I only read this book because I won it - and at first I was a bit reluctant. I don't really read Samurai books and this one seemed to be one written by an American! At least get someone from the right part of the world! So I started the book mainly so I could just get it over and done with. I didn't expect it to be something I would enjoy... and I'm pleased to say I was wrong! A lot of action right from the offset and interesting characters and ideas. There's also some educational value as it refers to true events I didn't really know much about before reading the book. An additional bonus is that it features short chapters (usually 5-7 pages long) which is a personal favourite of mine as I find it helps the story moves at a quicker pace. What I liked about the writing style was the way the author described some of the story's more gruesome aspects in a way that managed to strike a fine balance between depicting some of the horrors of that era accurately whist ensuring it didn't get too 'heavy' and drag the reader down. The author's detailed knowledge of Japanese culture is also quite impressive and he blends it into the story very nicely. I don't have much to say about the end as it isn't really an ending. For those who don't know this book is the first within a trilogy. Bring on part 2!