Reviews

The Samurai's Tale by Erik Christian Haugaard

zestyudders's review

5.0

Read this book in 8th grade, I had broken my leg and spent my physical education period in the library for most of the school year because of it. Happened by this book browsing the shelves in boredom, picked it up and started reading it. I don't know how much I would like this book today if I read it but I'm giving it five stars because I loved it when I did read it as a child, and seeing as how it's a young adult novel maybe I should leave the rating to my former preteen self.

jselliot's review

adventurous emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This story follows a young orphan's determinism to bring honor to his family name after it was stolen from them, and the struggles to do so in feudal Japan. It's an enchanting look at 16th century Japan, although one thing that would've been nice would've been a little more time spent on each block of years in our protagonist's life.

mcholodewitsch's review

adventurous reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

mfaith's review

3.0

This was a decent story; it wasn't the most gripping tale I've ever read, but this story of a determined young man in Japanese society seeking to move up in the world and bring honor to his name and find his own father figure was endearing and inspiring nonetheless. I'm glad I read it. It wasn't a waste of time considering how quick of a read it was.

mk1234's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

saphirablue's review

2.0

Hmmm. On one hand I liked it and on the other hand I didn't.

I like the story itself. I like discovering and exploring a different culture. I like Taro and his friends, Masters, enemies, peers and subordinates. I like seeing the world through Taro's eyes.

That being said - we are seeing way too little of the world. There are some descriptions but, in my opinion, too few. The years are rushing by and I want to grab them and say: Stop! I want to read about Taro in this year and not just have a little note of it. :/ So, yeah, that's my big "don't like" among some minor others.

All in all an okay book.

iceangel9's review

4.0

A wonderful story of a young orphan boy who dreams of becoming a samurai in feudal Japan. He finds himself caught up in the power struggle to rule the country and must survive and find himself with honor. A enchanting look at society and life in 16th century Japan. Boys will love this story of courage, honor, and loyalty.

spaceyfaerie's review

5.0

A captivating read, although sometimes it was hard to remember all the different lords and all their different titles. The way it was written was very unique and beautiful, and I LOVE the ending paragraph:
'The story of a man's life ends only when death makes the final brushstroke, but with the fall of Imwamura Castle and the death of my master, Lord Akiyama Nobutomo, ended my youth. The tale of the parentless child and the young samurai has been told. What happened later may also be worth the telling, for honor demanded that I attempt to avenge my master. The prayer says that "in the raging fire of the world, there is no peace." Yet, that is not altogether true, for in the love between two human beings that fire can quenched and peace may be found.'

bookwormmichelle's review

5.0

Got this for a possible read-aloud for the boys, and they are going to love it! I couldn't put it down.