Taro by Blue Spruell
Tarō is the heroic tale of Japan’s legendary boy samurai. Author Blue Spruell reimagines traditional Japanese folklore in a historical fantasy adventure filled with samurai swords, martial arts, and mythical Japanese creatures from old Japan. . . .
Lost in the mists of Mount Fuji. But no one can escape destiny.
The year is 1596 when samurai warlords fight for control of the Imperial throne. Tarō does not want to be a samurai-like his father, but fate takes a hand when a witch enchants the boy. Gaining supernatural powers, and befriending the magical forest animals of Mount Fuji, Tarō saves a powerful warlord’s life and discovers his destiny—as he hurtles headlong into the total war for ultimate control of Japan.
About the author
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Blue Spruell lived and worked in Japan for several years before returning to Atlanta. A trial lawyer and certified mediator, he runs his own firm, The Outlaw Firm, specializing in family law and civil litigation. An internationally recognized black belt instructor, he also owns Peachtree Aikikai, a dōjo for Japanese martial arts.
Review
‘Taro’ is a whimsical, beautiful retelling of Japanese folklore. I read this in one day as I was so engrossed in the story and the fight to save the Emperor. Now I know nothing about Japanese folklore or history so I can't say whether this was a faithful comparison but it was one that I loved. Taro goes on a journey, physically and personal and I loved how those ran parallel to each other.
It was also the small details in the story that made it feel authentic to me - the feeling of the cold in the opening chapters was especially well done. I also felt as if I could picture the temples and palaces vividly in my imagination and that has to do with the quality of the illustrations. They may only be in black and white but they have such an air of beauty to them.
Of course, my favourite character wasn't Taro it was Tanuki. You can't top a shape-shifting animal to a human narrative with the ability to do magic as well. It's a winner for me. I liked Taro don't get me wrong but Tanuki 💜.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage you all to read it. It would even make cough a great Christmas present! Yeah, I did just mention that word!
