The Way of the Warrior (Young Samurai, Book 1)

The first in a breathtaking new action adventure series for readers aged 10+. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Young Bond!August 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan - his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates.Rescued by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, Jack's only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins.But life at the samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with his friend Akiko by his side, Jack is singled out by bullies and treated as an outcast.With courage in his heart and his sword held high, can Jack prove himself and face his deadliest rival yet?

Short-listed for Red House Children's Book Awards: Books for Older Readers 2009

“'. . . a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end. The pace is furious and the martial arts detail authentic' Eoin Colfer 'A beautifully written, excellently researched and thoughtfully presented work . . . Chris Bradford has caputered the essence of what it meant to be samurai' Sensei Akemi, eldest daughter of an old samurai family and Lecturer of Japanese Culture 'A really exciting, action-packed martial arts adventure . . . the fast pace and attention to detail makes this a wonderful read for all children, whether they are involved in martial arts or not' Steve Cowley, 6th Dan Instructor Kyo Shin Taijutsu”

... a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end. The pace is furious and the martial arts detail authentic -- Eoin Colfer A beautifully written, excellently researched and thoughtfully presented work ... Chris Bradford has caputered the essence of what it meant to be samurai -- Sensei Akemi, eldest daughter of an old samurai family and Lecturer of Japanese Culture A really exciting, action-packed martial arts adventure ... the fast pace and attention to detail makes this a wonderful read for all children, whether they are involved in martial arts or not -- Steve Cowley, 6th Dan Instructor Kyo Shin Taijutsu

As an author, Chris Bradford practises what he terms 'method writing'. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordsmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu. For his Bodyguard series, he embarked on an intensive close-protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story - from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.His bestselling books are published in over twenty-five languages and have garnered more than thirty-five children's book awards and nominations. Young Samurai- The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin's 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood. To discover more about Chris, go to

Jack Fletcher IS Young Samurai Japan, 1612 One year of training in samurai school and Jack is in real trouble... He's struggling to prepare for the Circle of Three, an ancient ritual that tests courage, skill and spirit to the limit. At the same time, Jack is caught in a running battle with fellow student Kazuki and his gang. But these are the least of Jack's problems. He knows his deadly rival - the ninja Dragon Eye - could strike at any moment. Jack possesses the very thing he will kill for. Can Jack master the Way of the Sword in time to survive a fight to the death? 'Brims with energy, suspense and thrilling action' - Books for Keeps

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