The Crane (Clan War) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

For example, there was a fortress that the Unicorn clan were to defend, but got to it too late. It had already been destroyed. Since that was a Crane fortress, the battle that destroyed that fortress is fully described in this book,"The Crane".

Another thing that is revealed is what's up with Hoturi... the Crane Champion. He was a hero in "The Scorpion", and started out as one in "The Unicorn", but toward the end of that book he changes. This book describes what happened.

Along the same lines, there is a Dragon Clan Warrior in THIS book who makes a brief appearance. She has been given some sort of crystal hand to replace the hand she lost in some earlier battle with the Crab Clan. I have a feeling she will be the focus of "The Dragon" book and these events will be explained.

One really cool character is Hoturi's teacher. He's a laid-back Samurai who is totally confident in his abilities as a warrior. He's a lot like martial arts master you see in martial arts films. There's always the simple master who's not afraid of anyone.

A really important aspect of this series is the way each Clan behaves differently from the others. I haven't read past This book yet, but so far, the 'Way of the Scorpion' is deception, the 'Way of the Unicorn' is (I think) protection of the defenseless (not to mention a way with horses), and the 'Way of the Crane' is diplomacy and perfection.

Each clan is riteous in its own way, depending on which book you read. In the first book/scroll, "The Scorpion" are all about sneakin' and deception/manipulation, but they are doing it for the betterment of the empire. They know that no one will understand their actions, but they do what they do anyway to save the Empire. Ironically, all those that oppose them are doing so to save the Empire as well. Other clans are portrayed as being unorganized and quarrelsome. One Crane Samurai in particular is portrayed as being quite bloodthirsty although he isn't that way in "The Crane" book. All Scorpion Clan characters in "The Scorpion" are good people.

In the second book, "The Unicorn", The Scorpion Clan is portrayed as being trecherous and dishonored, but in need of defending and so the Unicorn help them out. It's the honorable thing to do. The Crane are portrayed as being arrogant yet friends to the Unicorn. The Unicorn clan so far seem to be the most well-rounded clan to me.

In the third book, "The Crane", the Scorpion are portrayed as being truly evil and the Unicorn are portrayed as being a lesser clan (even though friends) especially because they actually defend the peasants (what were they thinking?). The Crane Clan is pretty vain. And why not? They are related to the Emperor and his family. They are all about diplomacy and the court.

This series is totally huge. There are so many things going on it's incredible. The good news is that it's easy to read... except for the names. It takes a while to get used to the names of people, places, and things. It's all Japanese to me, man. That's a bonus as well. A lot of research went into this story. It really feels like the writers know a ton about ancient Japan... if not from a Gaijin writing style.

This book was well written, dealt admirably with the aspects of the Crane, but as many have said, the ending seemed a bit rushed. Were I not a bit biased, I would probably rate this at 3, though 3 1/2 would be a bit more accurate.

The Crane are a microcosm of the Empire, The Doji, the Kakita, the Asahina, and the Daidoji. The Doji -- Honour and Political insight, the Kakita -- Honour and Artistic Grace in combat, The Asahina -- Students of the Arcane, Peaceful works, and the Daidoji -- talented warriors that do what is needed for the protection of the family.

There are a few plots that run through this book, one dealing with the champion, Doji Hoturi, as he fails, possibly for the first time, and learns to be a better Samurai.

Another plot deals with the Emerald Champion, champion to the emperor, who has to come to a decision about who to derve.

Another plot deals with the out-numbered Daidoji, as the struggle to defend the Crane Lands against three seperate sets of invaders.

There is a bit of palace intrigue and revenge also, but the key struggles are highlighted and each family is given a certain amount of time in the aspects that they deal with, though the Asahina get very little attention. I was pleasantly surprised by the attention given the Daidoji.

I thouroghly enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to any fan of Fantasy.

The biggest weakness of this book was the suddeness of the ending. I would have liked an additional 50 pages or so to flesh out the conclusion, and perhaps a bit more in the epilogue.