Risuko by David Kudler Series: Seasons of the Sword #1
Publisher: Stillpoint Digital Press (2016 - June 15)
eARC (230 pages)
Via: NetGalley
Rating:
Reading Challenges: Read 2016
Synopsis
Can one girl win a war?
My name is Kano Murasaki, but most people call me Risuko. Squirrel.
I am from Serenity Province, though I was not born there.
My nation has been at war for a hundred years, Serenity is under attack, my family is in disgrace, but some people think that I can bring victory. That I can be a very special kind of woman.
All I want to do is climb.
My name is Kano Murasaki, but everyone calls me Squirrel.
Risuko.
Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems.
Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.
Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possibly have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?
Historical adventure fiction appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers.
Find the book: Goodreads, Amazon, Book Depository
Find the author: Website, Goodreads
My Review
I went into Risuko expecting something similar to the story of Mulan. While Risuko does have a Mulan-vibe, it is so much more.
Risuko takes place in Japan and begins with Risuko being sold by her mother to Lady Chiyome. Risuko soon discovers that she was purchased to be a shrine maiden. Once they arrive at the shrine in the mountains, Risuko begins her training along with Emi and Toumi.
Risuko isn’t a fast-paced book. There were parts that seemed slow but, in my opinion, the setting and descriptions made up for that. The writing was beautiful and I did not want to put the book down.
The shrine seemed to recall the convent of St Mortain from the His Fair Assassin trilogy by Robin LaFevers. Since this is the case, I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us. I love the His Fair Assassin trilogy and, so far, I love the Seasons of the Sword series.
Risuko has definitely become a new favorite. I love the writing. I love the world of 1570 Japan. I love the characters, especially Risuko. In short, I love this book and I cannot wait to read the next book!
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley for
review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title
nor the content of this review.
Thanks so much for the lovely, thoughtful review, Amanda! I greatly appreciate your kind words.
Thank you too for mentioning My Fair Assassin — not a book I knew, and one I want to check out now.
As for 5-star books I’ve read recently…. Well, I’m in the middle of re-reading Terry Pratchett’s wonderful Tiffany Aching series — which is four five-star books and one 3 ½ (his last, posthumous novel, The Shepherd’s Crown).
Thank you so much for stopping by!
I’m glad I was able to introduce you to the His Fair Assassin series. They are some pretty amazing books.
I have been meaning to read the Tiffany Aching books for quite a while but have never gotten around to them. I will have to soon.
I hope you have a great rest of the week!
OMG THIS SOUNDS AMAZING!! I really love books set in Japan, and unfortunately I could probably count all the ones I’ve read on one hand. *wails* So I definitely need this. Absolutely. Consider me convinced! ;D The last 5-star book I read was…probably Ruined by Amy Tintera! And also The Smell of Other People’s Houses. <3 I can't remember which one I read first but AHHH THEY ARE BOTH OH SO GOOD.
I’m glad to be of service. 🙂
I just finished Ruined and it was AMAZING! Thanks so much for the recommendation.
I hope you have a great rest of the week, Cait!