Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja

Moonshadow #1

by Simon Higgins

In the moonlight, the explosive fast draw became a horizontal streak of silver, flashing momentarily from the cover of the shadow. The tip of Moonshadow's sword ambushed the lurking foe, who stood, still drawing his own weapon.

It's the dawn of an age of peace in medieval Japan, and a power hungry warlord is plotting to plunge the nation into a deadly civil war using a secret weapon from the West. Enter Moonshadow, the newest and youngest agent for the Grey Light Order, a covert brotherhood of shinobi (ninja spy warriors) who work for the shogun. For his first mission, Moonshadow is sent on a perilous journey to capture the plans for the secret weapon. Can Moonshadow defeat the evil warlord, rogue samurai, professional killers, and another ninja spy to save his country from violent chaos? Or will his first mission also be his last?

This thrilling ninja adventure by Simon Higgins, an expert Japanese swordsman, combines gripping action, humor, hold-your-breath suspense, and even a bit of magic for an exciting and fast-paced read!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction, Japan, Middle Grade, Childrens

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Simon Higgins has tried a lot of jobs, having worked as a disc jockey, laboratory assistant, marketing manager and even monster in a side-show ghost train -which he still calls ‘the zenith of his employment history.’ He also spent a decade in law enforcement. As a police officer in the South Australian Police Department, Simon served in several different postings over almost nine years, including two and a half years spent as a prosecutor. During his career he rose to the rank of Senior Constable and earned two commendations, one for initiative in the field, one for quality of prosecution service. Leaving the police force, he became a licensed private investigator, with cases ranging from murders to alleged UFO incidents. Later in life, Simon returned to his first love -writing- and found that his earlier occupations provided inspiration. He spent much of his youth in various martial arts clubs in South Australia, studying initially Ju-Jitsu, then later Shotokan Karate and Kodakan Judo as well as Kendo and Iaido (both traditional sword arts) under Japanese instruction.

Perhaps as a result of his long-term interest in traditional combat arts, Simon has developed an abiding respect for Asian cultures and has visited Japan, China and the Philippines as well as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. He believes that the legitimate Asian martial arts, as taught by those who created them, are not intended to exemplify aggression -the way Hollywood action movies often do- but rather they are meant to be a process of skill building and self development…a physical form of meditation in which the only real competition is against one’s self.

Simon lives in the mountains of northern New South Wales and is proudly a student of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, taught on the Gold Coast in Queensland by Sensei Yasu Watanabe. Eishin Ryu is a 470 year old style of swordsmanship which prizes not only traditional techniques, but also medieval samurai etiquette and courtesy. Its members periodically compete in Iaido’s world titles in Kyoto, Japan, before His Imperial Highness, Prince Munenori Kaya.

In 2007 Simon returned to Japan to train under ‘Kancho’ Glenn Stockwell, Seishinkan Iaido Dojo’s highest ranking instructor, who resides in Japan, and to participate in his first Kyoto ‘Taikai’ (contest). The event is held annually on a mountain top overlooking Kyoto, in a 1200 year old shrine surrounded by a forest of giant bamboo. At the age of 48, competing in the Dangai (beginners) class after less than a year’s training in Seishinkan Iaido Dojo, Simon placed in the top ten, a result he attributes to having ‘brilliant, patient teachers’.

On returning home he also competed in the National Taikai held during the annual Australian Iaido Seminar in Queensland, as the most ‘junior’ member of a three-man Gold Coast team coached by Watanabe Sensei. Judging this contest were three important dignitaries from Japan: 10th Dan Hanshi (Master) Ashosai Fukushima Sensei, 9th Dan Hanshi and Souke (Headmaster and Style Guardian) of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Ayosai Seimiya Sensei, and 8th Dan Iaido Federation CAO, Kenichiro Ikeda Sensei. In the presence of Stockwell Kancho and these high-ranking Japanese visitors, Simon was both honoured and delighted when the Gold Coast team, led by Nathan Nilsen, won the coveted Team Event gold medals. In 2008 Simon again competed in the Iaido world titles in Japan, this time placing 5th. At an Iaido grading held in 2009 he was awarded the rank of Shodan (Black Belt, First Degree) by masters representing the All Japan Iaido Federation.

