To resolve a clash over succession, the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa has devised the ultimate contest. Two rival ninja clans, the Kouga and the Iga, will meet in a battle to the death. The victor will rule Japan for the next thousand years. But in the midst of this bloody war, an unlikely romance blooms between Gennosuke of the Kouga clan and Oboro of the Iga clan. Gennosuke and Oboro are the next leaders of their clans and their fates are inextricably bound with that of their families. In the colossal fight, the star-crossed lovers are faced with a fatal choice between true love and destiny. Can romance conquer a four-hundred-year-old rivalry? Or is their love fated to end in death?
By far, my favorite book of all time! Brutal Action-packed supernatural ninja action, with a tragic love story conveniently hidden underneath it all. It's been the inspiration for the Manga/Anime series 'Basalisk' The spin-off 'Yagyu ninja scrolls' and the live-action movie 'Shinobi:Heart under Blade' It's well written, has great characters, over-the-top action...oh yeah, and that love story. ENJOY =)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This has to be one of the best books I have read. In the US the manga and the anime were released before the English translation; however the story has been in Japan for some time. The art is as beautiful as it is in the anime. This story is basically a Japanese retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The Kouga and Iga ninja clans just had a non-hostility pact removed by the shogun. The two clans have been at war with each other for decades and are about to have peace when Gennosuke and Oboro are about to be married. Once the two clans find out the pact is null and void instantly start killing each other. This story is well written and the characters are incredible. If you do read this I would also recommend reading the manga or seeing the anime, both titled Basilisk, because they are animated they do the book justice and do not cut corners as a live action film would.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 19, 2010
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Posted March 1, 2011
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Overview
To resolve a clash over succession, the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa has devised the ultimate contest. Two rival ninja clans, the Kouga and the Iga, will meet in a battle to the death. The victor will rule Japan for the next thousand years. But in the midst of this bloody war, an unlikely romance blooms between Gennosuke of the Kouga clan and Oboro of the Iga clan. Gennosuke and Oboro are the next leaders of ...