【图书简介】 Grade 5-8–Another mystery in the series set in 18th-century Japan. Seikei, a 14-year-old samurai apprentice, is eager to prove himself to the shogun. When the 14-year-old emperor refuses to perform his duties, the shogun sends Seikei to talk some sense into him. Along the way, the boy hears of a plot to overthrow the shogun but dismisses it as implausible. When the emperor is later kidnapped, however, Seikei gives some validity to the plot. The authors have written other books featuring this protagonist and this installment may make readers feel as though they're walking into the middle of his story. It is sometimes difficult to keep the names straight and remember who is on which side. However, the action moves quickly and the mystery of the emperor's kidnapping is intriguing. Facets of Japanese history and legend are well integrated and Japanese words are contextually obvious. This book is best suited for fans of the series.–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH.
【本书目录】 Prologue 1. A Strange Task 2. The Judge's Warning 3. The Ronin's Complaint 4. Porridge with the Emperor 5. The Ministers Do Not Agree 6. Death Visits the Monastery 7. Facing the Short Sword 8. Driving a Hard Bargain 9. Settling an Argument 10. The Invincible Kusanagi 11. Amaterasu Appears 12. Danger on the Road 13. The Message of the Scroll 14. Seikei's New Sword 15. Gathering Ginkgo Nuts 16. An Old "Friend" 17. A Robe for Seikei 18. The Secret of the Shrine 19. The Ronin's Surprise 20. A Message from Hato 21. Lord Ponzu's Silence 22. Acting Like Fish 23. The Kusanagi Speaks 24. Yasuhito Sees 25. Seikei's Only Mistake 26. Authors' Note