Samurai Girl Real Bout High School Volume 6 (Samurai Girl Real Bout Highschool)

Book Description

The Daimon High School spectacular will be concluded mano y mano in a group of magnificent melees and explosive exchanges: After stopping Project Z, Ryoko loses her memory; the battle between "Shinsen-gumi" and "G-gumi" goes to the second round; and the battle of Ryoko vs Shizuma just might go the distance. Nobody pulls a punch in the no-holds-barred final installment of this butt-kicking-and-name-taking series!

Samurai Girl: Real Bout High School, Book 5

Average customer rating:

It's not bad, but there's better out there...
Every day is real boutish...

Samurai Girl: Real Bout High School, Book 5
Reiji Saiga , and Sora Inoue
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 159182107X

Customer Reviews:

It's not bad, but there's better out there..........2004-08-16

Sometimes, while I'm reading this series, I am interested and excited about the events, but there are a lot of times when I'm just bored. In this volume, Ryoko Mitsurugi and Shinsengumi have to go participate in battles at Dragon Land. While I still think the artwork looks pretty awesome, the panels still feel overcrowded and I'm having problems caring about what happens to the characters. In this book or any of the previous ones, there's never really all that much time devoted to allowing the readers to really get to know and care about the characters. Instead, there are a lot of fights, which, while often fun, aren't enough, at least for me. Judging from some of the reviews I've seen for the other volumes, however, I seem to be in the minority with my opinions about this series.

Every day is real boutish..........2003-02-26

Real Bout High School is one of my favorite series. Ryoko Mitsurugi, the samurai idol of Daimon High, is tall, beautiful, and kicks major a**. She reveres the samurai of the past and seeks to emulate them in the modern world. When the K-fights are introduced, she goes at it with her 'enemy' Shizuma Kusanagi and her rival Azumi Kiribiyashi. In her free time she practices with her bokken and dreams of dating the captain of the Kendo club, whom Azumi is also chasing.
This is an incredibly fun, action packed series and I can't wait till the next book comes out!

Average customer rating:

This book is swift and fun!

The Book of the Wind (Samurai Girl)
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0689861273

Book Description

When I was six months old, I dropped from the sky -- the lone survivor of a deadly Japanese plane crash. The newspapers named me Heaven. I was adopted by a wealthy family in Tokyo, pampered, and protected. For nineteen years, I thought I was lucky.

I'm learning how wrong I was.

I'VE LOST EVERYTHING.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR ME,

BUT THE PERSON I LOVE WON'T BE IN IT.

IT'S TIME TO START OVER.

LAS VEGAS IS A TOWN FOR GAMBLERS AND COWBOYS.

ONE GAMBLER HAS FOUND ME -- -AND HE WANTS TO RISK IT ALL.

BUT MY HEART ISN'T IN THE GAME.

I ONLY HAVE ONE GOAL NOW:

TO STAY ALIVE.

I AM SAMURAI GIRL.

Customer Reviews:

This book is swift and fun!.......2003-11-04

Heaven by a twist of fate escapes a house fire in this latest edition of this electric series. With a reluctant goodbye to Hiro she's off to the dazzle of Las Vegas where she seeks an old friend. In Las Vegas one can be blown wayward on their path and Heaven says Hello to an old friend-Katie and a new bubbly friend-Mr. Alcohol which she had a wild, reckless and ultimately humiliating relationship with in Book 3 The book of the Pearl (remember the jelly fish scene?). The alcohol misuse aside this is a fun, fast paced book. We see a new side of Teddy which makes him a more multi dimensional character and something very sweet and wonderful happens at the end (quess cuz I'm not going to tell!:)
All in all a great book in the series. And if you look at the end of the book there is a preview of another book (from a wonderful series) Fearless.

