"FABULOUS Early Feudal Japanese Love Story"

From the very first page you will be hooked by this lively action packed historical read. The author, Kei Swanson has found a unique niche that I've found to be immensely interesting. Kei, after having written two other contemporary novels featuring oriental heroes sets her newest dramatic historical adventure back in time to 1480 feudal Nihon -- otherwise known as Japan.

The young Daimyo (a feudal lord) Sanematsu Yoshihide boards a ship that Matsumoto his war general and troops had taken over. They had killed all on board except a young girl who was found lying beneath the bodies of her slain family. Discovered, Aderyn bravely and defiantly faces them even as she herself is about to be cut down. Sick of the senseless killing and admiring her courage, Sanematsu stops his once childhood friend and nemesis Matsumoto from slaying her. Instead, Sanematus orders she be sent to his castle where he intends to discover what she knows of the land beyond the Nihon borders. Later when she is brought to him, Sanematsu finds her forthright manner provoking and also discovered that she 'cleaned up' rather nicely!

Expecting at any time that she would be killed, or worse, fifteen year old Aderyn thought it wise to hide the fact that she understood some of the Nihon language. The youngest daughter of her slaughtered family Aderyn had always thirsted for knowledge and now, here was a disturbingly handsome great feudal Lord who wanted something from her -- information. As the days turned into weeks and months, Aderyn who was re-named Tori after the seabird, had become more of an honored 'guest' in Sanematsu's household than captive. The more time Sanematsu and Tori spent together many began to notice that the young 'barbarian' and the lord of the castle seemed to be more than just friends. Young Aderyn who was just now awakening to her own sensuality was confused by her feelings for her captor. More confused was the Daimyo Sanematsu who was discovering that he actually was beginning to care about Tori, in fact, astonished that he respected her as a person in a way that went against everything he'd ever been taught. Could this unheard of feeling for a female 'barbarian' be what was referred to as love? Against all odds the love that blossomed between these two was something that one person in particular whose hatred for Sanematsu and his 'barbarian' would be determined to never see flourish.

Fascinating, absolutely fascinating! Not only has Swanson done meticulous research in providing the most incredible background for feudal Nihon, but she breathes the very life and soul into her characters as she opens up the fascinating world of the Samurai warrior in a time fraught with war and violence. When being a Samurai was almost 'god-like' in their ability to determine life or death by the swing of their sword one man would discover his destiny. In this beautiful romantic epic there is an undeniable focus on the Samurai doctrine, their way of life, which I found completely fascinating and this author does a remarkable job of bringing all this detail vividly to life.

The depictions of the main characters are deeply fashioned with emotion and motivation. Great care is taken in describing the rituals, the gardens, and the secondary characters from the lowly servants to the high and mighty. The love story revolves slowly and builds upon a feeling of trust and respect that I found to be immensely refreshing. If there is anything that is detrimental to this fabulous story is that it leaves you with three little words at the end that after such a fantastic story almost broke my heart. I am going to be ANXIOUSLY waiting to get the sequel to this most fabulous adventure of a love story!

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO -- Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 18, 2006

Summary

Aderyn Aquilla is stranded in Japan at the mercy of Lord Sanematsu Yoshihide. Spending her time with the young daimyo she forges a bond even death cannot break. Sanematsu, arising to power under the tutelage of others, has never governed his domain as he wished. Only with the strength and courage of Aderyn is he able to dream of becoming Shogun.