Experiencing the Tea Ceremony for the first time in Momoyama Castle, Fushimi, Japan, in 1982. The gentlemen to Simon’s left was from New York, the man to his right from Paris. On the far left, wearing the winged mantle of a high retainer, sits Okada-Sensei, a performance swordsman who also hosted the event. He’s shown briefing the trio of foreigners on the ritual. Oppo

Reviews

[Cindee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book a really interesting book about ninjas set in historical Japan. I really liked the characters especially MoonShadow or Nanashi and SnowHawk or Yuki I liked how the characters were depicted they were very interesting characters to read about. I really liked how the ninjas were depicted and how the historical setting of Japan I really liked everything about the characters. I really enjoyed the plot of this book it started out with MoonShadow doing a test so he could go on his first mission as an ninja and then him going after what he had to get with all the bumps in the road on the way to do it. So overall I really liked this book will continue the series soon.

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Japan at the end of the medieval period and dawn of the Tokugawa era, this exciting, action-packed novel tells the story of young Moonshadow, an orphan who has been raised to be a member of the Grey Light Order, a secret brotherhood of ninja spy warriors. The members of the order are the closest thing he has ever had to a family, and he feels a strong loyalty to them. Moonshadow is not only highly trained in all sorts of weapons and disguises, he has a unique ability known in the book as The Eye of the Beast, which allows him to link his mind to that of an animal, using its senses to see.

His first mission pits him against Silver Wolf, a powerful samurai who is plotting to disturb the new peace in Japan, with the help of European allies. Silver Wolf has plans that could change the face of Japan forever--designs for guns that can file multiple times, with improved accuracy. Moonshadow's mission: to break into Silver Wolf's well-guarded castle and steal the plans. He must overcome not only a special crack team assembled by Silver Wolf to guard his castle, but also another ninja--a girl--sent to steal the plans as well.

Simon Higgins has unique qualifications to write about this period of Japanese history. A former detective, he is not only an award-winning children's author in Australia, he is also an expert in Iaido, the Japanese art of sword-drawing and duelling. His intimate knowledge of weaponry, armor, and other fighting implements definitely shines through in the book, with its very detailed and realistic action sequences. Higgins also provides plenty of local color through Japanese vocabulary scattered through the text; many of these words will be familiar to manga/anime fans but Higgins provides a useful glossary, complete with definitions and how to pronounce the foreign words.

Teachers notes on Higgins' website provide excellent historical and cultural context for the novel. Higgins explains that "the world of Moonshadow is romanticized or fantasy-enhanced history, rather than traditional epic fantasy in the Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia mode." Many of the elements of the story, including the city of Edo, the Tokaido (Japan’s great highway), and the shinobi-ninja secret weapons and practices are based on historical fact, as are many of the religious traditions depicted.

A sequel, Moonshadow: The Wrath of Silver Wolf, was published in Australia in 2009 and I expect it will be available in the U.S. as well in the near future.

This novel is likely to be very popular with young people who like action-adventure novels, particularly boys. It's a great book to recommend to young people who are fans of Japanese manga and anime. Highly recommended for school and public libraries, as well as for summer reading.

[Neko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad little book at all. The cover of the book grabbed my attention and it's what drew my interest, i thought it might of been a graphic novel than an actual fiction story.

I thought it was a little slow to start but after half way through the book really starts picking up the pace with cracking speeds. I'm not sure if I'd read the other two in the series but I certainly wouldn't turn away the opportunity if it arrised.

The story is fairly easy to follow, with a plot that twists and turns, just like the main character when in a heated battle.

I liked in the back there was an area that translated what each japanese word meant, they also had writen the word in such a way that any non speaking Japanese person could have a go at.

