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coffeedragon's review against another edition
4.0
I tend not to read the end of the book (the A/N) but for some reason I did this time, and I thought it was neat how someone actually read the first book while in Japan (and even corrected something in the book). It makes me want to go there and go to the different places mentioned (even though they're not the same as then).
Better than the second book, pacing-wise.
Also, for some reason there was something about the MC that made me want to slap him at times. I guess it was mostly when he was adamant to go see the new Lord Inaba. Then I stopped and was like, he's only trying to help, he's doing what he thinks is right. Was sad with how the village was pretty much slaughtered (or it was implied). Was curious as to how Yutaro would react, if he would try to plead innocent or if he actually committed suicide (which I doubt for some reason?). Also, what happened to that one ninja (forgot his name), the one who accompanied the MC in his journey.
Those were my only complaints. It just lets the reader imagine what happened after the mystery was solved.
Also, curious as to how the judge came to that conclusion so early on in the mystery. I kind of just assumed the son would be a possible suspect since his character just fit that scenario.
Better than the second book, pacing-wise.
Also, for some reason there was something about the MC that made me want to slap him at times. I guess it was mostly when he was adamant to go see the new Lord Inaba. Then I stopped and was like, he's only trying to help, he's doing what he thinks is right. Was sad with how the village was pretty much slaughtered (or it was implied). Was curious as to how Yutaro would react, if he would try to plead innocent or if he actually committed suicide (which I doubt for some reason?). Also, what happened to that one ninja (forgot his name), the one who accompanied the MC in his journey.
Those were my only complaints. It just lets the reader imagine what happened after the mystery was solved.
Also, curious as to how the judge came to that conclusion so early on in the mystery. I kind of just assumed the son would be a possible suspect since his character just fit that scenario.
millennial_dandy's review against another edition
4.0
I've always found the Samurai Detective novels to be a delight. Although some of that is likely tinted by nostalgia as I first read them when I was a child, I have nonetheless enjoyed being reintroduced into the world of 1700s Japan and to the characters of Seikei and Judge Ooka.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
alex_wordweaver's review against another edition
4.0
Third book in the series. Loved it. Really enjoying finally getting to complete the series I started reading way back in...middle school, I think.
alexlcriddle's review against another edition
4.0
When Lord Inaba is found murdered in his own bedroom, Judge Ooka is immediately sent to investigate. With his adopted son and young apprentice, Seikei, the judge begins finding clues in the palace both physically and verbally from servants. When Seikei discovers a bloodstained origami butterfly in Lord Inaba’s room, Judge Ooka begins to suspect who the killer may be. The judge sends Seikei with Tatsuno, a ninja, to discover where the paper was made and who purchased it. Along his journey, Seikei learns more about ninjas, his own abilities as a blossoming samurai, and the value of friendship. This detective story introduces readers to an exciting in-depth look at culture in eighteenth century Japan—traditions, clothing, samurai beliefs, and much more.
I enjoyed this novel. I think that because it is the third novel in the series, I was a little lost, but I connected with the characters nonetheless. It was very interesting to read about the culture in Japan during the eighteenth century. I think that this would be a great novel to read in a history class because the students would be able to get a glimpse into a culture that is very different. Seikei was a very relatable character and I really liked his humor. It was also interesting to see Seikei’s character develop in such a short time. The mystery in this novel was intense. The plot moved well and the clues that were given helped me to figure out who the culprit was. I would warn students that because of the culture, they may feel a little offended or shocked by what is said about what happens to some of the characters in the novel.
I enjoyed this novel. I think that because it is the third novel in the series, I was a little lost, but I connected with the characters nonetheless. It was very interesting to read about the culture in Japan during the eighteenth century. I think that this would be a great novel to read in a history class because the students would be able to get a glimpse into a culture that is very different. Seikei was a very relatable character and I really liked his humor. It was also interesting to see Seikei’s character develop in such a short time. The mystery in this novel was intense. The plot moved well and the clues that were given helped me to figure out who the culprit was. I would warn students that because of the culture, they may feel a little offended or shocked by what is said about what happens to some of the characters in the novel.
missmeddler's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dandelionfluff's review against another edition
4.0
I love these mysteries. The only part that seemed wanting was the ending; I felt there was no sense of consequence, like you have to draw your own conclusion about what was to happen next. Also, Seikei being responsible for the death of many people is never truly addressed. They regret it, but there is no way to make any of it better (and yet, it's never truly confirmed if all those people did in fact die).Loose ends, to me.
I definitely want to read the other parts of this series. Definitely a fantastic young adult/advanced children's read.
