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248 pp.
| Scholastic/Levine |
June, 2008 |
TradeISBN 978-0-545-00542-5$17.99
(4)
4-6
Translated by Cathy Hirano.
Illustrated by
Yuko Shimizu.
In this vivid, suspenseful martial arts story, Balsa, a female bodyguard and skilled warrior, is hired to protect the Second Queen's son from assassins. The prince is the Moribito, host to a water spirit whose death would bring drought to the country. Despite some flat characters, the thrilling action and thoughtful prose create an intelligent and exciting fantasy.