Ronin Born

Ronin Born
Author: Percival Constantine
Publisher: Pulp Corner Press
Total Pages: 189
Release: 2020-06-02
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

When hope is lost, a new hero will rise In the far future, Japan has become a technological paradise. With a more cosmopolitan population and human integration with technology, it seems like a world people once dreamed of. But that society has been built on a foundation of an exploited underclass. Erika Kuroki has spent her life attempting to rise above the meager expectations of her superiors. Her exemplary military record has finally given her the opportunity to prove herself as a new recruit in the exclusive Tokkei intelligence agency. And a new case seems like it will be the one that cements her reputation. But the case is more complicated than it seems. As Erika digs deeper, she discovers a sinister marriage of criminal, business, and government interests. One that relies on the suffering of the voiceless. And now, Erika must decide what matters more—her career, or her soul… From Percival Constantine, author of the Luther Cross urban fantasy novels and the Vanguard superhero series, comes a new superhero novel set in a dystopian cyberpunk future!

On the Warrior's Path, Second Edition

On the Warrior's Path, Second Edition
Author: Daniele Bolelli
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2010-05-18
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1556439482

An entertaining and insightful history of martial arts and the role of the warrior, drawing on pop culture, philosophy, mythology, religion, and spirituality The urge to forge one’s character by fighting, in daily life as well as on the mat, appeals to something deep within us. More than a collection of fighting techniques, martial arts constitute a path to developing body, spirit, and awareness. On the Warrior’s Path connects the martial arts with this larger perspective, merging subtle philosophies with no-holds-barred competition, Nietzsche with Bruce Lee, radical Taoism and Buddhism with the Star Wars Trilogy, traditional martial arts with basketball and American Indian culture. At the center of all these phenomena is the warrior. Though this archetype seems to manifest contradictory values, author Daniele Bolelli describes the heart of this tension: how the training of martial technique leads to a renunciation of violence, and how overcoming fear leads to a unique freedom. Aimed at students at any level or tradition of martial arts but also accessible to the armchair warrior, On the Warrior’s Path brings fresh insights to why martial arts remains an enduring and widespread art and discipline. Two new chapters in this second edition focus on spirituality in the martial arts and the author’s personal journey in the field.

The Demon's Sire

The Demon's Sire
Author: Kristin Stefanos
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 394
Release: 2013-11-29
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1304617734

"It is a tremendous act of violence to begin anything." -Rainer Maria Rilke Alexandra Drakis lives in a vicious and uncertain world. After all, being the personal food supply to the sadistic vampire king is bound to present a few challenges. But no matter how much she tries not even the reigning queen of calamity can control and predict everything. Every once in awhile the universe decides it's time to test the mettle of sanguinem and vampires alike. To remind everyone of the eternal truth: creation is a leap into the unknown with the potential for untold joy or unspeakable destruction. Too bad the outcome remains unforeseen until it's far too late.

Life as a Samurai

Life as a Samurai
Author: Matt Doeden
Publisher: Capstone
Total Pages: 58
Release: 2011
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1429647833

"Describes the lives of samurai warriors in ancient Japan. The readers' choices reveal the historical details of life as a samurai during the Gempai wars of the 1100s, the rise of Nobunga in 1560, and as a wandering ronin in the 1600s"--Provided by publisher.

Star Wars Visions: Ronin

Star Wars Visions: Ronin
Author: Emma Mieko Candon
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 344
Release: 2021-10-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1473591953

A mysterious former Sith wanders the galaxy in this stunning Star Wars tale. An original novel inspired by the world of The Duel from the Star Wars Visions animated anthology. The Jedi are the most loyal servants of the Empire. Two decades ago, Jedi clans clashed in service to feuding lords. Sickened by this endless cycle, a sect of Jedi rebelled, seeking to control their own destiny and claim power in service of no master. They called themselves Sith. The Sith rebellion failed, succumbing to infighting and betrayal, and the once rival lords unified to create an Empire . . . but even an Empire at peace is not free from violence. Far on the edge of the Outer Rim, one former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a faithful droid and the ghost of a less civilized age. He carries a lightsaber, but claims lineage to no Jedi clan, and pledges allegiance to no lord. Little is known about him, including his name, for he never speaks of his past, nor his regrets. His history is as guarded as the red blade of destruction he carries sheathed at his side. As the galaxy's perpetual cycle of violence continues to interrupt his self-imposed exile, and he is forced to duel an enigmatic bandit claiming the title of Sith, it becomes clear that no amount of wandering will ever let him outpace the specters of his former life.