[Neetha Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the world of Tokugawa Japan with war lords, shinobis, samurais and peasants, what breathes life in to the book is its themes - mystery, suspense and espionage besides its interesting plot and subplots and powerful characterisation. The third person narration style of writing coupled with graphic descriptions of Iaido sword skill displayed by the characters leaves the audience gasping for breath with its fast-paced and unexpected moves and the old country sciences taught by the orders to shinobis sets the book apart from the others.

Dr Neetha Joseph
Author of 'Pneuma' and 'The Aeon of Improbable Scams'

[Anya Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an exciting read, with twists and turns with every word of the book. This book to me was a very fun read, and I think this book was supposed to be for people younger than me. The pacing was good, and at the end of the chapter, I would be eager to know what happened next. The author must of done some good research to do this book, because it was well-written and described very well. Simon is very good at including the present-day complications into his story too.

[Harumichi Mizuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aku pasti akan membacanya lagi dan lagi! Novel pertama soal ninja yang ditulis dengan deskripsi yang begitu detail oleh seorang praktisi Iaido Eishin Ryu, gaya pedang yang sudah berusia 470 tahun.

Berkisah tentang Bayangan Bulan (Tsukikage), seorang ninja muda dari kelompok pelindung Shogun Tokugawa bernama Sekte Cahaya Langit. Ia diperintahkan sektenya untuk menyusup ke Kasil Momoyama milik seorang bangsawan bernama Serigala Perak yang berencana akan membelot. Serigala Perak memiliki rancangan senjata api jenis baru yang bisa menembakkan peluru-peluru secara beruntun. Pada zaman dahulu, kebanyakan senjata api hanya bisa menembakkan satu peluru dan setelah itu membutuhkan waktu lama sebelum bisa ditembakkan lagi. Alasan Serigala Perak membelot adalah karena janji shogun untuk membuatnya memimpin Perang Korea tidak dipenuhi. Shogun ingin memulai era baru yang lebih damai dan bekerja sama dengan para pendatang dari Eropa. Serigala Perak tidak terima hal itu terjadi. Tugas Bayangan Bulan adalah mencuri rancangan senjata itu.

Namun, di tengah perjalanannya, ia bertemu dengan sekelompok penduduk desa yang dikepung oleh gerombolan perampok di hutan. Meski awalnya ragu karena mempertimbangkan kerahasiaan misinya, Bayangan Bulan akhirnya memutuskan untuk menaklukkan para perampok dan menolong para penduduk desa itu. Sebenarnya alasannya bertindak adalah karena dalam kelompok itu ada seorang gadis ayu yang sudah menarik perhatiannya sejak masih menyamar di desa. Bayangan Bulan saat itu masih belum tahu bahwa gadis itu bukanlah gadis desa biasa. Gadis itu akan jadi salah satu penghalangnya dalam mencapai misinya.

Novel ini memang fiksi dan sisipan sejarah di dalamnya juga sudah bercampur dengan fiksi. Namun, penggambaran suasana eranya sungguh sangat meyakinkan. Sang penulis benar-benar melakukan risetnya dengan serius seperti mengunjungi situs-situs ninja bersejarah di Jepang dengan dipandu oleh Yasuhisa Watanabe, pembantu kepala instruktur dari Dojo Iaido Seishinkan.

Teknik bertarung yang dilakukan para tokohnya digambarkan dengan sangat detail. Sayangnya aku masih belum banyak membaca novel action, sehingga tingkat kedetailan deskripsi adegan action-nya sempat beberapa kali membuatku lost. Aku juga masih agak kesulitan membayangkan detail urutan adegannya. Namun, secara garis besar, novel ini sangat asyik dinikmati. Sepertinya bagiku ini adalah novel yang harus dibaca minimal dua kali untuk bisa lebih memahami detailnya.

Sebagai anak didikan Sekte Cahaya Langit, Bayangan Bulan mewarisi ilmu Jurus Penglihatan Binatang yang terdiri dari tiga tingkatan.

Di tingkatan pertama, ia bisa menghubungkan pikirannya dengan binatang dan menggunakan indra binatang itu.

