Revenge of the Akuma Clan

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to Samurai Awakening (Tuttle, 2012) continues the story of an American exchange student turned mystical warrior with the power to save Japan. The plot picks up from the first volume with minimal reintroduction as the story expands to include new allies. The villains from book one are back, and as the title implies, they're seeking vengeance; it's up to David and his friends to save the day again. The writing here is more polished than in the previous volume; it will be an enjoyable choice for readers who accepted the premise of an American teenager chosen to be Japan's savior. However, those who find the general concept problematic will want to steer clear as the plot becomes increasingly unbelievable with an outlandish twist in the third act. Japanese dialogue is interspersed throughout broadens and deepens the realistic depiction of Japanese school life and culture. David experiences his first Japanese class trip at the beginning of the book, providing an enjoyable look at off-the-beaten-track scenes of Kyushu. Though the pace is leisurely at first, it leads to an action-packed conclusion that paves the way for a third book. Purchase where the first volume is popular.—Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA