Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale (teen historical adventure)

By David Kudler

Can one girl win a war?

Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems. Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.

Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possible have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?

TEEN HISTORICAL ADVENTURE NOVEL

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stillpoint Digital Press
• Release date: Jun 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781938808333

David Kudler

David Kudler is a writer and editor living just north of the Golden Gate Bridge with his wife Maura Vaughn and their daughters. And their cat. And many guppies.He serves as the publisher of Stillpoint Digital Press. Since 1999, he has overseen the publications program for the Joseph Campbell Foundation. He has edited three posthumous volumes of Campbell's unpublished writing and lectures and overseen editions of nine additional print titles, the most recent being the third edition of the seminal Hero with a Thousand Faces. In addition, he has shepherded the creation of nearly twenty hours of video and over thirty hours of audio recordings. Of late, much of his focus has been creating new ebook editions of Campbell's classic titles.His novel Risuko is a young adult historical adventure novel (whew! lots of qualifications on that!) set in Japan during the Civil War era.He's a passionate reader of mysteries, fantasy and whatever else he can get his hands on. He is a story addict.

Reviews for Risuko

[kateprice88 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler is a tale about a young girl, nicknamed Risuko, living in Japan in the age of the samurai. When I first stumbled across Risuko, I was very excited, and wanted to get my hands on a copy any way possible. I loved the cover, I loved the setting, and I loved the synopsis.

I instantly liked Risuko, both as the narrator and main character. I finished the first few chapters in only a couple of hours, turned off my Kindle to go to bed...

...and then didn't open the book again for weeks. When I did, I read a few pages, then turned it off. I'd open it again, only for the same thing to happen. This happened several times until I forced myself to finish. Even then, I only picked it back up because my Kindle kept giving me the e-reader equivalent of the blue screen of death when I tried to search for a title in the Kindle Library. So I just got it over with and powered through the last 60% of the book.

The entire middle of the book is extremely slow. We learn a bit about Risuko's father, her new companions, follow her to lessons, and, well, that's largely it. The action picks up again around 75-80 percent through the book. And, when it does, it seemingly comes from nowhere. Most frustratingly, I didn't understand the motivations of the antagonist until Risuko asked the same questions I was thinking. Then, several paragraphs of backstory and description were related, and, finally, did I understand the why's.

There is something else that peeved me a little while reading - the use of honorifics. (For those who don't know or aren't sure what that is, they are the additions at the end of names, such as san, kun, sama, etc.) I watch a hell of a lot of anime, and like a lot of anime fans, I have a strong opinion on this. The use on honorifics isn't necessarily a no-no for me, but if they are included in an English translation of an anime, manga, or light novel, I want them included with reason, not just because they were in the original. Does the use, or non-use, signal a character's true feelings about someone? Does it relay information in a subtle way we might otherwise not know, or have trouble deducing? If yes, then sure, go for it! However, after reading Risuko I don't think any of those are true. At best it merely evokes the setting to a higher degree, but perhaps at the cost of the comprehension of readers unfamiliar with honorifics, what they mean, and their uses. All in all, I just don't think the honorific's were necessary.

Now, the book isn't necessarily bad. The characters are constructed fairly well. A few are, perhaps, a bit two dimensional, but this is a series and I do expect both the story and characters to be flushed out in the coming books. I'd say that if you like historical fiction, young adult works, or tales set in Japan, give it a read.

*I received this book from Netgalley and Stillpoint Digital Press in exchange for an honest review.*

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'd normally just update with a 'reread review update' instead of rewriting the review. But as the original ended up erased anyway, and while I reposted it, it was in my past style of short reviews, I'm just going to review this one again...

So, in my original review I posted an 'overall thoughts' part, and have to say, it still really fits how I felt about this one! "It starts out slow as it introduces characters, but things start to snow-ball once they get going, and it helps that you already know the characters before the action really kicks in!" I loved how just before they reach Mochizuki (the Full Moon) where the kunoichi live and train, we get to see Risuko start to realize that her life is no longer what she had thought, and seeing her learn what it means to be a kunoichi. We also get glimpses of the friendships and struggles she will soon face in her new life. Before this point, the story slowly meanders as the group travels, so this was that point both times I've read this now that makes this story impossible to put down! (Well... I did stop once to sleep this time, but this book can also be read in one sitting, I'm just slow, haha!)

