Spirit of the Samurai: Of Swords and Rings [Hardcover]

Gary Reed (Author), Rick Hoberg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Series: Spirit of the Samurai

When her brother David finds a strange book, Kat Anderson is shocked to read its plan for her future as the last guardian against the evil Clan of Black Rings, with David her sworn enemy! Finally she understands why her grandfather insisted she take her martial-arts training so seriously. The years of training have made her a formidable foe, but she’ll need the spirit of Toho, her Samurai warrior ancestor, to help. And what part will the mysterious newcomer who claims to be her father play? Rick Hoberg’s vivid artwork and Gary Reed’s compelling story make Spirit of the Samurai a white-knuckle ride.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 107 pages
• Publisher: Actionopolis/Komikwerks; 1 edition (September 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977880990
• ISBN-13: 978-0977880997
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,732,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Reed balances his time between writing and teaching Biology courses at colleges in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area. As a writer, Gary is best known for his insightful and diverse stories in graphic novel format including such acclaimed titles as Baker Street, Renfield, Red Diaries, and Saint Germaine. Utilizing a sensibility structured around literary and historical figures, Gary is known for providing thought provoking stories that avoid the typical skim of sequential novels. His popular tale of a supernatural holocaust, Deadworld, is one of the longest running independent comics and is signed to be a major motion picture. In addition to graphic novels, Gary has also written screenplays, young adult novels, role playing and video games, and is currently working on two novels. In his early career, Gary was the founder and publisher of Caliber Press, one of the seminal publishers of the 1990's. Caliber helped to launch the careers of dozens on today's top creators. Gary's writing and publishing have been nominated and awarded numerous industry awards. Gary was also Vice President of McFarlane Toys, a company that revolutionized the industry. As an adjunct professor, Gary teaches a variety of Biology classes including General Biology, Evolution, Anatomy and Physiology, etc. Gary was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and still remains in the area with his wife, Jennifer. They have four daughters: Stephanie, Jessica, Alison, and Erica.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An action-packed Samurai fantasy, November 20, 2006

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spirit of the Samurai: Of Swords and Rings (Hardcover)

In the Seattle suburbs Grandfather raised his two grandchildren, fourteen years old David and thirteen years old Kat Anderson with four simple kind rules on treating and respecting others and one other, the adult mantra to obey him that that he expects both to follow. However, recently David has been constantly angry at his younger sister and has even instigated fights though her martial arts training usually overcomes his brute strength advantage. However this time he attacks her from behind and it takes Grandfather's intervention to stop him.

When David enters their Grandfather's dojo without permission, Kat follows. He shows her a book that provides the history of Japanese Samurai, especially about two rival clans, the Toho and the Black Rings, that fought one another. Grandfather arrives, but David insists on learning the truth as he says they are descendents of Toho and the kid wears three of the four Black Rings that he also found. Finally David touches the Swords of Toho and Hiro of the Black Rings. Whereas David becomes possessed with evil, his sister touches the Toho sword and becomes the last guardian battling against her sibling who wants her dead; on her side is Grandfather and Kyosha the Samurai who has just arrived claiming to be her Father.

Targeting elementary school children, this is an action-packed Samurai fantasy starring a young female teen whose opponent in a life and death struggle is her older brother. The story line is filled with action while illustrations enhance the first-rate plot. David's nastiness comes out before he is possessed so young readers will root for Kat to defeat him during their sibling battle.

Harriet Klausner

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, May 30, 2007

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirit of the Samurai: Of Swords and Rings (Hardcover)

Kat and David Anderson have a pretty typical brother and sister relationship. Meaning they like to fight with each other. The difference between them and other siblings is that they've been trained to fight by their grandfather since they were little kids. Kat's focus has always been on skill and agility. David is more about strength and force. They both like to win.

The only family Kat and David know is their Grandfather. He has taken care of them and raised them ever since they can remember. Kat isn't sure how he supports them all without a job. He spends most of his time in his Dojo, or in the building next door to it. Kat and David aren't allowed in the Dojo, but their Grandfather often takes them to the other building to train. Although he calls it teaching.

It's a good thing that Kat's had a lot of "teaching," because she's going to need all of it and more. When their family turns out to be legendary, and the legend comes to life, no one is quite prepared.

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: OF SWORDS AND RINGS is a fun, action-packed adventure, and very vividly written. A story that gives a whole new meaning to family history and family reunions. And one that ends way too quickly! I'm ready to read the next one, now.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman