Rating: 
Summary: *wow*
Review: I love this series and can't wait for Book of the Wind to come out. Every character has 3D personalities-(for example) Karen isn't you're average jealous "i-want-him" antagonist, she's also a nice person and possibly likeable except for the fact that the reader naturally goes for the narrator (Heaven). The characters add a sense of realism to the plot because the author doesn't coat the plot with sterotypes or 2D personalities that would eventually leave the series flat. These books, like the Harry Potter series, can also appeal to all types of people because they're easy to read and aren't boring or so full of plot twists that only the devoted reader will stay with the book. Despite some crudeness and violence, the Heaven Kogo series is absolutely wonderful so far.
Rating: 
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I picked this book up yesterday at a bookstore while I was there getting another book. I didn't know what to expect, but from the back it sounded iteresting, so I decided to give it a shot. I have not regretted that for a second. In fact, I want to run out right now and buy the other 2 books in the series. (but I won't, this second anyway)I totally love the authors style of writing. The book just seems so honest. You get to read everything the girl is thinking, and it makes you get into the book like you are the girl. I also like the little diary entries at the end of most chapters, it lets you understand all of the characters. I will admit, this book is not for everyone, especially the younger readers. The book does have a few 'profane' words, and some sexual innuendo, but its not that big of a deal. Anyone who really wants or can understand what this book is about will not mind, or their parents won't mind the few parts of it. I would say if you are into romance/action/adventure thing and are High School age, you should check out this book.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome new series for grrrll power (and more)
Review: I was a little bit doubtful about this series when I picked up the first book, thinking that it would be too much like the Francine Pascal Fearless series - but Samurai Girl stands on its own two feet and provides an enjoyable read that keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series (just finished book 3 and about to start book 4). Heaven is an amazing character, but is also very human. She was the only survivor of a plane crash when she was only six months old and has lived a safe life full of luxury and anything she ever wanted. Then her adoptive father brings her to America to marry the son of his business rival and Heaven finds herself in the country that she has always wanted to visit - except nothing is as it seems. At the wedding ceremony a warrior that appears to be a ninja disrupts the ceremony and kills Heavens brother. Fleeing from the wedding Heaven finds herself living in L.A far from the only family that she has ever known, and studying the ways of the Samurai. This series is full of amazing characters that are so real that they seem like they could be people walking down the street. The best part about these books is that you get to feel what Heaven and thinking and see things through her eyes, but you also get to learn what other characters are thinking as you get inside there heads at the ends of various chapters. I can't wait to see how far Carrie Asai is going to take this series! If you like these books and haven't tried them yet then you shoud definitely try the Fearless series by Francine Pascal, and you may also like to try the Tomorrow series by John Marsden if the action and danger appeals to you.
Rating:
Summary: Buffy in Japan?
Review: I'm always on the lookout for new teen materials for my students to read. This one caught my eye in the store, and I bought Book 1 and 2. This is really a book about growing up from being a sheltered teenager to a responsible young adult. I noticed how some readers felt that the main character, Heaven, was far too innocent; I think this really demonstrates how a person grows by experience. There is some material in this book that I would be hesitant to have my 14 year old students read, and there is a fair amount of violence in this book, but it is not the focus. All in all, a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Echo Park Readers say YEAH!
Review: Just added this book to my Echo Park Listmania ECHO PARK LOVES YOU, CARRIE ASAI... since our 'hood n library is featured! AND WE LOVE THE BOOK... our readers here are hooked. Her books do not stay on the shelf! Just for the record, Asai had visited our library some years ago, what a super nice person. And now I see, an extremely talented author. THANK YOU!
Rating: 
Summary: Total crap!!!
Review: Never, in my entire life, have I read anything more stupid and absurd than this book! I bought it because I thought it would be thrilling and I'd learn something about the samurai and their culture and way of thinking.
Well, I did a little, but that's all there is to this book. The stupid protagonist - when knowing that she's hunted by people who want to KILL her - prefers to go shopping instead of waiting at home where she'd be save!!! Farther she has a horribly ennerving obsession with the movies - and not even good ones. That girl is just plain spoiled and I don't understand how any sensible person can identify themselves with this silly little girl in this silly little book. If you thought of buying this book - DON'T!
Just go with Francine Pascal's "Fearless" Series which is similar to this one but with a convincing main character and very thrilling and interesting plot lines, covering espionage and romance as well as usual teen angst... spiced with the fact that the main character can't feel fear!
Rating:
Summary: The first book in a good new teen series.
Review: Nineteen-year-old Heaven is famous throughout Japan -- she was the miracle baby, sole survivor of a fiery plane crash when she was just six months old. When no one stepped forward to claim her, she was adopted by the wealthy Kogo family and since then has lived a sheltered, pampered life on their estate near Toyko. But now she is to married off to Teddy Yukemura, the son of her father's business rival. Heaven desperately wants to avoid marrying Teddy, but fears she will have to go through. But her wedding is crashed by a mysterious ninja -- and Heaven's beloved brother dies to save her. She flees, and finds herself lost and alone in America. The only thing she can do is seek out her brother's best friend -- and persuade him to train her as a samurai so she can avenge her brother's death and find out the truth about her father. This is the first book in a new teen adventure series that looks like it will be great. I highly recommend it to teenage girls who enjoy adventures with strong female characters.
Rating:
Summary: Yay, a new series!
Review: Since the end of SVH SY I've been wanting a new series to look forward to. When I noticed this book I pre-ordered it and was pretty excited about how it looked. Got it yesterday, and finished it already. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and can't wait for more in the series. Another thing I was delighted by was the illustrations throughout. Why don't more books have illustrations?
Thanks for the new series!
Rating:
Summary: The New Series That'll Have You Hooked By Chapter Two...
Review: So, the summer began and I found myself in a state of bordom. Having done all my required summer reading, I decided to stop by the book store. Looking through the aisles nothing really caught my attention until I landed in the Young Adult section. Skimming through the selves, I soon find myself face to face with this book. I debated with myself for awhile and finally ended up buying it. While looking for a escape from my boredom, I had stumbled upon a excellent book. I was hooked after the first chapter. I finished it in about 2 and half hours. And had the second book in my hands by the next afternoon. This book has everything love, lost, sacrifice, romance, action, failure, triumph, drama, among many other things. I would recommend this book to anyone. And if your debating on whether or not you should buy this book, stop, and BUY IT!!.....You won't regret it!!!...I promise!!...
Rating: 
Summary: samurai girl
Review: the main character annoyed me alot, i kept wishing that Karen would beat her into a bloody smear while sparring. i think that to most if not all readers will find it impossiable to relate in any way to Heaven. i found myself frustrated at how sheltered and spoiled she was even at 19. anyways the books a bit ridiculous but a semi-fun read.
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