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Young Samurai #1
The Way of the Warrior
August 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan - his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates.
Rescued by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, Jack's only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins.
But life at the samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with his friend Akiko by his side, Jack is singled out by bullies and treated as an outcast.
With courage in his heart and his sword held high, can Jack prove himself and face his deadliest rival yet?
Rescued by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, Jack's only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins.
But life at the samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with his friend Akiko by his side, Jack is singled out by bullies and treated as an outcast.
With courage in his heart and his sword held high, can Jack prove himself and face his deadliest rival yet?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2008
473 people are currently reading
7179 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bradford
94 books922 followersChris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
October 15, 2024
Great book, an epic story. I bought this for my 9 year old son who has a taste for reading. As soon as he finished it, he immediately asked for the next book. When he sprinted through that one as well, I thought I should see what the book was about. Growing up in the 80 with movies like American Ninja (the fact that Jack Fletcher is British simply made the book better for me), the book did have a bit of a nostalgic feel to it. However, I did not think that the story had such a high level of authenticity of detail about feudal Japanese culture and about martial arts themselves. It is an action-packed story that perfectly captures the essence of the Samurai and martial arts. This is definitely a credit to Chris Bradford's training/research.
Another great thing about this book is like the book says it is about the journey. Jack does not start out as a great warrior or even great warrior material. However, his pre-Samurai training life leaves him with a strong core, which is essential for martial arts. He makes gradual progress in both Martial arts, language, lifestyle, and the Japanese culture all the way through the book. Not only improving physical but breaking down prejudice as well. I also like the way they introduce the spiritual part of martial arts as well. All in all, it's a great book. Thoroughly enjoyed by 2 generations of Alavi's.
Another great thing about this book is like the book says it is about the journey. Jack does not start out as a great warrior or even great warrior material. However, his pre-Samurai training life leaves him with a strong core, which is essential for martial arts. He makes gradual progress in both Martial arts, language, lifestyle, and the Japanese culture all the way through the book. Not only improving physical but breaking down prejudice as well. I also like the way they introduce the spiritual part of martial arts as well. All in all, it's a great book. Thoroughly enjoyed by 2 generations of Alavi's.
March 8, 2011
I wish I were the first to notice, but alas, it's obvious and has been noted by others -- author Chris Bradford was channeling Harold Potter when he wrote this book. Replace orphan Harry with orphan Jack Fletcher, moving from Muggle Land to Wizardry with moving from England to feudal Japan (thanks to a shipwreck). In place of Dumbledore, insert Masamoto, Master Samurai, and swap Hogwarts for Niten Ichi Ryu, a venerable school populated not with good and evil professors but with good and evil sensei.
More? How about a funny friend (Saburo, not Ron) and a pretty friend who's a girl (Akiko, not Hermione); a bully (here Kazuki, there Draco); and a killer enemy out for our young hero (not He-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, but Dragon Eye, a.k.a. Dokugan Ryu).
Not original, I admit, but still satisfying. Why? Two reasons. Chiefly for the young (though adult readers will enjoy the ride) is the plot. Yes, it's predictable and sometimes pushes the suspension bridge of disbelief, but it's what the people want! And then, for adults (though young readers will be willing to "eat their mental vegetables," given the cheese sauce plot), a wonderful embedding of Japanese culture, history, and vocabulary. Bradford knows his stuff, in other words, and he makes a point of making HIS appreciation of the Japanese OUR appreciation thanks to this book.
Finally, good or bad, this is the first of (gasp! can you be-LIEVE?) a series. Yes, we can blame HARRY POTTER for a lot of this, but it's what the kids like and what the publishers like even more (how do you say "money" in Japanese?).
Overall, satisfying and educational. And I, of course, liked the meditation teacher best, Sensei Yamada. Keep your eye on that one. He's bound to play a role in sequels.
More? How about a funny friend (Saburo, not Ron) and a pretty friend who's a girl (Akiko, not Hermione); a bully (here Kazuki, there Draco); and a killer enemy out for our young hero (not He-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, but Dragon Eye, a.k.a. Dokugan Ryu).
Not original, I admit, but still satisfying. Why? Two reasons. Chiefly for the young (though adult readers will enjoy the ride) is the plot. Yes, it's predictable and sometimes pushes the suspension bridge of disbelief, but it's what the people want! And then, for adults (though young readers will be willing to "eat their mental vegetables," given the cheese sauce plot), a wonderful embedding of Japanese culture, history, and vocabulary. Bradford knows his stuff, in other words, and he makes a point of making HIS appreciation of the Japanese OUR appreciation thanks to this book.
Finally, good or bad, this is the first of (gasp! can you be-LIEVE?) a series. Yes, we can blame HARRY POTTER for a lot of this, but it's what the kids like and what the publishers like even more (how do you say "money" in Japanese?).
Overall, satisfying and educational. And I, of course, liked the meditation teacher best, Sensei Yamada. Keep your eye on that one. He's bound to play a role in sequels.
July 6, 2016
When I first heard about this book, I was like, “WOW talk about a fantasy I’ve had. I so have to read this book!” It sure wasn’t a disappointment either. It’s not very often I find a book that I just can’t put down. Right from the start I was invested in the main character, Jack Fletcher. The whole story and how Jack behaved I could so relate to. So many times in YA novels you read something and go “yeah right! No 12 year old would react like that.” I never felt like that while reading this book.
Highly recommended to anyone that’s into martial arts.
To see my review of other the books in this series, please use the links below:
Book Two - The Way of the Sword
Book Three - The Way of the Dragon
Book Four - The Ring of Earth
Book Five - The Ring of Water
Book Six - The Ring of Fire
Book Seven - The Ring of Wind
Book Eight - The Ring of Sky
July 20, 2019
“Revenge is self-defeating. It will eat away you until there is nothing left.”
The Way of the Warrior is the first in the young adult series Young Samurai, which formed my favourite series during my childhood. I still enjoy it now upon rereads and love the culture that Bradford so vividly presents about the culture in feudal Japan.
The main characters are students at a Samurai Warrior school, and the book includes the education they received, what classes were valued, and the status each accomplishment meant. It is accompanied by an interesting plot consisting of student rivalries and school politics, and is an enjoyable introduction to the characters in the eight book series.
“Tomorrow’s victory is today’s practice.”
Although it can be seen as a children's book, I still thoroughly enjoy it and so does my older brother, Edward, who is 22, so adults can evidently enjoy it as well. I recommend to any who take an interest in the Samurai culture, or specifically the education they received, or if you want your children to read a vivid historical fiction novel that is suitable.
The Way of the Warrior is the first in the young adult series Young Samurai, which formed my favourite series during my childhood. I still enjoy it now upon rereads and love the culture that Bradford so vividly presents about the culture in feudal Japan.
The main characters are students at a Samurai Warrior school, and the book includes the education they received, what classes were valued, and the status each accomplishment meant. It is accompanied by an interesting plot consisting of student rivalries and school politics, and is an enjoyable introduction to the characters in the eight book series.
“Tomorrow’s victory is today’s practice.”
Although it can be seen as a children's book, I still thoroughly enjoy it and so does my older brother, Edward, who is 22, so adults can evidently enjoy it as well. I recommend to any who take an interest in the Samurai culture, or specifically the education they received, or if you want your children to read a vivid historical fiction novel that is suitable.
September 24, 2013
English boy shipwrecks in Japan get taken in by a Samurai family and learns Kubodo, this should have been right up my street! The only problem is that it's been done before and so much better!
For anyone who has not read James Clavell's Shōgun you will enjoy this as an easy interesting read, but for those of you who have, this will be a poor lackluster copy that boarders on plagiarism!
I have just summed up the beginning of both books! Only one of the books was written when Chris Bradford was still wearing nappies/diapers! The "similarities" go on! There is even a crew member called Ginsel which was not even a very popular Dutch name!
Throughout the book Chris Bradford gives credit to the people who's quotes he uses, but at no point does he make any references to James Clavell! Not once! Had even mentioned that Shōgun changed his life or that this was an homage there would be no problem!
Okay, next part of the book! Again, this may also sound a little familiar!
There is even one random passage where the young boy takes the girl outside and shows her some of the constellations, with all the possible constellations to chose from Chris Bradford chooses Bellatrix and Regulus! Come on!
Chris Bradford writes really well! It's just a shame that most of the ideas aren't his! Taking inspiration from others is one thing but in that case you at least give them some credit!