Di tingkatan kedua, dia bisa menggunakan penglihatan binatang, sekaligus menggunakan penglihatannya sendiri.

Di tingkatan ketiga, ia bisa mengendalikan binatang itu dan menjadikannya sebagai mata-mata atau senjata.

Semakin tinggi tingkatan jurus, semakin banyak energi kehidupan atau ki yang terkuras. Bayangan Bulan harus benar-benar berhati-hati dalam memilih waktu yang tepat untuk menggunakan jurus ini agar tidak kehabisan tenaga.

Entah apa ninja yang asli benar-benar bisa menggunakan jurus ini atau tidak. Sungguh menarik. Buku ini terdiri dari tiga judul. Hanya dua yang diterjemahkan ke bahasa Indonesia. Aku akan segera lanjut membaca buku-buku lanjutannya.

Dalam sekte, Bayangan Bulan dididik oleh banyak orang. Salah satunya oleh Belalang Sembah. Saat masih muda, Belalang Sembah banyak membunuh orang demi keberhasilan misinya. Namun, karena suatu kejadian yang membuatnya membunuh seorang pemuda tanpa tahu bahwa lawannya masih sangat muda, ia akhirnya menyesal dan menjadi seseorang yang sangat spiritual. Ia mengajari Bayangan Bulan untuk tidak sembarang membunuh makhluk hidup lain kecuali jika benar-benar terpaksa, karena segala perbuatan buruk pasti ada karmanya. Karena itulah, Bayangan Bulan tumbuh menjadi seorang ninja yang sangat humanis meski harus menghadapi para musuh yang berdarah dingin.

Subjudul novel ini adalah "Dia yang Tak Tersentuh Maut". Ini merujuk pada salah satu musuh paling mematikan Bayangan Bulan yang kebal senjata tajam sehingga tak bisa dibunuh! Ninja ini adalah salah satu orang sewaan Serigala Perak. Ia mewarisi ilmu kebal senjata tajam dari gurunya, Koga Danjo. Setelah mewarisi ilmu itu, ia malah membunuh gurunya sendiri. Bisakah Bayangan Bulan selamat dalam menghadapi Dia yang Tak Tersentuh Maut?

Di setiap perpindahan bab, ada gambar kucing di bawah tori (gerbang kuil Jepang). Itu adalah kucing kimono, sejenis kucing belang yang banyak tinggal di kuil dan dibiarkan hidup di sana karena dipercaya membawa keberuntungan. Tadinya aku bertanya-tanya kenapa novel ninja kok ilustrasinya malah kucing. Namun, ternyata kucing ini punya peran yang sangat signifikan dalam cerita loh!

[Roye · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is quite interesting about how I got to know this book. Unlike most other books I read that were chosen by me, Moonshadow: Eye of the Beast was brought by my father in Australia last summer from its author Simon Higgins (I couldn't remember too much of details). As the first book I read about ninjas, I was really into the story and felt excited in the combat scenes as well as first time knowing that there were even ninja spy warriors in Japan. Nanashi, also known as Moonshadow was the protagonist of the story. I could see Moonshadow grew up from an orphan to a strong, skilled and well-trained ninja. As a hero, he is clever, kind and loyal.

The Japanese culture had definitely brought a huge influence to the book where there was an area that include definitions of every Japanese word appeared in the story. The pace was somehow slower than other books I read which I liked it. The plot was decent, and details were also included that brought me interests to the story.

When it comes to rating the book, I think it should be around 3~4 star since I am not that of a crazy fan about ninjas and Japanese cultures. So I would give it a 3 stars for sure. Though I would still recommend this book for teenagers who like action or adventure novels, and it is better to read it during summer breaks or weekends as a book of pure entertainment.

