by Flanagan
First published 2015
Horace grows restless with life in Araluen. Seeking something new, he journeys to the distant land of Nihon-Ja to master ancient fighting techniques. There he befriends Emperor Shigeru, the wise ruler of this foreign realm. But civil war erupts across Nihon-Ja, putting Shigeru's life in grave danger. Horace refuses to abandon his new ally. He will stay and fight, even though he stands alone in an unfamiliar country. Meanwhile, his closest friend Will recognizes that Horace needs help. The young Ranger sets out to reach him, but time is running short. The question becomes whether Will can arrive before it's too late to save both Horace and the emperor.
Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Araluen, Nihon-Ja
Period: medieval
576 pages · Pocket Book · POCHE JEUNESSE