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Summary
Summary
In the moonlight, the explosive fast draw became a horizontal streak of silver, flashing momentarily from the cover of the shadow. The tip of Moonshadow's sword ambushed the lurking foe, who stood, still drawing his own weapon.
It's the dawn of an age of peace in medieval Japan, and a power hungry warlord is plotting to plunge the nation into a deadly civil war using a secret weapon from the West. Enter Moonshadow, the newest and youngest agent for the Grey Light Order, a covert brotherhood of shinobi (ninja spy warriors) who work for the shogun. For his first mission, Moonshadow is sent on a perilous journey to capture the plans for the secret weapon. Can Moonshadow defeat the evil warlord, rogue samurai, professional killers, and another ninja spy to save his country from violent chaos? Or will his first mission also be his last?
This thrilling ninja adventure by Simon Higgins, an expert Japanese swordsman, combines gripping action, humor, hold-your-breath suspense, and even a bit of magic for an exciting and fast-paced read!
Author Notes
Simon Higgins is the author of the bestselling Thunderfish trilogy which was a Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book and also the Jade Draper series. He is an expert in Japanese swordsmanship and lived in Japan for a number of years.
Reviews (5)
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this Australian import, orphaned teenager Moonshadow has spent his childhood living and training with the Grey Light Order of shinobi-ninjas. Now circumstances force the Order to make his first mission a critical but dangerous one-infiltrate a castle and steal the plans for a war-changing new weapon. Along the way he faces the castle's samurai guards; a young female shinobi named Snowhawk, who Moonshadow might persuade to become a friend; and a legendary assassin known as the Deathless, who cannot be harmed by swords. Higgins, a student of samurai swordsmanship, is in top form when detailing personal combat, but also excels at portraying Moonshadow as a young man on the verge of doing great things while still plagued by fears and self-doubt. Moonshadow's trials are both external and personal-requiring thought as well as action-but he consistently adheres to his teachers' moral codes and his own ethics. Historical and martial arts details are scattered lightly and buttress the story. Though action is at the core of this tale, Higgins also brings to it history, brains, and heart. Ages 8-12. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Moonshadow has completed his training as a shinobi, a ninja spy warrior, and is sent on his first independent mission. A rival female shinobi adds to the danger Moonshadow faces but also offers a chance for friendship (not to mention increasing the story's appeal to girls). An intriguing choice for fans of martial arts and adventure. Glos. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
In this good old-fashioned adventure set in medieval Japan, Moonshadow is a young ninja spy warrior who, after extensive training, sets off on his first mission to foil the plans for a secret weapon by nefarious characters who want to disturb the peace. Following the exhilarating opening sequence, which establishes the drama to come, the nonstop action requires readers to be, like ninjas themselves, ever vigilant. The pacing is so intense that if readers let down their guard, they will miss something important about Moonshadow's ability to see through the eyes of animals, control his sword, battle his enemies, and get to know an unexpected female compatriot. The language is modern, but the setting, clothing, tactics, and tools are well placed in their time period, and a glossary provides further insight into the characters' names and experiences. Once drawn in by the opening words, for glory or destruction, readers will be satisfied by the length and polished writing and will look forward to forthcoming sequels.--Medlar, Andrew Copyright 2010 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Moonshadow is the newest member of the shogun's secret service. An orphan trained by the Grey Light Order, the young ninja is able to look into the eyes of animals and command them to follow his wishes by using his ki. That remarkable ability and his sword skills are all he can rely on during his first mission, stealing plans for a dangerous weapon from an unhappy warlord who hopes to rekindle war in Japan. Moonshadow must survive not only assaults by the warlord's hired warriors-a gangster, a swordsman, and a legendary ninja-but also by a rival spy, who is a girl his own age trained by the Grey Light Order's most powerful enemies. The swordplay is fast and furious, and Japanese terms and places are integrated in a manner that reluctant readers will find accessible. This adventure is part spy novel, part magic, and all fun.-Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Named for his trademark sword trick, Moonshadow is an orphan and a recently graduated ninja in the Grey Light Order, the shogun's secret service, with special training in the ancient skill of "the eye of the beast," or sight control of complex animals. Combining details about Japan's early Tokugawa era and its warrior culture with action-packed, fantastical storytelling, Higgins crafts a thrilling tale of honor and friendship as the skilled but inexperienced Moonshadow embarks on his first mission. Silver Wolf, the shogun's captain, wants to end his country's time of peace. It's up to the young ninja to steal his plans for a secret weapon that could plunge Japan back into war. But it's no easy task when he finds himself surrounded by rogue assassins, the mythical Deathless warrior, rumored to be immune to sword cuts, and a rival spy who uses her own set of skills to try to capture the plans first. Intentional mysteries in the plot will be revealed as Moonshadow tackles more missions in this new series. Move over, Alex Rider. (glossary, author's note) (Historical fantasy. 9-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
