The Way of the Warrior (Book One, Young Samurai Trilogy)

The year is 1611. Jack Fletcher is the son of the first mate of the Alexandria. One day, along the Japanese coast, the ship shipwrecks and the crew, along with Jack's Father, are murdered. Jack is the lone survivor. Found by the legendary swordsman, Masamoto Takeshi, Jack is taken in and adopted. When Masamoto's home is attacked by the same assailants that attacked Jack's ship, Masamoto enrolls Jack, along with his son and niece, in the Niten Ichi Ryu, Masamoto's famous school. However, this isn't any kind of school Jack has ever known. The Niten Ichi Ryu is a samurai school where young men, and women, with talent learn the Way of the Warrior. Jack must endure rigorous training with bow, sword, and mind that push him to the limit and test every fiber of his being. Does Jack have what it takes to become a Samurai, or will the lifestyle prove to be too much? When Jack fled the Alexandria, he took with him a very special package, the Rutter. A collection of maps and diagrams of the world's seas so accurate that whomever holds it in their possession can rule the ocean. Jack believes that his father was murdered for this small booklet, but can he prove his assumptions and who will come for it next?

The Way of the Warrior is a fantastic book. It describes 17th century Japanese customs and appearance in great detail. Chris Bradford also included a small glossary of Japanese to English translations which is very helpful when reading this book.