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bekacornell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
It wasn't a long read even though its 334 pages.
I do love graphic novels as a pallette cleanser and this one did not disappoint.
This book is about two female samurai who join forces for a quest but the quest isn't exactly what they thought.
It's heartfelt and emotional and the art work (though in black and white the published version will be in color) is beautiful.
Overall I enjoyed the quick read and the message behind it.
It wasn't a long read even though its 334 pages.
I do love graphic novels as a pallette cleanser and this one did not disappoint.
This book is about two female samurai who join forces for a quest but the quest isn't exactly what they thought.
It's heartfelt and emotional and the art work (though in black and white the published version will be in color) is beautiful.
Overall I enjoyed the quick read and the message behind it.
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Chihiro has always dreamed of being a samurai. Her father was a well-known samurai until he got injured, and Chihiro is obsessed with Tatsuo Nakano. She is the only woman accepted into Kesi Academy, a samurai academy.
When Chihiro’s father is conscripted into service, Chihiro takes his place. Especially when she gets the chance to work with Tatsuo. Their mission? Kill the yamauba demon that is killing children from a local village. But Tatsuo isn’t what Chihiro expected she’d be. Will they be able to work together to save the village?
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for an advanced copy of The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall to review! I always enjoy Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s work, and I was excited to see a new graphic novel from her. And it didn’t disappoint!
This is a fast-paced, violent at times graphic novel that kept me hooked from the very beginning. Both the writing and art work together beautifully to tell this story. The characters are expressive, and the panels are composed really well. Plus, I always enjoy the whole “grumpy mentor” story arc. We get to see Tatsuo's background and understand why she is the way she is, and this was written so well.
Also, if you love expressive animal sidekicks, you’ll definitely enjoy Tatsuo’s horse. Wonderful addition to a story that is a bit dark at times. This story does flip between events in the present and the past, which is noted by different color palettes. Always useful in the graphic novel format!
My only complaint is that the inclusion of phones felt a bit out of place to me, but not enough to take me out of the story, honestly. By the end, it was kind of fun!
All in all, if you like fast-paced graphic novels featuring strong female leads, definitely pick this one up!
When Chihiro’s father is conscripted into service, Chihiro takes his place. Especially when she gets the chance to work with Tatsuo. Their mission? Kill the yamauba demon that is killing children from a local village. But Tatsuo isn’t what Chihiro expected she’d be. Will they be able to work together to save the village?
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for an advanced copy of The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall to review! I always enjoy Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s work, and I was excited to see a new graphic novel from her. And it didn’t disappoint!
This is a fast-paced, violent at times graphic novel that kept me hooked from the very beginning. Both the writing and art work together beautifully to tell this story. The characters are expressive, and the panels are composed really well. Plus, I always enjoy the whole “grumpy mentor” story arc. We get to see Tatsuo's background and understand why she is the way she is, and this was written so well.
Also, if you love expressive animal sidekicks, you’ll definitely enjoy Tatsuo’s horse. Wonderful addition to a story that is a bit dark at times. This story does flip between events in the present and the past, which is noted by different color palettes. Always useful in the graphic novel format!
My only complaint is that the inclusion of phones felt a bit out of place to me, but not enough to take me out of the story, honestly. By the end, it was kind of fun!
All in all, if you like fast-paced graphic novels featuring strong female leads, definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexism, and Violence
righter_of_words's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hellocookie's review against another edition
5.0
The Worst Ronin is a heartfelt and hilarious journey of self-discovery and worth. Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s delightful writing and Faith Schaffer’s wonderfully expressive art will you keep you engaged and delighted from start to finish. A dream team bringing a dream of a graphic novel to life!
And then my final thoughts: I adored the relationship between the two women in this story. It was so heartfelt and real and I can't get enough. And, THAT HORSE!!! I would die for Tatsuo's horse. A++ horse and horse expressions, bless you Faith Schaffer.
And then my final thoughts: I adored the relationship between the two women in this story. It was so heartfelt and real and I can't get enough. And, THAT HORSE!!! I would die for Tatsuo's horse. A++ horse and horse expressions, bless you Faith Schaffer.
oneangrylibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
tstarklings's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
therearenobadbooks's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
sjess421's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
_christinacreads's review against another edition
4.0
Chihiro dreams of being a samurai like her idol, Tatsuo Nakano, the first and only female student Kesi Academy and her crush Kazuo Mirimoto. But meeting her online heroes is a huge wake up call but through hard work and sheer force of will this young girl is determined to prove herself worthy of serving the emperor. This is a charming tale of badass female samurais, breaking stereotypes in a world created for men, all the while saving their own little pocket of the world in this graphic novel of Mulan meets modern technology. It did take a little bit to get into the story but once it got rolling, I had a blast. It was both funny and endearing. I loved how both women grew to care for each other in spite of their differences and opposite goals.
(+) bisexual Jewish Japanese American author, feminist themes, discussions on grief
(+) bisexual Jewish Japanese American author, feminist themes, discussions on grief