Average customer rating:

wonderful work by a talented artist

Samurai Girl

Manufacturer: Drago Arts and Communication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 8888493271
Release Date: 2006-03-01

Book Description

Hello Kitty meets Cat Woman in Samurai Girl, a collection of hyper-colorful, hyper-playful photographs and graphics from the Tokyo-based fashion photographer Julie, a 25-year-old descendant of an ancient samurai family and ex-pop idol in Japan. The samurai girls in these pages re-interpret the kawaii (cute) look with a dose of Lara Croft to make themselves the ultimate Japanese Lolitas-fatales. Are they sex kittens, live Barbie dolls, cosmic superstars, pop idols, Godzilla schoolgirls or geishas? All of the above. Samurai Girl combines youth fantasy fashion with radical trends, club culture chic and a manga aesthetic, at once documenting and accelerating a new Japanese underground, one that will style the world. Julie has collaborated with some of the most influential style leaders of the otaku manga and anime scenes, and her photographs and designs have gained cult status in Tokyo.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful work by a talented artist.......2006-09-12

I bought this book recently. The images remind me of when I was in Japan before and captures the quirkiness, zeal for life, and craftiness of its people well. It's hard to describe the images in the book except that each one will give you a wonderful new look on Japan and its fascination with manga and kitzchy images dubbed "too cute" and kiddie in the west. Though the themes depicted in this book go far beyond what I had expected modern Japanese art to be.

Average customer rating:

Uhhhh...
Interesting Addition to the Samurai Girl Series
Samurai Girl is gearing up to be an awesome series
samurai girl book 2
Keep 'em coming, Ms Asai!

Samurai Girl: The Book of the Shadow
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 068985949X

Book Description

I'm learning how wrong I was.

THE OLD HEAVEN KOGO DIED WEEKS AGO.

I AM A NEW PERSON -- TRAINING TO STAY ALIVE.

THE PEOPLE I TRUSTED, I NOW FEAR.

THE PEOPLE I TRUST NOW, I AM PLACING IN DANGER.

I'M TOLD A GOOD SAMURAI CAN MAKE HERSELF INVISIBLE.

AND I WANT TO BE INVISIBLE RIGHT NOW...

TO EVERY PERSON EXCEPT ONE.

I AM SAMURAI GIRL.

Customer Reviews:

Uhhhh..........2005-04-15

I know these type of books. They're popular,catch your eye, and sound like an action movie. They drag in every trick of entertainment known to man and stick it into the plot thinking enough mass-appeal will turn a plethora of gimmicks into something substantial. Unfortunately, it does not.

Samurai Girl is one of those series. A none-too flawed premise taken and squandered in a presentation that reeks of trying too hard. Heaven is pleasant enough girl, save for a few unforgivable things the author does to glorify her image. You know the story of the pushy talent agent forcing thier clients to do things against thier will for publicity? That's like what they've done to Heaven. They have her trying to fill the role of waif, tough-girl, leader, follower, good friend, and trash-talker all in one.

Another thing... why the heck is her name Heaven? She's japanese, right? Why not keep it whatever Heaven is in japanese? Or does the author not want to risk having potential english-only readers turn it away because it's too ethnic? Heaven is way too cool of a name- what happened to trying to identify with characters as normal?

Mostly, it's not so terrible-THe biggest, biggest problem is the books tries to be something it's not. In other words, this attempt to put an action anime in print failed horrificly. You just can't translate the cool visual moments of a samurai story into words this easily, especially not if you're just trying to write a book for teens who are into this samurai/ninja craze. Meanwhile, I'm hoping people won't think the "training" Heaven does under Hiro is an accurate representation.

The best and probably only reason to read the Samurai girl series- something embaressingly obvious in being "cool enough for today's youth"-is for the nice pictures.

Interesting Addition to the Samurai Girl Series.......2004-03-17

Heaven Kogo was a mere six months old when she was dropped from the sky, being noted as the only survivor in a deadly Japanese plane crash. She was named Heaven by the newspapers, to signify that she had fallen from the Gods. Later she is adopted by a wealthy family in Tokyo, where she is protected and pampered. Now, at the age of nineteen, she's realizing that all of her life things have been a sham, and she's not as lucky as she originally thought she was.

In SAMURAI GIRL: THE BOOK OF THE SHADOW, Heaven is training to stay alive, and defend herself against all evil. A few weeks ago, the people she trusted were her friends, now she fear's them. And the people who are helping her now, who have gained her trust, are now being placed in grave danger. Heaven is a good samurai, and good samurai's are able to make themselves invisible. Or so she hears. She's never actually been invisible, although she wants to become invisible to everyone around her, everyone except one.

