Title: The Way of the Dragon
Author: Chris Bradford
First published March 4, 2010
448 pages, Paperback
Rating: 4.38
Overview
In the year 1613, Japan is on the brink of war and the samurai are taking sides. Amidst the chaos, Jack Fletcher finds himself facing the ultimate test of his warrior training.
With bloodshed looming over the horizon, Jack must master the Two Heavens, a secret sword technique passed on by the legendary samurai Masamoto. But before that, he must face the deadly ninja Dragon Eye and retrieve his father’s prized possession.
Can Jack defeat his ruthless enemy and save his friends, or will the ninja succeed in his mission to kill the young samurai? Brace yourself for an epic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from page one till the end!
About the Author
Meet Chris Bradford, a phenomenal author whose works include the Young Samurai, Bodyguard, and Soul Series. Chris is not your ordinary writer, as he has a unique approach to writing.
He practices what he calls ‘method writing,’ where he immerses himself in the experiences of his characters to make his stories as realistic as possible.
Take, for instance, his Young Samurai series, which won him several awards. To create the story, Chris went to great lengths to learn about samurai swordsmanship, karate, and ninjutsu.
He even earned a black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his Bodyguard series, Chris underwent intensive training to become a qualified professional bodyguard, and for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, he traveled extensively to experience firsthand the cultures he featured in the stories. He lived with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, trekked the Inca trail, and meditated in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
Chris’s books have been published in more than 25 languages and have been nominated for over 30 book awards. He has won several awards, including the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014, and the Brilliant Book Award 2014.
His book, Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior, was even deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
If you want to know more about Chris or book him for an author visit, visit his website.
Editoral Review
The Way of the Dragon by Chris Bradford is a thrilling read that will leave readers captivated by its unique blend of action-packed adventure and engaging historical fiction. Bradford, known for his Young Samurai series, displays an exceptional talent for crafting immersive and thrilling action sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Set during the early days of Ancient China, The Way of the Dragon follows the journey of 12-year-old orphan, Wang Yi and his fellow warrior companions as they embark on a dangerous mission to retrieve the mystical Dragonheart sword from enemy hands. The group of young warriors will need to rely on their extensive training in martial arts, combat, discipline, and loyalty, in order to overcome various obstacles, dangerous missions, and hordes of foes.
The group’s main adversaries are the brutal and tyrannical Governor and his ruthless henchman. Bradford’s meticulously researched depiction of Ancient China is both impressive and respectful, as he showcases the country’s history, culture, and traditions, accurately portraying the martial arts style, philosophical values and spirituality of Wushu.
Despite its setting, The Way of the Dragon also touches on universal themes of brotherhood, honor, loyalty, courage, and conflict, making it a relevant and relatable read for all ages. In terms of writing style, The Way of the Dragon is exceptionally well-crafted.
Bradford exhibits a knack for pacing, seamlessly blending action-packed scenes with moments of self-discovery and reflection, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of his target audience’s interests and sensibilities. The characters in The Way of the Dragon are also fleshed out and dynamic, imbued with naturalistic qualities that make them easier to root for and relate to.
One of The Way of the Dragon’s minor flaws, however, is its predictability. The book follows a classic hero’s journey structure, with the young warriors facing various trials and tribulations along the way.
While Bradford manages to keep things fresh through his exciting action sequences, some readers may find the story somewhat formulaic. Overall, The Way of the Dragon is a must-read for fans of action and adventure.
It’s an excellent introduction to Chinese martial arts and ancient history for young readers, and a thrilling experience for adults who love immersing themselves in ancient cultures, action-packed settings and inspirational stories. Bradford’s careful attention to detail, well-crafted pacing, and immersive storytelling make this book an exceptional read.
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.