Title: Shobu Samurai: Project Aryoku
Author: Shinry
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1514417096
Pages: 412
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
In the pursuit of power, one often finds their own greediness overshadowing their moral compass, leading to some disastrous results. As the great Eartha Kitt once said, “Greed is so destructive. It destroys everything.” In author Shinry’s book Shobu Samurai: Project Aryoku, a young man returns to the place where he lost his parents seeking revenge, only to be faced with a choice between protecting the innocent or avenging his parents once and for all.
In this novel, a young man named Shobu finds his world turned upside down after he witnesses the tragic slaughter of his family at the hands of his uncle King and his band of nefarious allies. When the attack led by King on the Five Civilizations results in an ancient creature known as a blood beast fusing to his body, Shobu unleashes a powerful blast that decimates the Light Civilization. Years later, Shobu returns, determined to use his newfound power to seek revenge against his uncle and get justice for the family he lost so long ago.
This was a well written, powerful fantasy driven action and adventure novel like no other. One of the more detailed examples of world building in years, author Shinry has created a universe filled with fantastic creatures, horrifying villains and a unique mythology that readers can instantly identify with. Despite a few grammatical errors spread throughout the novel, the mythology and the character development help the novel shine brightly, creating an in-depth read that is lengthy yet keeps readers on the edge of their seat throughout every chapter.
This is a novel for anyone who enjoys fantasy, action & adventure stories or heavy mythological storytelling. As a fan of the fantasy genre, it was enjoyable to get immersed into the narrative and the author did an amazing job of creating a tale that was easily able to create a visual in the readers mind. From the heartbreaking loss of his family to the initial transformation and the journey to seek his revenge, Shobu becomes a well-rounded protagonist that helps bring this world and mythology to life in a way that allows the reader to visually see the chapters play out like a film in the reader’s minds.
Action-driven, mythological and powerfully written, Shobu Samurai: Project Aryoku by Shinry is a fantastic new fantasy book that easily sets up an engaging fantasy series that readers will not want to miss. The dramatic interactions between Shobu and King, along with the vast array of villains working with the antagonist, make this the perfect origin to Shobu’s tale. Be sure to grab your copies of this wonderfully written fantasy novel.
