Cloud of Sparrows

By: Takashi Matsuoka

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Enter a world of samurai and geishas, ninjas and Zen masters in this “rousing tale of Shogun Japan” (New York Post) from the acclaimed author of Autumn Bridge.

“Triumphant . . . terrific . . . This is a riveting read, alternately playful and suspenseful.”—People

The year is 1861. After two centuries of isolation, Japan has opened its doors to the West. And as foreign ships threaten to rain destruction on the Shogun’s castle in Edo, a small group of American missionaries has arrived to spread the word of their God. They have yet to realize that their future in Japan has already been foreseen. For a young nobleman has dreamt that his life will be saved by an outsider in the New Year . . . and it is said that Lord Genji has the gift of prophecy.

What happens next—when the handsome lord meets an apparently reformed gunslinger and a woman in flight from her own destructive beauty—sets the stage for a remarkable adventure. For as this unlikely band embarks on a journey through a landscape bristling with danger, East and West, flesh and spirit, past and future, collide in ways no one—least of all Genji—could have imagined.

Critic reviews

“Exotic, entertaining . . . [an] exceptional first novel . . . with an ambitious, unexpected ending that cuts deeper than a samurai sword.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Nimble [and] adventure-filled . . . a likably straight-up samurai epic.”—Entertainment Weekly

“A rousing tale of Shogun Japan.”—New York Post

“The book seizes you from start to finish.”—The Washington Post

“[Cloud of Sparrows] is what a samurai novel should be: dramatic and bloody, sybaritic and sexy by turns. . . . You have to force yourself to slow down or it’s over too soon.”—Honolulu Advertiser

“Matsuoka has a great sense of humor and employs comic relief skillfully. Who needs a samurai story that takes itself too seriously?”—Tampa Tribune

“A fine first novel . . . truly engaging and hard to put down.”—Baton Rouge Magazine

“Like James Clavell in Shogun and Arthur Golden in Memoirs of a Geisha, Matsuoka effortlessly introduces the reader to mysterious Japanese customs, rituals, and traditions . . . a compelling debut.”—Booklist

“An exciting debut novel . . . Matsuoka has all the markings of a great storyteller.”—Grand Rapids Press

Good Quality Semi-historical Fiction

An enjoyable read, Lots of blood and guts, honor, and some pretty good characters. A bit of a slow start, but an excellent choice while you are waiting for the third book in The Otori Trilogy. Not the same level as Across the Nightingale Floor, but close.

Very entertaining

I really liked this book, its characters, and its subject matter. I saw one review that compared it to Lian Hearn's books. The topics are similar but the style, plot, tone and overall feeling are all very different. That comparison doesn't seem justified or accurate. I think this is an enjoyable book and very fascinating in its own way. I recommend it.

Just "OK"

I was hoping for the beautiful imagery that was brought to life by a great narrator in a book like Across the Nightingale Floor, but I was disappointed. This is an OK book but not one I would move to the top of someone’s must read list. Again this wasn’t bad it was just OK.

Tremendous piece of Art

The book contains the Japanese traditions intertwined within subliminal take of love, bravery & sacrifice which find it’s path within each reader.

The book takes you into a time of Japan transformation & unfolding a new era of prosperity & advance.

The book is an epic tale that shall take you into your deepest consciousness depths...

A Very Enjoyable Listen!

Oh to have lived in that time and place! A great story of honor, duty, and betrayel. If you liked Shogun, you'll enjoy cloud of sparrows.