For anyone who has not read James Clavell's Shōgun you will enjoy this as an easy interesting read, but for those of you who have, this will be a poor lackluster copy that boarders on plagiarism!
I have just summed up the beginning of both books! Only one of the books was written when Chris Bradford was still wearing nappies/diapers! The "similarities" go on! There is even a crew member called Ginsel which was not even a very popular Dutch name!
Throughout the book Chris Bradford gives credit to the people who's quotes he uses, but at no point does he make any references to James Clavell! Not once! Had even mentioned that Shōgun changed his life or that this was an homage there would be no problem!
Okay, next part of the book! Again, this may also sound a little familiar!
There is even one random passage where the young boy takes the girl outside and shows her some of the constellations, with all the possible constellations to chose from Chris Bradford chooses Bellatrix and Regulus! Come on!
Chris Bradford writes really well! It's just a shame that most of the ideas aren't his! Taking inspiration from others is one thing but in that case you at least give them some credit!
February 21, 2010
Seorang bocah Inggris, Jack Fletcher, berusia 12 tahun, anak dari nahkoda kapal "Alexandria" John Fletcher. Yang karena keadaan harus bertahan hidup di negeri asing bernama Jepang.
Jack, beruntung diselamatkan oleh Keluarga Samurai di daerah Toba, Masamoto. Dalam lingkungan Masamoto lha, Jack belajar banyak. Belajar menjadi seorang samurai dan belajar memahami kehidupan.
Cerita dalam buku ini gampang sekali ditebak bagaimana akhirnya. Tapi itu tak menyurutkan saya untuk melanjutkan membacanya. Penulisnya sangat cermat meramu cerita, khususnya untuk bagian seni bela diri. Penulisnya menggambarkan sangat detail, setiap gerakan kaki, badan, tangan, kepala betul-betul autentik. Layaknya saya sedang menonton film silat jepang dalam slow motion. Selain itu banyak sekali petuah kuno samurai yang diterangkan penulis. Yang mendasar adalah Bushido Jalan Kesatria yang dikenal dengan Tujuh Prinsipnya. Tujuh Prinsip dalam bela diri samurai dan menjalani kehidupan, sehari-hari yaitu:
Prinsip 1; Gi, Integritas adalah kemampuan untuk membuat keputusan yang benar dan keyakinan moral dan untuk bersikap adil dan sama kepada semua orang tanpa memedulikan ras, warna kulit, gender dan usia.
Prinsip 2; Yu, Keberanian adalah kemampuan untuk mengatasi setiap keadaab dengan keberanian dan keyakinan.
Prinsip 3; Jin, Welas Asih adalah gabungan antara kasih sayang dan kemurahan hati.
Prinsip 4; Rei, Hormat. Prinsip ini berarti menghormati orang lain.
Prinsip 5; Makoto, Kejujuran artinya bertingkah-laku yang benar secara moral dan selalu melakukan hal-hal dengan kemampuan terbaik.
Prinsip 6; Meiyo, Martabat. Dicapai dengan sikap positif dalam berpikir serta mengikuti perilaku yang tepat.
Prinsip 7; Chungi, Kesetiaan adalah dasar dari semua prinsip; tanpa dedikasi dan kesetiaan pada tugas yang sedang dikerjakan dan kepada sesama, seseorang tak dapat berharap mencapai hasil yang diinginkan.
Tujuh prinsip itu hanya sebagian filosofi yang saya temukan dalam buku ini. Masih ada banyak petuah-petuah yang mungkin terasa simpel tapi memberikan efek luar biasa bagi yang membacanya (cat: diri saya sendiri). Ini contohnya;
"Teman tidak dipisahkan oleh perbedaan. Mereka justru bersatu karena perbedaan"
P 296
Saya masih ingin belajar banyak dari kehidupan Para Samurai dari mata Chris Badford, jadi langsung lanjut baca buku ke duanya "Kendo".
Jack, beruntung diselamatkan oleh Keluarga Samurai di daerah Toba, Masamoto. Dalam lingkungan Masamoto lha, Jack belajar banyak. Belajar menjadi seorang samurai dan belajar memahami kehidupan.
Cerita dalam buku ini gampang sekali ditebak bagaimana akhirnya. Tapi itu tak menyurutkan saya untuk melanjutkan membacanya. Penulisnya sangat cermat meramu cerita, khususnya untuk bagian seni bela diri. Penulisnya menggambarkan sangat detail, setiap gerakan kaki, badan, tangan, kepala betul-betul autentik. Layaknya saya sedang menonton film silat jepang dalam slow motion. Selain itu banyak sekali petuah kuno samurai yang diterangkan penulis. Yang mendasar adalah Bushido Jalan Kesatria yang dikenal dengan Tujuh Prinsipnya. Tujuh Prinsip dalam bela diri samurai dan menjalani kehidupan, sehari-hari yaitu:
Prinsip 1; Gi, Integritas adalah kemampuan untuk membuat keputusan yang benar dan keyakinan moral dan untuk bersikap adil dan sama kepada semua orang tanpa memedulikan ras, warna kulit, gender dan usia.
Prinsip 2; Yu, Keberanian adalah kemampuan untuk mengatasi setiap keadaab dengan keberanian dan keyakinan.
Prinsip 3; Jin, Welas Asih adalah gabungan antara kasih sayang dan kemurahan hati.
Prinsip 4; Rei, Hormat. Prinsip ini berarti menghormati orang lain.
Prinsip 5; Makoto, Kejujuran artinya bertingkah-laku yang benar secara moral dan selalu melakukan hal-hal dengan kemampuan terbaik.
Prinsip 6; Meiyo, Martabat. Dicapai dengan sikap positif dalam berpikir serta mengikuti perilaku yang tepat.
Prinsip 7; Chungi, Kesetiaan adalah dasar dari semua prinsip; tanpa dedikasi dan kesetiaan pada tugas yang sedang dikerjakan dan kepada sesama, seseorang tak dapat berharap mencapai hasil yang diinginkan.
Tujuh prinsip itu hanya sebagian filosofi yang saya temukan dalam buku ini. Masih ada banyak petuah-petuah yang mungkin terasa simpel tapi memberikan efek luar biasa bagi yang membacanya (cat: diri saya sendiri). Ini contohnya;
"Teman tidak dipisahkan oleh perbedaan. Mereka justru bersatu karena perbedaan"
P 296
Saya masih ingin belajar banyak dari kehidupan Para Samurai dari mata Chris Badford, jadi langsung lanjut baca buku ke duanya "Kendo".
