The Way of the Warrior (Young Samurai)

His other books are great also. Excited to read the next. Chris Bradford is cray good at cliffhanger endings. Highly recommend!

I’m hooked on the story instantly. I never read these when I was a kid when the books came out. These came out the same time Percy Jackson did so at the time that’s what I read. I am glad I found this series now!

I decided to read this book because I found a wise and powerful quote from it somewhere else. It is not easy that a young adult novel ever captivates me, but this time it was different. I found this to be an extraordinary adventure, packed with likable, good-hearted characters trying to find their place in the world, overcoming hardships, and working every day to become a better human being. In its pages, I found lots of wisdom and useful advice for real life. I have some criticism: first, the story could be longer, the chapters could have been better developed if the pace was just a bit slower. There is little time to savor every stage of the story, the characters grow way too fast. Given that this is a young adult novel I understand this may have been intentional though. And second, although there is the consideration that all hero stories follow the same template (e.g. The Hero with a Thousand Faces), I have to admit that while reading it I did say my wife that it sounded a lot like Harry Potter, although I never read Harry Potter. So, definitely there is an important lack of originality in this hero story. Other than that, this book is awesome. I will definitely read the next one.

The author is a redoubtable enforced method writer, and it is expertly demonstrated here. If I did not desire to be a samurai warrior before, I do now, having read this book. Highly recommend.

I've never really been interested in Japan or its history, or samurai for that matter, but this book seemed interesting so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! From the very first page, this book grabbed hold of me and held on to the very end. I never knew Japan, samurai and ninja could be so interesting and exciting! Chris Bradford has a talent in writing good, nail-biting adventures that are both realistic and thrilling to read. He somehow manages to mix some history into the story without overdoing it. The characters are good and it's very easy to connect with the main person, Jack, whose life is turned upside-down. He not only sees his father being murdered - he is also thrown into a world where no one understands his language and everyone is a potential enemy. He does make a few friends, but he's got even more enemies. Many are acting hostile towards him, and not all those who seem friendly at first have good intentions. - Who can he trust and who shall he fear? Also, Jack has a secret which he swore not to tell anyone ... Given no other choice, Jack must learn the rules and taboos of a samurai in Japan during the 1600s in order to survive ... and to get back to England to his little sister.

I am a mom with young boys. I am also a book addict hoping to pass on my addiction to my children. However, because I'm rather protective, I pre-read almost all books my children read to make sure they are appropriate for my kids. I could not have been more thrilled with this series! While there is violence, it is not overly gory. The author writes in a very readable style which also instructs. The first book of the series begins to actually teach the reader a new language. You feel as if you are learning and struggling along with the protagonist.In addition to the historical and cultural lessons, another aspect of the series I particularly enjoy is the emphasis on the good qualities of a warrior. The protagonist must struggle and practice to achieve the desired qualities. His experience teaches many transferable concepts for boys growing into adulthood such as dealing with prejudice, devastating loss and earning his place in the world. I can't wait for my boys to dive into these books so we can discuss them together!

I may be an all-round Japanese-culture freak fan but worry not, for I never let those things bias my reaction, if not tolerance, to a novel.And I have to say this book didn't even need a bias boost. Well written with believable and lovable (not always in the cute "aww" way) characters, I quickly became an addict to this series and was a click away from greedily buying book #6 before I realized I should give the writer some kudos and fame.The writer had a mission and it was well-executed in this book.One of my favourite aspects are the challenges and fight scenes; descriptive but easy to follow and the author obviously did his history research.And even if the most base form of the plot does not sound 100% original this novel makes it its own train track. Enjoy.

Okay, so the Young Samurai is Harry Potter with an historical setting and a couple hundred fewer pages. YA readers won't care. The story is every adventure loving kid's fantasy. Set in Shogun era Japan of the late 1500's, Jack is a rigging monkey on his father's ship. When the ship is attacked by pirates, Jack ends up in the Sea of Japan, is rescued by a samurai and sent to an elite samurai training school. Of course, it turns out the pirate attack wasn't random, Jack has something the pirates are desperate to find, and the samurai training Jack has been receiving from Japan's greatest master swordsman comes in very handy. Like Harry Potter, Jack is an outsider who endures harassment and finds two friends, who help him adjust to this strange new culture, and vow to be his allies. Well, actually one friend and ally, the other can't decide if he wants to be Jack's friend or enemy. The historical details are rich, fascinating and extremely accurate. In a surprise twist - the evil antagonists are ninjas. All readers will be swept up in the adventure and history of the Young Samurai, even the most reluctant readers.

Ever, since I first read this novel, years and years ago, I have recommended the whole series to young people, mostly who find it difficult to get into reading. The stories are exciting, moral and mind expanding.

This may be seen as YA fiction but in fact it’s not simplistic by any means but good fun for all. I wanted to read more about the samurai but in the format of story not a lecture in book form. There aren’t that many bushido stories out there for adults. This book and hopefully the ones following fill that gap admirably. The writing is solid, the plotting interesting and intricate, the historical and martial arts research impeccable. Great and enlightening entertainment for all. Five stars.

Really enjoyed this book, the author has done good research as I am Japanese and confirm that all the rituals and words are real. This has for share inspired me and I can’t wait to read the second book.

young samurai is a amazing book that shows the life of a boy in a strange new world getting bullied and taunted every day as a gaijin. with his father dead life is tough. very beatifully written and has great concepts about bushido and friendship.

Good read lots of action and plots aplenty . However poor lost kid in a strange land and exceeds in everything is a bit predictable.