Yet the ships have barely arrived when Yoshi finds himself wielding a sword in a way that will change his life forever. Thirteen-year-old Yoshi longs to join the fight to expel the hairy barbarians.But how? As a lowly servant, he is not permitted to become a samurai or to carry swords.

Outsiders are not allowed to enter the country, and Japan’s samurai prepare for war. On Saturday, December 5th at 7:00pm we welcomed Margi Preus at Addendum to celebrate her newest book, THE BAMBOO SWORD! 'When American ships steam into Edo Bay for the first time, it is into the forbidden waters of mid-19th-century Japan. The heart of this assassin craves revenge.' Devastated over his betrayal and the loss of her clan, there's just one thing on her mind: making the Da Vias pay. With horror, she realizes that Val and his Family are the only ones who could be responsible. Although she narrowly escapes, she isn't able to save her Family as their home is consumed by flames. Despite her better judgment, Lea has fallen in love with him but she's confident she can anticipate any threat a mile away.Then she awakens one night to a house full of smoke. As a member of the highest-ranking clan, loyalty to Family is valued above all, but that doesn't stop Lea from getting into a secret relationship with Val Da Via, a boy from a rival clan. She was born into one of the nine clipper Families in the kingdom of Lovero who lawfully take lives for a price.

Seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana is a trained assassin. Fans of Kristin Cashore and Rae Carson will devour the flawlessly crafted action and inventive world building. Assassin's Heart: 'With shades of Game of Thrones and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a tale of love, lies, and vengeance. Sarah is a Hamline MFAC grad, and this event was in partnership with Hamline. Thanks to all who joined us on Friday, February 5th at 7:00pm in the Klas Center Kay Fredericks Ballroom at Hamline University (1536 Hewitt Ave, St Paul, MN 55104) to celebrate the launch of Sarah Ahiers debut novel, ASSASSIN'S HEART.

Game by barry lyga