Young Samurai: Way of the Dragon

This book is by Chris Bradford and is the final book in the original Young Samurai trilogy. It takes place in 17th century Japan.

The book focuses on Jack Fletcher, a fourteen year old English boy who has spent two years in Japan after the ship he was sailing on crashed and was attacked by ninjas hired by the Portugese, who were trying to steal his father's rutter, or navigational book.

Jack learned Japanese and made friends at the Niten Ichī Ryu, a Samurai School. (Side note: Loosely translated, Niten Ichī Ryun means 'Two Heavens come together as one school", referring to the Two Heavens technique tought to the school's most advanced students.)

In Way of the Dragon, Jack and his friends Akiko, Yamato, Yori, and Saburo partake in the Circle of Three trials to see who will be taught the Two Heavens technique. In the end, Jack and Akiko qualify along with four other students, including Jack's arch rival Kazuki.

It is soon brought to the school's attention that a Daimyō, or feudal lord, is attempting to take power over Japan. The Niten Ichī Ryu travels to Osaka Castle to join with their local Daimyō to crush the attempted Revolution.

It seems that the defenders of Osaka Castle will easily win the battle, but Jack discovers that the castle is being invaded by ninja, including the evil Drakon Eye, a ninja with only one eye.

In the end, the defenders are defeated, and over half the Niten Ichī Ryu students are defeated. Power changes hands in Japan, while meanwhile, Jack sets off to Nagasaki in hopes of finding his way back to England.

Overall I was very pleased with this book. 9/10.