BLOODLINES – The Sadamune Blades Trilogy, Book Three: SWORDS OF FATE

A must read for fans of James Clavell’s book, and the 2024 FX TV movie, SHŌGUN.

BLOODLINES is an epic historical adventure for fans of samurai-themed novels and movies. Spanning four centuries, It is a sweeping tale of revenge, redemption, survival, and the enduring legacy of the blades forged by legendary swordsmith Sadamune. Journey across time and witness the impact of Sadamune’s creations on the lives of those who dare to wield them. An absorbing, fast-moving, sword-slicing, action-filled read that survives war, famine, rebellion, volcanic eruptions, meddling priests, and trade-hungry Portuguese who connive their way into political power and religion.

Each first daughter of the Hiroda family inherits the Sadamune blade, The Soul Taker, and follows in the footsteps of their shadow-warrior mothers. From Aki, who must avenge her mother’s betrayal and ultimate murder, to Aka, who fights for the Christians, to Rin, who manages the Sakai Sword Shop, and Kiyo who marries into the Iga clan. The family breaks tradition when Captain Sakai Keisuke carries The Soul Taker into battle during the Pacific War. In the present day, Aki’s descendant, Yasuko, is an assassin working as a sword appraiser who must outwit the mafia and a crooked cop who would kill to own a Sadamune blade.

You’ll meet imagined characters like Cho, a disgruntled ronin, Masa who stole from the battlefield of Sekigahara; power-hungry Chiyoda, leader of The Black Orchid Society; and Lord Shinjo, who always gets what he wants. Then, Captain Jan de Jager, who works for the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and Maarten Voont, a VOC director and his son, Hendrik Voont. Weaved into the story are well-known historical characters like Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Captain Pilot William Adams, and his daughter, Deliverance, and the famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.

BOOK ONE: REVENGE!
Timeline: 1600 – 1605

BOOK TWO: BLOOD NEGOTIATOR
Timeline: 1605 – 1640

BOOK THREE: SWORDS OF FATE
Timeline: 1640 – 2002

A perfect gift for friends or someone in your family who love samurai novels.