Book Review: Moribito II Guardian of the Darkness, by Nahoko Uehashi
Moribito II Guardian of the Darkness, by Nahoko Uehashi (or Uehashi Nahoko in Japanese)
Title in Japanese: Yami no Moribito
Translator: Cathy Hirano
Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu
Publication date: May 2009 (original in Japanese: 1999)
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Format: hardcover
# of pages: 245
Source: Library
ISBN: 978-0-545-10295-7
Summary (from book): For many years, through countless fights, Balsa has survived. The evil King Rogsam tried to kill her when she was only six. Eight assassins pursued her in the long flight that followed. But her mentor, Jiguro, protected her until his death, and then Balsa became a bodyguard herself, helping other people survive the challenges they face.
When she returns to her native country of Kanbal, she hopes to see Jiguro’s family and her own for the first time in many years. But what should be a simple visit of truth and reconciliation becomes a fight for her life when she learns that King Rogsam framed Jiguro for the deaths of the eight assassins-as well as a crime that threatens the very existence of Kanbal. With the help of two Kanbalese children, Balsa must unwind the conspiracy surrounding Jiguro and the mystery of the Guardians of the Darkness, before it’s too late.
Cover Picture:
My (really really brief) Review:
I picked this book because I had just finished watching the anime of Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, the prequel of this book.
(Source: Wikipedia)
I loved the anime: Balsa is a great strong female character and takes place during a samurai-like era. Since, I had just watched the anime, I decided to look up the novel. Imagine my surprise that there was a sequel! I haven't read the novel (for Moribito Guardian of the Spirit) so I can't compare it with Moribito 2. I found the book to be easy and enjoyable to read. In this book, Balsa returns to her native country and finds the ramifications of Jiguro's sacrifice (saving Balsa and leaving their native country of Kabal). Through various characters, the book explores honesty and loyalty (to your family, friend, leader, and even land/country). Overall, the book has a classic (non-Western style) feeling that I really enjoyed.
Although this book can stand on its own, I'd definitely recommend to read or watch Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit beforehand.
Title in Japanese: Yami no Moribito
Translator: Cathy Hirano
Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu
Publication date: May 2009 (original in Japanese: 1999)
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Format: hardcover
# of pages: 245
Source: Library
ISBN: 978-0-545-10295-7
Summary (from book): For many years, through countless fights, Balsa has survived. The evil King Rogsam tried to kill her when she was only six. Eight assassins pursued her in the long flight that followed. But her mentor, Jiguro, protected her until his death, and then Balsa became a bodyguard herself, helping other people survive the challenges they face.
When she returns to her native country of Kanbal, she hopes to see Jiguro’s family and her own for the first time in many years. But what should be a simple visit of truth and reconciliation becomes a fight for her life when she learns that King Rogsam framed Jiguro for the deaths of the eight assassins-as well as a crime that threatens the very existence of Kanbal. With the help of two Kanbalese children, Balsa must unwind the conspiracy surrounding Jiguro and the mystery of the Guardians of the Darkness, before it’s too late.
Cover Picture:
My (really really brief) Review:
I picked this book because I had just finished watching the anime of Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, the prequel of this book.
(Source: Wikipedia)
I loved the anime: Balsa is a great strong female character and takes place during a samurai-like era. Since, I had just watched the anime, I decided to look up the novel. Imagine my surprise that there was a sequel! I haven't read the novel (for Moribito Guardian of the Spirit) so I can't compare it with Moribito 2. I found the book to be easy and enjoyable to read. In this book, Balsa returns to her native country and finds the ramifications of Jiguro's sacrifice (saving Balsa and leaving their native country of Kabal). Through various characters, the book explores honesty and loyalty (to your family, friend, leader, and even land/country). Overall, the book has a classic (non-Western style) feeling that I really enjoyed.
Although this book can stand on its own, I'd definitely recommend to read or watch Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit beforehand.