Kerry reviewed on 10/28/2007

Helpful Score: 7

This epic draws inspiration from historic feudal Japan. Firearms technology is soon arriving and Christian ideals are taking hold and both will greatly alter the ancient samurai order. Dances a line between young adult fantasy and historical fiction.

This series in not about lots of sword fights, battles, and gore. Lian Hearn, the pseudonym, I believe, for Japanese scholar and young adult author (Gillian Rubenstein) focuses more on character development and political intrigue. Hearn creates a well textured historical culture that appeals to someone like myself who enjoys clever intrigue and a level of mystery.

Highly recommended for anybody who enjoys a carefully crafted story, fantasy or otherwise, by a well studied author. The cross genre appeal of historic fiction makes it a good read for the occasional fantasy reader.

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