Moonshadow: Rise of the Ninja (Moonshadow, 1) - Softcover

Higgins, Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0316055328 ISBN 13: 9780316055321

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2011

Synopsis

In the moonlight, the explosive fast draw became a horizontal streak of silver, flashing momentarily from the cover of the shadow. The tip of Moonshadow's sword ambushed the lurking foe, who stood, still drawing his own weapon.

It's the dawn of an age of peace in medieval Japan, and a power hungry warlord is plotting to plunge the nation into a deadly civil war using a secret weapon from the West. Enter Moonshadow, the newest and youngest agent for the Grey Light Order, a covert brotherhood of shinobi (ninja spy warriors) who work for the shogun. For his first mission, Moonshadow is sent on a perilous journey to capture the plans for the secret weapon. Can Moonshadow defeat the evil warlord, rogue samurai, professional killers, and another ninja spy to save his country from violent chaos? Or will his first mission also be his last?

This thrilling ninja adventure by Simon Higgins, an expert Japanese swordsman, combines gripping action, humor, hold-your-breath suspense, and even a bit of magic for an exciting and fast-paced read!

About this title

About the Author:

Simon Higgins is the author of the bestselling Thunderfish trilogy which was a Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book and also the Jade Draper series. He is an expert in Japanese swordsmanship and lived in Japan for a number of years.

From Booklist:

In this good old-fashioned adventure set in medieval Japan, Moonshadow is a young “ninja spy warrior” who, after extensive training, sets off on his first mission—to foil the plans for a secret weapon by nefarious characters who want to disturb the peace. Following the exhilarating opening sequence, which establishes the drama to come, the nonstop action requires readers to be, like ninjas themselves, ever vigilant. The pacing is so intense that if readers let down their guard, they will miss something important about Moonshadow's ability to see through the eyes of animals, control his sword, battle his enemies, and get to know an unexpected female compatriot. The language is modern, but the setting, clothing, tactics, and tools are well placed in their time period, and a glossary provides further insight into the characters' names and experiences. Once drawn in by the opening words, “for glory or destruction,” readers will be satisfied by the length and polished writing and will look forward to forthcoming sequels. Grades 4-7. --Andrew Medlar

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0316055328
• ISBN 13: 9780316055321
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352