September 20, 2018
সময়টা ১৬১১ খ্রিস্টাব্দ, শুধু পর্তুগীজ বণিকরাই জানে কিভাবে সমুদ্রপথে ইউরোপ থেকে জাপানে পৌঁছানো যায়। একজন ইংরেজও এই পথের হদিস জানে তার নাম জন ফ্লেচার। সে আলেকজান্দ্রিয়া নামক একটি বাণিজ্য জাহাজকে পথ দেখিয়ে নিয়ে যাচ্ছে জাপানে। সাথে আছে তার ১২বছরের ছেলে জ্যাক। জাপান মেইনল্যান্ডের কাছাকাছি পৌঁছে তাদের জাহাজ প্রচন্ড এক ঝড়ের কবলে পরে যায়। ভাগ্য ভাল হওয়ায় এই ঝড়ের মধ্যেও তারা তটের কাছে পৌঁছাতে সক্ষম হয়। জাহাজের বিভিন্ন জায়গার ফাটাফুটা মেরামতের জন্য লেগে পরে সবাই। কোন একটা বন্দরে না পৌঁছানো পর্যন্ত তারা নিরাপদ নয়। এমন একটা অরক্ষিত জায়গায় সবাই বেশ ভয়ে ভয়ে আছে কখন ডাকাতের খপ্পরে পরে যায়, এরউপর পাইপার শুরু করে দেয় জাপানি যোদ্ধা জাতি সামুরাইদের গল্প। যেহেতু তুমি বিদেশী সেহেতু একজন সামুরাইয়ের সামনে পরলে সে তোমাকে দেখার সাথে সাথে খুন করে ফেলবে। দুনিয়াতে এদের মত ভয়ঙ্কর হিংস্র জাতি আর একটাও নাই। কেউ কেউ এই গল্প বিশ্বাস করে ভয়ে অস্থির হয় আবার কেউ কেউ হেসে উড়িয়ে দেয়। ক্যাপ্টেন বিশ্বাস করেন কিনা জানা যায় না তবে তিনি প্রহরা দ্বিগুন করে দেন।
একরাতে আক্রমণ হয় জাহাজে। কাটানা হাতে কোন যোদ্ধার সামনে দাঁড়ানো এই বণিক বাহিনীর কর্ম নয়। টপাটপ সবাই খুন হতে থাকে। জ্যাক কোনভাবে রক্ষা পেয়ে যায় সবুজচোখের নিনজার হাত থেকে। সাথে নিয়ে যেতে পারে ওর বাবার রুটার (হাতে লেখা সমুদ্রপথের বর্ণনা) যেটা পাওয়ার চেষ্টা করছে এই নিনজা।
জ্যাকের রক্ষাকর্তা মাসামুতো, যেকিনা একটা সামুরাই স্কুলের প্রধান। সবুজচোখের নিনজার হাতেই খুন হয় মাসামুতোর বড় ছেলে টেন্নো। যেহেতু সেই সবুজচোখের হাত থেকে জ্যাক বেঁচে ফিরেছে সেহেতু এটাকে ঈশ্বরের দান বলে মাসামুতু জ্যাককে নিজের ছেলে বলে গ্রহণ করে নেয়। জ্যাক কি বলে এরা বুঝে না আবার এরা কি বলে জ্যাক বুঝতে পারে না। এই হ্যাপা থেকে উদ্ধার করে এক পর্তুগীজ পাদ্রী। তিনি জ্যাককে জাপানী ভাষা শেখাতে শুরু করেন। বন্ধুত্বের প্রথম হাত বাড়িয়ে দেয় আকিকো, সে জ্যাককে শেখায় জাপানী রীতি-নীতি, সংস্কৃতি। জ্যাক মাসামুতোর স্কুলে ভর্তি হয়ে যায়, সেখানে সে যেমন খুব ভাল কিছু বন্ধু পায় কেমনি শত্রুরও অভাব হয় না।
দুই স্কুলের ছাত্রদের মারামারিকে কেন্দ্র করে আয়োজন করা হয় প্রতিযোগিতার। এই প্রতিযোগিতায় জেতাটা সম্মানের ব্যাপার, যে স্কুলের প্রতিযোগিরা জিতবে অপর স্কুল সেটাকে সেরা বলে স্বীকার করে নেবে। প্রতিযোগিতার মাঠে নেমে জ্যাক তার প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বী হিসেবে পেয়ে যায় ঘরের শত্রু বিভীষণকে। আর পুরনো শত্রু সবুজচোখের নিনজা তো আছেই কতদিক সামাল দেবে জ্যাক।
বইটাতে মার্শাল আর্টের বেশ কিছু টেকনিক নিয়ে সংক্ষেপে বলা হয়েছে, বলা হয়েছে জাপানের সামাজিক রীতি-নীতি, উৎসব, সংস্কৃতি, ভাষা, মুল্যবোধ নিয়ে, আছে উচ্চমানের দার্শনিক আলোচনা কেননা মার্শাল আর্ট একজনকে শুধু শক্তি অর্জন করতে বা লড়াই করতেই শেখায় না, শেখায় শক্তি অর্জন ও তার ব্যালেন্স এবং সঠিক জায়গায় ব্যবহার।
একরাতে আক্রমণ হয় জাহাজে। কাটানা হাতে কোন যোদ্ধার সামনে দাঁড়ানো এই বণিক বাহিনীর কর্ম নয়। টপাটপ সবাই খুন হতে থাকে। জ্যাক কোনভাবে রক্ষা পেয়ে যায় সবুজচোখের নিনজার হাত থেকে। সাথে নিয়ে যেতে পারে ওর বাবার রুটার (হাতে লেখা সমুদ্রপথের বর্ণনা) যেটা পাওয়ার চেষ্টা করছে এই নিনজা।
জ্যাকের রক্ষাকর্তা মাসামুতো, যেকিনা একটা সামুরাই স্কুলের প্রধান। সবুজচোখের নিনজার হাতেই খুন হয় মাসামুতোর বড় ছেলে টেন্নো। যেহেতু সেই সবুজচোখের হাত থেকে জ্যাক বেঁচে ফিরেছে সেহেতু এটাকে ঈশ্বরের দান বলে মাসামুতু জ্যাককে নিজের ছেলে বলে গ্রহণ করে নেয়। জ্যাক কি বলে এরা বুঝে না আবার এরা কি বলে জ্যাক বুঝতে পারে না। এই হ্যাপা থেকে উদ্ধার করে এক পর্তুগীজ পাদ্রী। তিনি জ্যাককে জাপানী ভাষা শেখাতে শুরু করেন। বন্ধুত্বের প্রথম হাত বাড়িয়ে দেয় আকিকো, সে জ্যাককে শেখায় জাপানী রীতি-নীতি, সংস্কৃতি। জ্যাক মাসামুতোর স্কুলে ভর্তি হয়ে যায়, সেখানে সে যেমন খুব ভাল কিছু বন্ধু পায় কেমনি শত্রুরও অভাব হয় না।
দুই স্কুলের ছাত্রদের মারামারিকে কেন্দ্র করে আয়োজন করা হয় প্রতিযোগিতার। এই প্রতিযোগিতায় জেতাটা সম্মানের ব্যাপার, যে স্কুলের প্রতিযোগিরা জিতবে অপর স্কুল সেটাকে সেরা বলে স্বীকার করে নেবে। প্রতিযোগিতার মাঠে নেমে জ্যাক তার প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বী হিসেবে পেয়ে যায় ঘরের শত্রু বিভীষণকে। আর পুরনো শত্রু সবুজচোখের নিনজা তো আছেই কতদিক সামাল দেবে জ্যাক।
বইটাতে মার্শাল আর্টের বেশ কিছু টেকনিক নিয়ে সংক্ষেপে বলা হয়েছে, বলা হয়েছে জাপানের সামাজিক রীতি-নীতি, উৎসব, সংস্কৃতি, ভাষা, মুল্যবোধ নিয়ে, আছে উচ্চমানের দার্শনিক আলোচনা কেননা মার্শাল আর্ট একজনকে শুধু শক্তি অর্জন করতে বা লড়াই করতেই শেখায় না, শেখায় শক্তি অর্জন ও তার ব্যালেন্স এবং সঠিক জায়গায় ব্যবহার।
July 25, 2017
4.5 stars.
'Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."
So amazing, it had all the tropes in a book that I love. So I loved it a lot.
Based on the feudal era Japan, this story takes off when a ship from England, searching for this mysterious land, catch up with a really nasty storm and ends up being dragged to a smaller piece of land. While trying to repair the ship, they are attacked by Japanese pirates and all of them are killed except a twelve-year boy named Jack who somehow survives.
Who is dragged to the land by a savior, he is a really looked up to Samurai of the village that's near this port.
His own son was killed by a ninja exactly two years ago, so he considers it a sign and takes Jack into his adoption.
Things happen and Jack is taken to the Samurai school in Kyoto, where he has to learn all the arts of being a Samurai while dealing with quite a lot of racism.
I just love myself a book with Japan. I have grown up watching solely animes, so it was like a throwback to my early middle-grade life. I also will always love a book with Academy aspect. Especially I enjoy reading about training though it is always in the danger of being dragged. Luckily, Bradford was really good at keeping it minimal and interesting. The pacing of this book was really strong.
Though the beginning felt like a retelling of Shogun is middle-grade version. the story did improve and escalated quickly. A nice, breezy book with really interesting characters, I loved it. Though as I mentioned, it's a me situation. I love all of these tropes and Bradford played with them nicely thus I adored it. I will still recommend it but read it with that in mind. :D
January 16, 2023
Good fun and good fiction for all ages
This may be seen as YA fiction. However it’s not simplistic by any means, but good fun for all. I wanted to read more about the samurai in the format of story not as a textbook or instruction manual. There aren’t that many bushido stories out there for adults. This book and the ones following fill that gap admirably. The writing is solid, the plotting interesting and intricate, the historical and martial arts research impeccable. Great and enlightening entertainment for all. Five stars.
This may be seen as YA fiction. However it’s not simplistic by any means, but good fun for all. I wanted to read more about the samurai in the format of story not as a textbook or instruction manual. There aren’t that many bushido stories out there for adults. This book and the ones following fill that gap admirably. The writing is solid, the plotting interesting and intricate, the historical and martial arts research impeccable. Great and enlightening entertainment for all. Five stars.
