The Chronicles of the Maple and the Cherry Book 1 - The Mask of Noh

The Chronicles of the Maple and the Cherry Tree form a tetralogy set in 17th century Japan. We follow two heroes, Ichirō, a young samurai with a fabulous destiny, and the mysterious Hiinahime, an unknown woman who hides behind a Noh mask.

The first volume, entitled The Mask of Noh, traces Ichirō's life from childhood to adolescence. Abandoned, Ichirō is raised as a son by an unknown samurai who teaches him the way of the sword. The boy will live a solitary existence in the mountains, in the heart of wild nature and at the rhythm of the seasons, between moments of bliss and carefreeness and an apprenticeship that requires perseverance and courage. But on a tragic night, Ichirō's life is turned upside down by the attack of shady samurai. Destiny will then take him to Edo (ancient Tokyo), where he will begin to perform in kabuki theaters; There he will make his first friends and meet Hiinahime, the stranger with the Noh mask. The second volume of the tetralogy, The Sword of Sanada, will be published in October.

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