I loved the culture and tone of this story, and really enjoyed reading it the second time and catching the little hints and hidden meanings that I had missed the first time! Such a fun read, this one does have some heavier themes, but takes a light approach and still fits well as a teen read as well as one suitable for adults who enjoy the genre as well! As a book about warriors and kunoichi, there is some violence and mentions of death, but the gore and details are mostly skipped over, other than what Risuko herself thinks as a child coming of age in such a lifestyle. She is the daughter of a samurai, spends time helping in the kitchen, and even sees a few men killed as they try to attack the kunoichi she's with, but other than brief mentions of blood and death, we mostly see her learn to realize that death itself is a part of life, and it's how any why something dies that determines if you are defending something precious or willingly causing harm.

I rewrote part of this review, but below is some of my my original thoughts and my review on Risuko from my time reading it in 2016:

Favorite Character(s)?: Risuko, Lt. Masugu, and Mieko! My appreciation for Mieko really grew during this read-through! I also enjoy Aimaru's friendship with the girls, especially with Risuko and Emi!

Original Review: "I seen a few others talking about this book, and fell in love with the cover as soon as I saw it! I knew I had to get my hands on a copy, and I was right! I'm so glad I found it soon enough to catch it on NetGalley, I loved this book, and am excited to see what happen in the next book! It's beautifully written, and the Japanese culture shows clearly in the characters and setting. This is a fun read, and well worth the slow start. Even with it being slow, I found myself loving the characters, even the less than friendly ones, early on, and as the story unfolds, you are introduced to more sides, making the characters both real, and more human despite some of the masks they wear. Many have stories that intertwine to weave an intriguing and beautiful tapestry that this book only starts to unveil. I'm highly anticipating the next time I can join Risuko and her friends! I would love to see this made into a movie, but only by someone willing to put in the time and effort to make it the best it can be! This one deserves to be done right!"

[daffimere · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Risuko dragged me in and I didn't want to leave this world when the book came to an end. I wanted to stay and see how Risuko makes it through her challengers that she has to face, and be in her corner giving her encouragement. I also wanted to be by her side and and help her with what she has to do. I started to mumble and complain when I finished Risuko on the train home, but then I breathed a breath of a fresh air when I realised the is a second book.

[dubaireader · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A Kunoichi adventure.I started this book with enthusiasm, expecting it to be an historical fiction novel about Japan, but although it was based on historical fact, I hadn't anticipated that it would be quite so much a YA adventure story. I'm afraid I really struggled to connect with the book. Admittedly the Japanese names didn't help, but many of the characters blurred into one another for me and it was only in the second half that I managed to distinguish between them.I was listening to the audio version, available on Audible, but unfortunately I found the voice of the narrator piercing and irritating. She tended to raise her voice at the ends of sentences, inferring questions that were not there, and although she was perfectly clear with her narration, this intonation jarred with me. And why did the Korean chef have a Scottish accent, did I miss an explanation along the way?Kano Murasaki, or Risuko, also known as Squirrel (no wonder I'm confused!), was bought from her parents early in the book. I think it may have had something to do with her father's loss of honour, but I wasn't quite sure. She finds herself under Kee Sun's care, training to become, not only a Miko (a shrine maiden) but also a fighter and a spy, to defend her country, her honour and her owner.There are several other novices studying with her at The Full Moon, learning varied skills from cooking to dancing and music to sword-play. It's a grueling training regime, but they are kept well fed and comfortable and it is therefore an improvement over their home lives.Intrigue between the residents of the Full Moon provides most of the excitement, until a series of suspicious events allow Risuko to prove her skills.This book did prompt me to look into Miko and their history in Japan, and for that I am grateful. Personally, I shan't be following the series, but I'm sure those that do will learn quite a bit about the lives of these women and their roles in Japanese society.

[bravenewbks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. Fair warning: if you hate books that end in cliffhangers, this ends on a big one -- the main climax seems slated for the second installment in the series.

Risuko (whose nickname means "squirrel" in Japanese) is a young girl with a big talent for climbing like, well, a squirrel. When she's sold to an old woman and taken away to become a Kunoichi, neither she nor the reader knows exactly what that means.

