Fantasy/Romance/Historical/Action-Adventure
Date Published: March 22, 2013
Kenta Takeyama is a 16 year old martial artist who possesses superhuman strength and abilities and the Takeyama -ryuu fighting art. He desires to become the most powerful shogun on the Nikkoujima (Sun Light Islands), as there are much more powerful men in the world. He lives with his father Tesshin, who trained him in the martial arts, and his mother Amaya, who is the former princess of a royal family and master fighter; his little sister Mana, who wants to become a famous play actress and open her own production studio, as well as his pet bear Kumomori, whom he had since he was 4. Kenta finds that it’s time to follow his dreams of becoming a great and powerful shogun (using his power to protect people and build more homes and villages, help the poor and starving, rather than just for pomp and circumstance. He wants the people to live in peace and prosperity with no fear, as the world is already entering another age of war. Essentially, he wants to change the country). And so, with his parents’ permission, he decides to travel to Senkyou to enlist in the military and become a true samurai warrior. He feels confident that the can do so after going through many trials and travels through his childhood, and training under the tutelage of his father in his family’s martial arts styles.
During the first part of the novel, after a little love fiasco with his childhood friend Yumine who has a crush on him and sparring with some buddies, he travels the lush and vibrant island and helps many different people out. As Kenta reaches Senkyou, he meets new rivals and friends, such as Natsumi, a new love interest and Hayate, a mysterious ninja who wants to raise up his own organization of ninja mercenaries. During basic training, he discovers that the capital is being attacked by powerful youkai. The powerful beasts appear and disappear in a flash, even the temple priests are having trouble. Does the Great Tengu King of the Gogonji mountain territory know anything about these attacks? Do our heroes stand a chance against these swift and powerful foes? What is the reasoning behind all of this carnage?
Note: The genre is apart of the 'wuxia' (martial arts fiction) works of literature. It is a ancient style originating from Tang Period China (5th century AD). The style places great attention to detail during fight scenes (punches, kicks, combinations, throws, etc.) as well as giving attacks exotic names, a convention originating from Chinese martial arts. It may take some getting used to, yet will very quickly become easier to follow as you read. -Ezra
My Review:
Okay, so the synopsis is a bit long winded and that could be a bit of a put off for some readers, but this really is a tale of triumph and growth. The main character is extremely likable and his journey is an impressive one. The sheer detail to the Martial Arts and the fight scenes is unlike anything I have ever read before. Anyone who is into martial arts and the actual moves themselves will without a doubt love it. I was blown away with the detail. Great story overall!
Posts
0 Comments