Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon is the Novel You're Looking For

In Emma Mieko Candon’s debut novel, Ronin, they flawlessly adapt and expand upon the characters and world established in “The Duel,” crafting a great narrative rich in inspiration from Japanese culture that made a gripping read. If you’ve seen “The Duel,” you know our Ronin antihero faces off against a Sith bandit leader - an homage to female samurai warriors of feudal Japan called “Onna-Musha” - in a small village, and the duel inevitably doesn’t go as Kouru, the Sith, expects. In the wake of his duel, The Ronin and his companion B5-56 meet up with a handful of interesting characters and embark on a momentous escapade that raises Star Wars storytelling to a higher level. Candon’s prose is eloquent and reminiscent of what you’d expect in advanced literature, somewhat reminding me of the style of prose in Neil Stephenson’s Snow Crash. I enjoy challenging reads and often engage with higher-level literature so Ronin wasn’t as strenuous of a read for me; however, I can see how the prose may be difficult for many audiences to grasp at first glance during a casual read-through. Conversely, the narrative Candon crafts surrounding Sith uprisings and Sith witches alike - not to mention the exceptional world building - will keep you hooked and determined to interpret Candon’s prose through to the end.

As a lover of stories inspired by Japanese culture, folk tales, and mythology, I enjoyed the components of Japanese culture Candon brings to Ronin. Hopefully without spoiling too much, I loved how it was mentioned that the Jedi were once wanderers of the galaxy helping anyone who needed it but are now loyal to the Empire and its Lords, individuals who hold power, so now the Jedi aren’t seen as honorable since their loyalties are tied. This is referencing how Samurai warriors served under Japan’s Emperor and were generally separated into different clans that had allegiance their respective Lord. Beyond the historical significance and relevance of this detail, I love the parallels between the depiction of the Jedi in Ronin and the Jedi of the Republic we’re familiar with. Like the Jedi seen in this world Candon crafted, the Jedi Order became too caught up in politics that the Jedi lost their way, resulting in some citizens of the Republic losing faith in the Jedi. Candon expands on this aspect even further by establishing the Sith in this world don’t necessarily rebel out of the overused trope of good versus evil, but because they want to forge their own path which is one of the overarching themes in the novel. Additionally, there are other aspects of Japanese culture included that enhance the reading experience such as katana-inspired lightsabers, tatami rooms inside ships, and other fun details you pick up throughout the novel. Also, another detail I thought was worth noting is the choice in referring to the main character, as well as the title of the book itself, as “ronin” since a ronin in feudal Japan was a wandering samurai with no master. This aspect plays a major role in the themes at work throughout the novel and connecting this parallel is beneficial to keep in mind as readers progress through the book.

The Ronin’s ominous past shrouds him as he’s paving this path before him of hunting down fellow Sith and taking the kyber crystals in their lightsabers as his way of atoning for his past sins, but he eventually realizes he can’t escape his past so easily. The Ronin’s internal conflict and character arc is so intricately weaved into the main plot that it skillfully executes an emotionally devastating slow burn that comes crashing down in the novel’s final chapters. Similarly, another character’s past is also cleverly weaved into the main storyline that delivers another emotional blow in Ronin’s final chapters that has the same weight as The Ronin’s arc because of how well they’re written. I found all of the characters enjoyable, each one with their unique way of interacting with the world that makes the group’s travels all the more interesting. There are a few more run ins with adversaries The Ronin must face, and Candon does a wonderful job developing all the characters so it doesn’t feel like The Ronin is just facing off against another random foe.

Final Thoughts: Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon is a gratifying story about redemption and forging your own path through a unique perspective of someone who has no desire to be the hero or a villain. “The Duel” established unique characters and a setting with potential to become something great, and Candon embraced everything given to them and created something truly wonderful. Any fan of Star Wars: Visions and “The Duel” needs to pick this up to read the masterpiece that is Ronin.

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