6.04.2009
The Kouga Ninja Scrolls
by Futaro Yamada (translated by Geoff Sant), 311 pgs, paperback
Overall Grade: A+
Ninja! Just the word is exciting, isn't it? So is this book.
I sort of reverse stumbled upon this book, first by running into the anime, which is based off the manga, which was made from this book. I thoroughly recommend reading the book. It will help you understand the anime a lot better (and keep the characters/skills) straight.
The basic story revolves around two ninja clans, the Kouga and the Iga, who are prevented from renewing their all-out war with each other by some treaty or agreement with the Shogun and one of his generals. For very petty reasons, the Shogun decides to annul the status quo and use the outcome of the ninja war as a huge bloody coin-toss. Each side names ten of their best as combatants and the first side to kill their opposing ten wins. Oh, and did I mention that the young leaders of each clan are smitten with each other?
However, don't expect this to be like 'Naruto'. The Kouga and Iga are sly and cunning and are perfectly willing to kill dishonorably if it will get them the kill. Most of them also have freakish powers or abilities having been inbred for generations. They are nasty and quick, like ninja should be. Also Yamada gets major points for writing in a style that is both fast-paced and entertaining. There's barely any filler as all the events snowball. And he also does a good job with the suspense. Definitely a winner here, people!
Labels: genre: fiction, genre: historical, media: book
