Bright Eyes: A Kunoichi Tale (Seasons of the Sword)
Set in Japan of 1571, Bright Eyes is the second in a series, continuing the adventures of Kano Murasaki, variously known as Risuko, Squirrel, or Bright Eyes. Risuko is the daughter of a samurai who died dishonourably and so the family was stripped of its honour. She’s been taken under the wing of the redoubtable Lady Chinyome, the leader of the ‘Full Moon’ where girls are secretly taught to fight, and we are given some wonderful detail of the many ways in which they can overpower any attacker whatever his size.
The chapter headings and page breaks are set up as broad-brush strokes and, along with some wonderfully descriptive writing, beautifully evoke a sense of place. Risuko is a spirited heroine and bold climber, she’s also an astute observer and solves a number of mysterious deaths—yet still has to do daily chores. There are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and a wide range of characters… almost too many for this reader who, on occasion, found it difficult to keep track of who was who. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to be among the Samurai Daughters, and I look forward to the next in series.