December 27, 2015
The beginning did not grab me immediately and I was prioritising other books over this one but I do admit that I was hooked after few chapters . Since I'm a fan of Japan , this book was really entertaining since it revolves around Japan's traditions and cultures !
Im really grateful for my friend who lend me this book . I might buy the rest of the trilogy :3
Im really grateful for my friend who lend me this book . I might buy the rest of the trilogy :3
February 24, 2013
The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford - Young Samurai Series - This felt like quite the well researched book filled with philosophy in an approachable manner. I really appreciated the perspectives on different cultures shared in the book and actually marked chapter 8 as the perfect chapter to read aloud to introduce world awareness and developing cultural respect and understanding, even when you don't understand what you're doing initially. In another portion of the book, chapter 15, I loved how a boy was learning about how to understand the Japanese culture through their language. "Understand Japanese, and you understand them." Then in chapter 16, there's a portion that explains how apologies are imperative to the Japanese culture and help maintain proper relationships. "When one apologizes and shows remorse, the Japanese are willing to forgive and not hold a grudge." Finally, I also appreciated how in chapter 45 there were many lessons that were already explained to learn the way of the warrior but then there was this sentence that stood out, "Rectitude, your ability to judge what is wrong and what is right, is the keystone to being samurai." This is one powerful, reflective book that I highly recommend, not only because of the quality writing and lessons, but also because it is packed to the hilt with action and adventure. (Not for those who dislike violence.) I would partner this book with Jeff Stone's series The Five Ancestors. Looking forward to reading more!
October 25, 2017
What made me start reading Young Samurai was the front cover picture. It has a shadow with a sword and some red background which completely caught my eye. I thought this book was a genuine idea and really interesting how Jack manages to pass so many challenges without failing. What also caught my eye was the back, it said, Jack has to learn to become a Samurai and fight against a ninja called Dokugan Ryu. This novel has real characters and not alien-like creatures everywhere. While reading this story you can also feel the sadness that Jack sometimes feels when he is thinking about his sister that got taken by Dokugan Ryu and now has to live in solitude. I also really enjoyed how at the beginning, everyone at his samurai school thinks he's eccentric, but at the end, his schoolmates respect him except for one person, who the whole time, never appreciated him and becomes an antagonist halfway through the series. This book inspired me to think about the theme “be happy with what you have”: this theme is made evident through Jack fighting for the life of his little sister and doing everything he can to save her. This novel brought back memories of my travels to Japan. In particular, I once attended a traditional archery temple training. While reading passages of Young Samurai, I could picture vividly the concentration by the masters taking precise aim with bows before hitting their targets. This book changed the way I look at the history of Japan.
September 27, 2019
Vincent Cao
Grade 9
English Post Unit Assessment Task
The Way of the Warrior Review
This is my review of The Way of the Warrior (2008) by Chris Bradford . This book tells a story about a boy called Jack. He is 12 years old. In one night, his father was surrounded by a group of ninjas. he begged them in hope that they would let his son to live, but the ninja didn’t seem to share his hope. e wanna jack find the rutter. the rutter is like Sacred objects.in that world and he be killed. jack is so sad. he still obey his father When he find the rutter, He meet the Ninja that kill his father. he want to escape. when he run on the board. the ship blows up, throwing him into the ocean. This cause him want to help father revenge.
“There Jack is treated. When he wakes up, Jack hears voices in the room next door. He accidentally falls through the paper door and is threatened by a samurai. Following the advice he once got from a fellow sailor he bows as deep as possible, amusing the samurai.”(Chris this is my paragraph in the book.It tells us the samurai has high status in that years.
I think my first reading book about Ninjas is Naruto. It is about a naughty child that everyone hates to a hero who saves the world. So in my mind. Ninjas are one group to protect the world.
I think this book is good at fighting details. It makes readers excited. Just like the beginning. Ninja fight with Tenno. The author write30 pages about the fighting. So i still remember in the first three day. You need give feedback to partner about what you read. I only can tell them two guys fight with each other.
I think the book as a whole is still very good, including many details.This book is not only a action book. But also a useful thing that can improve my english. This is my review.
Grade 9
English Post Unit Assessment Task
The Way of the Warrior Review
This is my review of The Way of the Warrior (2008) by Chris Bradford . This book tells a story about a boy called Jack. He is 12 years old. In one night, his father was surrounded by a group of ninjas. he begged them in hope that they would let his son to live, but the ninja didn’t seem to share his hope. e wanna jack find the rutter. the rutter is like Sacred objects.in that world and he be killed. jack is so sad. he still obey his father When he find the rutter, He meet the Ninja that kill his father. he want to escape. when he run on the board. the ship blows up, throwing him into the ocean. This cause him want to help father revenge.
“There Jack is treated. When he wakes up, Jack hears voices in the room next door. He accidentally falls through the paper door and is threatened by a samurai. Following the advice he once got from a fellow sailor he bows as deep as possible, amusing the samurai.”(Chris this is my paragraph in the book.It tells us the samurai has high status in that years.
I think my first reading book about Ninjas is Naruto. It is about a naughty child that everyone hates to a hero who saves the world. So in my mind. Ninjas are one group to protect the world.
I think this book is good at fighting details. It makes readers excited. Just like the beginning. Ninja fight with Tenno. The author write30 pages about the fighting. So i still remember in the first three day. You need give feedback to partner about what you read. I only can tell them two guys fight with each other.
I think the book as a whole is still very good, including many details.This book is not only a action book. But also a useful thing that can improve my english. This is my review.
January 24, 2019
Ich muss sagen das Buch hat mir relativ gut gefallen, aber es war sehr vorhersehbar und mal wieder eher für die männlichen Leser bestimmt fand ich. Sehr viele Kämpfe, die natürlich so ausgehen wie man sich denkt und Jack ist der Held....
Thematisch gut, aber vielleicht erschreckend für manchen Leser, ist der Umgang mit Jack als "Gajin". Als "Nichtjapaner" gehört er nie dazu und es ist ein regelrechtes Schimpfwort. Dies gilt leider auch heute (oft) noch in der japanischen Kultur insbesondere auch bei Kindern von Japanern und Nichtjapanern, die abschätzig als "Hafu" bezeichnet werden. Ich finde es gut, dass es in dem Buch vorkommt, auch wenn die meisten die wahre Bedeutung vielleicht nicht so ganz wahrnehmen werden.
Ungemein irritiert hat mich aber das japanische Begriffe in unserem Schriftsystem geschrieben werden (also z.B. Sumimasen) aber dann steht nirgends was das jetzt heißt! Gerade im Hinblick auf das jüngere Publikum fand ich das extrem irritierend. Zudem geschieht dies wahllos. Am Anfang als Jack als Engländer nach Japan kommt und die Leute nicht versteht macht das ja noch Sinn. Aber wenn dann Jack japanisch lernt und praktisch IMMER japanisch gesprochen wird, warum werden dann einzelne sinnlose Phrasen in "japanisch" geschrieben und der Rest dann auf deutsch??? Und wieso steht nirgends was das dann auf deutsch heißt??? Sehr unnötig. (Das gute war allerdings, das es mir vor Augen geführt hat, dass ich mein japanisch auffrischen sollte...)
3.5 stars
Thematisch gut, aber vielleicht erschreckend für manchen Leser, ist der Umgang mit Jack als "Gajin". Als "Nichtjapaner" gehört er nie dazu und es ist ein regelrechtes Schimpfwort. Dies gilt leider auch heute (oft) noch in der japanischen Kultur insbesondere auch bei Kindern von Japanern und Nichtjapanern, die abschätzig als "Hafu" bezeichnet werden. Ich finde es gut, dass es in dem Buch vorkommt, auch wenn die meisten die wahre Bedeutung vielleicht nicht so ganz wahrnehmen werden.
Ungemein irritiert hat mich aber das japanische Begriffe in unserem Schriftsystem geschrieben werden (also z.B. Sumimasen) aber dann steht nirgends was das jetzt heißt! Gerade im Hinblick auf das jüngere Publikum fand ich das extrem irritierend. Zudem geschieht dies wahllos. Am Anfang als Jack als Engländer nach Japan kommt und die Leute nicht versteht macht das ja noch Sinn. Aber wenn dann Jack japanisch lernt und praktisch IMMER japanisch gesprochen wird, warum werden dann einzelne sinnlose Phrasen in "japanisch" geschrieben und der Rest dann auf deutsch??? Und wieso steht nirgends was das dann auf deutsch heißt??? Sehr unnötig. (Das gute war allerdings, das es mir vor Augen geführt hat, dass ich mein japanisch auffrischen sollte...)
