If I'm honest, this is a book I knew nothing about and wasn't even looking out, first catching my attention when I saw it in a local Tesco's with a sticker on the front saying 'pick of CBS action channel' (which is a freesat channel, which I don't have)!

Had a look at the blurb, though, and thought I might take a punt on it due to its unusual - for a Western audience - setting of Japan, centring round the samurai. About the only other book(s) with the same setting I have ever read were Cloud of Sparrows and Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka. I've also since read that this (Child of Vengenace)is the first in a planned series of books

How'd this compare? Of the two series's, I think this is the better: I found this to be more engaging, and more interesting. This also weaves in actual historical events (culminating, as it does, in the battle of Sekigahara - a battle I was unfamiliar with) and provides a glimpse into the Samurai way of life.

Will I pick up the sequel when it is released? Yep! :)