I have yet to read the first SAMURAI GIRL book, but even so, I was able to understand, and enjoy the story told in SAMURAI GIRL: THE BOOK OF THE SHADOW. Heaven is an enjoyable character, whom reminds me greatly of the character of Gaia Moore of the FEARLESS series written by Francine Pascal. Carrie Asai has written an interesting, and complex story that girls of all ages will find captivating. The illustrations by Renato Alarcao are also a nice touch, that add immensely to the story, as there are so few YA books that offer them. A must have book for all. Especially if you're looking for a girl-empowering read.

Erika Sorocco

Samurai Girl is gearing up to be an awesome series.......2003-08-03

I loved the first book, and just today I finished reading the second. The characters, storyline, and feelings as written by the author are terrific! It has romance, pop culture, and lots of (butt) kicking! It's just a great read. If you're interested in love, martial arts, or Japanese culture, this is a terrific book~ Even if you're not, give it a read, you'll love it~

samurai girl book 2.......2003-06-27

This second book in the continuing series of Samurai Girl is as good as the first book. Here is the back of it first:

I am a new person-training to stay alive. The people I trusted, I now fear. The people I trust now, I am placing in danger.
I'm told a good samurai can make herself invisible. And I want to be invisible right now...to every person except one.

The Book of the Shadow continues to follow Heaven's growth as a person. After another attack, she finally makes the decision to move out on her own. Finding a job for the first time(and then having to quit it right away), Heaven lives with her new found friend from the last book, Cheryl. More information about her adopted family, the Kogos, and the Yukemuras comes about. While still trying to figure out Heaven's old life, her new one becomes even more complex. Now, Hiro and Karen are dating. Teddy's attitude and actions towards Heaven are not only genuine, but are confusing Heaven even more.

I really enjoy this series so far and I am looking foward to the future books. It is not only a funny look at how people are, Samurai Girl teaches much about how Heaven finds herself when her life is turned upside down. I can really relate to this book in the sense that my life has also been very sheltered and pampered. Although not to Heaven's extreme, Carrie Asai shows a part of the Asian society that many people must live. In each book, you can see the struggle one must go through. Even though this is an adventure book, the characters are very human. How greed, power, and loyal intertwines. That no one is really a superhero and everyone has flaws. Every character has their reason for how they live, and those reasons are not necesarily wrong. Just different. I can go on and on about the different analysis of each character and theme, but I'll leave that up to the reader. It isn't a book for everyone, but it is very entertaining. The deeper meanings in this book (as in every single book in existance, since we all know that books have those deep hidden meanings...er...sort of) are up to the individual readers to decided. I just like it. If only the publisher would hurry up.

Keep 'em coming, Ms Asai!.......2003-06-18

I wrote a review for #1 of this series, and just mostly want to confirm that it's still good. Fun story line and illustrations! Can't wait for further volumes.

Average customer rating:

Samurai Girl #5
The Book of wind

The Book of the Flame (Samurai Girl)
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0689861311

Book Description

I'm learning how wrong I was.

I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE ALERT.

AND I'VE NEVER FELT LESS SAFE.

L.A. IS FILLED WITH NEW AND OLD FRIENDS.

BUT WHICH ONES CAN I TRUST?

I ONLY KNOW THAT I MUST GO ON WITHOUT THE ONE I LOVE.

FRIENDS AND BOYFRIENDS WILL GET ME NOWHERE.

I'LL HAVE TO FIGHT TO FIND MY WAY HOME.

I AM SAMURAI GIRL.

Customer Reviews:

Samurai Girl #5.......2004-02-04

This book was awsome, just like the rest of the series. Its just so good that its addicting. There is alway something going on it never boring. I can't believe that Hiro would keep such a secret, Heaven needs to learn that everyone has there dark secrets from the past that they just want to forget.

The Book of wind.......2004-01-15

The book of wind is the greaest book yet.I mean I love the
whole entire samuri girl book serious.Me and my friends love
it so much we're going to make a little short movie of the first
book.

