The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass (The Samurai Mysteries) [Mass Market Paperback]

Dorothy Hoobler (Author), Thomas Hoobler (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

When fourteen-year-old samurai apprentice Seikei is sent on a mission by the shogun, he believes it to be a simple one: convince the fourteen-year-old emperor to resume his ceremonial duties. But then the emperor is kidnapped, and Seikei finds himself in the middle of an elaborate plot to overthrow the shogun. With the help of a mysterious warrior, he must rescue the emperor before the sacred sword—said to be unbeatable in battle—falls into the wrong hands. Seikei knows he must succeed, or bloodshed will stain the land.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–Another mystery in the series set in 18th-century Japan. Seikei, a 14-year-old samurai apprentice, is eager to prove himself to the shogun. When the 14-year-old emperor refuses to perform his duties, the shogun sends Seikei to talk some sense into him. Along the way, the boy hears of a plot to overthrow the shogun but dismisses it as implausible. When the emperor is later kidnapped, however, Seikei gives some validity to the plot. The authors have written other books featuring this protagonist and this installment may make readers feel as though they're walking into the middle of his story. It is sometimes difficult to keep the names straight and remember who is on which side. However, the action moves quickly and the mystery of the emperor's kidnapping is intriguing. Facets of Japanese history and legend are well integrated and Japanese words are contextually obvious. This book is best suited for fans of the series.–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 5--8. The Hooblers' successful series featuring a 14-year-old samurai apprentice continues in this fourth book. Here, Seikei gets an unusual assignment from a shogunal official. The teenage emperor has run away, and Seikei is to find him and bring him back to resume his duties. Seikei knows from the start that this will be a difficult, dangerous task, but he has no idea how his confidence will be shaken after the emperor is found, then lost once more, and Seikei finds himself in the middle of intrigue revolving around a plot to overthrow the shogun. As in previous books, the Hooblers write with flair about eighteenth-century Japan, but the many plot twists here may frustrate some readers. Still, there's plenty of rousing action to propel the story forward, and, as always, Seikei makes a thoughtful hero. Unique to the genre. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142406899
• ISBN-13: 978-0142406892
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Sword that Cut the Burning Grass, March 1, 2010

By 

Kchiev - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass (The Samurai Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Sword that Cut the Burning Grass" by Dorothy & Thomas Hoobler is a story about a young shogun samurai named Seikei, who trying to complete a task handed down to him from the Shogun himself. He goes through obstacles and dangers throughout his journey and learns of an unexpected conflict with twist and turns that takes him between life and death many times throughout the story. Along the way of his journey, he teams up with a mysterious man who he knows nothing about to complete not only the shogun's mission, but also the mission he has set out for himself. He gains enemies and comrades along the way of his mission but is persistent not to let any of them get in his way.

This book is action and mystery packed to keep your interest which every move that Seikei makes and experiences throughout his journey. There is a mysterious man in the story that will keep you reading until you find out who he really is even if you have to finish the book to find out about him. This story goes back to Japan's shogun era so there are samurais, peasants, shrines, taking over castles, and action packed sword fighting through out the story. It is the kind of book to grab you and make sure you finish it. If you're the kind of person who loves swords, Japan shogun's era, or looking for a good mystery to keep you busy while being on the bus, on the subway, or even just to read during your free time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Everyone must die, but honor lasts forever" says 14 year old samurai apprentice Seikei, June 8, 2009

By 

M. Lapus "@ Starting Fresh blog" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass (The Samurai Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

Synopsis:
During the period of Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Tokugawa family, Judge Ooka was well respected for his wise and honest decisions and regarded as the Sherlock Holmes of Japan.

Seikei was born to a merchant family, but had won the Judge's respect when he voluntarily assisted him solve a case and prevent serious injustice. Judge Ooka adopted Seikei and is fulfilling Seikei's dream to become a samurai.
Now fourteen year old samurai apprentice Seikei is called upon to assist his adoptive father, Judge Ooaki, serve the Shogun. The emperor of Japan is a young boy and has refused to perform his duties. The Shogun sends Seikei to Kyoto convince the emperor to leave the temple and to resume his duties. The Shogun explains that the emperor must make a public appearance at the time of the spring solstice, plow a furrow of land and sow rice seeds to maintain the peace. If the emperor fails to perform this duty, the farmers will fear for the harvest and will be unable to deliver the proper quotas to their daimyo lords, and this will result in widespread unrest. Seikei must convince the emperor to resume his duties.
Seikei meets with the emperor, but soon after he leaves the temple, sudden violence erupts. The emperor is suddenly missing and Seikei is arrested.

To save himself and to serve his country, young Seikei must track down the emperor's whereabouts and prevent a daimyo's grab for control with the help a mysterious samurai and a young serving girl. Meanwhile, Judge Ooaki is unaware of the dangers that track his young charge.

Review:
I enjoy historical fiction and detective novels. Japan during the 1700s, the time of the powerful Shoguns, holds particular fascination for me. Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler's series are made even more enjoyable by their choice of lead characters. Judge Ooka is a historical figure with a reputation for wise and honest decisions and has been described as the Sherlock Holmes of Japan. He served the 8th shogun of the Tokugawa family. In his official capacity, Judge Ooka is assigned to solve crimes and to help the Shogun maintain the peace. Judge Ooka is assisted by his adoptive son, the young Seikei.

The point of view of Judge Ooka's adoptive son, Seikei works particularly well. Born as a merchant's son, Seikei wants to become worthy of his new samurai status. Seikei has a strong sense of honor and considerable courage but is still developing his samurai skills. When asked which do he values more, life or honor? "Honor," replies Seikei dutifully, "because everyone must die, but honor lasts forever."

Since a fourteen year old boy can blend in and observe a great deal, Seikei undertakes critical missions much more than an easily recognized official of the Shogun. Stout of heart and determined, Seikei serves his father, the Shogun and the Emperor well. This particular installment is one of the more captivating of the series because of the friendships and adventures that Seikei makes along the way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Seikei's Adverntures Continue, December 8, 2011

By 

A. LaPlant "Ann" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass (The Samurai Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

In this well written novel the adventures of 14 year old Seikei and Judge Ooka continue. All the books in the series are well written, riveting, educational, and just plain fun to read! My male and female students alike highly enjoy learning about Japanese Samurai culture through the Hoobler's novels.