Blurb
Tarō is the heroic tale of Japan’s legendary boy samurai. Author Blue Spruell reimagines traditional Japanese folklore in a historical fantasy adventure filled with samurai swords, martial arts, and mythical Japanese creatures from old Japan. . . .
Lost in the mists of Mount Fuji. But no one can escape destiny.
The year is 1596 when samurai warlords fight for control of the Imperial throne. Tarō does not want to be a samurai-like his father, but fate takes a hand when a witch enchants the boy. Gaining supernatural powers, and befriending the magical forest animals of Mount Fuji, Tarō saves a powerful warlord’s life and discovers his destiny—as he hurtles headlong into the total war for ultimate control of Japan.
My Review
Thanks to the author for my Audible code and to Love Books Tours for organising this blog tour. I listened to the audiobook yesterday while I was walking home from the pool,then pottering about and generally relaxing. I haven’t heard of these folktales before, but then my knowledge of Japanese mythology is extremely limited.
Spruell retells three Japanese myths about Taro, producing an historical fantasy that weaves history, folklore and mythology. Spruell’s interest in Japanese culture and history are clear in these stories. The story is set in the Warring States period, I think. The Emperor is a powerless boy, Lord Monkey wants power, and Taro is a lost child of a Lord ambushed and betrayed in the war.
Taro is human and not quite human. I guessed part way through what the ending would be, but I was wrong. I missed out a whole epic battle in my surmise and then the rather sweet ending. I was not expecting it. The battle was magnificent, and the way Taro brought victory had me giggling. Squabbling kami are hilarious.
Folklore has a pattern and even well done retellings follow the pattern. This book is a retelling that produces a coherent whole from disparate parts. Folklore rarely makes sense, but Spruell manages to.
The descriptions are clear and the details make the story feel authentic and realistic. It is very vivid at times. Some of the narration is a bit clunky but that might be the intonation of the narrator, rather than the writing.
Generally, an enjoyable listen.
Author Bio
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Blue Spruell lived and worked in Japan for several years before returning to Atlanta. A trial lawyer and certified mediator, he runs his own firm, The Outlaw Firm, specializing in family law and civil litigation. An internationally recognized black belt instructor, he also owns Peachtree Aikikai, a dōjo for Japanese martial arts.
Everything Is Better With Dragons 