The Way of the Warrior

Andrew Matthews

Average Rating 7/10 (1 Review)

A powerful story of loyalty and betrayal, past and prophecy, set against the violent backdrop of warring clans in sixteenth-century Japan.

Jimmu is haunted by the death of his father, and his destiny is clear - he must train as a samurai, so that one day he can take revenge against his father’s rival, and restore his family name. But just as blood is about to about to be spilled, Jimmu discovers something that cast’s doubt on his life’s mission. Now Jimmu must change his fate, before his own life is placed in jeopardy...

Key Stage: KS2/3; Age 11+

Review by Jessica (300410) Rating (7/10)

Review by Jessica
Rating 7 /10
Jimmu was standing in front of his father, Lord Kensu, terrified. His father was seated on a raised platform, a suit of armour by his side and a dagger in a red scabbard on the floor in front of him. Jimmu’s father told him that the Emperor had decreed the name of Shimomura was now a disgrace in Japan and Jimmu must leave immediately.

He would never see his father again as his father was going to commit Seppuku; this meant cutting himself open and therefore dying because of the disgrace on his name. Japan was in the hands of the warlords and Jimmu travelled the countryside with his father’s servant Nichiren. He is to be trained as a Samurai and fights to clear the family name. Is he brave enough?

He must clear his father’s name but how? An exciting story of betrayal and loyalty in sixtieth century Japan.
Jessica (30th April 2010)