Neko

Neko is a young girl who finds being a proper lady boring. She only wears the stiff, confining dresses to please her mother, Lady Rumiko. Instead of a life at court, Neko dreams of becoming a great swordsman like her father, Toru. But little girls can't become swordsmen, so she must sit outside the courtyard fence and watch her father train young lords instead of her. Eventually, Toru takes pity on her and begins training her at night. He's surprised when young Neko turns out to be a prodigy, and the lessons soon become more serious. As the years pass, Neko's exceptional talent becomes a source of both pride and shame for her father. His best student must be kept hidden away instead of shining bright. Meanwhile, Neko finds herself struggling with her culture's narrow gender roles that limit who she is and who she can be. Her prim and proper cousin, Miyu, tries to convince her to be more ladylike if she ever wants to be happy (i.e. married). When tragedy strikes, Neko decides to track down those responsible and make them pay. Her family wants her to stay safe at home, and Neko must decide between honoring the living or avenging the dead. NEKO is a fast-paced novel that develops along with its hero. It is a modern telling of the classic quest tales of antiquity. It's a 21st-century twist on the traditional Japanese monogatari or epic saga. Fans of historical fiction, action/adventure, and humor will enjoy it. As will anyone looking for a good read.