Average customer rating:

Wow, this was the worst end to a series I've seen!
Dazed and confused
Frustration and lack of development
New and unwelcome direction
What is gonna happen!

The Book of the Heart (Samurai Girl)
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 068986132X

Book Description

I'm learning how wrong I was.

A Sheltered Life

Life is good back in Japan where I'm safe and papered as a princess though I miss the freedom I had in L.A. But now maybe I'll finally face my enemy.

And I can learn the truth about who I really am and what I will become.

I am Samurai Girl.

Customer Reviews:

Wow, this was the worst end to a series I've seen!.......2007-05-28

I really enjoyed books 1-5 in this series and I have no idea what happened with this book. Ignoring all of the problems with the characters incomprehensible actions, there was the ending (or complete lack there of). I've been trying to find out if there is another book on the way because this one just stops. I searched through the book several times trying to see what had happened to the rest of the pages, I was thinking that some of mine must have been torn out! I honestly don't know what the publisher was thinking agreeing to print this!

My advise, read books 1-5 and then make up your own ending from there because at least then you won't feel betrayed by the author.

Dazed and confused.......2006-07-22

Most of these reviews have the same theme:this must not be Asai writing. This is confusing. I didn't like it.

True, the first 5 were INCREDIBLE! especially 4 and 5. they flowed SO WELL. I really did love Hiro, he made you feel safe everytime he showed up, i was glad they were together. I hated Takeda/teddy by the end and unlike a user a couple reviews down, i dont think they should end up together. I felt heaven's anger toward Hiro in the 6th book was a little unexplained. He lied by omission, but she held on to that for too long. It seemed to me like an excuse for some drama. her feelings were wishy washy the whole time- and couldnt she tell hiro had done all that so he could save her? it just isnt like hiro to plot against her, he obviously was so inlove with her. by now it seems like the plot is getting a little old, i basically just skim read the ninja attacks now. its pretty much the same: she finds a safe place, its quickly discovered, she fights off the ninjas, she escapes until she finds another safe place and it happens again. pretty boring i guess. this is also why the 4th and 5th books were so good, they didnt follow that as much as the 6th.

when i started this series i was told it ends well and with the 6th book. while reading i kept thinking:"how are they possibly going to wrap this up in 50 pages!?!"
well, they didn't. the only thing i can imagine is that the reader is led to assume that heaven ends up with teddy and her mother takes them to washington to hide for the rest of their life? is so then thats CRAP!

basically: i do suggest you read this series. the 6th book was not great but did not ruin it for me. i think it would be a VERY good move on Simon/carrie asai to inform readers whether to expect a sequel. my guess is that carrie is lost and cant find a way to end this series, so she handed it off to someone else. perhaps simon is not sure who will finish it off.

perhaps JK Rowling? HAHAHA.

Frustration and lack of development.......2006-03-15

I would like to first start off my review by saying before reading the book, I read the reviews on this site. I found all of them helpful.

After reading the first chapter I thought, okay this book isn't going to be bad. But reading on, I found myself confused at the abnormal fast pace of the writing. The details were blurred and there were many holes in the plot. I agree with all the past reviews on how everything was rushed and unclear.

Reading this book, it reminded me of another series I read, called "Fearless". Also an amazing series until it reached to the end where it was rumored (I still don't know if this is true or not) that there were "ghost writers" writing the story. That's beside the point. I think the same thing is happeninig to Samurai Girl. I was very disspointed and I am glad that I didn't purchase this book. I was afraid of wasting my money and clearly this is a waste.

The characters were so for lack of better word weird. I thought Hiro was against the whole "yakuza" thing and whatnot. Why all the sudden would he join it? Why all the sudden would he go agasint Heaven? We know that Heaven had a developing crush on Hiro but why all the sudden does she not like him anymore? If you have already read the book you proberly understand my questions and if you haven't I'm most likely making you confused.

