When a samurai’s lord was disgraced and executed, those fearless and loyal Japanese knights lost all honor and privilege; these displaced warriors became known as “ronin.” In John Allyn’s novel based on real events – The 47 Ronin Story – a band of men defy the Shogun’s order to disband, and decide to seek their dead master’s revenge.

The Shogun and Samurai have long fascinated me; from James Clavell’s novel to Whitney Houston’s labeling of Kevin Costner in “Bodyguard.” Allyn’s book has all the expected intrigue and action – as well as a good dose of early eighteenth century politics, Confucian and Buddhist philosophy, and descriptions of the feudal lifestyle and landscape.

As Oishi, the samurai/ronin leader carefully plans his master’s revenge, his focus stays on target…

“…once you know what you want, you must be prepared to sacrifice everything to get it.”

With lots of sword-wielding and treacherous spies, this historical fiction is a fast read with an ending that includes unexpected reprisals. Consider immersing yourself in this Japanese tale of chivalry before the movie with Keanu Reeves appears in December.