3.5 stars
June 2, 2017
Young Samurai Book 1
*Way of the Warrior*
To tell the truth, I was a bit hesitant to begin with the Young Samurai series in the beginning as I didn't have enough data about the series but mocking me it has secured a righteous and a deserving place in my ''memorable'' shelf. It's the first book in the Young Samurai series written by Chris Bradford, who himself is an expert in martial arts and the ''Japanese'' arts and language. The story revolves around a 12 year old Jack Fletcher, a young lively boy who works at a ship piloted by his father in order to discover the unknown lands in the big wide world. But things turn bad as his ship is raided by Dokugo Ryu, a rogue Japanese ninja and assassin and Jack gets stuck in the very orderly land of Japan and is trained as a samurai and makes new friends in order to gain redemption for his fathers murder. The introduction of the characters is done really well. The prologue was crafted remarkably, it gives you of the brief idea about the outline of the novel. Jack Fletcher is a unique and a very different hero, but a true an an original one. The thing that makes this novel stand out from many others is that it is set in the land of the rising sun, that is, in Japan. After, a few introductory chapters and murder of his father, Jack is transported to the shores of Japan and taken to a dojo, this marks the beginning of Jack learning to be civilized and groomed in Japanese culture. The book gives a lot of historical data as well as information and enlightens the reader about Japanese language, tradition and culture. Mark my words, a lot of importance is given to these things which makes it very interesting as you get to learn some real helpful things from a story book. There's a lot of Japanese words too, like Dojo, Katana, Ninja, Bushiden, Zen and a glossary of fifty more frequently being used. The pace of the story is steady, barring the huge time leaps Chris teleports us readers into. Mainly, the story is good, I'm not saying its 100% original but it's written in a very good way. I found that it exactly resembles the Harry Potter universe, just in a different culture, and without magic, but the fundamentals are just the same. Like Jack being Harry, Yamato being Ron (At the end), Akiko being Hermione, Kazuki being Draco, additionally, the book even has a samurai (there wizard) training university like Hogwarts (here Nin Ryu something.) Therefore, I say the book is not entirely original but don't get me wrong it does not fail, in the least way to entertain you. In the beginning you may feel, these Japanese names are harder than chemical reactions but trust you instincts and read on, you will get the idea of who's who as you continue to read a few more chapters and enjoy the blissful experience of getting enchanted by this beautiful Japanese world. The writer describes many places, natural environments in a very fine detail. It may bore some reader as the writer goes into unnecessary details. The characters, mainly Jack, Akiko, Yamato, Masamoto play the main role in the story along with some selective university students and their sensei (Japanese word for teacher). The story progresses and gets a lot better as our young samurais enter the academy and enter various classes martial arts, sword fighting, wrestling, philosophy, meditation, etc. The dialogues are used economically, but impressively. The book contains heavy weaponry and arsenal including swords, shurikens, star blades and frequent bloodshed at regular intervals. The battle scenes cover almost 30% of the book, mostly including training and friendly battles (not really...) and just grab your attention and make you want to read more. But it's not only about war, its also about human heart, love, a lot of philosophy and the true way of living life. The Zen Sensei throws around some very appreciable quotes which are very inspiring which makes it a good reason to gift this book to younger readers. It emphasizes on some moral values like courage, determination, bravery, selflessness, sacrifice. It is indeed a well balanced book. (Just add some creepy supernatural stuff and it would be just perfect.) The villains are classy and I'm sure some particular characters that will play an important role in the future installments. There's some bullying and beating up involved but it ends in a positive way and is forgotten soon. The characters' personality development is done well in just a period of one book. That reminds me, time flows very quickly and jumps months at a time. This book covers almost 10 months of Jack's life as he reaches from England to Japan and starts training at the latter. A perfect book with good vocabulary, stylish Japanese words, culture, brief history, original characters, immersive plotlines, awesome and really malevolent villains, love, friendship, bonds, sword fights, battles and want for power and honour. A well balanced book that took to to a different place and a different time. I look forward on pressing on the Young Samurai series and I definitely will. Nice Reading!
*Plot*
*Way of the Warrior*
To tell the truth, I was a bit hesitant to begin with the Young Samurai series in the beginning as I didn't have enough data about the series but mocking me it has secured a righteous and a deserving place in my ''memorable'' shelf. It's the first book in the Young Samurai series written by Chris Bradford, who himself is an expert in martial arts and the ''Japanese'' arts and language. The story revolves around a 12 year old Jack Fletcher, a young lively boy who works at a ship piloted by his father in order to discover the unknown lands in the big wide world. But things turn bad as his ship is raided by Dokugo Ryu, a rogue Japanese ninja and assassin and Jack gets stuck in the very orderly land of Japan and is trained as a samurai and makes new friends in order to gain redemption for his fathers murder. The introduction of the characters is done really well. The prologue was crafted remarkably, it gives you of the brief idea about the outline of the novel. Jack Fletcher is a unique and a very different hero, but a true an an original one. The thing that makes this novel stand out from many others is that it is set in the land of the rising sun, that is, in Japan. After, a few introductory chapters and murder of his father, Jack is transported to the shores of Japan and taken to a dojo, this marks the beginning of Jack learning to be civilized and groomed in Japanese culture. The book gives a lot of historical data as well as information and enlightens the reader about Japanese language, tradition and culture. Mark my words, a lot of importance is given to these things which makes it very interesting as you get to learn some real helpful things from a story book. There's a lot of Japanese words too, like Dojo, Katana, Ninja, Bushiden, Zen and a glossary of fifty more frequently being used. The pace of the story is steady, barring the huge time leaps Chris teleports us readers into. Mainly, the story is good, I'm not saying its 100% original but it's written in a very good way. I found that it exactly resembles the Harry Potter universe, just in a different culture, and without magic, but the fundamentals are just the same. Like Jack being Harry, Yamato being Ron (At the end), Akiko being Hermione, Kazuki being Draco, additionally, the book even has a samurai (there wizard) training university like Hogwarts (here Nin Ryu something.) Therefore, I say the book is not entirely original but don't get me wrong it does not fail, in the least way to entertain you. In the beginning you may feel, these Japanese names are harder than chemical reactions but trust you instincts and read on, you will get the idea of who's who as you continue to read a few more chapters and enjoy the blissful experience of getting enchanted by this beautiful Japanese world. The writer describes many places, natural environments in a very fine detail. It may bore some reader as the writer goes into unnecessary details. The characters, mainly Jack, Akiko, Yamato, Masamoto play the main role in the story along with some selective university students and their sensei (Japanese word for teacher). The story progresses and gets a lot better as our young samurais enter the academy and enter various classes martial arts, sword fighting, wrestling, philosophy, meditation, etc. The dialogues are used economically, but impressively. The book contains heavy weaponry and arsenal including swords, shurikens, star blades and frequent bloodshed at regular intervals. The battle scenes cover almost 30% of the book, mostly including training and friendly battles (not really...) and just grab your attention and make you want to read more. But it's not only about war, its also about human heart, love, a lot of philosophy and the true way of living life. The Zen Sensei throws around some very appreciable quotes which are very inspiring which makes it a good reason to gift this book to younger readers. It emphasizes on some moral values like courage, determination, bravery, selflessness, sacrifice. It is indeed a well balanced book. (Just add some creepy supernatural stuff and it would be just perfect.) The villains are classy and I'm sure some particular characters that will play an important role in the future installments. There's some bullying and beating up involved but it ends in a positive way and is forgotten soon. The characters' personality development is done well in just a period of one book. That reminds me, time flows very quickly and jumps months at a time. This book covers almost 10 months of Jack's life as he reaches from England to Japan and starts training at the latter. A perfect book with good vocabulary, stylish Japanese words, culture, brief history, original characters, immersive plotlines, awesome and really malevolent villains, love, friendship, bonds, sword fights, battles and want for power and honour. A well balanced book that took to to a different place and a different time. I look forward on pressing on the Young Samurai series and I definitely will. Nice Reading!
*Plot*
August 26, 2017
Reader thoughts: Loved the first book and look forward to the rest! (And they were $4 each for the audiobooks. Great price.)
This story was a bit like karate kid (the training and final climax where trainers compete by using their trainees in a contest) and also had pirate ninjas and was also historical. All these elements worked well together.
