Heart of the Ronin
Heart of the Ronin

Author: Travis Heermann

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2011-12-12

Total Pages: 263

ISBN-13: 0575127031

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Ken'ishi is just 17 years old and an orphan after the mysterious death of his parents. He dreams of training with a master who will some day help him become a samurai. Traveling with Silver Crane, a sword that belonged to his father, and a dog, Akao, for a sidekick, Ken'ishi's adventures begin after he murders a policeman and must flee. Just when he thinks he has escaped trouble, he saves Kazuko, the daughter of an influential lord, from a group of bandits. In return, he is asked to live in the lord's house, where he falls in love with Kazuko. Forced to flee once again, Ken'ishi goes on a hunt to discover his past while fighting off warriors and demons, not to mention worrying about the bounty that's on his head. Will he find out if his father really was a samurai or why the sword he wields seems to be infused with magic? Written while the author lived in Japan, HEART OF THE RONIN combines historical fiction with fantasy to keep readers guessing what Ken'ishi will encounter next in Heerman's mystical universe. Publishers Weekly says it best: "Numerous tantalizingly unresolved plot threads will have readers anxiously awaiting the second installment in this gripping tale of ill-fated love, betrayal and destiny."

Star Wars Visions: Ronin
Star Wars Visions: Ronin

Author: Emma Mieko Candon

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2021-10-12

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 1473591953

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A mysterious former Sith wanders the galaxy in this stunning Star Wars tale. An original novel inspired by the world of The Duel from the Star Wars Visions animated anthology. The Jedi are the most loyal servants of the Empire. Two decades ago, Jedi clans clashed in service to feuding lords. Sickened by this endless cycle, a sect of Jedi rebelled, seeking to control their own destiny and claim power in service of no master. They called themselves Sith. The Sith rebellion failed, succumbing to infighting and betrayal, and the once rival lords unified to create an Empire . . . but even an Empire at peace is not free from violence. Far on the edge of the Outer Rim, one former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a faithful droid and the ghost of a less civilized age. He carries a lightsaber, but claims lineage to no Jedi clan, and pledges allegiance to no lord. Little is known about him, including his name, for he never speaks of his past, nor his regrets. His history is as guarded as the red blade of destruction he carries sheathed at his side. As the galaxy's perpetual cycle of violence continues to interrupt his self-imposed exile, and he is forced to duel an enigmatic bandit claiming the title of Sith, it becomes clear that no amount of wandering will ever let him outpace the specters of his former life.

Samurai Sword: Spirit * Strategy * Techniques
Samurai Sword: Spirit * Strategy * Techniques

Author: Kohshyu Yoshida

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2014-06-13

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 1462909906

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The Samurai Sword is the essential illustrated guide to the Japanese way of the sword. Japan's famous samurai warriors were more than just soldiers -- they were adherents to a strict code of honor who respected the deeper, spiritual meaning of the way of the sword. To the samurai, battle was sacred. This indispensable guide to theory and practice respects both the physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts practice with the katana. This sword book features: Beautiful, step-by-step photos and easy-to-understand text Guidance for selecting, maintaining, and using your sword Wisdom about the practical value of meditation Inspirational biographies of some of the greatest samurai swordsmen, men whose words and deeds embodied the true spirit of the samurai warrior Downloadable video Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swordsperson, this book will broaden your practical knowledge with detailed instruction on stances, cuts, guards, forms, and sparring techniques and strategy.

Sword of the Ronin
Sword of the Ronin

Author: Travis Heermann

Publisher: Red Bear Publishing

Published: 2013-06

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 9781622254026

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In 13th-Century Japan, a land of ancient spirits, shapeshifting animals, and demons, Ken'ishi is a warrior without a master. Orphaned in infancy, he has only one link to his past - Silver Crane, his father's sword. When Silver Crane is stolen, Ken'ishi must go on a quest to recover his very identity. The crime lord known as Green Tiger holds the key to Ken'ishi's past. With intrigues stretching to China, where the Mongol emperor Khubiliai Khan builds an invasion fleet, Green Tiger knows of Silver Crane and dreams of the day when he can destroy the shogunate and restore his shattered clan. With a wooden sword as his only weapon, Ken'ishi descends into the shadowy world of flesh houses, Chinese smugglers, and Mongol spies. To succeed and unleash Silver Crane's power, he must face the darkness in his own soul. "From the first sentence, Travis Heermann weaves a tale that sucked this reader into a rich Japanese tapestry full of ronin, samurai, and magic. It was hard to put this book down to sleep." - Patrick Hester, Hugo-Award Winning SFSignal.com and the Functional Nerds Podcast "Travis Heermann takes everything I loved about Heart of the Ronin (adventure, intrigue, sympathetic characters), puts it in a pressure cooker and serves it with a side of Awesome. Sword of the Ronin is his best novel yet and won't disappoint." - Shaun Farrell, Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing "Sword of the Ronin is a raw and energetic adventure that explores deep and eternal themes such as honor, love, and betrayal while maintaining a engaging, humorous, living world. It also has an awesome ronin hero who hacks lots of bad people to bits, if you're into that sort of thing. Which you definitely should be." - Rich Wulf, author of The Heirs of Ash Trilogy "A rich, engaging, morally complex historical fantasy, deeply embedded in Japanese culture." - E.C. Ambrose, author of Elisha Barber, The Dark Apostle series "Those interested in Japan's culture and history, including ancient mythology will find this book an extraordinary read. It is certainly not a story for the fainthearted, but which touches you with its truth-drawing and starkly poignant meaning. As a work of fantasy I enjoyed it very much, although at times it did cause shivers to run down my spine and turned my blood cold." - Goodreads Reviewer