I definitely want to read the other parts of this series. Definitely a fantastic young adult/advanced children's read.
rovertoak's review against another edition
3.0
The Hooblers nail the somtimes tenuous relationship between good story and historical accuracy/information in their samurai detective [http://www.hooblerauthors.com/series.php?series_page_id=25] books. These books have been a real gift to me at work, as I have a huge audience of mystery and Japanese culture buffs lookiing for books like this!
auntiecassie's review against another edition
5.0
this book was amazing! i learned a lot about japenese culture and found that just like us they have legends and stories passed down from generation to generation. what really held me was i felt like i was actually there and could feel what was going on in the book! i would recomend this book to all my friends it was breath taking and kept me guessing the whole way through.
millennial_dandy's review against another edition
4.0
I've always found the Samurai Detective novels to be a delight. Although some of that is likely tinted by nostalgia as I first read them when I was a child, I have nonetheless enjoyed being reintroduced into the world of 1700s Japan and to the characters of Seikei and Judge Ooka.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
The books come across as being meticulously researched, and although some of the interesting nuggets of cultural information are presented in such a way that they take one out of the story, I'm happy they were there.
Seikei is a competent protagonist who could easily have been a Gary Stu but instead is quickly built up as a well-rounded character whose noble intentions often backfire. Nowhere is his naivety more underscored as a character flaw than in this third installment in the series where the consequences of a decision that, in a lesser series, would have been rewarded results in real tragedy.
The mystery is, as always, the real hook of this book. As with its two predecessors, there is an element of magical realism woven through the narrative with enough doubt to genuinely keep one guessing.
iraboklover's review against another edition
3.0
Tuan Inaba terbunuh secara misterius. Sebuah kupu-kupu kertas ditemukan di samping mayat. Shogun memerintahkan Hakim Ooka untuk melakukan penyelidikan, bersama anak angkatnya, Seikei dan seorang ninja bertampang pengemis bersama Tatsuno.
Hakim Ooka memerintahkan Seikei dan Tatsuno untuk menyelidiki asal si kupu-kupu kertas dan mencari tahu siapa musuh tuan Inaba. Perjalanan Seikei dan Tatsuno penuh dengan bahaya. Terutama disebabkan oleh Seikei yang masih muda dan mempunyai hati yang murni. Tatsuno terpaksa harus menyelamatkan Seikei. Hal ini membuat Seikei sadar bahwa Tatsuno ternyata jauh lebih hebat dari penampilannya. Dan meskipun sebal, Tatsuno juga terkesan dengan kemurnian hati Seikei.
Berhasilkan mereka menemukan pembunuh Tuan Inaba? Sementara penyelidikan mereka mengarah bahwa si pembunuh adalah seorang ninja. Dan kalau ninja tersebut hebatnya seperti Tatsuno, entah bagaimana cara menangkapnya.
Hmmm, terbukti hati yang murni -- walaupun biasanya terkesan bodoh -- selalu berakhir dengan baik. Awalnya sempat ngadat membaca buku ini karena gaya bahasanya sedikit sulit diserap. Tapi setelah beberapa lama untungnya jd terbiasa. Sempat was-was juga karena buku ini ternyata berseri dan yang saya baca adalah buku ketiga. Untungnya ceritanya independen, jadi bisa diikuti walaupun belum membaca awalnya. Dan akhirnya juga tidak menggantung walaupun ada lanjutannya.
Saya suka dengan Seikei, oleh karena itu 3 dari 5 bintang untuk buku ini. I liked it.
Hakim Ooka memerintahkan Seikei dan Tatsuno untuk menyelidiki asal si kupu-kupu kertas dan mencari tahu siapa musuh tuan Inaba. Perjalanan Seikei dan Tatsuno penuh dengan bahaya. Terutama disebabkan oleh Seikei yang masih muda dan mempunyai hati yang murni. Tatsuno terpaksa harus menyelamatkan Seikei. Hal ini membuat Seikei sadar bahwa Tatsuno ternyata jauh lebih hebat dari penampilannya. Dan meskipun sebal, Tatsuno juga terkesan dengan kemurnian hati Seikei.
Berhasilkan mereka menemukan pembunuh Tuan Inaba? Sementara penyelidikan mereka mengarah bahwa si pembunuh adalah seorang ninja. Dan kalau ninja tersebut hebatnya seperti Tatsuno, entah bagaimana cara menangkapnya.
Hmmm, terbukti hati yang murni -- walaupun biasanya terkesan bodoh -- selalu berakhir dengan baik. Awalnya sempat ngadat membaca buku ini karena gaya bahasanya sedikit sulit diserap. Tapi setelah beberapa lama untungnya jd terbiasa. Sempat was-was juga karena buku ini ternyata berseri dan yang saya baca adalah buku ketiga. Untungnya ceritanya independen, jadi bisa diikuti walaupun belum membaca awalnya. Dan akhirnya juga tidak menggantung walaupun ada lanjutannya.
Saya suka dengan Seikei, oleh karena itu 3 dari 5 bintang untuk buku ini. I liked it.