This book has overall been confusing and just..VERY confusing. I am very frustrated that this book didn't turn out as well because nothing make sense. And to think I was once eager to read this book. I honestly hope that Carrie Asai has NOT finished writing the book and I like to beleive that she has taken a break from writing. I suppose the outcome of Book 6 was from stress? Maybe when she comes back (hopefully) with Book 7, every thing will be clear and all the questions will be answered. I hope she will bring a bucket of sand to fill in those holes in the plot!

New and unwelcome direction.......2005-12-20

I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series. What was there not to like? Heaven's character development was first rate, the pacing of the book was very good and the revelations just kept coming.

Then came book number six and the disappointment began. I agree with another reviewer who said this book appeared to either be written in a big rush with poor editing and no thought given to structure, or by someone other than Asai.

The change in Hiro was perhaps the biggest betrayal of the series. Since book one Hiro was built up in our minds as Heaven's protector, teacher and ultimately, I assumed he would be her lover. Sure, they might be separated in the future, he might use the old "I'm no good for you" line but they'd always find their way back to one another.

So to see Hiro turn into a spineless, gutless, cowardly, crying wreck was quite the disappointment, and yes, a big betrayal. You just don't do that to readers - you don't build someone up for 5 books then tear them apart in the 6th and expect us to go "Oh, okay, that's fine".

The same goes for Teddy's sudden transformation into good guy. Uh-huh. No way. The author made us HATE Teddy for 5 books now we're (and Heaven) are supposed to see him as a potential love interest. No way, no day.

For the moment, the series seems to have stopped with book 6. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favour and stop at book 5.

Big BIG disappointment!

What is gonna happen!.......2005-08-04

This book continues the story of Heaven Kogo and her search to find out what her family is really up to and how they're connected to the Yakuza. The Heavean-Hiro-Teddy love triangle still exists, but the lines of certainty are starting to blur in Heaven's mind. She finds herself wondering if she still loves Hiro as strongly as she did before and what is to become of her and Teddy? She finds she cares for Teddy also to some degree. Who will she choose and why? Will she find out why her brother is dead? Will she find out why Meiko is so shifty and why the attacker that dragged her friend to a train station seems to be sent by Meiko? So many unanswered questions and so little time and saftey to figure them out. Read the book, suckas!

SPOILERS! THE FOLLOWING IS FOR THOSE WHO'VE FINISHED THE BOOK!:

I just finished Books One through Six and I'm dying over here! What am I going to do utnil the next book? There's no newsletter to let me know if Carrie Asai is even writing book seven! I've wanted Heaven and Teddy to hook up since book two, but not like this! I just thought that Heaven and Hiro would hook up, find out that they weren't suppose to be together after all, and that would leave her and Teddy to hook up. I liked the allure of Heaven and Hiro being together, but they had different goals in life. Hiro was so serious and 'Samurai way this, Samurai way that'. He was soo not the best Heaven could do. But, even though Teddy is involved with the Yakuza, he's still a sweety. I wanted them to hook up as soon as Carrie revealed that Teddy loved her. I knew they would (this is just a guess at the next book) cuz why else would she put that in the book, but I just didn't think it would be like this. I always thought that Heaven should have married Teddy when they spent those days together at that hotel place to make the death threats stop and try to make both their families legit. She would have fallen for him eventually anyway. I mean, if she would have gotten with Hiro, they would have eventually fallen out of love with each other (they're so not compatible) and she would have put him in danger for no reason. But, she HAD to learn the hard way. Now, Hiro's gone and what does she have? guilt. Now, she'll give Teddy Hiro's sloppy seconds. He deserves better than that in my opinion. He deserved the untainted Heaven!

Average customer rating:

Great!!!!!
Best Yet!!!
SG strikes back

The Book of the Pearl (Samurai Girl)
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0689861265

Book Description

I'm learning how wrong I was.

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!!!.......2003-10-15

This is the greatest so far of all 3 books.Things between Karen and Haven are getting worse by the minute.When Heaven finally gets a new job she turns into the new party girl Heaven.She makes new friends,enemies and decisions.Desicions might not be the best when you work at a club either are your friends.Ecspecially when all your friends are much happier without you.Poor Heaven though....Cheryl is still her friend but what is Hiro now.....and we all know what Karen is.

