Tomoe Gozen

by Jessica Amanda Salmonson

Book Overview

In that word there is an island empire called Naipon, where the gods and demons known only as legends in our Japan roam freely over the land, bringing good and evil to its people as they choose. There... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441816533
• ISBN13: 9780441816538
• Release Date: March 1984
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Mikado's Samurai

Tomoe Gozen, the Wikipedia tells us, was a legendary woman samurai in the service of Minamoto no Yoshinaka who attempted to seize the throne of Japan from his brother in 1184. Now Jessica Salmonson has written about an alternate world where Japan is much the same as it was back then, but magic worked and demons and trolls lurked in the shadows waiting for their opportunities. The story opens with Tomoe and her companions in the service of a warlord - Shojiro Shigeno - helping him in his conflict will Huan, a magician who hates Shigeno and wants his wealth. Tomoe is stricken fatally in a battle and her friend Ushii carries her off to the castle of the wizard to demand her healing. But the wizard drives a tough bargain, Tomoe lives, but she becomes his own samurai. By magic he forces her to turn against Shigeno in a horrific battle, betraying her honor and making herself a masterless samurai. From this point Tomoe's story is of one who seeks the keys to her own redemption. Ugo Mohri, the Shogun's Champion, tells her that she must wait to serve the Mikado in his need, and that one day they will test each other's skill. Tomoe's begins a journey across Japan with a variety of companions, righting wrongs and creating her fate. Deeply hurt by her weakness to Huan's magical skill, Tomoe is so fearful of being around magic that she becomes its victim in spite of herself. Until she can conquer her fears, she cannot face Mohri, and until she faces Mohri, she cannot regain her honor. Salmonson does a very nice job of recreating the storytelling of the ancient courts of Japan. The style is reminiscent of an older time when legends were treated with a certain amount of ritual and respect. The story has its own rhythm, one that provides an alien atmosphere. While not precisely authentic it appeals to American stereotypes of ancient Japan and the reader will find Salmonson's dreams of Naipon are addictive.

Excellent Saga

The Tomoe Gozen saga, consisting of "Tomoe Gozen", "The Golden Naginata" and "Thousand Shrine Warrior" is an excellent piece of fiction set in an alternate universe - one where magic exists and works, where monsters, devils, spirits and gods exist and intercede in human affairs. In Naipon, that universe's version of Japan, Tomoe Gozen, a female samurai, battles to retain her sense of honor and self. Salmonson writes vivid character descriptions, but the style is at times a bit flat. Mostly, this seems due to the tale occurring from the point of Tomoe, who puts her bushido before her own wants and needs. Very rarely, that flatness interferes (I think) with the storytelling. Still, this is a tremendously underrated work and I always love recommending it to people who are at all interested in epic fantasy.

Fighting her way back to honor and glory

Salmonson writes of an alternate world, Naipon, using her knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. As a woman, Tomoe Gozen, the heroine of this tale, is an unusual samurai warrior. The differences between her and other samurai go beyond her sex, however.When Tomoe Gozen dies in battle, serving the great warlord to whom she is pledged, her good friend Ushii makes a deal with an evil magician: Bring her back to the land of the living and he will serve the magician, the enemy of the warlord. Little does he know that the deal also means that his friend will not only end up losing herself, but she will also have to serve the same evil lord. When she finally comes to herself, Ushii is doomed, and she leaves to wander the country as an unpledged warrior or ronin. During her travels she experiences many adventures through which she regains both her honor and her place at the side of the daughter of the now dead warlord she had once served.It becomes Tomeoe Gozen's duty to regain her mistress' inheritance. In doing so, she can enhance her own reputation and further redeem her honor.The battle scenes are quite vivid. Although the overall writing style may be somewhat passive for some of today's readers, the story is well worth any needed effort. Salmonson brings samurai and Naiponese culture to life and gives the reader insight into those cultures as well as a good story.There are three novels featuring Tomoe Gozen, of which this is the first. Readers who enjoy these would also enjoy Salmonson's "The Swordswoman." Readers who like strong female characters might also enjoy "Deathweave" and "Darkloom" by Cary Osborne or "Winter Queen" by Devin Cary.

Among the Very Best

THE DISFAVORED HERO is a martial fantasy set in Naipon, a blend of historical twelfth century Japan and the world of Japanese myth and legend. The story chronicles the adventures of the lady samurai Tomoe Gozen, who engages in action aplenty, but also has a rich and complex inner life. If all this is not enough, there are moments of beauty so piercing as to leave you aching. Nor can I close without mentioning the wonderful cover art and interior illustrations by Wendy Wees. They will surely enhance your reading pleasure and stimulate your imagination.

Restored & Definitive Edition in Print

Pacific Warriors, Inc. has restored this book to print. Includes all of the author's corrections and has been restored to the original working title, "The Disfavored Hero". ISBN: 1-890065-05-6 (limited edition) and 1-890065-06-4 (trade paperback).- Martha de Forest, Publisher, Pacific Warriors, Inc.