Samurai Legends: Mythical Tales and Folklore
Samurai Legends: Mythical Tales and Folklore

Author: Laura D. Smith

Publisher: Gavin Jay Maureemootoo

Published: 2024-10-30

Total Pages: 409

ISBN-13:

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Dive into the captivating world of Samurai Legends: Myths and Folktales of Japan's Noble Warriors, where you'll uncover the rich tapestry of stories that have shaped Japanese identity for centuries. Explore the origins of the samurai warrior class, their philosophy of honor and duty, and the captivating legends that have immortalized their bravery and sacrifice. From the founding fathers to the turbulent Age of Warring States, this book delves into the tales of legendary figures like Jimmu Tenno, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Oda Nobunaga, each leaving an indelible mark on Japanese history. Discover the enduring legacy of the Bushido Code, the principles of self-discipline, loyalty, and honor that guided samurai warriors through generations. Explore the impact of these values on Japanese society, art, and literature, and learn how they continue to resonate with people today. Prepare to be captivated by the thrilling tales of the Forty-Seven Ronin, Miyamoto Musashi, and Date Masamune, each representing a different facet of the samurai spirit. This book invites you to journey through time, experiencing the world of the samurai through their myths, legends, and enduring influence on Japanese culture.

Mirror of Opposition
Mirror of Opposition

Author: T.S. Robinson

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2010-02-04

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 1462809030

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Mirror of Opposition chronicles the physical, mental and spiritual maturation of three adolescent boys who begin their journey as friends training to become samurai warriors at a prestigious dojo. Along the way, their paths soon split apart after an ancient evil destroys all that they know, putting them on their own soul-searching journeys (one alive, one dead, and one undead) to manhood. Eventually, their supernatural paths cross again as they are reunited during an epic battle that will ultimately pit their childhood friendships against everything they have come to know and stand for as men.

On the Warrior's Path, Second Edition
On the Warrior's Path, Second Edition

Author: Daniele Bolelli

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

Published: 2010-05-18

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 1556439482

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An entertaining and insightful history of martial arts and the role of the warrior, drawing on pop culture, philosophy, mythology, religion, and spirituality The urge to forge one’s character by fighting, in daily life as well as on the mat, appeals to something deep within us. More than a collection of fighting techniques, martial arts constitute a path to developing body, spirit, and awareness. On the Warrior’s Path connects the martial arts with this larger perspective, merging subtle philosophies with no-holds-barred competition, Nietzsche with Bruce Lee, radical Taoism and Buddhism with the Star Wars Trilogy, traditional martial arts with basketball and American Indian culture. At the center of all these phenomena is the warrior. Though this archetype seems to manifest contradictory values, author Daniele Bolelli describes the heart of this tension: how the training of martial technique leads to a renunciation of violence, and how overcoming fear leads to a unique freedom. Aimed at students at any level or tradition of martial arts but also accessible to the armchair warrior, On the Warrior’s Path brings fresh insights to why martial arts remains an enduring and widespread art and discipline. Two new chapters in this second edition focus on spirituality in the martial arts and the author’s personal journey in the field.

The Ronin's Mistress
The Ronin's Mistress

Author: Laura Joh Rowland

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Published: 2011-09-13

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1429973862

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The Ronin's Mistress is a brilliant new twist on the fabled tale of the 47 Ronin, from Laura Joh Rowland--an author with "a painter's eye for the minutiae of court life [and] a politician's ear for intrigue." (The New York Times). Japan, 1703. On a snowy night, 47 warriors murder the man at the center of the scandal that turned them from samurai into masterless ronin two years before. Clearly this was an act of revenge--but why did they wait so long? And is there any reason they should not immediately be ordered to commit ritual suicide? Sano Ichiro, demoted from Chamberlain to his old post as Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People, has mere days to solve the greatest mystery of samurai legend--while his own fortunes hang in the balance.

47 Ronin
47 Ronin

Author: John Allyn

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-09-10

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 1462906230

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A classic tale that will captivate lovers of Japan, history, and epic adventure alike. Japan's most celebrated tale of chivalry, loyalty and revenge--and the basis for a Hollywood feature film starring Keanu Reaves--47 Ronin is the epic tale of a heroic band of Samurai warriors who defy the Japanese Emperor to avenge the honor of their fallen master. The story begins in 1701 when the noble Lord Asano attacks an official at court. His punishment is swift and harsh--the Emperor orders Lord Asano to commit ritual suicide (harikiri). His lands are confiscated, his family exiled, and his Samurai warrior brigade is disbanded--becoming Ronin or masterless, wandering renegades. While appearing to follow the Emperor's instructions, the 47 Ronin plot in secret for many years, biding their time until the moment to strike is right. Like the story of the Knights of the Round Table, the Ronin's deeds became legendary, iconic examples of courage, cunning and loyalty in an age when the Samurai were true heroes and honor was something worth dying for. John Allyn's vivid retelling, with a foreword by scholar and film advisor, Stephen Turnbull, presents this epic of Japanese literature in its correct historical context.