Grand Prize Winner, CIBA Dante Rossetti Awards 2021. Outstanding Action Adventure, IAN Awards 2021.
1st Place Fantasy, CIPA Awards 2021. Gold Medal Winner, Readers’ Favorite Awards 2021.
Silver Medal, Audiobook Fiction, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards 2021. B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Winner.
Lost in the mists of Mount Fuji . . . but no one can escape destiny . . .
Join young Samurai Taro in his quest for revenge on the ruthless warlord who killed his parents. Taro must summon the courage to face his past and seize his destiny to save an empire from civil war and become the Legend of Japan.
Author Blue Spruell reimagines classic Japanese folklore in an historical fantasy adventure of warlords, swords & mythical beasts from Old Japan – an engaging tale for adults young and old – Banzai!
Adopted by ghostly Yama Uba and befriended by Tanuki, a shape-shifting raccoon-dog, Taro embarks on a quest of self-discovery and revenge, falls for Kamehime, the teenage Samurai daughter of a powerful warlord, and joins the war for the Imperial throne. Along the way, Taro and his allies face fearsome Yokai – ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of Japanese folklore – while Taro struggles with what it means to be Samurai and human.
“A riveting tale of betrayal, honor, and revenge that instantly hooks you in and just refuses to let go.” – READERS’ FAVORITE, Five Stars Review
“Engaging and fun samurai adventures with a captivating cast.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
“An exciting, magical coming-of-age adventure book that draws from Japanese folklore and history.” – BOOK LIFE BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Taro is an extraordinary coming-of-age saga and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of ancient legends retold. Highly recommended!” – MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