Best Yet!!!.......2003-09-06

Definitely the best samurai girl book yet. I was kinda on the fence about the series but book 2 was better than book 1, and now things are gettin really good. Heaven is so much cooler and I like the tension with Karen. I also like that Heaven gets a job in a club and meets lots of interesting people. I definitely recommend it. But now I have to wait for book 4 :(!

SG strikes back.......2003-09-06

These books only get better the more I read. The book of the pearl is my favourite yet. I feel like I really know heaven now and am getting to know the other characters, the good the Bad and the UGLY. The action is exilerating and I literally couldn't put this one down.

Spirit of the Samurai: Of Swords and Rings (Spirit of the Samurai)

Average customer rating:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
An action-packed Samurai fantasy

Spirit of the Samurai: Of Swords and Rings (Spirit of the Samurai)
Gary Reed
Manufacturer: Actionopolis/Komikwerks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0977880990

Book Description

When her brother David finds a strange book, Kat Anderson is shocked to read its plan for her future as the last guardian against the evil Clan of Black Rings, with David her sworn enemy! Finally she understands why her grandfather insisted she take her martial-arts training so seriously. The years of training have made her a formidable foe, but she’ll need the spirit of Toho, her Samurai warrior ancestor, to help. And what part will the mysterious newcomer who claims to be her father play? Rick Hoberg’s vivid artwork and Gary Reed’s compelling story make Spirit of the Samurai a white-knuckle ride.

Customer Reviews:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-05-30

Kat and David Anderson have a pretty typical brother and sister relationship. Meaning they like to fight with each other. The difference between them and other siblings is that they've been trained to fight by their grandfather since they were little kids. Kat's focus has always been on skill and agility. David is more about strength and force. They both like to win.

The only family Kat and David know is their Grandfather. He has taken care of them and raised them ever since they can remember. Kat isn't sure how he supports them all without a job. He spends most of his time in his Dojo, or in the building next door to it. Kat and David aren't allowed in the Dojo, but their Grandfather often takes them to the other building to train. Although he calls it teaching.

It's a good thing that Kat's had a lot of "teaching," because she's going to need all of it and more. When their family turns out to be legendary, and the legend comes to life, no one is quite prepared.

SPIRIT OF THE SAMURAI: OF SWORDS AND RINGS is a fun, action-packed adventure, and very vividly written. A story that gives a whole new meaning to family history and family reunions. And one that ends way too quickly! I'm ready to read the next one, now.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

An action-packed Samurai fantasy .......2006-11-21

In the Seattle suburbs Grandfather raised his two grandchildren, fourteen years old David and thirteen years old Kat Anderson with four simple kind rules on treating and respecting others and one other, the adult mantra to obey him that that he expects both to follow. However, recently David has been constantly angry at his younger sister and has even instigated fights though her martial arts training usually overcomes his brute strength advantage. However this time he attacks her from behind and it takes Grandfather's intervention to stop him.

When David enters their Grandfather's dojo without permission, Kat follows. He shows her a book that provides the history of Japanese Samurai, especially about two rival clans, the Toho and the Black Rings, that fought one another. Grandfather arrives, but David insists on learning the truth as he says they are descendents of Toho and the kid wears three of the four Black Rings that he also found. Finally David touches the Swords of Toho and Hiro of the Black Rings. Whereas David becomes possessed with evil, his sister touches the Toho sword and becomes the last guardian battling against her sibling who wants her dead; on her side is Grandfather and Kyosha the Samurai who has just arrived claiming to be her Father.

Targeting elementary school children, this is an action-packed Samurai fantasy starring a young female teen whose opponent in a life and death struggle is her older brother. The story line is filled with action while illustrations enhance the first-rate plot. David's nastiness comes out before he is possessed so young readers will root for Kat to defeat him during their sibling battle.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Low Substantiality
Cool book
Total crap!!!
Awesome new series for grrrll power (and more)
Echo Park Readers say YEAH!

Samurai Girl: The Book of the Sword
Carrie Asai
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689859481

Book Description

When I was six months old, I dropped from the sky -- the lone survivor of a deadly Japanese plane crash. The newspapers called me Heaven. I was adopted by a wealthy family in Tokyo, pampered, and protected. For nineteen years, I thought I was lucky.

