#128of2012

Laura Joh Rowland's series never ceases to amaze me. They are incredibly enjoyable and interesting! These books highlight why Japanese history is so great and unique.
My only minor complaint is with the main character, Sano. His values and beliefs, mainly about women and war, are very modernized and don't match the era and location he is in. I know he's meant to be the connection between the reader and the story but I find him a little unbelievable at times. But I commend the ending of the book for showing that if presented with the perfect opportunity, he will take it to save his family even if it means betraying others.

This was a lucky find in an antique bookshop that intrigued me enough to buy and binge read it. I loved the mystery and all the twisting plots in the book. That it was set in 17th century Japan only made it all the better! I enjoyed all the characters (except for Akiko, you’d think the girl’s been tortured by her mother from the way she acts, but I digress). The only pitying thing was the vocabulary used by certain character at times, which was a bit too modern and took away from the fantastic atmosphere Rowland created. Definitely a big recommendation for anyone who stumbles upon a book in the series!

Laura Joh Rowland's series never ceases to amaze me. They are incredibly enjoyable and interesting! These books highlight why Japanese history is so great and unique.
My only minor complaint is with the main character, Sano. His values and beliefs, mainly about women and war, are very modernized and don't match the era and location he is in. I know he's meant to be the connection between the reader and the story but I find him a little unbelievable at times. But I commend the ending of the book for showing that if presented with the perfect opportunity, he will take it to save his family even if it means betraying others.