Book reviews are subjective. I tend to rate books not according to how “perfect” they are, seem to be, or are said to be in general but rather to how perfect they are to me.
The Samurai’s Honor by Walt Mussell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Sen heads toward young womanhood, she may no longer be able to get away with indulging her curiosity through eavesdropping and spying. This becomes strikingly apparent when she and her older sister witness a violent crime they should never have seen in The Samurai’s Honor by author Walt Mussell.
Even if I hadn’t already been into this historical ChristFic series, my “fascinated with samurai-related Japanese history” self might not have been able to resist this novella’s book cover. The suggestion of artistry, honor, and danger presented by the sword, juxtaposed with delicate cherry blossoms, set against the faint background of Japanese architecture. Gorgeous!
I didn’t really start to get into this short prequel until about halfway through. But having already enjoyed the novel that comes after it, I was interested in seeing where this would lead. It turns out to be quite a fitting and appropriately layered precursor to Sen’s continuing story, and the ending has me intrigued all over again—almost as if I hadn’t read the following book already.
I’m keeping my eyes open for more in The Heart of the Samurai series.
Here’s my review of The Samurai’s Heart.
Prismatic Prospects 