Author: Zoe MarriottPublisher: Walker Books
Publication Date: July 2013
ISBN: 978-1406342383
Pages: 368
Age Group: 12+
Amazon Summary
When Mio steals the family’s katana – a priceless ancestral sword – from her parents’ attic, she just wants to spice up a fancy-dress costume. But the katana is much more than some dusty antique and her actions unleash a terrible, ancient evil onto the streets of unsuspecting London. Soon Shinobu, a fearless warrior boy, appears to protect Mio – and threatens to steal her heart. With the gods and monsters of Japanese myth stalking her and her friends, Mio realizes that if she cannot keep the sword safe, and learn to control its legendary powers, she will lose not only her own life … but the love of a lifetime.
My Review
This is an exciting book involving the Japanese culture in an English setting. It’s an usual concept and such a welcome change from the YA that’s published. It’s an adventure from a fantasy writer. And it doesn’t disappoint.
The characters are warm and immediately likeable, especially Jack. Everyone should have a best friend like Jack. Marriott clearly has a unique voice and the premise of the book makes that voice shine.
And it’s funny. Jack makes a lot of situations fun and enjoyable. The main character is likeable and I love how she decided that she wanted the sword, ‘it’s mine!.’
If you want a book that you can relate to but with a different and fresh perspective that go read this book.
Many thanks to Walker books and Hannah Love for the ARC.
Michelle Moloney King 