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polarbear2023's review against another edition
gave it a solid shot like I waned to read it so bad but its just so sterile and cold I dont like
m_h_dahl's review against another edition
5.0
In "Tomoe Gozen" by Jessica Amanda Salmonson, readers are treated to a mesmerizing blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling. Set in an alternate-earth version of 12th century Japan, the novel introduces us to the enigmatic onna-bugeisha, Tomoe Gozen, and immerses us in a world where magic and mythical creatures coexist with mortal samurai.
While Salmonson's portrayal of Tomoe Gozen is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the real historical figure who was an onna-bugeisha—a female warrior—during the formative years of the samurai class in Japan. Salmonson's fictionalized version breathes life into this enigmatic figure, infusing her character with depth and complexity.
The real Tomoe Gozen, from 12th-century Japan, was most known for her remarkable skills as an onna-bugeisha, a female warrior. She served as a prominent samurai and was celebrated for her bravery and martial prowess on the battlefield. Tomoe Gozen fought alongside her male counterparts during the Genpei War, a conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans, which played a crucial role in establishing the samurai class in Japan. Despite limited historical documentation about her life, her reputation as a skilled and formidable warrior has persisted through time, making her an enduring symbol of female strength and prowess in Japanese history.
One of the captivating aspects of this novel is the author's ability to transport readers to ancient Japan, skillfully capturing the cultural nuances and traditions of the time. Salmonson's writing evokes a vivid and authentic atmosphere, painting a rich tapestry of samurai, yokai, and magical beings that seamlessly intertwine with historical elements.
Another strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of Tomoe Gozen herself. Salmonson presents her as a fascinating and multidimensional character, balancing her strengths and flaws to create a relatable and compelling protagonist. In a society dominated by men, Tomoe Gozen defies expectations by embracing her femininity while remaining true to the principles of Bushido—the samurai code of honor.
While the real Tomoe Gozen's life is shrouded in mystery, Salmonson's fictional counterpart embarks on a quest to reclaim her status as a revered hero after breaking the code of Bushido. This narrative arc delves into themes of honor, redemption, and personal growth, echoing the spirit of the historical figure and offering readers a captivating exploration of these concepts.
Salmonson masterfully blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling in "Tomoe Gozen." While the inclusion of supernatural elements and magical beings deviates from historical reality, the novel remains firmly rooted in historical accuracy. This fusion of fact and fiction creates a compelling narrative that will enthrall enthusiasts of samurai culture and history.
I loved how "Tomoe Gozen" is a captivating fusion of history and fantasy, transporting readers to an alternate version of ancient Japan where the enigmatic onna-bugeisha takes center stage. Jessica Amanda Salmonson's skillful storytelling and attention to historical details create an immersive reading experience. Whether one is drawn to the allure of samurai culture or captivated by the enigmatic figure of Tomoe Gozen, this novel offers a mesmerizing blend of fact and fiction that will leave you captivated from beginning to end!
While Salmonson's portrayal of Tomoe Gozen is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the real historical figure who was an onna-bugeisha—a female warrior—during the formative years of the samurai class in Japan. Salmonson's fictionalized version breathes life into this enigmatic figure, infusing her character with depth and complexity.
The real Tomoe Gozen, from 12th-century Japan, was most known for her remarkable skills as an onna-bugeisha, a female warrior. She served as a prominent samurai and was celebrated for her bravery and martial prowess on the battlefield. Tomoe Gozen fought alongside her male counterparts during the Genpei War, a conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans, which played a crucial role in establishing the samurai class in Japan. Despite limited historical documentation about her life, her reputation as a skilled and formidable warrior has persisted through time, making her an enduring symbol of female strength and prowess in Japanese history.
One of the captivating aspects of this novel is the author's ability to transport readers to ancient Japan, skillfully capturing the cultural nuances and traditions of the time. Salmonson's writing evokes a vivid and authentic atmosphere, painting a rich tapestry of samurai, yokai, and magical beings that seamlessly intertwine with historical elements.
Another strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of Tomoe Gozen herself. Salmonson presents her as a fascinating and multidimensional character, balancing her strengths and flaws to create a relatable and compelling protagonist. In a society dominated by men, Tomoe Gozen defies expectations by embracing her femininity while remaining true to the principles of Bushido—the samurai code of honor.