I loved that the author so clearly knows what he's talking about when it comes to Japan's culture and language and when it comes to martial arts (I've taken just enough karate to recognize that CB knows what he's talking about). I might disagree with CB's portrayal of Protestantism vs Catholicism, but I'm no historian (I only know what Protestants and Catholics are like today, not 4 hundred years ago). I definitely wouldn't disagree with his portrayal of 17th Century Japan.
I like that Jack and his "brother" didn't get along but had to learn to get along. It was reminding people that just because you don't agree with someone now doesn't mean you'll always disagree with them.
I liked the discrimination Jack faced and wondered that it was rather mild. He's the only blond kid in thousands of miles. What's that like?
I liked that Jack's past of climbing rigging helped him with Samurai training (although it had been a few months since he did any climbing and probably shouldn't still have the muscles to do so . . . but that's okay).
I liked that Jack and his "sister" got along so well and had such a great friendship. They help each other train and share their hopes and such.
I'm a little lost at why Jack's father's map is so so so valuable to everyone (the priest, the ninja guy) that they're willing to kill for it. Could Jack just make a bunch of copies and start selling them so everyone has an accurate map? I really don't know what it would be like to not have satellite maps of anywhere I want to go. It's so handy and normal that I don't appreciate the convenience.
Writer thoughts: The MC had to be English in order to appeal to English readers. If the MC had been a young Japanese boy, he wouldn't have felt the need to explain all the strange cultural traditions. He wouldn't have been able to refer to all the familiar things readers know about. Jack isn't quite the Watson character (the one there just to ask questions so the reader doesn't get lost), but he plays a similar role. He is there to provide explanation to the reader for why things happen the way they do.
This story was a bit like karate kid (the training and final climax where trainers compete by using their trainees in a contest) and also had pirate ninjas and was also historical. All these elements worked well together.
I loved that the author so clearly knows what he's talking about when it comes to Japan's culture and language and when it comes to martial arts (I've taken just enough karate to recognize that CB knows what he's talking about). I might disagree with CB's portrayal of Protestantism vs Catholicism, but I'm no historian (I only know what Protestants and Catholics are like today, not 4 hundred years ago). I definitely wouldn't disagree with his portrayal of 17th Century Japan.
I like that Jack and his "brother" didn't get along but had to learn to get along. It was reminding people that just because you don't agree with someone now doesn't mean you'll always disagree with them.
I liked the discrimination Jack faced and wondered that it was rather mild. He's the only blond kid in thousands of miles. What's that like?
I liked that Jack's past of climbing rigging helped him with Samurai training (although it had been a few months since he did any climbing and probably shouldn't still have the muscles to do so . . . but that's okay).
I liked that Jack and his "sister" got along so well and had such a great friendship. They help each other train and share their hopes and such.
I'm a little lost at why Jack's father's map is so so so valuable to everyone (the priest, the ninja guy) that they're willing to kill for it. Could Jack just make a bunch of copies and start selling them so everyone has an accurate map? I really don't know what it would be like to not have satellite maps of anywhere I want to go. It's so handy and normal that I don't appreciate the convenience.
Writer thoughts: The MC had to be English in order to appeal to English readers. If the MC had been a young Japanese boy, he wouldn't have felt the need to explain all the strange cultural traditions. He wouldn't have been able to refer to all the familiar things readers know about. Jack isn't quite the Watson character (the one there just to ask questions so the reader doesn't get lost), but he plays a similar role. He is there to provide explanation to the reader for why things happen the way they do.
March 25, 2021
Clavell's Shogun meets Rowling's Harry Potter. Both of which I love. The author appears to have done a lot of research about the martial arts aspect of the book, which is interesting. I have lived as a foreigner in an Asian context for a long time now. I love Japanese history and culture. So I should have enjoyed this book.
But the characters have no depth and not much consistency. They do what they do ... because that is what they do. Yamamoto hates Jack, until he doesn't. Jack is terrified of heights ... until he isn't. Feudal Japanese are racists, but Englishmen of the same time, especially young boys whose fathers are killed by Asians, are NOT racist ... because ... Jack.
Bradford uses a LOT of Rowling's tropes, but without her thoughtfulness. Rowling set up a long backstory for why Voldemort couldn't kill Harry Potter. Bradford gives us nothing on why the most deadly ninja in Japan can't seem to kill a small, half-educated 13 year old. Rowling uses magic. It works because it's magic. But martial arts is based on size, strength, and skill. Yet Jack, the Boy Who Lived, manages to win again and again while greatly disadvantaged in all 3 areas.
Bradford makes "culture" a part of the scenery, like the island of Japan and the Japanese words. But there is no depth there. Jack never has a cultural insight. Like "hey, the way Japanese treat their kids is way different from the way my father treated me". Why does Jack's father treat him like a modern father? Because he does. This is what was the best part of Clavell's novels.
I think Harry Potter was a game-changer. It set a much higher standard for what kids want to read and can understand. Deep characterization and fast action are not mutually exclusive. This is the YA equivalent of a James Rollins novel. Flat characters racing through life to arrive at a predetermined and incredibly obvious ending. This book has a cool premise, but the author needed to think a bit more about his characters and his writing and a bit less about his martial arts and his plot, in my opinion.
But the characters have no depth and not much consistency. They do what they do ... because that is what they do. Yamamoto hates Jack, until he doesn't. Jack is terrified of heights ... until he isn't. Feudal Japanese are racists, but Englishmen of the same time, especially young boys whose fathers are killed by Asians, are NOT racist ... because ... Jack.
Bradford uses a LOT of Rowling's tropes, but without her thoughtfulness. Rowling set up a long backstory for why Voldemort couldn't kill Harry Potter. Bradford gives us nothing on why the most deadly ninja in Japan can't seem to kill a small, half-educated 13 year old. Rowling uses magic. It works because it's magic. But martial arts is based on size, strength, and skill. Yet Jack, the Boy Who Lived, manages to win again and again while greatly disadvantaged in all 3 areas.
Bradford makes "culture" a part of the scenery, like the island of Japan and the Japanese words. But there is no depth there. Jack never has a cultural insight. Like "hey, the way Japanese treat their kids is way different from the way my father treated me". Why does Jack's father treat him like a modern father? Because he does. This is what was the best part of Clavell's novels.
I think Harry Potter was a game-changer. It set a much higher standard for what kids want to read and can understand. Deep characterization and fast action are not mutually exclusive. This is the YA equivalent of a James Rollins novel. Flat characters racing through life to arrive at a predetermined and incredibly obvious ending. This book has a cool premise, but the author needed to think a bit more about his characters and his writing and a bit less about his martial arts and his plot, in my opinion.
April 20, 2020
I thought it was a good book. It is one where you have to finish once you start reading. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because after reading a couple reviews on this book, I came across one that accuses Bradford of plagiarizing. It seems like that accusation has some truth to it, so my opinion of the book was lowered. (In case you are wondering, the book that Bradford supposedly plagiarized was called Shogun by James Clavell. A good book, just unfortunate that it might not have been all Bradford's idea.
April 6, 2021
I like the premise and it started out promising but the quality of writing and story dropped quite shockingly. Ended up skimming past alot of it.
Interestingly, the first third of the book, the protagonist could have been played by anyone and not just a young boy. The action was fun with no shortage of death. The exposition, often given freely, could easily be forgiven as well due to protagonist adapting to the new culture.
Once he moves on to his training phase though (about 1/3 in) it dives quite deeply into a very predictable YA category. Similar to a certain other popular series...young protagonist goes to train in a school - has classes - there's a bully - he stands up against - there's a tournament - he's brave - everyone's a fan - bad guy looms in background drops in and out at random etc.
Even if story structure was to be similar, where I found it lacking was in its writing and execution. Although started off well, it progressively got far too simplistic with the dialogue sometimes being painfully bland and basic in nature.
Conflicts rise and get resolved with a page. The antagonist by the end was reduced to a thread bare plot device...Drops in for a page, kid parries his blows, reinforcements arrive nick of time, says equivalent of 'ill see you again you twerp' before running off. Literally happens thrice....the final exchange especially was shockingly bad.
Despite the unique setting of being based in feudal japan with ninjas and Samurai, it ends up being a watered down bare bones version of Harry Potter. Dissapointing as there really was potential here and ended up okay.
It may be enjoyable for pre adolescent crowd who might enjoy the different setting and/or haven't been exposed to slightly fuller etched characters and stories.
Interestingly, the first third of the book, the protagonist could have been played by anyone and not just a young boy. The action was fun with no shortage of death. The exposition, often given freely, could easily be forgiven as well due to protagonist adapting to the new culture.
