The Book of the Sword (Samurai Girl) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Annabelle Verhoye (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: young samurai, Heaven Kogo, Whisper of Death, Spiky Hair (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-Six-month-old Heaven survived a plane crash that killed her parents and was adopted by the affluent Kogo family. The now 19-year-old is forced to marry sleazy Teddy Yukemara, the son of a wealthy businessman with whom Heaven's mafioso dad is involved. When a ninja crashes her wedding, she sees her dad stand by and watch while her brother is brutally murdered. Convinced that she can no longer trust her family, she flees the wedding, her parents, and her posh lifestyle to learn the ways of the samurai and eventually avenge her brother's death. Action, romance, and intrigue are all neatly woven into this cinematic and sarcastic first installment in a new series. These characters are three-dimensional, and Asai's sense of atmosphere effectively captures the sights, smells, and energy of Los Angeles. In fact, the author cleverly surrounds her American-culture and film-obsessed heroine with enough mystery, passion, and fight sequences to rival any Hollywood action blockbuster. A step above the usual action/adventure series book, Sword is great for all audiences, but especially reluctant readers.
Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

When I was six months old, I dropped from the sky -- the lone survivor of a deadly Japanese plane crash. The newspapers called me Heaven. I was adopted by a wealthy family in Tokyo, pampered, and protected. For nineteen years, I thought I was lucky.

I'm learning how wrong I was.

They say your life begins on your wedding day.

Here's what happened on mine:

I lost the person I love most.

I learned that everything I knew about my family was a lie.

Now I'm being hunted. I must fight back, or die.

My life ended that day.

The old Heaven is gone.

I AM SAMURAI GIRL.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; Reprint edition (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416954341
• ISBN-13: 978-1416954347
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #851,179 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!, September 11, 2003

By	Vanessa (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai Girl: The Book of the Sword (Paperback)

I picked this book up yesterday at a bookstore while I was there getting another book. I didn't know what to expect, but from the back it sounded iteresting, so I decided to give it a shot. I have not regretted that for a second. In fact, I want to run out right now and buy the other 2 books in the series. (but I won't, this second anyway)

I totally love the authors style of writing. The book just seems so honest. You get to read everything the girl is thinking, and it makes you get into the book like you are the girl. I also like the little diary entries at the end of most chapters, it lets you understand all of the characters.

I will admit, this book is not for everyone, especially the younger readers. The book does have a few 'profane' words, and some sexual innuendo, but its not that big of a deal. Anyone who really wants or can understand what this book is about will not mind, or their parents won't mind the few parts of it. I would say if you are into romance/action/adventure thing and are High School age, you should check out this book.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first book in a good new teen series., June 9, 2003

By	Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Samurai Girl: The Book of the Sword (Paperback)

Nineteen-year-old Heaven is famous throughout Japan -- she was the miracle baby, sole survivor of a fiery plane crash when she was just six months old. When no one stepped forward to claim her, she was adopted by the wealthy Kogo family and since then has lived a sheltered, pampered life on their estate near Toyko. But now she is to married off to Teddy Yukemura, the son of her father's business rival. Heaven desperately wants to avoid marrying Teddy, but fears she will have to go through. But her wedding is crashed by a mysterious ninja -- and Heaven's beloved brother dies to save her. She flees, and finds herself lost and alone in America. The only thing she can do is seek out her brother's best friend -- and persuade him to train her as a samurai so she can avenge her brother's death and find out the truth about her father. This is the first book in a new teen adventure series that looks like it will be great. I highly recommend it to teenage girls who enjoy adventures with strong female characters.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New Series That'll Have You Hooked By Chapter Two..., September 26, 2003

By	Danielle a.k.a. Realangel (New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai Girl: The Book of the Sword (Paperback)

So, the summer began and I found myself in a state of bordom. Having done all my required summer reading, I decided to stop by the book store. Looking through the aisles nothing really caught my attention until I landed in the Young Adult section. Skimming through the selves, I soon find myself face to face with this book. I debated with myself for awhile and finally ended up buying it. While looking for a escape from my boredom, I had stumbled upon a excellent book. I was hooked after the first chapter. I finished it in about 2 and half hours. And had the second book in my hands by the next afternoon. This book has everything love, lost, sacrifice, romance, action, failure, triumph, drama, among many other things. I would recommend this book to anyone. And if your debating on whether or not you should buy this book, stop, and BUY IT!!.....You won't regret it!!!...I promise!!...