While the real Tomoe Gozen's life is shrouded in mystery, Salmonson's fictional counterpart embarks on a quest to reclaim her status as a revered hero after breaking the code of Bushido. This narrative arc delves into themes of honor, redemption, and personal growth, echoing the spirit of the historical figure and offering readers a captivating exploration of these concepts.
Salmonson masterfully blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling in "Tomoe Gozen." While the inclusion of supernatural elements and magical beings deviates from historical reality, the novel remains firmly rooted in historical accuracy. This fusion of fact and fiction creates a compelling narrative that will enthrall enthusiasts of samurai culture and history.
I loved how "Tomoe Gozen" is a captivating fusion of history and fantasy, transporting readers to an alternate version of ancient Japan where the enigmatic onna-bugeisha takes center stage. Jessica Amanda Salmonson's skillful storytelling and attention to historical details create an immersive reading experience. Whether one is drawn to the allure of samurai culture or captivated by the enigmatic figure of Tomoe Gozen, this novel offers a mesmerizing blend of fact and fiction that will leave you captivated from beginning to end!
puzzleguzzler's review against another edition
4.0
This campy, fantasy samurai romp (based on an actual woman samurai) was surprisingly entertaining. How could this be anything but? "In the lightning crack of orgasm, a monstrous warrior was born of the elements. She slew."
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
4.0
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
This is a strange book, but strange in a good way. Salmonson takes the real life samurai Tomoe Gozen (a woman samurai who fought in the Genepi war) and creates a historical fantasy set in an alternate Japan.
The thing is, the book is meditation disguised as an adventure story.
Gozen starts as a sworn samurai who is debating taking a deeper oath with three others, but then a battle occurs in which despite heroic deeds, Gozen loses her status, loses herself. In many ways, the sequence of the rest of the book is about a re-discovery of self in terms of Eastern belief.
It is that quest, which is done in conjunction with various other adventures that is most engrossing as well as the look at what is a samurai, a wife, a lady, and who controls power. It is a thought provoking book.
Gozen comes to realizations about her place in the world though her adventures as well as in the mirroring of the past of those of that surround to her own. Salmonson combines Japanese folklore with Western fantasy elements to do so. The effect is beautiful.
The weakest part of the story is the love affair between Gozen and Tomiska. It is weak, not because of the lesbian relationship (which was beautifully referred to in the beginning of the book) but because the development of a two sided romance does not seem quite realistic. Gozen is too dispassionate. This could be playing on the idea of the dispassionate male hero that appears in several stories and films, but for some reason it falls flat here. Yet, when one considers when this book was first published, this relationship would have been far more different than it is seen today.
Enjoyable.
This is a strange book, but strange in a good way. Salmonson takes the real life samurai Tomoe Gozen (a woman samurai who fought in the Genepi war) and creates a historical fantasy set in an alternate Japan.
The thing is, the book is meditation disguised as an adventure story.
Gozen starts as a sworn samurai who is debating taking a deeper oath with three others, but then a battle occurs in which despite heroic deeds, Gozen loses her status, loses herself. In many ways, the sequence of the rest of the book is about a re-discovery of self in terms of Eastern belief.
It is that quest, which is done in conjunction with various other adventures that is most engrossing as well as the look at what is a samurai, a wife, a lady, and who controls power. It is a thought provoking book.
Gozen comes to realizations about her place in the world though her adventures as well as in the mirroring of the past of those of that surround to her own. Salmonson combines Japanese folklore with Western fantasy elements to do so. The effect is beautiful.
The weakest part of the story is the love affair between Gozen and Tomiska. It is weak, not because of the lesbian relationship (which was beautifully referred to in the beginning of the book) but because the development of a two sided romance does not seem quite realistic. Gozen is too dispassionate. This could be playing on the idea of the dispassionate male hero that appears in several stories and films, but for some reason it falls flat here. Yet, when one considers when this book was first published, this relationship would have been far more different than it is seen today.
Enjoyable.
lsneal's review
3.0
An impressive amount of research clearly went into this alternate history/next universe over story of a 12th century female samurai. The setting was certainly immersive, but I found it hard to relate to and root for any of the characters. The translation of the traditional, pseudo-Eurocentric and male-centric sword & sorcery genre into a Asian, female-centric story is definitely different and interesting, though.
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