Once he moves on to his training phase though (about 1/3 in) it dives quite deeply into a very predictable YA category. Similar to a certain other popular series...young protagonist goes to train in a school - has classes - there's a bully - he stands up against - there's a tournament - he's brave - everyone's a fan - bad guy looms in background drops in and out at random etc.
Even if story structure was to be similar, where I found it lacking was in its writing and execution. Although started off well, it progressively got far too simplistic with the dialogue sometimes being painfully bland and basic in nature.
Conflicts rise and get resolved with a page. The antagonist by the end was reduced to a thread bare plot device...Drops in for a page, kid parries his blows, reinforcements arrive nick of time, says equivalent of 'ill see you again you twerp' before running off. Literally happens thrice....the final exchange especially was shockingly bad.
Despite the unique setting of being based in feudal japan with ninjas and Samurai, it ends up being a watered down bare bones version of Harry Potter. Dissapointing as there really was potential here and ended up okay.
It may be enjoyable for pre adolescent crowd who might enjoy the different setting and/or haven't been exposed to slightly fuller etched characters and stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2009
Disney is putting a lot of money into this book. My guess is they're seeing the potential to assume the power vacuum left vacant by the demise of Potter.
And why not compare this book to Potter? it's got an orphaned protagonist (Jack Fletcher) in a foreign land, exotic locales, and a school setting full of beauty and danger, history and magic. it's also got an evil antagonist that killed Jack's father.
Another reason for the Potter comparison: Young Samurai is freakin' awesome! Poisoned shirukens by page 3! You can see the gleam on these ninja swords. you can hear them unsheathing quiet steel death!
Okay, there's lots of action. The author, Chris Bradford, is a Zen black belt super ninja. But can he write? YES! He can also transmit his love and respect for the more elusive values behind the martial arts through his writing. The values beneath Young Samurai show readers the best of martial arts philosophy and Zen Buddhism.
And why not compare this book to Potter? it's got an orphaned protagonist (Jack Fletcher) in a foreign land, exotic locales, and a school setting full of beauty and danger, history and magic. it's also got an evil antagonist that killed Jack's father.
Another reason for the Potter comparison: Young Samurai is freakin' awesome! Poisoned shirukens by page 3! You can see the gleam on these ninja swords. you can hear them unsheathing quiet steel death!
Okay, there's lots of action. The author, Chris Bradford, is a Zen black belt super ninja. But can he write? YES! He can also transmit his love and respect for the more elusive values behind the martial arts through his writing. The values beneath Young Samurai show readers the best of martial arts philosophy and Zen Buddhism.
June 9, 2015
Stopped reading this series at book 4 because it felt like the focus had shifted gradually from fun cool samurai learning and adventures (which is what I was after) to oppressive xenophobia and persecution.
September 1, 2021
Notes:
Currently on Audible +
I only made it to 40% before I stopped. I may come back and finish it, but I doubt it. I don't have the patience to keep going when the story unfolds at a slow pace and the process keeps breaking suspension of belief.
I went to read about the author. Apparently, he's a method writer that does various things to get into the groove of the story he creates. That's cool. It's nice to have the freedom to do that kind of thing.
However, that doesn't make up for odd writing device choices that make it seem like there's a fundamental lack of understanding. This story is spin on historical fiction. Cultural formalities are still a big deal in today's world. It's weird to have some of what I would consider basic interactions to be glossed over in a casual manner.
If his other work shows up on Audible + or KU Read & Listen, I'm down to try. There are interesting concepts for his stories.
Currently on Audible +
I only made it to 40% before I stopped. I may come back and finish it, but I doubt it. I don't have the patience to keep going when the story unfolds at a slow pace and the process keeps breaking suspension of belief.
I went to read about the author. Apparently, he's a method writer that does various things to get into the groove of the story he creates. That's cool. It's nice to have the freedom to do that kind of thing.
However, that doesn't make up for odd writing device choices that make it seem like there's a fundamental lack of understanding. This story is spin on historical fiction. Cultural formalities are still a big deal in today's world. It's weird to have some of what I would consider basic interactions to be glossed over in a casual manner.
If his other work shows up on Audible + or KU Read & Listen, I'm down to try. There are interesting concepts for his stories.
November 30, 2020
This is an entertaining and uncomplicated read that gives great insight into the customs and training of samurai in feudal japan. The book is compelling as the main character who is training to be a samurai is not Japanese, and the friendships and strong bonds that are created between senseis and students is endearing. I am going to continue with the series so I can read about more adventures of this young samurai and if you like YA, coming of age, Japanese culture and customs, samurai, and adventure, you'll like this book (and, She Named Me Wolf by Tenkara Smart has similar themes and is YA but has a more 'tragic' theme as part of the plotline). I recommend this book and Chris Bradford is a great author. Great description, believable dialogue and draws you into the characters and the story.
May 6, 2020
LOVE these Young Samurai books by Chris Bradford!
Did you know Chris Bradford trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu as part of the writing process? Wow!
Did you know Chris Bradford trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu as part of the writing process? Wow!
April 27, 2019
I read all the series. When I saw the first book in my second placement and I noticed that the story is set in Japan in the feudal era, I literally fell in love... love at first sight. I read it with a couple of children in my class, swapping the books with each other. It is adventurous, fascinating, engaging and well-written.
December 22, 2022
rereading for the third time because i want to
October 25, 2020
This was a pretty great book! Complete with nice characters, wise quotes, Japanese culture, fighting, ninjas, it’s got it all. A very enjoyable read!
August 17, 2019
Het is al heel erg lang geleden dat ik deze boeken nog gelezen heb. Hoe lang geleden is het dat het achtste boek uitkwam in het Engels? Zeker vijf jaar. En dat heb ik nooit herlezen. Ondanks dat kon ik me eigenlijk relatief veel herinneren van dit eerste deel.
Al bij al is dit een opwarmertje. In het begin is het boek even erg spannend - we beginnen eigenlijk met een climax - maar dan valt de spanning weg en begint de personage- en wereldontwikkeling. Die twee gaan hier zonder twijfel hand in hand. We zitten met een uniek gegeven hier, eigenlijk, want dit is een van de heel erg weinig jongerenboeken die zich concentreren op Japan, en dan nog op historisch Japan. Heel aangenaam, want ondanks de schreeuw om meer diversiteit in boeken in YA-land, denkt zo te merken nog niemand aan Japan en de Japanse cultuur... Terwijl die echt wel interessant zijn! Dat is een van de zaken die ik zo knap vind aan dit boek - en de andere boeken ook -: Bradford ontwikkelt die wereld echt heel goed. De contrasten tussen Jack en Japan worden goed uitgewerkt - en het zijn er veel ook!
Nadat daar een begin mee is gemaakt, wordt het dan terug wat spannender, maar dat duurt wel even. Zo midden in het verhaal, of iets verder, versnelt het even en gaat het verhaal vooruit, maar het duurt tot het einde voor er écht iets gebeurt. Wat dat betreft doet het me wat denken aan De Ruïnes van Gorlan (De Grijze Jager Boek 1), dat zich ook meer concentreert op de personages en de wereld. Niet dat dat een slechte zaak is, natuurlijk - er is nog tijd genoeg om spanning te brengen.
De personages op zich zijn wel iets minder standvastig. Aan het begin van het verhaal wordt vermeld dat Jack twaalf is, en ergens in het boek verjaart hij wel denk ik, maar je zou denken dat hij toch minstens veertien is. Ook voor de andere personages geldt dat. Bovendien zitten er een paar rare kronkels in hoe ze zich gedragen, soms. De auteur was zelf nog een beetje op zoek, zo te merken. Maar dat is nu ook weer niet zo storend.
Op een bepaald moment drong tot me door dat dit eigenlijk een soort historische, niet-magische Harry Potter is. We hebben Harry (aka Jack), die geen idee heeft op welke plek hij belandt en nergens van op de hoogte is, dan is er de slimme Hermelien (aka Akiko) en de idiote Ron (Saburo, al is hij veel beter te pruimen en minder dom dan Ron, als je 't mij vraagt). Draco (Kazuki) is aanwezig, net als Sneep (Kyuto) en Perkamentus (Masamoto). En er is een mislukte Voldemort (Drakenoog). Bovendien speelt het verhaal zich ook voor een groot deel op een school voor een soort begaafden af, verspreid over een jaar. Nu ja, je ziet wel waar de overeenkomsten zijn.
