Careful, this is no ordinary story. It could change your life forever. It begins ordinarily enough, with three orphans: Sam, 15, is fostered separately from his two sisters, Zoe, 14 and Sophie, 12. Trying to reunite with his sisters, Sam has a seemingly random encounter with a martial arts master who has a sword which is decidedly un-ordinary. Perhaps even magical . . . . This is where things begin to get interesting - but still, perhaps, ordinary for an epic fantasy, time-travelling, coming-of-age series. Sam, Zoe, and Sophie are sent to feudal Japan where they have to battle a Yokai Lord (think "properly evil sorcerer") in order to save a set of Divine Swords, themselves, and humanity's future. In order to defeat Darkness incarnate, the siblings must master their own unique, but hidden, gifts. This means coming to grips with the same ancient wisdom and skills that samurai warriors sought to master. When they weren't facing enemies with swords drawn, samurai were practising Zen. Why? Because they desperately wanted what Zen masters have: Fear of nothing, not even death. This is what Sam, Zoe, and Sophie set out to master - in addition to being flung through time, attacked by the evil servants of Darkness, escaping the Land of the Dead, and other riveting exploits.. And here, my book-reading friend, is where you could make this story extraordinary. If you choose to read it as a fantastic page-turning adventure, that's brilliant - but not extraordinary. Or, you could begin your own personal journey toward joining the ranks of the greatest warriors and sages who ever lived, those who penetrated the veils of illusion, ended their suffering and banished all fear, even of death itself, from their hearts. Because the skills and wisdom sought by our heroes and the ancient samurai are laid out for you to read and experience in your own life, should you wish. Choose wisely.
