The Name of the Blade

Marriott (Shadows on the Moon) launches a trilogy that draws from Japanese mythology to deliver an action-packed story with a romantic undercurrent. When nearly 16-year-old Londoner Mio Yamato “borrows” the katana that has been in her family for centuries to flesh out a Christmas party costume, she inadvertently awakens an ancient evil—a nine-tailed cat demon called a Nekomata—which leaves blood and misery in its wake and wants the sword for itself. But she also frees Shinobu, a young man who has been trapped in the sword for 500 years. To rescue her best friend’s sister from the Nekomata and thwart its plans, Mio and Shinobu team up with London’s reclusive Kitsune community of shapeshifting foxes while Mio learns to master the sword’s power. While the story starts off slowly, it quickly kicks into high gear as Mio and friends fight for their lives in the real and spirit worlds, deal with Kitsune intrigue, and face omnipresent danger. Strong characters and an intriguing premise make this a solid, enjoyable story. Ages 12–up. Agent: Nancy Miles, Miles Stott Literary Agency. (Nov.)