The Legend

The Way Of The Warrior (Book 1) Synopsis

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?

Way of the Warrior





Reviews


Indie Next Recommended Read 2009

'Young Samurai is a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps him there until the end.'
Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl

'Debut author Bradford comes out swinging in this fast-paced adventure set in medieval Japan...an adventure novel to rank among the genre's best... This book earns the literary equivalent of a black belt.'
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

'I found this book to be both entertaining and informative. I can't wait to read the next book when it comes out in July. I even ordered the UK version so I didn't have to wait so long. If you're interested in Japan and the Samurai, I highly recommend this book to all. Hard to put it down.'
Barnes & Noble Reviewer

‘A cutting-edge James Bond thriller, Oriental style... a wonderful introduction to everything that is enthralling about Japan, from hanami and matsuri to samurai honor and respect for one's sensei. If this doesn't turn you into a Japanophile, what will?’
Japan Times

'A perfect blend of culture and adventure.'
Barnes & Noble Customer

The Way Of The Sword (Book 2) Synopsis


August 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?

Reviews


Junior Library Guild Selection 2010


'The most exciting fight sequences imaginable on paper!'
Booklist


'Fierce fiction...captivating for young readers.'
Daily Telegraph newspaper


'Addictive'
Evening Standard (London)

'Bradford raises the stakes...the ongoing struggle between honorable samurai and dastardly ninja will draw both reluctant readers and enthusiasts of Japanese history.'
School Library Journal

The Way Of The Dragon (Book 3) Synopsis


Japan 1613


Jack is facing his greatest battle yet...

Japan is threatened with war and samurai are taking sides. As the blood begins to flow, Jack’s warrior training is put to the ultimate test.

His survival - and those of his friends - depends upon him mastering the Two Heavens, the secret sword technique of the legendary samurai Masamoto. But first Jack must recover his father’s prize possession from the deadly ninja Dragon Eye.

Can Jack defeat his ruthless enemy? Or will the ninja complete his mission to kill the young samurai…

Appearing in US bookstores February 1st, 2011