The Samurai’s Honor

The Heart of the Samurai #0

by Walt Mussell

Younger daughter of the area's most prominent swordsmith, Sen's life is marked with jealousy, curiosity, and love. Jealousy that her older sister, Haru, gets to marry her father's handsome apprentice. Curiosity about her father's important customers. Love from a family that is planning her next step to adulthood. But when a high-ranking samurai visits her father to order a sword, Sen's curiosity gets the best of her. She and her sister find themselves eyewitnesses to a murder and on the cusp of a plot that seeks the samurai's demise. Will Sen's curiosity lead to her own death?

Genres: Historical Fiction

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2020

About the author

Walt Mussell lives in the Atlanta area with his wife and two sons. He works for a well-known corporation and writes in his spare time. Walt primarily writes historicals, with a focus on Japan, an interest he gained in the four years he lived there. Other titles include The Samurai's Heart, The Samurai's Honor, and A Second Chance. He does Japanese history videos in social media, gives lectures on Japan’s Christian Century to churches and civic groups, and has been a guest discussing Japan’s Christian history on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel. Check out his website at waltmussell.com.

Reviews

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy of The Samurai's Honor, while on an enforced break (Covid Self Isolation).
History in different cultures always fascinates me, and this novella, which is a prequel to The Samurai's Heart, really piqued my interest.
Sen is the younger daughter of a prominent swordsmith, and an inquisitive one at that.
She craves information about whatever happens in her father's workshop, and ends up finding herself in a bit of a murderous pickle.
Herself and her elder sister.
A delightful step inside the world of the Samurai, and a great read to whet the appetite for the full-length novel that follows.
Sen intrigues me, and I think that I am highly likely to put The Samurai's Heart on my TBR pile!

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Sen heads toward young womanhood, she may no longer be able to get away with indulging her curiosity through eavesdropping and spying. This becomes strikingly apparent when she and her older sister witness a violent crime they should never have seen in The Samurai's Honor by author Walt Mussell.

Even if I hadn't already been into this historical ChristFic series, my "fascinated with samurai-related Japanese history" self might not have been able to resist this novella's book cover. The suggestion of artistry, honor, and danger presented by the sword, juxtaposed with delicate cherry blossoms, set against the faint background of Japanese architecture. Gorgeous!

I didn't really start to get into this short prequel until about halfway through. But having already enjoyed the novel that comes after it, I was interested in seeing where this would lead. It turns out to be quite a fitting and appropriately layered precursor to Sen's continuing story, and the ending has me intrigued all over again—almost as if I hadn't read the following book already.

I'm keeping my eyes open for more in The Heart of the Samurai series.

[Carol Burnside · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable prequel

A enjoyed this little prequel a lot. Now I'm off to read the full length book that follows this one.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fascinating. The curiosity and hunger to tell the truth endeared me to Sen. I can hardly wait to see what happens next in this series.

Content: false gods & shrine to such, Catholicism (called Kirishitan, which is Catholic “Christian” in Japan)

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell from beginning to end in a single afternoon. This short story introduces Goami Sen, a character that captivates with her curiosity and youthful zest. Her relatable mishaps and internal narrative brought me deeply into her experiences and mindset. Though events progressed quickly and I wanted to draw the story out longer (because my natural inclination is toward longer novels), the story read well and thoroughly entertained.

I enjoyed The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell. This short story of Sen’s childhood piqued my interest and I’m looking forward to more of Sen’s story in The Samurai’s Heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great prequel

I've not read many stories that take place in Japan, and particularly not any that take place so long ago. Three years ago, I happened across The Samurai's Heart and was fascinated.

Discovering I loved the story and the style of writing, I knew I need to read more of Walt Mussell's books. So when I found he had written a prequel, I was excited. And how could I resist the beautiful cover?

The Samurai's Honor is short and yet it sets the scene beautifully for the events in the rest of the series. I enjoyed getting to know the young Sen and seeing how her impetuosity and curiosity got her into quite a serious situation!

Now that I have read this, I want to re-read The Samurai's Heart!

If you enjoy historical fiction and learning about other customs and lands, this is an excellent series to read.

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this short story and learning some historical Japanese culture as well!

Since this prequel was written for another book The Samurai’s Heart which is already published, it has really wetted my appetite to read it too! Look forward to reading more by this new to me author.

Recommend this book - please read!

Received this through Voracious Readers only and this is my honest review.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sen is the second daughter of a master swordsmith. Her elder sister Haru gets everything she wishes she could have! A handsome fiance Jiro, who's her father's apprentice. Being able to see her father's workshop, when Haru offers tea to visitors. (The opportunity to flirt with Jiro.) However, Sen is only 12.

Yet her inquisitiveness is absolutely something her mother wants to train her out of. But she has another skill, being observant, that might just change her life. Yet when she witnesses a terrible crime, it might just put her in danger as well.

The Samurai's Honor is a fantastic short novel. Sen and her family introduce readers not only to a great mystery, but a vivid picture of life in Japan, hundreds of years ago. It's beautiful, mysterious, and sometimes quite perilous. Great read!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed here are my own honest ones.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find that the title and the cover are very important for catching my attention, and creating a positive attitude to the book. I took one look at the cover and I knew this was enticing me to read it. The the title The Samurai's Honor: The Heart of the Samurai did it for me and I needed to download this book. I obtained this book from BookFunnel and the following is my honest review. When you read a book by Walt Mussell you know you get certain things: the book is well-structured, well-proofed and well-edited; the storyline is fast-paced, without trite or contrived scenes; the story is strongly written, the characters are complex and well-developed and the dialogue is honest and believable. You are going to enjoy this novel.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an endearing story that serves as background information to explain part of the following novel, The Samurai’s Heart. I loved Sen and Haru. Sen is a willful teenager who had trouble adhering to customary behavior of a teenager during the period in which the story is set. I enjoyed this little excerpt from Sen’s childhood and look forward to reading the novel.

If you enjoy historical fiction that pays close attention to details being correct, this is a very good prequel or just a good short on its own. Easy 5 stars for this one.

[CHud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting prequel to a novel written by the same author. This prequel tells the story of how a young girl witnesses a murder for which a high official is wrongly blamed. The young girl comes forward to tell the truth of what she witnessed thereby proving the official's innocence. The girl is rewarded by being requested to live in the mansion of the official and his wife.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Author's notes he explains the reason behind this excellent prequel Novella, is to explain a certain characters presence in his novel The Samurai's Heart . Well whatever the reason this is an atmospheric clever engaging mystery. Well written with excellent characters throughout particularly the afore mentioned young lady who was the reason for this quality short but highly entertaining story.

[Gayle Fairless · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young daughter Sen serves a high lord who is also a Christian

Sen has an older sister Haru engaged to Jiro. Sen is an important witness whose boldness and curiosity foil a serious plot.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable prequel/short story, though I found Sen a tad obnoxious and impudent.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Delightful Read

In any culture, these two sisters have that special bond that only comes through in a loving relationship. Looking forward to Sen’s next adventure.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell from beginning to end in a single afternoon. This short story introduces Goami Sen, a character that captivates with her curiosity and youthful zest. Her relatable mishaps and internal narrative brought me deeply into her experiences and mindset. Though events progressed quickly and I wanted to draw the story out longer (because my natural inclination is toward longer novels), the story read well and thoroughly entertained.

I enjoyed The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell. This short story of Sen’s childhood piqued my interest and I’m looking forward to more of Sen’s story in The Samurai’s Heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.