Booklist Review

It's the end of the feudal era in Japan, and Hatsu is looking for a bodyguard to escort her from Edo to her home in the countryside. Gentle ronin Yoshida seems like a good choice, but he has a secret. Well, make it two: Yoshida is actually a woman, Mirai, and, more important, a college student from the future studying Japanese history via time machine. Mirai, along with her classmate Kuji, have been firmly instructed not to interfere in history, but a mysterious attack has left them stranded with no choice but to muddle through. Though Wilgus' manga-influenced black-and-white artwork can be a bit wooden, the story has a truly fascinating premise and plumbs impressive depths, particularly in Kuji and Mirai's arguments over rebel factions during the period, which raises thoughtful questions about how ideology influences how we view history as well as the dangers of romanticizing rebellion. Deepening mysteries about Mirai and Kuji's time travel program make for a compelling cliffhanger ending to this genre-blending series starter.--Sarah Hunter Copyright 2010 Booklist