Naruto: Shikamaru's Story (Naruto Novels Book 2) Kindle Edition

While I enjoyed Kakashi's Story, this novel certainly surpassed its predecessor in just about every aspect. If you have to choose between buying one of those two, I recommend this one.No major spoilers:Shikamaru's character in the anime has always bored me a little bit. However, from the start of this novel, I became more and more of a fan while reading his thought process. Where Kakashi's Story felt a bit like fan-fiction with convoluted action sequences that would have been better published as a manga, Shikamaru's Story fully takes advantage of printed word by presenting Shikamaru's philosophies and internal conflicts with satisfying action sequences. It gives a more thorough look on the introspective of one of the Naruto universe's most intellectual characters.The newly introduced side characters aren't all that captivating, but getting the deeper perspective from Shikamaru makes up for that. The main villain is a bit more interesting that the other typical villains in the Naruto universe.Overall, I obviously enjoyed this book and will probably read it again in the future. If you liked Kakashi's Story or you were a bit underwhelmed by it, then you may enjoy this one....and don't worry, he doesn't say, "What a drag," every other line like he does in the anime.

This story is set 2 years after the Manga ends focusing on, naturally, Shikamaru. Kakashi has ascended to position of Hokage already, and the alliance of the Great Nations has taken root. This story credibly describes Shikamaru's conflicting desires: to be his lazy self, but still wanting to fulfill his now numerous responsibilities as a ninja and respected veteran from the 4th Great Ninja War. People have come to rely on his strategic skills and level-headed judgment, pressuring him into feeling he must push aside his childish wants and embrace being an "adult". Of course, a timely villain emerges to test his mettle and challenge his ideals.This story features brief but faithful interactions with Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, Ino, Choji, Sai, Temari, Gaara and Kurenai, and plants seeds for some of the other novels in this series, making it enjoyable for fans. The translator still goofs on calling his "Shadow Strangulation" jutsu "Suffocating Darkness", and, while I know the anime dub translates his catchphrase as "What a drag," I'm used to subs that always prefer "How troublesome". (Just a personal nitpick.) One other nitpick is that the author incorrectly says Shikamaru became a Chunin because "the examiners handed down top marks for Shikamaru's sportsmanlike admission of defeat." That's such a basic storyline mistake, it's cringeworthy, but oh well.The only other jarring notes are the 2 Anbu characters invented for the story - one is a teenage girl that has an annoying speech pattern and the other a middle aged man who is bad at wordplay and puns. They seem to have been given these traits solely to distinguish themselves from one another, as both are completely dull otherwise and only exist in the story to propel the plot along. (Shikamaru needs 2 comrades [that aren't Ino or Choji] on a mission: hey, presto, it could be any 2 people, it doesn't matter at all who they are). I think it's strange to invent 2 contrived Anbu instead of having an Ino-Shika-Cho focus, but the story believably goes in another direction. I just found the Anbu a tad grating.The story could perhaps have had more Temari x Shikamaru conversation or non-battle related interactions, but I understand that these are not meant to be very long or complicated.Overall, this was much more enjoyable and believable than Kakashi's Story. The characters are depicted faithfully from the manga with no standout clashes in personality, and Shikamaru's struggles are relatable to the everyperson juggling youthful desires while having adulthood responsibilities with sometimes frightening expectations. So, if you are a Shikamaru fan, this is a nice addition to the Naruto-verse.

This is the first novelization of a Naruto Story I have read, and I really didn't think it would be that good. I was surprised - and really - I shouldn't have been. What drew me to the anime and manga was the rich characters, the intricate story, and the relationships nurtured over 15 years with Naruto Shippuden and 4 years with the original Naruto.Naruto's cast is quite large, and each character is reasonably developed. During the anime, each of the Shinobi in Naruto's class has had at least a few episodes where they were highlighted.Shikamaru has been one of the most developed of them. He is extremely bright, and focused, a bit lazy - which is facilitated by his brilliant mind. He thinks through each move over and over, so that he can use an economy of physical exertion when the time comes. Shikamaru, after the Fourth Great Ninja War, has decided to step up and follow in his father's footsteps. He is a councilor to Hokage Kakashi (Hokage is the village leader). The plot involves some missing shinobi, including comrades from Shikamaru's village. Shikamaru is sent with a small team to where they were last seen to free them, and eliminate the threat that has captured them.In the book, you read and experience Shikamaru's plans and gain some insight into his future. Of course he ultimately triumphs, but he does have a few missteps. You also get to see the evolution of his relationship with Temari, the shinobi who beat him in the 3rd round of the Chunin Exam.

Good reading!📒📚

It was great to read about a secondary, yet a very important character from the Naruto franchise. Shikamaru's always been an intriguing character with side story potential so I'm glad we finally got one. As for the actual story I'm breaking down my ratings into the following categories:Story plot: 4 (not as enjoyable as Kakashi's book, but it showcased Shikamaru's character magnificently)Writing: 5 (I believe these books are direct translations from the Japanese versions so I was very impressed when the book read like it had been written by an English author)Characters: 5 (I LOVE that Naruto, Sasuke, basically all the major characters don't come in to save the day. This is truly Shikamaru's book. That being said it was still nice to see small cameos of the other characters)

Amazon UK delayed the release of this novel, so it arrived on the 21st of February. It would be really great if they could release the novels at the same time as Amazon US.As for the novel itself, it was really great! It had a better flow from Kakashi's Story novel, Shikamaru's Story also had better translation and I did not spot any spelling mistakes this time.If you are a fan of the Naruto franchise, I definitely recommend reading Shikamaru's Story — A Cloud Drifting in the Silent Dark. This novel takes place after Kakashi becomes the Hokage, two years after the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War. Shikamaru is wondering how his life went so awry, as he was increasingly heaped with responsibilities, culminating with his most recent job of advising the five Kage and coordinating missions for the Shinobi Union, the successor to the Allied Shinobi Forces.

My son who is 10 loves these books, really enjoy them and we brought 1-6. Great for Anime lovers.

Arrived very quick. No damage. Very happy.

side story, amazing edition!

the story is amazing, shows how Shikamaru thinks 'everything's a drag' yet he uses his head like an awesome genius! Love the chemistry between him and Temari haha xD