Toru Wayfarer Returns Sakura Steam Series Book 1 eBook Stephanie R Sorensen
Download As PDF : Toru Wayfarer Returns Sakura Steam Series Book 1 eBook Stephanie R Sorensen 
A Japan that might have been... Revolutionary young samurai take on the West in this alternate history technofantasy set in 1850s samurai-era Japan.
In Japan of 1852, the peace imposed by the Tokugawa Shoguns has lasted 250 years. Peace has turned to stagnation, however, as the commoners grow impoverished and their lords restless. Swords rust. Martial values decay. Foreign barbarians circle the island nation’s closed borders like vultures.
Tōru, a shipwrecked young fisherman rescued by traders and taken to America, defies the Shogun’s ban on returning to Japan, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion. Can he rouse his countrymen in time? Or will the cruel Shogun carry out his vow to execute all who set foot in Japan after traveling abroad? Armed only with his will, a few books, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas, Tōru must transform the Emperor’s realm before the Black Ships come.
Tōru Wayfarer Returns is the first book in the Sakura Steam Series, an alternate history of the tumultuous period from the opening of Japan in 1853 to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This volume covers the year prior to the American Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and follows the hero and his young allies as they lead Japan through a massively compressed industrial revolution, dramatically altering that pivotal moment in history.
While Tōru and his dirigibles are fictional, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the "real" Japan of that period, with historical figures and their political environment woven into the tale, staying true to their motivations and agendas even as the alternate history warps their actions, history and a few laws of physics. Underpinning the adventure plot is a young man's yearning for his father's approval and an honorable place in his world.
Readers who enjoy steampunk alternate histories more typically set in Victorian England or the American Wild West may enjoy this steampunk story made fresh by the Japanese samurai setting, as well as readers who enjoy historical fiction set in Japan.
Toru Wayfarer Returns Sakura Steam Series Book 1 eBook Stephanie R Sorensen
Beautifully written steampunk story set in Japan. I admit I'd been making my way through the Rouroni Kenshin anime series when I reached this book on my reading list, and the transition flowed so smoothly that I was even more excited to read than I expected.The author's writing style allows you to fully understand and immerse yourself in 19th century Japanese culture as they surreptitiously examine, explore, and attempt to replicate the innovations of the Western world, all the while denying that they are doing any such thing. They are not, of course, doing it for their own comfort, but to protect their country from the very inventors they are copying. I am excited to see 'series' in the headline title of this page, and look forward to reading the next book!
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Toru Wayfarer Returns Sakura Steam Series Book 1 eBook Stephanie R Sorensen Reviews
Kept me captivated from page one. This is a great what if alternative history that has me begging for the next book. Well done.
Ms. Sorensen has written a fine addition to the rather scarce body of historical fiction based on Japan (in English), and then made it an alternative history and somewhat steampunk-ish to boot.. Anticipating the arrival of the Black Ships of Commodore Perry, her protagonist, Toru Himasaki, a fisherman who spent two years in America, manages to inspire a local industrial revolution on the estates of two lords, all intended to prevent what had already happened to China, which had been forcibly opened by the West.
Japan's insular qualities, its control by the Tokugawa Shogunate, its culture and attitudes are all taken seriously and well handled. The flood of Western technology that Toru injects into one area of the country is kind of outlandish, but only insofar as it stems from a single individual and his trunk full of blueprints and writings rather than a national decision to "catch up" to the West as occurred during Meiji.
There is a headstrong and extraordinarily capable woman, Masuyo, the local daimyo's daughter, who one just knows is destined to be Toru's soulmate, but this being Japan the obstacles to the mutual attraction between noblewoman and fisherman are formidable. It doesn't help that Toru has been condemned to death for violating the strict laws that enforce Japan's isolation.
There is an abundance of samurai but, oddly, no fighting. Nor is there any romance of the usual sort. There is a mystery surrounding Toru's past, but Ms. Sorensen uncovers the truth early on and without much drama, so that by the time of the "reveal" late in the book it is no surprise to the reader, only to the characters in the book. The energy of the story comes from the politics between Shogun and daimyo factions, the rapid buildup of modern transportation, communications, and weaponry to resist the anticipated eventual arrival of westerners and, of course, the arrival of the Black Ships themselves.
This approximate period has been touched by a few others, most famously in "Shogun" and "Shimoda Story" and more recently by David Mitchell's "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet". In actual history, it is a fascinating example of "first contact" between alien cultures, worthy of any science fiction tale. Ms. Sorensen does it justice even with her trains and dirigibles.
I'm reading Toru, that I first read last summer. I remembered how much I enjoyed it last time. This time I find myself totally immersed in the characters. So much so that when I read, "all Americans think everyone from all countries want to live in America", I thought to myself, even in those days. Then I had to smile because I was so living through the character I forgot the author is a living, modern day person.
I love this book. This author writes so eloquently and so believable. She transports you to that day and time. I cannot wait until the next in this series is published. A must read!
I loved this book! I wouldn't have normally been draw to this subject matter, but a fortunate meeting turned me on to it. I'm so glad I took the time to check it out. Fun and inspiring story, filled with rich culture and imagery! I feel that I understand Japanese culture and history a little better. I love the steampunk element, which I just recently even learned about from some hip kids in California. I felt so in the know as I began this book! I highly recommend reading this book, whether you love this genre or not! It is a great read and Stephanie is an excellent writer!
Very enjoyable book that does a great job capturing the Japan of the 1800's. The steampunk aspect is based on the actual starting point of Japan at that time with a fictional steampunk twist. The story is fast moving and does a very good job portraying the culture of both Japan and the US at the time.
This book was a delight! Stephanie cheerfully and gracefully combined historical themes from Japan and beyond with a believable story line and charismatic characters. Then she guided the story smoothly into an alternative Steampunk future that made sense and was compelling. The book moved along at the perfect speed NOT a fluff piece that can be finished in a couple hours, but also NOT a story that moves so slowly that the reading of it takes weeks. The use of Japanese words and customs was perfect - very interesting, easy to understand and not overwhelming. The main character, Toru, is wonderful ... here's hoping the next book in the series appears soon!
It is the gift of a great writer to create a reading experience in which you are transported to the time, place and feeling apart from your reality and are immersed in the characters and story. Stephanie Sorenson accomplishes this in a totally convincing way.
Her extensive knowledge of 19th century Japan, the culture and the language combines to create a world you believe in.
I would strongly recommend this book.
Beautifully written steampunk story set in Japan. I admit I'd been making my way through the Rouroni Kenshin anime series when I reached this book on my reading list, and the transition flowed so smoothly that I was even more excited to read than I expected.
The author's writing style allows you to fully understand and immerse yourself in 19th century Japanese culture as they surreptitiously examine, explore, and attempt to replicate the innovations of the Western world, all the while denying that they are doing any such thing. They are not, of course, doing it for their own comfort, but to protect their country from the very inventors they are copying. I am excited to see 'series' in the headline title of this page, and look forward to reading the next book!
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