1543. Japan. A strange realm of wealth and warriors, it was said, perched on the fiery, grumbling edge of the world. Tomodachi is Japanese for friend and that's just what young Daniel Marlowe is going to need, shipwrecked and separated from his father in a Japan torn by civil war. But Kenji also has a problem that only a trusted friend could help with. He has fled an obligation with a deadly stain on his samurai honour, and must reach his far-off castle home. In his path lie brigands, warlords and their feuding armies. And worse. Temptations and lessons, on the hard road to wisdom. So begins an unlikely friendship, a dangerous journey, and a series of gripping adventures across a beautiful land haunted by the shadow of the sword. The author: Simon Higgins was born in England and raised in Nigeria, Africa, then South Australia, where he spent a decade in law enforcement as a policeman, prosecutor and finally, private investigator. His prior novels include the bestselling Thunderfish trilogy, CBC Notable Books, and works performed on stage, short-listed or published internationally. In 1979 he started training in Japanese martial arts and by 1982 had made his first visit to Japan. In 2007 he returned there to train and participate in the Kyoto Taikai, the world championships of the sword art Iaido, held annually on a mountain top before a Japanese prince. At the age of 48, competing in the Dangai class after less than a years training in Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Simon placed in the top ten. Happily married for 28 years, he has a son and daughter, now both adults, and, perhaps not surprisingly, a Japanese Akita dog. Reviews/grabline: TOMODACHI is not only a great action-packed ripping yarn which is sure to appeal to boys of all ages, it is also a terrific historical novel which presents Japan's feudal era in fascinating detail- Pamela Freeman, Winner NSW History Prize for Young People, 2006. Selling Points: Simon Higgins is already established as a popular and charismatic presenter who is a regular guest at Australian schools, youth literature festivals and media events. TOMODACHI: THE EDGE OF THE WORLD will be launched at the Brisbane Writers Festival in September. Bookmarks and some POS available. The first in the exciting new TOMODACHI series. The essential boys book fast-paced, heroic action.