Kei Swanson has created a sweeping trilogy in her Sanematsu Saga that rivals Shogun. The books follow the lives of Samurai Lord Sanematsu Yoshihide, a Japanese daimyo (military governor), and his lover, Aderyn Aquilla, a 16-year-old young woman of Portuguese and Welsh descent. The first book in the series, Seabird of Sanematsu, tells how Aderyn was shipwrecked on the island of Kyushu and how she met Sanematsu Yoshihide and ultimately became his lover. The second book, Season of Sanematsu, presents their life together and Sanematsu Yoshihide's attempt to secure an heir amid civil unrest in his province. The third book, Sword of Sanematsu, which hasn't been released yet, chronicles the life of Sanematsu Yoshihide's heir.

I came to this series in the middle with Season of Sanematsu, but I found the story thrilling and fresh, presenting a Samurai leader in a male-dominated, very insular culture, who has become very woman-affirming, protecting Aderyn, whom he calls Ko-Tori (seabird), while incorporating some of her ideas for change in his province. There are enemies, not only from without, but also from deeply ensconced traditions that challenge Aderyn at every turn. In addition, Aderyn faces a very personal struggle as she tries to provide an heir for her beloved with a body that does not want to cooperate.

The detail that Kei Swanson provides in Season of Sanematsu is a testament to the extensive research of Japanese history and culture she’s done since she was a teenager. A Star Trek fan who was enamored by Lt. Sulu, the Asian helmsman, Swanson delved into Japanese culture in order to write more realistic fan fiction. Her love for Japan, however, began to take a different path as she dug deeper into the Samurai. Season of Sanematsu is rich with cultural tidbits about lovemaking, childbirth, daily living, and, of course, an intimacy with Samurai practices.

Kei Swanson's characters, therefore, leap off the page and their activities seem perfectly normal, even though some actions are quite foreign to Westerners. And, of course, the romance is heartfelt and as moving as Madam Butterfly—so be prepared with a box of tissues when you near the end.

Though readers can jump into the Sanematsu Saga in the middle as I have, I would highly recommend starting with Seabird of Sanematsu, just to get all of the nuances of the stories, as well as getting you very accustomed to all of the Japanese words Swanson uses.