Title: The Ring of Earth
Author: Chris Bradford
First published August 5, 2010
314 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780141332536 (ISBN10: 0141332530)
Rating: 4.42
Overview
In The Ring of Earth by Chris Bradford, Jack Fletcher’s journey continues as he navigates the dangerous path towards Nagasaki, all without the guidance of a sensei. Determined to make it home, Jack relies on his quick thinking and sharp swords to fend off new and unfamiliar foes.
But his escape is short-lived as the Shogun’s samurai are hot on his trail, leaving Jack with no choice but to run straight into a trap. Now, trapped in a ninja village deep in the mountains, Jack must find a way to survive the deadly games of both the ninja and samurai before it’s too late.
Who will be the first to claim Jack’s life? Only time will tell in this thrilling adventure.
About the Author
Meet Chris Bradford, an accomplished author of the popular Young Samurai, Bodyguard, and Soul series. Chris is not your average writer, he has a unique approach to his craft that he calls ‘method writing.’ He immerses himself in the subject matter of his books to bring authenticity to his stories.
For instance, when writing the Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordsmanship, karate, and ninjutsu, even earning a black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
Similarly, for his BODYGUARD series, Chris underwent a rigorous close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard. And in the Soul Prophecy trilogy, he traveled extensively to experience the cultures featured in the story firsthand.
From living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe to trekking the Inca trail and meditating in a Buddhist temple amidst the mountains of Japan, he went the extra mile to ensure his writing was authentic.
Chris’s books have been published in over 25 languages and have been nominated for over 30 book awards. He has won several accolades, including the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014, and the Brilliant Book Award 2014.
Notably, Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was named one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
If you’d like to learn more about Chris or book him for an author visit, be sure to check out his website.
Editoral Review
The Ring of Earth is a gripping young adult novel by Chris Bradford, first published on August 5, 2010. Bradford, a British author, is well-known for his martial arts series, Young Samurai.
With The Ring of Earth, Bradford ventures into the fantasy genre, delving into magical realms with characters that are just as captivating as his previous works. The novel takes readers on a thrilling ride, following the lives of three teenagers, Kai Masters, Hiro Okada, and Lily Smith.
The story is set in a world where magical rings have the power to control the elements of the earth air, water, fire, and earth. The rings were created by ancient and powerful beings called the Elders, who scattered the rings throughout the world, hoping to prevent their misuse.
Kai, Hiro, and Lily are thrust into a quest to retrieve the missing ring of earth and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Bradford’s writing style is engaging and immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the world of the story.
The characters are well-developed, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses, and their interactions are believable and relatable. The pacing of the novel keeps the reader engaged, with plenty of action and adventure, interspersed with moments of humor and heartfelt emotion.
While The Ring of Earth is a work of fiction, it touches upon important themes such as the balance of power, environmentalism, and the consequences of greed. The story also draws parallels to real-world issues such as climate change and the misuse of natural resources.
Overall, The Ring of Earth is a well-written and entertaining novel that is sure to capture the attention of young adult readers. While it may not break new ground in terms of the fantasy genre, it is a worthy addition to Bradford’s oeuvre.
The book is recommended for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, magic, and adventure. It is also recommended for readers who are interested in exploring themes related to environmentalism and the consequences of selfishness.
On a scale of 1 to 10, The Ring of Earth receives a solid 8 for its excellent writing, compelling characters, and engaging plot.