I'm learning how wrong I was.

They say your life begins on your wedding day.

Here's what happened on mine:

I lost the person I love most.

I learned that everything I knew about my family was a lie.

Now I'm being hunted. I must fight back, or die.

My life ended that day.

The old Heaven is gone.

I AM SAMURAI GIRL.

Customer Reviews:

Low Substantiality.......2005-08-12

Finally, an actual book with an Asian heroine! If you think about it, there are no actual Asian or Indian figures, not to mention Native American, Middle Eastern, or HIspanic figures, in American pop culture. Movies or books that COUlD be about someone from any race, and don't pertain to any particular culture, are usually about White people. Now, I'm not prejudiced. Being Asian and having experienced prejudice and ignorance in my lifetime, I really shouldn't be. I know this book really HAD to be about a Japanese girl, but it is nice to actually read a book about someone who is Asian.
That being said, it's time to move on to the actual book.
When I first picked this book up, I expected it to be some sort of weird time travelly novel, what with the whole samurai thingy. I felt the title was a bit misleading, which is why I gave the book three stars.
I also gave the book three stars because it wasn't really substantial literature. I understand not all teen novels are very substantial, and by that, I don't mean short, I mean, well, substantial. The Clique novels are substantial. Books by Meg Cabot are somewhat substantial, but not really. This series is VERY low on that meter. It was good to occupy your time with, but not something very memorable, nor was it very well written.

Cool book.......2004-09-13

i love this book. it was cool. i can't wait to read the next one. can't wait, can't wait!!!

Total crap!!!.......2004-07-05

Never, in my entire life, have I read anything more stupid and absurd than this book! I bought it because I thought it would be thrilling and I'd learn something about the samurai and their culture and way of thinking.
Well, I did a little, but that's all there is to this book.

The stupid protagonist - when knowing that she's hunted by people who want to KILL her - prefers to go shopping instead of waiting at home where she'd be save!!! Farther she has a horribly ennerving obsession with the movies - and not even good ones. That girl is just plain spoiled and I don't understand how any sensible person can identify themselves with this silly little girl in this silly little book.

If you thought of buying this book - DON'T!
Just go with Francine Pascal's "Fearless" Series which is similar to this one but with a convincing main character and very thrilling and interesting plot lines, covering espionage and romance as well as usual teen angst... spiced with the fact that the main character can't feel fear!

Awesome new series for grrrll power (and more).......2004-02-13

I was a little bit doubtful about this series when I picked up the first book, thinking that it would be too much like the Francine Pascal Fearless series - but Samurai Girl stands on its own two feet and provides an enjoyable read that keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series (just finished book 3 and about to start book 4).

Heaven is an amazing character, but is also very human. She was the only survivor of a plane crash when she was only six months old and has lived a safe life full of luxury and anything she ever wanted. Then her adoptive father brings her to America to marry the son of his business rival and Heaven finds herself in the country that she has always wanted to visit - except nothing is as it seems. At the wedding ceremony a warrior that appears to be a ninja disrupts the ceremony and kills Heavens brother. Fleeing from the wedding Heaven finds herself living in L.A far from the only family that she has ever known, and studying the ways of the Samurai.

This series is full of amazing characters that are so real that they seem like they could be people walking down the street. The best part about these books is that you get to feel what Heaven and thinking and see things through her eyes, but you also get to learn what other characters are thinking as you get inside there heads at the ends of various chapters. I can't wait to see how far Carrie Asai is going to take this series!

If you like these books and haven't tried them yet then you shoud definitely try the Fearless series by Francine Pascal, and you may also like to try the Tomorrow series by John Marsden if the action and danger appeals to you.

Echo Park Readers say YEAH!.......2004-01-25

Just added this book to my Echo Park Listmania ECHO PARK LOVES YOU, CARRIE ASAI... since our 'hood n library is featured! AND WE LOVE THE BOOK... our readers here are hooked. Her books do not stay on the shelf! Just for the record, Asai had visited our library some years ago, what a super nice person. And now I see, an extremely talented author. THANK YOU!

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