The process of discovering who she's meant to be will be a challenging and mysterious one, with a lot of hard work and adventure along the way.

A fun YA read suffused with samurai-era Japanese culture and references, Risuko will climb her way up your favorite bookshelf with a smile.

I don't know exactly what that means either, but the mental image of Risuko scampering up a bookshelf and grinning at me from the top just felt right, somehow.

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

[thatonelibrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Risuko Seasons of the Sword #1Written by David Kudler Risuko is the story of Kano Murasaki called Risuko (squirrel) for short. All Risuko wants is to climb. One day, when exhibiting her skills in a tree near her home, she is purchased by a noblewoman and whisked away from all comfortable familiarity. Risuko journeys into the mountains, witnessing the effects of civil war as she travels, while learning she is to become a shrine maiden. However, upon arriving to her destination, it is clear that the noblewoman has something different in mind. Over the next months, Risuko and her fellow novices train in many areas (none of which make much sense to the girls) and work diligently in the kitchens. It becomes apparent that something much deadlier is happening in the school, and Risuko finds herself under suspicion. Can Risuko become the kunoichi she needs to be? Risuko is a story of growth, relationships, and intrigue set against the Japanese Sengoku Era. Risuko is an interesting tale. Kudler has deftly integrated true to life locations, events, and people into a fictional tale without ever "data dumping" his research. The text is generously supplemented with maps, a glossary, character list (particularly useful as the cast is extensive), and historical notes. As an adult reader I found the plot engaging, though for a middle grade reader it may drag in the middle. Where Risuko ultimately stumbles is in its voice. At times content suggests the book is for a middle grade reader, but at other times it feels meant for high school. There is even a joke about using the lavatory that a grade schooler would understand, but the characters miss it entirely. This unclear audience is worrisome; Risuko is a solid read but without a clearer voice and intended audience I worry the book may flounder. Luckily a sharp cover should help catch the eyes of middle grade and high school readers alike. Perfect for fans of the recent The Night Parade by Kathryn Tanquary and non-western historical fiction buffs. Risuko begins the planned Seasons of the Sword series from relative newcomer David Kudler and is expected to be published in July of 2016.

[isisunit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I would like to thank Stillpoint Digital Press & NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC to review. Though I received this ebook for free, that has no impact upon the honesty of my review. Goodreads Teaser: "Can one girl win a war?My name is Kano Murasaki, but most people call me Risuko. Squirrel.I am from Serenity Province, though I was not born there.My nation has been at war for a hundred years, Serenity is under attack, my family is in disgrace, but some people think that I can bring victory. That I can be a very special kind of woman.All I want to do is climb.My name is Kano Murasaki, but everyone calls me Squirrel.Risuko.Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan -- or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems. Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn't possibly have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?"Absolutely engrossing, this story grabbed me from the very start. Replete with vivid details, gorgeous descriptions, and rich emotions, this is the beginning of what looks to be a tale well worth the telling. Risuko is an exceptional character, with a rich inner life, and all the challenges you'd expect, plus more, in her daily life. Swept away from her family and all she's ever known, thrust into unusual and difficult situations on a regular basis, still she holds her personal integrity and sense of self - even when she isn't at all sure who she really is. Learning about Risuko's new life with her is a rewarding experience, and I'm already anxious for the next part of her story. But Risuko isn't the only character in this story, and the others are just as well crafted. While I didn't learn as much about all the other players on the board, they were smoothly positioned and each had at least one hook that pulled me toward them, increasing my desire to know about them as well. It seems fairly clear that many of these characters will play much more prominent roles as this tale unfolds, and I, for one, greatly anticipate discovering who will become powerful players, and who will fade away. Mr. Kudler has envisioned and created an intensely interesting world, a world in which he managed to put me into Risuko's shoes while still allowing me to see the larger picture that is not yet visible to her. That is an exceptional feat, and one which I am grateful to have experienced. Having Risuko's inner turmoil mirror the external turmoil taking place in Japan is a blessing for the reader. Thus far the arc of the story has been perfectly matched to both the development of the characters and the placement of the action. He has managed to propel Risuko forward into a world that both intrigues and repels me. That takes skill, and a deft touch. Both of which are very visible in this book. Now, where's the next part of the story already?