I got this book after winning the sequel in a First Read giveaway. At first, I wasn't sure whether I would understand the Japanese side of things but I kept reading. I'm so glad that I did because the storyline was really good. I can't wait to start the sequel! ( )

I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 2.5 stars.

Samurai Awakening by Benjamin Martin is about an American, David, who becomes a Japanese exchange student. The Masomoto family that he stays with is well versed in the ways of the Samurai, and one fateful day, by trying to save the family's grandfather and patriarch, he becomes part of the legend. The rest of the book deals with his learning to become part of the Japanese culture, and this new warrior that he is destined to be.

I know this book was a finalist in a competition and did very well. But I'll admit that for me, the story dragged and dragged. I can't quite pinpoint it because the book is very well researched, and it's clear that Martin knows his stuff. On top of that, there are interesting characters, a fantastical storyline, and lots of action. But there's something about the prose that actually made me to stop reading altogether. I made it through 60% of the book and then jumped to the ending to see if I missed anything big. The last chapter, while I didn't understand every nuance, was basically what I thought it would be. Not to mention that this idea of an American white boy Samurai is a little bit-- cheesy? I think it's great to meld world views and have the East and West understand each other, but I couldn't get over that concept.

Overall, well researched with an interesting setup, but the stilted prose and stiff characters with a bit of a cheesy premise forced me to stop reading. I have to say, this is the highest rating I have ever given a book I was not able to finish. ( )