Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Strong female characters abound in stories about homelife, taking chances and making changes in the world. However, this offering, translated from Japanese, is different. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit gives us a strong brave female bodyguard who refuses to back down in a fight. This novel for ages 11-15 is a gripping adventure, an exploration of a conquered culture, and a mystical journey to save both a boy and a kingdom. Although filled with action sequences of martial arts fighting, Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit will appeal to fantasy lovers as well.

It is unusual to have the protagonist of a young adult book a woman in her thirties. However, the prince that the bodyguard is protecting is twelve years old and the action in Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is much like the Japanese anime and manga that many tweens and teens love.

As a female in her thirties, Balsa is not like other bodyguards. She is tough and is an excellent fighter. And she can care about those she is protecting. When she saves Chagum, the Second Prince, from drowning in the river, Balsa is hired by the Second Queen to protect Chagum from unknown forces who are trying to kill him.

Chagum has somehow become the carrier of the egg of a demon that is tied to an ancient legend and whose hatching would plunge the land into a severe drought. In defending the prince, Balsa defeats eight mighty warriors sent by the prince's father, the emperor. Balsa’s skills keep the prince safe, but it is the knowledge of the ancient legends, interpreted by two healers, that saves the kingdom.

Filled with lots of adventure and martial arts battles, Moribito has been turned into a popular Japanese animé series. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit will particularly appeal to young fans (ages 11-15) of Japanese literature and movies. The English translation of the second book in the series, Moribito: Guardian of the Darkness, was released in 2009.

Jean Hatfield has experience as a children’s librarian, a school librarian, and a head librarian. She has served on the selection committee for major children’s book awards and is presently responsible for the selection of public library materials for youth – children and young adults - for the public library system in the largest city in Kansas, Wichita.