[Joey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like.this book I really did, what hooked was the setting was in ancient japan, which alotta wriers dom't use ancient japan as a setting mostly medival eroupe. For the setting I wanted the love book but the characters are flatter then a board even main character who should have some personality was flat. And the plot lack of therefore was nonextsent, also the only part that had me mildly intrested was the twist at end but to be honest I would n't read the next given how this one was

[Dani Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this because i got this as a random buy (together with the sequel) in a thrift store.
the story is mmm .. okay. like all good anime ninja stories, always send a kid to do a man's job.
Mc gets on a mission to retrieve a document from a warlord but gets confronted by 3 of his most capable bodyguards, one of them is a magically enhanced assassin. Along the way, he gets a chick who is on the same mission as he is. due to dumb luck, he defeated the OP assassin and got himself a girlfriend. the cat is the real mvp though.
but if you want a very cliche and a nice middle-grade read then give this a go.

2.5 stars

[Kajeth 8y · Rating 3 out of 5]

A interesting story about a ninja named Moon shadow with a special fate. He was taken in by a ninja organization. Having many masters he learned a lot. Finally he goes on his first mission but possibly last. He has so many interesting skills like to see thorough the eyes of any animal would be awesome

[Clemy-chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
An interesting read, with an intelligent protagonist (finally!). It was a bit too action-oriented, focusing on a single mission and the fights surrounding it, which made the entirety of the book seem more forgettable, but I think I will try the sequel to see if there will be some more plot to sink my teeth into.

[Aelvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nanashi is nearly at the end of his training to be a shinobi, one of the secretive warriors of ancient Japan. His clan, the Grey Light Order, work for the shogun at a time when Japan is newly united and uneasily at peace. But a rebel warlord plans to change the status quo. He has plans for a new and deadly weapon, one that will bring back war and conquest and lay the victory solidly in his own hands. It's a heavy first mission, but Nanashi (renamed Moonshadow) must succeed, no matter what it costs.

This is an excellent story with a good eye for detail, most especially with the martial arts and sword styles that Moonshadow and the others are using. Japanese words appear throughout, but are given enough context to make sense, and for those readers who can't remember the plethora of terms, there is also a glossary in the back.

Moonshadow himself is a good protagonist. He's skilled in the shinobi arts but has little exposure to the outside world. He's quick, clever, strong, and kindhearted, the last of which works to his favor as much as the rest of his skills put together. Standing against him is a crew of skilled warriors, whose best is the legendary man known as The Deathless. Oh, and there's also a rival shinobi who would very much like the documents too, and who has a bag of tricks to rival his own.

The fight scenes are the best part of the book, but Moonshadow has plenty of opportunity to show off the rest of his training as he's got to infiltrate a heavily guarded castle and somehow escape with both the documents and his life.

Overall this is a quick read and a lot of fun. The end is the open-ended resolution that ties everything up yet feels far more like the start of an ongoing series. And I hope it is, because there are small questions left unanswered and some bigger villainry underway, and it would be a shame not to see where this goes. I rate this book Recommended.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few things as cool as a ninja, and this book is about some very cool ninjas. Moonshadow is an orphan in medieval Japan who has been chosen and rigorously trained by the Shogun's secret spy organization, the Grey Light Order. He is amazingly quick, strong and resourceful, and extremely skilled in weaponry, especially in sword fighting. Moonshadow has also been trained in the ancient skill called the eye of the beast: he can see through an animal's eyes--see what the animals sees--and even control the animal's actions. All these skills prove vital as he tackles his first assignment, to steal from the plans for a dangerous weapon from an angry warlord that wants to overthrow the Shogun and plunge Japan into war. In addition to his small army of samurai, the warlord has hired four dangerous assassins to protect the plans. As if this weren't enough, unknown to Moonshadow, another highly trained ninja from a hostile order has also been sent to retrieve the plans. This female counterpart is every bit as skilled as Moonshadow.

Moonshadow is a great hero--he's obedient, kind, thoughtful, and follows his heart--and this book is riveting and action-packed from the first page. Japanese culture and language are seamlessly woven into the story--the reader learns without even trying. The author, Simon Higgins, is an expert in Japanese swordsmanship, which gives the novel authenticity.

Please don't be put off by the cover of this book, which, in my opinion, looks a bit cheesy. This novel is anything but that, and I highly recommend it.