Waar ik me bij Bradford altijd aan erger, zijn de overgangen bij zijn hoofdstukken. Hij heeft er een handje van weg om midden in een actiescène of een dialoog een soort 'cliffhanger', bij gebrek aan een beter woord, te steken. En dan stopt hij het hoofdstuk en denk je dat het gedaan is. Je verwacht dan ook dat er een soort sprong gemaakt wordt bij het volgende hoofdstuk, maar de scène gaat gewoon door. Nogal irritant. Dat gebeurt gelukkig niet elke keer, maar wel vaak genoeg om op de vallen.
Al bij al een mooi begin. Nu niet iets waardoor je op het puntje van je stoel komt te zitten, en er zitten een paar dingetjes in die beter hadden gekund, maar een leuk voorproefje van wat komen gaat. En zeker een aanrader als je in Japan interesse hebt!
7/10
Al bij al is dit een opwarmertje. In het begin is het boek even erg spannend - we beginnen eigenlijk met een climax - maar dan valt de spanning weg en begint de personage- en wereldontwikkeling. Die twee gaan hier zonder twijfel hand in hand. We zitten met een uniek gegeven hier, eigenlijk, want dit is een van de heel erg weinig jongerenboeken die zich concentreren op Japan, en dan nog op historisch Japan. Heel aangenaam, want ondanks de schreeuw om meer diversiteit in boeken in YA-land, denkt zo te merken nog niemand aan Japan en de Japanse cultuur... Terwijl die echt wel interessant zijn! Dat is een van de zaken die ik zo knap vind aan dit boek - en de andere boeken ook -: Bradford ontwikkelt die wereld echt heel goed. De contrasten tussen Jack en Japan worden goed uitgewerkt - en het zijn er veel ook!
Nadat daar een begin mee is gemaakt, wordt het dan terug wat spannender, maar dat duurt wel even. Zo midden in het verhaal, of iets verder, versnelt het even en gaat het verhaal vooruit, maar het duurt tot het einde voor er écht iets gebeurt. Wat dat betreft doet het me wat denken aan De Ruïnes van Gorlan (De Grijze Jager Boek 1), dat zich ook meer concentreert op de personages en de wereld. Niet dat dat een slechte zaak is, natuurlijk - er is nog tijd genoeg om spanning te brengen.
De personages op zich zijn wel iets minder standvastig. Aan het begin van het verhaal wordt vermeld dat Jack twaalf is, en ergens in het boek verjaart hij wel denk ik, maar je zou denken dat hij toch minstens veertien is. Ook voor de andere personages geldt dat. Bovendien zitten er een paar rare kronkels in hoe ze zich gedragen, soms. De auteur was zelf nog een beetje op zoek, zo te merken. Maar dat is nu ook weer niet zo storend.
Op een bepaald moment drong tot me door dat dit eigenlijk een soort historische, niet-magische Harry Potter is. We hebben Harry (aka Jack), die geen idee heeft op welke plek hij belandt en nergens van op de hoogte is, dan is er de slimme Hermelien (aka Akiko) en de idiote Ron (Saburo, al is hij veel beter te pruimen en minder dom dan Ron, als je 't mij vraagt). Draco (Kazuki) is aanwezig, net als Sneep (Kyuto) en Perkamentus (Masamoto). En er is een mislukte Voldemort (Drakenoog). Bovendien speelt het verhaal zich ook voor een groot deel op een school voor een soort begaafden af, verspreid over een jaar. Nu ja, je ziet wel waar de overeenkomsten zijn.
Waar ik me bij Bradford altijd aan erger, zijn de overgangen bij zijn hoofdstukken. Hij heeft er een handje van weg om midden in een actiescène of een dialoog een soort 'cliffhanger', bij gebrek aan een beter woord, te steken. En dan stopt hij het hoofdstuk en denk je dat het gedaan is. Je verwacht dan ook dat er een soort sprong gemaakt wordt bij het volgende hoofdstuk, maar de scène gaat gewoon door. Nogal irritant. Dat gebeurt gelukkig niet elke keer, maar wel vaak genoeg om op de vallen.
Al bij al een mooi begin. Nu niet iets waardoor je op het puntje van je stoel komt te zitten, en er zitten een paar dingetjes in die beter hadden gekund, maar een leuk voorproefje van wat komen gaat. En zeker een aanrader als je in Japan interesse hebt!
7/10
August 8, 2017
My summer class is over, so what should I do with my time until fall classes? Hmmm. Obviously a trip to the library was in order.
Since middle school I've had an interest in Japanese culture, due to the extreme consumption of anime and manga. So while I didn't think that this book — written for a younger, less nerdy audience — would have too many cultural references, I was mildly surprised. While keeping a more casual tone, there were indeed a lot of things to learn in this book, and a lot of Japanese vocabulary used.
The characterization of Jack Fletcher, the main character, was mostly believable to me. He wasn't too gung-ho about the fact that he was expected to live in Japan and learn their customs and how to be a samurai, and he was understandably eager to leave. The characterization of the other students made sense too, at first Jack is heckled by calls of "gaijin Jack" everywhere he goes, but like most stories with bullying, that really only worked for so long before Jack proved himself.
Surprisingly, I actually really liked the character of Yamato too. I think he showed the most emotion of the cast, and I empathized with him. His brother was killed to send a message to their father, and now it's his job to measure up to his brother's memory. In the meanwhile, his father's expectations seem too high to ever attain and his dad favors a barbarian over him? Yeah, that's a lot of pressure for one person.
I also thought that there was one moment that really stood out, where
Since middle school I've had an interest in Japanese culture, due to the extreme consumption of anime and manga. So while I didn't think that this book — written for a younger, less nerdy audience — would have too many cultural references, I was mildly surprised. While keeping a more casual tone, there were indeed a lot of things to learn in this book, and a lot of Japanese vocabulary used.
The characterization of Jack Fletcher, the main character, was mostly believable to me. He wasn't too gung-ho about the fact that he was expected to live in Japan and learn their customs and how to be a samurai, and he was understandably eager to leave. The characterization of the other students made sense too, at first Jack is heckled by calls of "gaijin Jack" everywhere he goes, but like most stories with bullying, that really only worked for so long before Jack proved himself.
Surprisingly, I actually really liked the character of Yamato too. I think he showed the most emotion of the cast, and I empathized with him. His brother was killed to send a message to their father, and now it's his job to measure up to his brother's memory. In the meanwhile, his father's expectations seem too high to ever attain and his dad favors a barbarian over him? Yeah, that's a lot of pressure for one person.
I also thought that there was one moment that really stood out, where
February 20, 2017
I have a thing for ninjas okay. So this was cool. Also Japanese samurai and swords and a guy who was some sort of version of Yoda and yes. I enjoyed this.
You could say that it was a slight copy off some other stories - Star Wars, Harry Potter, Karate Kid - but to be honest I liked it anyway and didn't really mind any of those elements.
The main character was quite interesting, but my favourites were probably two of the side characters. Their character arcs were better and heaps more interesting and engaging. Something that I really liked was the fact that all of the characters have these Japanese names like Yamato and Masamoto and then there's the main character: Jack. It was a really interesting and obvious comparison and I liked it.
There was some elements that could be not-so-good in some views. [spoiler-ish] But none of these elements are portrayed as good or right, so it was fine.
The pacing was pretty good the whole way, and then general plot (ignoring the slight rip-offs) was interesting. I loved all the elements of the Japanese culture and those parts were super cool and how it used the Japanese words for some things and just yes.
Overall it was pretty cool. I was going to like it. I mean, someone was poisoned on page three. I approve.
You could say that it was a slight copy off some other stories - Star Wars, Harry Potter, Karate Kid - but to be honest I liked it anyway and didn't really mind any of those elements.
The main character was quite interesting, but my favourites were probably two of the side characters. Their character arcs were better and heaps more interesting and engaging. Something that I really liked was the fact that all of the characters have these Japanese names like Yamato and Masamoto and then there's the main character: Jack. It was a really interesting and obvious comparison and I liked it.
There was some elements that could be not-so-good in some views. [spoiler-ish] But none of these elements are portrayed as good or right, so it was fine.
The pacing was pretty good the whole way, and then general plot (ignoring the slight rip-offs) was interesting. I loved all the elements of the Japanese culture and those parts were super cool and how it used the Japanese words for some things and just yes.
Overall it was pretty cool. I was going to like it. I mean, someone was poisoned on page three. I approve.
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