The wrath of Silver Wolf by Simon Higgins
Random House, 2009. ISBN 9781741664058. Moonshadow
2.
(Age 11-14) Highly recommended.This is the second in the fantasy series
set in Old
Japan. It is not reliant on the
first. This is a fast moving, exciting
novel steeped in the ancient five hundred year old art of Iaido (a
style of swordmanship
which prizes traditional techniques and medieval samurai etiquette and
courtesy
p322) and combined with the shinobi culture.
The author himself, a proud student of this art, embroils the
reader in
the culture while following Moonshadow and Snowhawk as they try to
outwit the
power hungry warlord, Silver Wolf who wants to return Japan to chaos
under his
control. Young Ninja Moonshadow belongs
to the secretive Grey Light Order and with the guidance of the seer
called
White Nun and her beautiful bear hunting dog, Motto San are determined
to
prevent this. He and Snowhawk embark on
a dangerous and life threatening quest.
Book three will be eagerly
awaited.The Glossary is particularly formative and useful.
Sue Nosworthy