[bopp king barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you think about my shadow kept following me that remind me of my baby brother when he try to run from his shadow. The sun would rise no matter what, but would Nanashi live to see it.
My story takes place in china town on the great wall it take place in the present. The major event in my story is when Nanashi became the chose ninja and his brother got jelalosy of him. The conflict in this story is person vs person because Nanashia had fought his brother over jealosy. The theme in this story is that over coming obstacles The kept trying beat his master.
I was surprised when it said the boy got tied of practice and that remind me of me when I get tied of waking up for school.I am a gray light, shogun's secret service. Come with me; let me beg my masters that you might Join us. Do master deserve your loyalty? They might have trained you well, but one day they'll slay you for a mistake.we never would."
I liked the way the author use the brother to get mad at each other and become enimise. This comes to the conclusion the brothers battle again to see who the best and Nanashi wins but they respect he other as brothers and they become partners and fight the bad people.
I will rate this book out of 1-5 it will be a 5 because it gives lots of detail and very specific. I would recommend this book to people who like ninjas.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was amazing and i think i will read it again in the future

[Peter.b · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character of this book, Nanashi, or later known as Moonshadow, is a really great person. He is kind and has a lot of goodness inside of him, even though he is a spy/ninja. At the beginning of the book he gets his first mission after his last test, which was to get a plan of a secret weapon that a warlord is using, called Silver Wolf, who plans a rebellion on the shogan. He acts very bravely during most of the mission, sometimes worrying about the outcome, but eventually everything comes into play, including all of his past training, especially "The Eye Of The Beast" which helped him very much on his mission. During the mission, you'll see Moonshadow's past, when he was a orphan. The White Nun, a important person who hasn't made a proper introduction in the story yet, foretold that something will happen to Moonshadow, and picked him out of all the orphaned children to be part of the Grey Light Order (the shogan's secret service). He isn't a boy who gets beaten easily, and plans out his missions to the best it can be. Sure, he may hot-headed, but that hot-headed emotion saved him a few times, so he can escape and complete his mission.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja about a young ninja spy warrior in Japan. Set during the time of the Tokugawa era. He was an orphan when found by the Grey Light Order, the organization that raised him to be a ninja spy. He also poses the power to link his mind with animals and see through its eyes. But an enemies seek to attack Japan during its peaceful time with the help of some European allies and weapons, Moonshadow is sent into action, to defend his nation and the Shogun. He must face a great samurai Silver Wolf, then villain who plans to disturb Japan.
This was an okay book, seen a similar idea before though. But it does take time during shogun Tokugawa, well more towards the end. Its is interesting how Moonshadow was that character that was raised by an organization, to be a warrior, having full loyalty to it like a family. Yet he is put up with great adversaries. The main thing that gets me is his title, ninja spy warrior. A ninja is like a spy and warrior, the name seems unnecessary. The ability does seem cool, not always helpful, but cool. Its a good read, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy adventure.

[ERL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the verdict was a toss-up for this book and that is the reason for the 3 star rating.

The book club members who were able to get into the book and finish it thought the book was good. The characters were interesting and it was a nice surprise to have a strong female character who was also a spy with superior "ninja" skills. It was agreed that the best part of the book was toward the end when Moonshadow battled The Deathless. For those members that did finish the book, the overall rating was 5 stars - we even had a six stars vote!

But more than half of our members were not able to get into the story and ended up only reading less than 50 pages. There were a variety of reasons for this but it seemed like the biggest one was that the story was confusing - most likely from some of the vocabulary that is associated with the story being set in Japan in the past.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja and Moonshadow: The Nightmare Ninja are the first two installments in a series of children's books by Simon Higgins about, well, ninjas. The first book is mostly entertaining if a bit slight, but the second, unfortunately, is disappointing due to an overreliance on fight scenes. While the Moonshadow series has potential, it took a step backward in book two.

