Young Samurai The Return of the Warrior Book 9 by Chris Bradford
Overview The Return of the Warrior is the ninth book in the Young Samurai series by Chris Bradford. This book is a standalone adventure that charts the return of Jack Fletcher to pre-civil war England, where he embarks on a quest to find his missing sister with the help of samurai girl Akiko and warrior monk Yori.
Plot Summary The story follows Jack Fletcher, a young samurai warrior who has strived against all odds to become a samurai. He has overcome his fears, learned the art of the ninja, and fought his way across Japan to reach Nagasaki. Now, he sets his sights on returning home to England to be reunited with his sister Jess, his only remaining family.
Author’s Background Chris Bradford is a true believer in “practising what you preach.” For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordsmanship, karate, ninjutsu, and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu. He also embarked on an intensive close-protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard and traveled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in his stories.
Reception The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Many have praised the author’s ability to weave together historical and cultural elements with action-packed adventure. The book has also been praised for its well-developed characters and engaging storyline.
Awards and Nominations The Young Samurai series has won numerous awards and nominations, including the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014, and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
Target Audience The book is suitable for young adult readers who enjoy action-packed adventure stories with historical and cultural elements. The series has a strong following among fans of martial arts and Japanese culture.
Conclusion The Return of the Warrior is a thrilling conclusion to the Young Samurai series, with Chris Bradford’s signature blend of action, adventure, and historical accuracy. The book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone looking for a compelling and engaging story.
