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TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan Kindle Edition

by Blue Spruell (Author), Miya Outlaw (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 145 ratings

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Grand Prize Winner, CIBA Dante Rossetti Awards 2021. Outstanding Action Adventure, IAN Awards 2021.
1st Place Fantasy, CIPA Awards 2021. Gold Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite Awards 2021.
Silver Medal, Audiobook Fiction, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards 2021. B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Winner.

Lost in the mists of Mount Fuji . . . but no one can escape destiny . . .
Join young Samurai Taro in his quest for revenge on the ruthless warlord who killed his parents. Taro must summon the courage to face his past and seize his destiny to save an empire from civil war and become the Legend of Japan.

Author Blue Spruell reimagines classic Japanese folklore in an historical fantasy adventure of warlords, swords & mythical beasts from Old Japan - an engaging tale for adults young and old - Banzai!

Adopted by ghostly Yama Uba and befriended by Tanuki, a shape-shifting raccoon-dog, Taro embarks on a quest of self-discovery and revenge, falls for Kamehime, the teenage Samurai daughter of a powerful warlord, and joins the war for the Imperial throne. Along the way, Taro and his allies face fearsome Yokai - ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of Japanese folklore - while Taro struggles with what it means to be Samurai and human.

"A riveting tale of betrayal, honor, and revenge that instantly hooks you in and just refuses to let go." - READERS' FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

"Engaging and fun samurai adventures with a captivating cast." - KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An exciting, magical coming-of-age adventure book that draws from Japanese folklore and history." - BOOK LIFE BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Taro is an extraordinary coming-of-age saga and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of ancient legends retold. Highly recommended!" - MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

Editorial Reviews

Review

Grand Prize Winner, CIBA Dante Rossetti Awards 2021.

Outstanding Action Adventure, IAN Awards 2021.

1st Place Fantasy, CIPA Awards 2021.

Gold Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite Awards 2021.

Silver Medal, Audiobook Fiction, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards 2021.

B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Winner.

"Engaging and fun samurai adventures with a captivating cast." - KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A coming-of-age fantasy novel you don't want to miss." - READERS' FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

"An exciting adventure book that draws creatively from Japanese folklore and history." - BOOK LIFE BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Taro exudes a magical element reminiscent of The Jungle Book. . . . Immensely enjoyable." - READER'S FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

"A superbly plotted mythical tale packed full of larger than life characters. Highly recommended." - A "WISHING SHELF" BOOK REVIEW

"In this blend of fantasy, myth, and history . . . Spruell goes above and beyond." - THE US REVIEW OF BOOKS

"Spruell's engaging coming-of-age debut . . . sparkles." - BOOK LIFE REVIEWS

"A riveting tale of betrayal, honor, and revenge that instantly hooks you in and just refuses to let go. . . . I absolutely loved the book." - READER'S FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

"A story of myth and mythology . . . as sharp as a samurai's sword." - AUTHOR ABBY LANE

"For fantasy fans or lovers of Japanese culture . . . Spruell offers much to appreciate." - BLUEINK REVIEWS

"A highly imaginative and engrossing . . . retelling of . . . Japan's most beloved folklore." - READER'S FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

"An enchanting coming-of-age fantasy novel . . . steeped in Japanese culture and history." - FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS

Tarō is a magical adventure . . . a very enjoyable tale." - HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY

"The narrative is magical, Taro's development is powerful, and the story is powerful too. Tarō . . . is absolute perfection." - READER'S FAVORITE, Five Stars Review

From the Author

Tarō is the quintessential hero of three timeless Japanese folktales: Kintarō (Golden Boy), Urashima Tarō (Island Boy), and Momotarō (Peach Boy). Each legend stands alone, bearing no relation to the others except in name.

Some years ago, I saw a parallel between the personalities of Japan's three Great Unifiers and Momotarō's animal companions, the pheasant, monkey, and dog. I thought it might be amusing to write a short story drawing on this comparison. What began as a little excursion became a grand adventure. While the rest may not be history per se, I hope the reader will enjoy this new yarn as much as I enjoyed spinning it.

Many of the people and places in this story are real, although the circumstances are fictitious and bear no intentional resemblance to any locations or persons, living or dead. This story reimagines the pivotal period in Japan's unification, sengoku jidai, the age of the country at war.