Friends, Acquaintances, Pupils and Patrons

Friends, Acquaintances, Pupils and Patrons
Author: Anna Beerens
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2006
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9087280017

Annotation. This study of the social circumstances of Japanese intellectuals in the last quarter of the eighteenth century is based on biographical data concerning 173 individuals. It deals with the image of intellectual life of that period in current scholarship, and with the self-image and ethos of scholars, authors, poets and artists. That self-image and ethos, however, often clash with the realities of their everyday lives. This prosopographical investigation offers a new look at intellectual life on a basic level. The current image of intellectual life in the Tokugawa period is one of dissatisfaction and withdrawal, whereas the image that results from this study is one of dynamism and interaction. For more (Dutch-language) titles on Japan, please visit: "http://www.aup.nl/do.php?a=show_visitor_booklist&b=series&series=21">www.aup.nl/japan This title can be previewed in Google Books - http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN9789087280017.

Samurai Films

Samurai Films
Author: Roland Thorne
Publisher: Oldacastle Books
Total Pages: 169
Release: 2008-11-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1842434004

Samurai films are an intriguing combination of frenetic action sequences, moving personal drama, and philosophical observations on loyalty and violence, all set against the spectacular backdrop of pre-industrial Japan. References to samurai films are quite common in film literature, and many mainstream directors, from Hollywood and elsewhere, have been inspired and influenced by them—Lucas by Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress, and the genre of spaghetti westerns by Kurosawa's Yojimbo. Want to see one of the major inspirations for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films? Look no further than Toshiya Fujita's Lady Snowblood. The history of this unique Japanese genre, including its influence on world cinema is covered, as well as analysis of the key films that have defined the genre. Classics such as Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy are included, as well as more recent films, such as Shinobi, Aragami, and The Twilight Samurai.

Dai-San

Dai-San
Author: Eric Van Lustbader
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 362
Release: 2014-03-25
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1480470910

#1 New York Times–Bestselling Author: A bladesman battles in the face of apocalypse in this novel of magic and mayhem in the “thoroughly enjoyable” series (SF Site). Raised beneath the surface of the earth, Ronin escaped the subterranean city of Freehold to make his mark upon the world. After wandering the icy wastelands and coming to the port city of Sha’angh’sei, he has taken to the sea to seek a mythical island whose secrets could save mankind. Backed by a disfigured first mate, an adventure-hungry navigator, and a mysterious telepath, Ronin rides the storm-tossed waters, hoping to escape the chaos that civilization has become. But at the end of this journey, mayhem awaits. Four bloodthirsty monsters known as the Makkon are convening to raise an army of death and call their sinister master back from beyond the grave. To turn this bloody tide, Ronin will have to ascend to a new identity. The Bladesman of Freehold has vanquished many enemies, and now he must battle the apocalypse.

On the Warrior's Path

On the Warrior's Path
Author: Daniele Bolelli
Publisher: Frog Books
Total Pages: 204
Release: 2003
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9781583940662

From the "chop-sockey" kung-fu epics on the big screen to practices like tae kwon do at local community centers, the martial arts have become a major phenomenon in Western culture. InOn the Warrior's Path, author Daniele Bolelli examines the central figure in this trend: the warrior. Bolelli, himself a martial artist, looks at every facet of the warrior lifestyle, from the unbreakable tenacity of the Japanese swordsman to the contemplative practices of the mysterious warrior monks of China. Drawing from both classical and popular sources of warrior culture, Bolelli shows what it takes to inhabit this singular role, along the way making surprising connections between martial arts and psychedelic culture, basketball, American Indian society, surfing, Star Wars, and more.

Win or Die

Win or Die
Author: Bruce Craven
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Total Pages: 303
Release: 2019-03-19
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1250301173

“When it comes to the most-anticipated business books of 2019, Win or Die: Leadership Secrets From Game of Thrones is the one to beat.”—Inc. A guide to leading without losing your head, inspired by the bestselling books and smash television series Game of Thrones. "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." —Cersei Lannister One of the great joys of Game of Thrones is strategizing what bold moves you'd make in this bloody, volatile world—from the comfort of your living room. And one of the great terrors of being a leader is knowing your real world can be just as brutal—and offices bring no comfort. Every day you're presented with opportunities and challenges, and must decide which roads to follow, which risks to confront, when to deny an opportunity and when to pursue the call to adventure. And you won't know whether you'll profit or fail while you're in the thick of it. In Win or Die: Leadership Secrets from Game of Thrones, Bruce Craven brilliantly analyzes the journeys of the best and worst leaders in Westeros, so that leaders can create their own narratives of success. Craven considers beloved characters such as Ned Stark, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister as they make terrible decisions and fatal mistakes, but also achieve incredible victories and surprising successes, learning and growing along their (often bloody) ways. Readers will learn how to face conflict and build resilience, develop contextual and emotional intelligence, develop their vision, and more. This entertaining and accessible guide will show readers how to turn danger into opportunity, even when dragons threaten.