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Guardian of the Spirit (Moribito) Paperback – April 15, 2009

by Nahoko Uehashi (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 226 ratings
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You've never read a fantasy novel like this one! The deep well of Japanese myth merges with the Western fantasy tradition for a novel that's as rich in place and culture as it is hard to put down.Balsa was a wanderer and warrior for hire. Then she rescued a boy flung into a raging river -- and at that moment, her destiny changed. Now Balsa must protect the boy -- the Prince Chagum -- on his quest to deliver the great egg of the water spirit to its source in the sea. As they travel across the land of Yogo and discover the truth about the spirit, they find themselves hunted by two deadly enemies: the egg-eating monster Rarunga . . . and the prince's own father.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    12 - 15 years
  2. Book 1 of 2
    Moribito
  3. Print length
    288 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    7 - 9
  6. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  7. Publisher
    Scholastic Paperbacks
  8. Publication date
    April 15, 2009
  9. ISBN-10
    0545005434
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0545005432
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nahoko Uehashi is the author of ten books in the Moribito series, which have sold more than a million copies and won many major literary awards in her native Japan. An associate professor at a Japanese university, she has a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and studies indigenous peoples in Australia. She lives near Tokyo, Japan.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (April 15, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0545005434
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0545005432
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 15 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 226 ratings

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Nahoko Uehashi

Nahoko Uehashi

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
226 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jeri
5.0 out of 5 stars A great series
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a great series, I wish more than the first two books were translated, but that is a great start, enough to get anyone hooked. I went back to read these after finding the anime and being so sucked into the story.
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Bleys A.
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2016
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I love this story! I love the whole Moribito series. Uehashi is an anthropologist, and she creates worlds deeply linked to real human cultures and real human values. The heros of the story are inspiring and the story is well-written and compassionate. Note that the main hero is a woman in her early thirties who has trained all her life to wield a spear. The martial sequences are very well choreographed, and are balanced out by a direct vision into the world of the shaman, which we experience through the eyes of other really interesting characters in the story. A great world to visit and enjoy.
4 people found this helpful
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Nyah
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but abit short
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2011
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I've seen the Anime which was great.

The book didnt dissapoint. Featuring a strong woman who works as a bodyguard and a young boy who happens to become the guardian of a water demon the book depicts the workings of a ancient kingdom when its king tries to kill the boy (who happens to be the 2nd prince) in attempt to protect the integrity of the royal family, can't have a royal member become possesed can we?
Rescuing the prince by chance lands the protagonist Balsa the job of protecting the 2nd prince, and from there a tale of seek and hide as Balsa tries to unravel the true nature of the water demon, we are told of a world where the royal manipulate history for their benefit and how human neglect and arrogance can destroy a entire country....

Guardian of the spirit is a excellent book filled with action and dilemmas, it dabbles in myths adding a addicting and drawing mysterious touch aswell as showing us a interesting world where the old ways was pushed aside for those who desired the power of rule.

The characters is well flushed out, the world is nicely described and the story keeps pulling you in.

On the downside it was abit too short, the anime version was actually better, thus you might feel abit disconnected while reading but minorly so.
Only 2 books of the moribito series have been released in english, and the 2nd one was better than the Spirit guardian.

Still, in the end, i'd recommend anyone who's fond of adventure, mystery and workings of men to read this book.
3 people found this helpful
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J. TO
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Nahoko Uehashi for the wonderful story
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2011
Verified Purchase
I was hooked on the TV series and wanted to read the book to see the differences. When I first received the book, I was surprised how thin it was. Based on all the series, I was expecting to do a lot of reading. Then I realized that it is a children's novel. The characters in the anime follow pretty close to the book with a few exception. I thought the TV series did an excellent job with its embellishments. It is fast reading and leave you wanting for more. With the book, you do get some more insights into Chagum and Balsa.
2 people found this helpful
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Happy Gaby
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book with a great message
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2018
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With a story woven at the border between the visible and invisible, the story is entertaining, and the heroes journey is followed with warmth and great messages. The informed reader will uncover traces of worlds myths. Definitely an enjoyable story. I hope more of the author’s books will be translated, she has an unique voice. The anime series was interesting to watch as well.
2 people found this helpful
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TheMagus
5.0 out of 5 stars Japanese martial arts fantasy with stong female protagonist
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
I bought this book as a fan of the anime series, which is excellent. A very good (Japanese) fairy tale story, with characters that are well-developed and more balanced than your typical fairy tale, including the likable strong female protagonist, Balsa. Lots of references to Eastern—especially martial arts—philosophy throughout.

Mildly disappointed to discover that the anime expands the story beyond what is in the book. The main points are unchanged, though, and the book is still very enjoyable.
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S.L.
4.0 out of 5 stars very nice
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2013
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This is a great kid's novel, featuring a strong woman lead who has nice depth of character. The fantasy setting is very different from western novels, which adds its own appeal. Oddly, I liked the anime more, as it spent a more time developing Balsa and Chagum's relationship, but the book is great, too.
One person found this helpful
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ashkelon
5.0 out of 5 stars Growing grace, power, humor and loyalty in adversity
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
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Excellent book, great values in all characters, even the "bad guys". I don't want to tell you the story and spoil it, but all the protagonists show courage, loyalty, honor and growing grace in the face of a cruel fate. And it's light-hearted in places, too. Good lessons for kids to learn as they hear Chagum's story. Great read aloud opportunity!
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Top reviews from other countries

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Jenny
5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks!
Reviewed in Germany on April 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
Delivery and state of the Moribito I were just right!
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David Girard
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this.
Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
The anime was so good I impulsively bought the book. 10/10 would watch again.
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Gamazon kerokero
5.0 out of 5 stars 英語版『精霊の守り人』
Reviewed in Japan on September 3, 2023
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上橋菜穂子さん著の『精霊の守り人』の英語版。いくつか端折っているシーンもありましたが、あの世界観をよく描きだしてくれたと思います。英語ネイティブの友人に貸したら、絶賛してくれました。
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Otacon
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for any fantasy reader.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you collect/read fantasy novels, you should consider buying these stories just for
the package. Nice cover, little details on every page, simply the best looking books in my
collection.

The story itself is very enjoyable, and unlike some other Japanese translations, you will not find
many (or no) errors.
One person found this helpful
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Heather Brennan
4.0 out of 5 stars Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit.
Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2013
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A light novel but the themes of honor, sacrifice, and courage run through this book very well. Will be passing on the recommendations and hope for more of the series will be translated.
2 people found this helpful
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