In the sixteenth century, feudal Japan was a collection of warring provinces, nominally affiliated with the imperial family, which wielded little to no real power. For all intents and purposes, the sword of the samurai, the warrior class, ruled the realm. The three great warlords of Japan were, in order of their preeminence, Oda Nobunaga, Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Each daimyō demonstrated qualities critical to Japan's unification. Oda was notoriously ruthless and cruel; Hashiba, cunning and manipulative; Tokugawa, diplomatic and patient.

A famous Japanese poem about their respective, formidable methods translates:

If the cuckoo does not sing, kill it. [Oda]
If the cuckoo does not sing, coax it. [Hashiba]
If the cuckoo does not sing, wait for it. [Tokugawa] Another famous verse describes their roles in the history of Japan's unification:
Nobunaga pounded the rice.
Hideyoshi kneaded the cake.
Ieyasu ate.

Quite naturally, each of these men possessed legendary personalities. Oda was infamously mercurial but surprisingly liberal in his adoption of Western influences, most notably the matchlock gun, as well as his patronage of the arts, especially chanoyu, the tea ceremony. Unlike his contemporaries, Hashiba had not been born to the warrior class but rose through the ranks from his appointment as Oda's sandal-bearer and ultimately succeeded his lord who, ironically, had cruelly nicknamed his vassal "little monkey" because of his slight frame and reputedly ugly face. Tokugawa claimed birthright to the hereditary title of shōgun, a de factomilitary dictator, and ushered in three centuries of peace when he secured his title following the decisive Battle of Sekigaharain 1600.

Another contender in this celebrated conflict deserves special mention, Takeda Shingen, the warlord whose death Akira Kurosawa popularized in his superb film, Kagemusha, the "shadow warrior." A contemporary of the three Great Unifiers, Takeda was an exemplary samurai and military tactician. Had his life not been cut short, who knows how high he might have risen in the annals of Japan? As a final introductory note, before Takeda received his Buddhist name of Shingen, his family called him Tarō.

Blue Spruell

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08QQ6YQPN
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Out of the Blue Productions, LLC (December 15, 2020)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 15, 2020
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 10818 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 173572923X

Best Sellers Rank: #888,928 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #25 in Teen & Young Adult Asian Historical Fiction eBooks
- #122 in Teen & Young Adult Asian Historical Fiction
- #183 in Historical Japanese Fiction

Customer Reviews:
4.5 145 ratings

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Blue Spruell
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"Coming of age is not for the faint of heart."
Award-winning writer Blue Spruell lived and worked in Japan for several years before returning to Atlanta.
A trial lawyer and certified mediator, he also teaches Japanese martial arts.
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Miya Outlaw
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Born in Atlanta, Miya Outlaw graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in printmaking and illustration. As an artist, her original works explore the psychology of nostalgia with whimsical characters. Japan is a second home, and her illustrations of Tarō are homage to her affinity for Japanese art and culture. Her cover design for Tarō won the Bronze Medal in the Wishing Shelf International Book Awards. www.MiyaOutlaw.com
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4.5 out of 5

145 global ratings

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Stephen Courtney

Now I'm addicted and I need another fix

Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021

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Was reading about an hour a day until the weekend and then devoured the rest in one night. It was fantastic and the only problem was waking up realizing that I've finished! Hoping for one of two things: 1. that my memory fades quickly enough that I can read it again as entranced as I was the first time or 2. That Spruell and Outlaw will come out with a sequel soon.

Having experience living in Japan, I love the culture and have a little knowledge of both the history and mythology of the country. Spruell does an amazing job of weaving historical fiction and magical fantasy together with a thread of colorful poetic license to come out with a truly captivating and uplifting tale. The events and the mythology in the book prompted me to research a little of the background, like Kintaro/Urashimataro/Momotaro and the battle of Sekigahara or the Tokugawa Shugonate. This was one way to keep the adventure going, and it's very entertaining and enlightening to see the connections, but I'm still going to need another one like it -- truly, truly hope this is not a one-off!

And then there's the sheer beauty of it. Spruell's descriptions of the landscape, clothing, everything brought powerful images to mind (yes, I'm Googling pictures of Japan now), and the drawings by Outlaw (adoooorable picture in the introduction section) are fantastic in their simplicity/complexity (hard to explain -- you'll have to see for yourself). I've looked to see if there is somewhere I can buy a couple of those prints, but couldn't find anything. If that's possible and anyone knows where to find them please let me know.

