The Young Samurai: Way of the Warrior Paperback – February 16, 2010

I decided to read this book because I found a wise and powerful quote from it somewhere else. It is not easy that a young adult novel ever captivates me, but this time it was different. I found this to be an extraordinary adventure, packed with likable, good-hearted characters trying to find their place in the world, overcoming hardships, and working every day to become a better human being. In its pages, I found lots of wisdom and useful advice for real life. I have some criticism: first, the story could be longer, the chapters could have been better developed if the pace was just a bit slower. There is little time to savor every stage of the story, the characters grow way too fast. Given that this is a young adult novel I understand this may have been intentional though. And second, although there is the consideration that all hero stories follow the same template (e.g. The Hero with a Thousand Faces), I have to admit that while reading it I did say my wife that it sounded a lot like Harry Potter, although I never read Harry Potter. So, definitely there is an important lack of originality in this hero story. Other than that, this book is awesome. I will definitely read the next one.

I've never really been interested in Japan or its history, or samurai for that matter, but this book seemed interesting so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! From the very first page, this book grabbed hold of me and held on to the very end. I never knew Japan, samurai and ninja could be so interesting and exciting! Chris Bradford has a talent in writing good, nail-biting adventures that are both realistic and thrilling to read. He somehow manages to mix some history into the story without overdoing it. The characters are good and it's very easy to connect with the main person, Jack, whose life is turned upside-down. He not only sees his father being murdered - he is also thrown into a world where no one understands his language and everyone is a potential enemy. He does make a few friends, but he's got even more enemies. Many are acting hostile towards him, and not all those who seem friendly at first have good intentions. - Who can he trust and who shall he fear? Also, Jack has a secret which he swore not to tell anyone ... Given no other choice, Jack must learn the rules and taboos of a samurai in Japan during the 1600s in order to survive ... and to get back to England to his little sister.

Okay, so the Young Samurai is Harry Potter with an historical setting and a couple hundred fewer pages. YA readers won't care. The story is every adventure loving kid's fantasy. Set in Shogun era Japan of the late 1500's, Jack is a rigging monkey on his father's ship. When the ship is attacked by pirates, Jack ends up in the Sea of Japan, is rescued by a samurai and sent to an elite samurai training school. Of course, it turns out the pirate attack wasn't random, Jack has something the pirates are desperate to find, and the samurai training Jack has been receiving from Japan's greatest master swordsman comes in very handy. Like Harry Potter, Jack is an outsider who endures harassment and finds two friends, who help him adjust to this strange new culture, and vow to be his allies. Well, actually one friend and ally, the other can't decide if he wants to be Jack's friend or enemy. The historical details are rich, fascinating and extremely accurate. In a surprise twist - the evil antagonists are ninjas. All readers will be swept up in the adventure and history of the Young Samurai, even the most reluctant readers.

Authors style is educational, steady paced,and exciting. Each character is developed, but not overdone. Always held my interest.Left me always looking to read more

I am a mom with young boys. I am also a book addict hoping to pass on my addiction to my children. However, because I'm rather protective, I pre-read almost all books my children read to make sure they are appropriate for my kids. I could not have been more thrilled with this series! While there is violence, it is not overly gory. The author writes in a very readable style which also instructs. The first book of the series begins to actually teach the reader a new language. You feel as if you are learning and struggling along with the protagonist.In addition to the historical and cultural lessons, another aspect of the series I particularly enjoy is the emphasis on the good qualities of a warrior. The protagonist must struggle and practice to achieve the desired qualities. His experience teaches many transferable concepts for boys growing into adulthood such as dealing with prejudice, devastating loss and earning his place in the world. I can't wait for my boys to dive into these books so we can discuss them together!

The thing I like about this book is that it is very interesting and captivating. This is the first book of the series I’ve read, and I am already hooked to it. I chose this rating because I think it is interesting. I would recommend this book to people who are interested in Japan and martial arts, not to mention it is good for all ages.

I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this series. That being said it is a little hard to figure out the order of the books. This book, " Young Samurai, Way of the Warrior " is a great story and very well written. I can't help but visualize " Shogun " and " Karate Kid " as I read through. If anyone reads this and does know the order of the books I would appreciate that help. I am just finishing up Young Samurai, Way of the Sword today and looking foward to continuing reading this series. I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in Martial Arts, Or the Japanese Samurai.

I picked this book up in a library due to my strong interest in Japanese history, a few years later and I have the full collection sitting proudly in the centre of my book shelf.Without giving away too much, a young British sailor gets stuck in Japan and is taken in by a Samurai and the series follows Jack's story as he trains in the way of the Samurai and eventually strives to return home to his mother and sister.The writing style is ultimately aimed at a younger audience and therefore is not too graphic (although at times can be quite dark in a good sort of way) nor is it a difficult read. However, the story is incredibly rich and vibrant throughout the whole series and is full of interesting characters meaning this is not a problem at all.I would thoroughly recommend this to everybody.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and quickly bought and read the whole series, they are real page turners, I took the books everywhere and even read them whilst out waiting in queues.There is drama and excitement throughout this book and the series, the importance of friendship, trust and inner strength of character is a strong theme.The story transports you to another era, country and culture, you learn the language and overcome challenges as the main characters develops his knowledge and learns to cope with the perilous situation he is landed in.Have recommended this book and series to my friends for both them and their kids to read.

Was looking for a fun relaxing read to help me through lockdown III and thought this series might be good.Its well written, has strong characters and a fast paced plot. Well worth the price.

The series itself shows promise and looks as if will turn into a good story. I love all things Japanese particularly those based in the Samurai era so I took this story to task. On the downside it is reminiscent of the tale of Samurai by James Clavell and also Last Shogun, I cannot recall the authors name. On the upside Chris Bradford builds his plot(s) nicely and introduces his characters to you, which allows you put yourself in the plot with them. I have purchased other books in the series but not started them yet. All in all a good read.

My boys love this book, it has action, adventure and a good insight into the Japanese customs of the time and Japanese Samurai training. The author is very knowledgeable on this so it brings the story to life more.