https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS2712WT/
Robin climbs trees to feel free like the birds.
Why do you think he feels most at peace in the cold wind?
I believe Robin has a special connection with the wind. Something about the essence of the breathe of the gods seems to speak to him. I can best describe it as he loves feeling the cool mountain air brush along his face. When there’s so much for a young samurai to do, being away high up in the trees away from the stress of training sounds peaceful to him.
Zor energy is shown in many forms like fire,
lightning, ice, and even darkness. Which style stood out the most to you, and
why?
Since this is the first book in the series, I
focused a lot on Robin’s Phoenix style. I wanted to convey the idea that its
not just fire, like the Phoenix symbolizes rebirth for Robin goes through his
own throughout the book.
This of course does not mean the whole series will
focus on the Phoenix. There is plenty more to be seen from the other gods, and
the ways the world of man uses their spiritual abilities!
Robin’s sword is more than a weapon—it’s tied to
his father. How does this connection shape the way he fights?
Ah a keepsake from a close family member.
Especially one that is no longer with us. Robin’s sword is a symbol all its own
of his choices up until a certain point. He chose to be a samurai. With his
father’s contribution to the Warring States, his family would have at least
been looked after, however it wasn’t enough to him. He needed to be a great
samurai.
Ever since Robin was young he idolized the way Zor energy mixed with samurai arts. When his father taught him how to utilize the Phoenix style and his swordsmanship it gave the two close time to bond, which is why the memory of his father is so strong within him!
Yamato is both Robin’s best friend and his rival.
How does their bond help them grow as samurai?
The two boys are trauma-bonded. The Warring States
claimed Robin’s father as well as Yamato’s parents. Losing one parent is awful,
and both is gut-wrenching. Yamato’s family integrated into the village, and his
parents quickly were able to pledge their loyalty and become samurai in their
own right. With the money they earned as serving as Cross Village Samurai, they
were able to provide a life to Yamato and through the samurai school, Yamato
met Robin.
The two encourage each other. Push each other to
train hard and endure the sorrows that have attempted to drown them so early in
life. Yamato is also a bit of a foil to Robin, a different kind of perspective
to his direct and head strong approach. Yamato originally wishes to be a
samurai purely because his parents were. His fire was ignited the fateful day
his parents and Robin’s father were in a specific battle. It was a terrible
bout, which claimed all three lives; this left Yamato alone in his home awaiting
his parents return. While they did not come, Robin’s mother and a young Robin
did and brought Yamato into their home. He has since been a closer friend and
brother to our fiery man character.
Akatsuki is feared and respected by the other
students. What makes her such a powerful presence in the story?
Much of Akatsuki’s struggle comes from the animosity her clan had suffered. The reputation they had forced their family out of the village. Akatsuki knew when entering the academy she needed to be the best. Eyes all over the village were already surveying her and her brother. She knew she would need to be a master, and so she became one.
Lily Zuki is only ten years old yet wins her exam
match with great power. What does her character add to the story about talent
and legacy?
Lily is one of my favorite characters in the
series that I thought up. A small firecracker with explosive powers as a near
direct result of her lineage. As the Village Leader’s granddaughter, her
potential for having a huge amount of Zor energy was high to begin with. She is
a force to be reckoned with despite her cutesy and bubbly appearance. She still
enjoys being a samurai and defeating her enemies. While her parents had passed
in the Warring States as well, her grandfather has become a helpful father figure
in her life.
Mizore loses her match but is still allowed to
graduate. How does this moment show the different paths to becoming a samurai?
This is actually an inflection point in the story. Currently the Warring States have ended, and yet samurai are still needed. While the Village Leader does act as a shogun and daimyo possessing the land that the village stands on, any other state could choose to attack and possess that land. Samurai are the ultimate deterrent due to their mastery of warfare, spiritual ability, and determination. The Cross Village is also just that, a village, in the direct eyesight of other states around or bad actors that may want to do them harm or possess their land and holdings. Whether male or female, pass or fail the test, the Cross Village needs them all.
Robin faces Akatsuki in the final exam fight. What
does this battle reveal about both of their characters?
This climactic duel is truly a conflict at the
peak of its thematic mountain! Robin who is attempting to prove to himself and
his late father that he is a capable and powerful samurai, up against Akatsuki
fighting for herself and for her crusade against the naysayers. Both have a
valid reason to meet in the exam. More compelling is how their relationship
changes AFTER their duel!
Robin struggles with living in the shadow of his
father, the Flame Emperor. How does this pressure affect his journey?
I think constantly being conscious of his path is
a keen trait that Robin struggles to control. He constantly second guesses
things, even within the middle of combat, however his belief in his training
and his father’s memory keep him pushing on.
The story ends with Robin, Yamato, and Mizore
becoming samurai together. Why do you think friendship plays such a strong role
in their success?
At this point, the team have been able to undergo
a hurdle together and through this they become stronger together. Being
stronger together is the theme of their reunion in the infirmary. The three had
different outcomes, and did not come out unscathed, but they survived. They
persevered and achieved their goals, something I believe that we need to
remember as humans sometimes. When we can work together whether friends or not,
there is nothing that can stop us from achieving our goals. I believe
friendship, comradery, and multiculturalism will be major themes and structures
I’ll touch on in all my works.