The Way of the Warrior (Young Samurai #1) Review

Hardcover, 368 pages

Series: Young Samurai # 1

Published March 3, 2009

Goodreads Link


Synopsis: Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan, his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by a legendary master swordsman and brought under his wing, Jack begins the grueling physical and psychological training needed to become a samurai. Life at Samurai school is fraught with difficulty for Jack who is bullied and treated as an outcast. With his friend the remarkable, beautiful Akiko at his side and all the courage he can muster, Jack has to prove himself. Will he be able to face deadly rivals and challenges that will test him to his very limits?

COVER: The cover is simple, yet really awesome. I love it. The color really goes well with the story. The young samurai on the cover is really cool as well. There are two different covers, and I honestly like this one better. 

PLOT: The plot of this novel was absolutely action packed, and very informative. Set in the 1600s, Jack Fletcher is from England, and while he was ashore on his father's ship, along with his crew, they become shipwrecked in Japan. Out of nowhere, the crew and Jack's father are then attacked and killed by ninja pirates. Their attack isn't just random, however. It turns out that Jack's father owns something very valuable to a deadly ninja. Jack, without a place to go and a father to lean on, he is rescued and taken in by a legendary master swordsman and is brought under his care. It his here where he is enrolled in the most successful and brutal school of samurai training. He is attempting to become a samurai warrior, for the sake of his sister who is left in England with no idea as to what has occurred. Now, as you can imagine, being an English boy with blue eyes in a school wish Japanese students, things can become difficult. He makes enemies, but at the same time, friends. This is Jack's journey to staying alive, fighting to prove his rights, a journey to the world of Japan, and the attempt to keep his father's prized possession away from the evil ninja. 

Every chapter seemed to amaze me. There are many things that I enjoyed about this novel. 

Action: There was constant action taking place. Fights, battles, tournaments, etc.
Culture: This book is set in Japan, and I feel as though Bradford did a fantastic job at not only placing the setting of the location, but also implementing the cultural aspect. There were several Japanese words throughout the story, as well as a dictionary at the end of the page to inform me of what each word means. Customs: I also learned a lot about the Japanese culture, which was fascinating. 

CHARACTERS:


Jack: Jack, the protagonist, was definitely one of my favorites. He is strong, brave, and dedicated to make a better life for himself and prove to everyone else that he has what it takes to become a Samurai warrior.

Akiko: Jack's best friend, who is a girl. She is very modest, respectful, civilized, and teaches Jack everything that he has to know to be successful in the school as well as in Japan. 

Masamoto: Masamoto is the very talented master who took Jack in under his care. He is extremely talented, intimidating, but at the same time, very caring.

Kazuki: Every novel has an enemy, right? Well, this is definitely Jack's! He makes him feel like an outcast, and hates the fact that he was actually admitted into the skill. He is determined to make Jack's life a living hell. He is rude, but very talented.

WRITING: This novel, written in a third point of view, flowed very smoothly. I was instantly captured by Bradford's writing. Although the novel is a Disney novel, targeted for young teens, I can see myself, as well  as other older individuals enjoying this book. It brought forth many journeys, lessons, knowledge and much more. Chis Bradford's writing was simple, yet very intriguing. Each chapter left me wanting to read more!

Overall, I would recommend this book to any reader who is looking for an action-packed adventure! Keep in mind, this novel is a middle grade book.


RATING: 

Let's pretend they're stars!