I don't usually write reviews, but I'm hoping this one will reach the author and illustrator. Actually, I have been so busy reading stuff for work that I had almost forgotten how much I love reading a well-spun yarn. Thanks!

8 people found this helpful

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Robert Willes

Wonderful

Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023

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The story line was fun, exciting, and entertaining. I could visualize what the author described somewhat easily. Great writing skills! Thanks!

One person found this helpful

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Viola Howard

Mystical

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021

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Tale of war in Japan with powers and traditions leading. Very interesting royal family experience related to hierarchy. Animal type shifts.

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LL Tool J

Stellar contemporary mythology

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2021

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This wonderful book carves a new genre of contemporary mythology, examining the narratives that have shaped Japan over the centuries and retelling them in a creative manner that is both compelling and highly satisfying to read. The writing style is thoughtfully savory, much like Mishima Yukio and his contemporaries, lavishly setting the table for the storyline and providing Nature itself as much of a character in the book as any other individual in the story. The author clearly has mastery over countless themes - weaponry, martial arts, Japanese history and myth - I went in with an interest in Japanese martial arts and came out with newfound interests in numerous other channels! Highly recommended to older teen and adult alike.

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Lenora G.

Warning! A One-sit read!!

Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021

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This is a fun re-imagining of Taro, the legendary hero of Japan. Spruell takes three stories of Taro, and weaves them into one engrossing tale. Some of the people are real, some are not, the magic is delightful. If you know nothing of Japanese history, or legends, this book will be a fun introduction (just don’t take it as gospel).

I was surprised at how well the marvelous illustrations showed up on my phone! (Yes, I tend to read books on my phone.) They added a great deal to an otherwise totally engaging story. (Can something be more than total?)

A martial arts book, a delightful story, a one-sit read. Well done!!

3 people found this helpful

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Andrea Kirby

A soothing tale.

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021

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The lyrical language of an uplifting story—soothing to the soul.

One person found this helpful

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kyle outlaw

Engrossing!

Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021

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I enjoyed this book immensely and was sorry to see it end; hopefully, the author has a sequel in mind. For me, it was a thoroughly engrossing book, beautifully written, with a seamless story line and filled with fascinating characters and mysticism. I predict that anyone who, like me, loves Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings will love Taro as well.

One person found this helpful

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S. Miles

Intriguing story, very fast enjoyable read

Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2021

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Interesting story with memorable characters and a storyline that holds your attention. The mythological elements pulled me into the scenes. When the old witch gives him special 'powers' , which he eventually loses and returns to his original state, I couldn't put the book down. I hope he writes a sequel!

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Eva Sümeghy

Great story, lovely illustration

Reviewed in Germany on July 28, 2021

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Great story, lovely illustration

JB

A good Samouraï story !

Reviewed in France on April 13, 2021

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I really appreciate this Samouraï story full of details and with interesting characters !

Andy Green

Engaging Folk Tale of Feudal Japan

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2021

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I bought this on Amazon after taking a ‘look inside’ and was immediately drawn to the story which begins with a seven-year-old Takeda Taro.

I must confess that whilst I have not read many books set in feudal Japan I have an unsated interest in this genre of historical fiction that began when I read Shogun by James Clavell, one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading.

This story is the tale of TARO and the author explains before it is started that it is the amalgam of three different folk tales of our eponymous hero. In simple terms, it is a story of how one young boy grew to unite all of Japan.

I found the book was well written and very engaging to read if not quite what I was expecting (which was entirely my fault since I skimmed the introductory references). It is a folk story and I was so engrossed at the beginning I was not prepared for the magical elements of the story to unfold. It made it more fairy-tale and was not quite what I was looking for in my said desire of reading about Feudal Japan. However, that would be a disservice to the book because the fantastical elements are crucial to the narrative. TARO’s story unfolds in a beautifully concise yet descriptive way that moves at a great pace that kept me engaged.

I would have liked it to have been longer, with more time taken over the adventure to turn it into a proper tome but that is not suited to a folk tale I guess. The fight and battle sequences imparted enough but brusquely, almost like a summarised account which worked, but again I would have preferred more time and detail. I could say the same about the various characters. There are so many interesting and intriguing ones, I just wanted to spend more time with them and see the interactions and relationships build and grow. But again, it is a folk tale told as a story so it is admirable that I should feel so invested in each character after such a short introduction.

Overall, I think this is a great read and I am so pleased I picked it up.

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