Moonshadow is the title character, a young member of the Grey Light Order of ninjas. In Rise of the Ninja, we meet him as he is completing the final stage of his training. Upon succeeding, he is granted his new ninja name — Moonshadow — and his first assignment: to steal the plans for a new kind of weapon from Silver Wolf, ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[Ethan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading the book called MOONSHADOW by Simon Higgins. This is about a boy from an orphanage who gets trained to be a very cool ninja. On his first real mission he encounters another ninja looking person trying to get what he had. Later the other ninja was trying to find him searching every nook and crany to get what he had stolen from the highly guarded room. The only way I could relate was the fighting part well because I do that sometimes with my brother. There was a lot of good detail mostly about the characters. Since this is starting to be a very good book a rate it five stars.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language – G, Sexual Content – G; Violence – PG
Moonshadow is going on his first mission: steal some weapon plans from Silver Wolf. But just like everything else, there are complications. Moonshadow has to launch his attack a day before planned and there’s another spy trying to steal the plans!
Moonshadow’s improvising was fun to read and the action scenes were amazing. I thought the first day of his mission went a little too smoothly, but it was all made up for later in the trouble that popped up. I’m looking forward to reading the next book of Moonshadow’s adventures—I need to know what comes next.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Liana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stuff! I love reading about Feudal Japan, especially in fiction. Rise of the Ninja is well written and knows how to bring out the coolness of ninjas. ;P

The battle scenes are definitely the best parts of the story, and there's a lot of them to drool over and enjoy. If you love action here and there and everywhere, then you'll love this book for sure. (Trust me, there's LOTS of action!) Other than that, I thought the rest of the plot was slow moving. It's pretty simple otherwise.

I can really see children liking this story, especially young boys! This book will inspire a whole new generation to become ninjas just like Moonshadow!

[Keshav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonshadow is a great book for people looking forward to an action packed, historical book that is filled with tough decisions and diverse Japanese weapons. Moonshadow is an orphan that was taken in by the Shogun's shadow clan and trained to be a ninja. At first he has doubts about his first mission, but he retrieves the plans that could harm Japan and made a skilled friend to help the Shogun out. This book not only includes great action scenes and vivid images, but it also gives you a historical background on Feudal Japan and how Ninjas played their role. I find this part of the book really fascinating and helped me grow a true appreciation for the Japanese culture.

[Noah Kitchen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Moon shadow is a okay book based on a kid trying to become a ninja. This book is a really great action book for people who like fights and sneakiness. So this kid who is trying to become a ninja is coming from a group called the Grey Light and Nanashi is his leader now and they struggle in there great mission they have to get moonshadow to become a great ninja. This book was cool not the best book i have read and it was really interesting to me the fighting and action in the book was a really cool book and i would recommend it to people who like action.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has lots to recommend it to the upper Elem / MS crowd, especially boys and reluctant readers: fast paced, adventure, swordplay, ninja skills like walking on water & seeing thru the eyes of animals... But this isn't just for boys, Moonshadow pairs up with a girl ninja as well to complete his mission. Takes place in Japan at transition from samurai era to the ninjas and opening to the West. Beginning of a series from another Aussie author.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start to a series about an orphan raised to be part of a shadow warrior clan in Tokagawa Japan. The swordplay, secret spycraft and general ambiance will appeal to Middle School boys. One can only hope that this series does come to fruition (as opposed to the L.G. Bass 'series' Outlaws of Moonshadow Marsh, that stalled after the first book).

ARC provided by publisher.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, for a book aimed at 8-10 year old boys, this book gets 4 stars. Non-stop action, detailed ninja/samurai weapon descriptions, lots of bad guys, and touches of magic. As a 30+ woman, this is not my thing, so I skimmed it. But at the end he's still got the Uber-Evil Shogen out to get him and he's brought back the rival girl ninja to his clan, so there's probably a sequel in the works.

[Arian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja
haven't read it yet so I don't know what its about exactly.

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Not too many people write books about ninjas (also known as shinobi), so I really liked the new ideas. I think that the writing style is nice, and the storyline is very good. I also really like the characters.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good! Very good! Especially in the fighting parts because it seemed like real sword fighting.