen! :)
But, overall it was well written and very engaging. And at the end it definitely left me eager for the next book in the series to see what happens with our little “squirrel” protagonist.
Risuko is a well written and engaging read – give it a try.
ps: check out my Kindle Notes and Highlights - some fun quotes and passages.
Turns out, I’m crazy about this story of not an apprentice samurai but, a “kunoichi” in training. Google it.
I love discovering not just new books but altogether new genres on Goodreads. Usually it’s via friend recommendations or the magical Goodreads recommendation algorithm.
This time, however, I discovered a new book via The Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) from their gracious invitation to speak to the group. It was there that I met David Kudler, a BAIPA Board Member and also the author of Risuko. I was so impressed with how accommodating and helpful David was during the meeting that I was motivated to learn more about and read his book. So the day after meeting him, I read some reviews about Risuko, bought a copy and dove it.
This is a really fun and good book and it would make a really fun and good movie too.
I enjoyed the core of the story and the various characters. especially Mochizuki Chiyome. Admittedly I sometimes became a little weary of the pace; there was a lot of time in the kitchen! :)
But, overall it was well written and very engaging. And at the end it definitely left me eager for the next book in the series to see what happens with our little “squirrel” protagonist.
Risuko is a well written and engaging read – give it a try.
ps: check out my Kindle Notes and Highlights - some fun quotes and passages.
May 9, 2016
Nice writing, interesting characters, and intriguing storyline. Set in historical Japan, thirteen-year-old Risuko, who is an extraordinary tree climber, is ripped away from her mother and younger sister by a mysterious older woman and her entourage to become a “shrine maiden” – the definition of which is left purposely vague, to be discovered as the story goes on. Clearly shrine maidens do more than serve tea and play musical instruments.
I was definitely interested in Risuko and her story right from the start and had lots of questions.
The story starts out fast, slows down as we learn the intricate details of day-to-day life in Risuko’s new and unusual environment in Mochizuki. Three-quarters of this book set up the story, but the intense and suspenseful final quarter make it all worth while. Risuko lays the foundation for a series -- in that regard the long set-up is justified.
The descriptive prose gave me a good understanding of Risuko's environment and experiences. I got the feeling that I was tossed back to another time in an unfamiliar land in this exciting, well-written adventure story.
Many questions are still left unanswered and I am more than curious to learn about how Risuko’s adventure continues.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ:Paranormal/Fantasy > Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler --> Starting 19th Feb 2016
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I was definitely interested in Risuko and her story right from the start and had lots of questions.
The story starts out fast, slows down as we learn the intricate details of day-to-day life in Risuko’s new and unusual environment in Mochizuki. Three-quarters of this book set up the story, but the intense and suspenseful final quarter make it all worth while. Risuko lays the foundation for a series -- in that regard the long set-up is justified.
The descriptive prose gave me a good understanding of Risuko's environment and experiences. I got the feeling that I was tossed back to another time in an unfamiliar land in this exciting, well-written adventure story.
Many questions are still left unanswered and I am more than curious to learn about how Risuko’s adventure continues.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUDDY READ:Paranormal/Fantasy > Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler --> Starting 19th Feb 2016
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
April 28, 2016
Risuko
A Kunoichi Tale
by David Kudler
Stillpoint Digital Press
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Middle Grade, Teens & YA
Pub Date 15 Jun 2016
I was given a copy of Risuko through the publisher and their partnership with netgalley in exchange for my honest review:
Totomi Japan, 1570 AD
Everyone puts their hope in Risuko her family is in disgrace but all Risuko wants to do is climb trees. Her family believes she can be a special female warrior and urge her to fight for her families name and her country.
Risuko is sold to a noblewoman named Lady Chiyome. Soon Risuko finds herself traveling by foot for days in the snow with other students and Lady Chiyome.
Risuko is faced with a life different than she has known before and many of the same feelings teenagers today face. She wears her heart on her sleeve and that can be dangerous.
Will Risuko's tree climbing skills be put to the test as a warrior?
Risuko is a great book full of Japanese Culture and adventure perfect for Middle grade or Young Adult readers.
Five out of five stars
Happy Reading
A Kunoichi Tale
by David Kudler
Stillpoint Digital Press
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Middle Grade, Teens & YA
Pub Date 15 Jun 2016
I was given a copy of Risuko through the publisher and their partnership with netgalley in exchange for my honest review:
Totomi Japan, 1570 AD
Everyone puts their hope in Risuko her family is in disgrace but all Risuko wants to do is climb trees. Her family believes she can be a special female warrior and urge her to fight for her families name and her country.
Risuko is sold to a noblewoman named Lady Chiyome. Soon Risuko finds herself traveling by foot for days in the snow with other students and Lady Chiyome.
Risuko is faced with a life different than she has known before and many of the same feelings teenagers today face. She wears her heart on her sleeve and that can be dangerous.
Will Risuko's tree climbing skills be put to the test as a warrior?
Risuko is a great book full of Japanese Culture and adventure perfect for Middle grade or Young Adult readers.
Five out of five stars
Happy Reading
March 5, 2016
Thank you so much to NetGalley and David Kudler for the advanced reading copy!
*applauds loudly* This was a wonderful book!
Strong female characters, a wildly immersive setting, and a nice flowing read. What more could I possibly ask for?
I loved Risuko, and all her supporting cast, which was 90% women (yay!!), especially the mysterious Meiko and Risuko's friend Emi.
A setting in Japan is something that's not used a lot, so I was very excited to read about it. I'm not an expert on Japan by any means, so I'm not entirely sure how accurate this is, but I loved the whole sort of mythos of the kunoichi and the samurai. The plot was a little slow at times, but I didn't even care, mostly because I like a lot of detail, but also because I was just so interested in learning more about the kunoichi and their complex in the mountains.
I just have one question for the author: when's the next one coming out?
*applauds loudly* This was a wonderful book!
Strong female characters, a wildly immersive setting, and a nice flowing read. What more could I possibly ask for?
I loved Risuko, and all her supporting cast, which was 90% women (yay!!), especially the mysterious Meiko and Risuko's friend Emi.
A setting in Japan is something that's not used a lot, so I was very excited to read about it. I'm not an expert on Japan by any means, so I'm not entirely sure how accurate this is, but I loved the whole sort of mythos of the kunoichi and the samurai. The plot was a little slow at times, but I didn't even care, mostly because I like a lot of detail, but also because I was just so interested in learning more about the kunoichi and their complex in the mountains.
I just have one question for the author: when's the next one coming out?
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