Reverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Reverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aia wants nothing more than to learn the skills of being a Geisha girl. Her whole world involves Geishas, whether it is serving them or being around them. One day she hopes to have the beauty and the poise of a Geisha girl herself. Aia is not built like the other Geisha girls, so for now she must remain happy to remain a Geisha in-training. When one of the Geisha girls is unable to provide companionship Aia is given her chance to pursue her dream of becoming a Geisha. During the evening she meets a swordsman named Nen who terrifies yet excites her. Nen is not only intimidating in size but his black eyes strike Aia with fear. Despite his size and intimidating presence Aia finds herself attracted to this mighty swordsman.

When talks of changes come and the possibility of impending war, Japan is suddenly thrown into a revolution. During the ensuing chaos the lives of Aia and others are put in danger. Nen swoops in and saves Aia from the violence that has erupted and introduces her to a world that is beyond anything that she could have ever imagined existed. He takes her to a mythical realm and introduces her to some of its inhabitants. Aia quickly learns that Nen has been fighting his own battles for years as he keeps Japan and its citizens safe from worlds and forces, they do not know exist. Aia realizes that he is not just large in stature but that he has a large and caring heart. Can the mortal world and the mythical realm coexist? Will Japan be thrown into war? Will Nen be able to bring peace to the land?

I was mesmerized by this book and found it impossible to put down. I was drawn into the world of Japan and the lives of Aia and Nen. I enjoyed seeing the world of a Geisha through Aia’s eyes and it really got me thinking about what a Geisha must go through. Is this what it’s like for all Geisha girls? I also loved the fact that Aia was a bit more voluptuous and rounded then a typical Geisha girl would be, yet it did not stop her from pursuing her dreams. At first Nen comes across as being cold, dark, and mysterious but once you start reading you realize that there is far more to his character than meets the eye. Aia and Nen appear to be exact opposites, yet they end up being so perfectly matched for each other. Nen is a proud and strong swordsman who not only protects Aia, but the people of Japan, from dark forces that exist in a realm that they do not know exist. Aia is strong, smart, and courageous so she can hold her own and stand up for herself when it is necessary for her to do so.

View all my reviews @Tara Johnson Barnes