Deadly Wish

July 1, 2017

Gr 6-8-Fans of the first book in the series, Deadly Flowers, will not be disappointed when they rejoin Kata on another perilous journey. Kata is a ninja living among thieves. She is torn between trusting her ninja training and depending on a group of loyal friends. The story is a fast-paced combination of thrills, adventure, and horror. Kata is often on the brink of danger and has to rely on her training and on others to survive. In her latest mission, lives are at stake as she is cursed with the responsibility of protecting a precious jewel haunted by a deadly demon. Kata fights the urge to call upon the jewel to grant wishes, knowing that her wish can set a monstrous and powerful demon free. The novel introduces readers to many fantastic beasts from Japanese folklore, such as the kitsune (the trickster Japanese red fox) and the neko-mata (the sinister double-tailed cat). In this sequel, Kata has matured as an independent fighter who learns about friendship, trust, responsibility, and the freedom to make decisions. She realizes that relying on others can be helpful, even when they seem like a burden. VERDICT A great option for tweens and younger teens interested in Japanese folklore and ninja action.-Christina Pesiri, Michael F. Stokes Elementary School, Island Trees-Levittown, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2017
In the face of mounting challenges, a ninja is torn between her mission as guardian of a magical pearl and loyalty to her friends. In this sequel to Deadly Flowers (2016), Kata finds herself in Madame Chiyome's clutches again, the very person who molded her into the stealth warrior she is today. Kata soon learns that she is up against far more than Madame Chiyome's wrath. Saiko, her sworn enemy, is the real mastermind and is after the pearl in Kata's possession. Even though a true ninja must always act alone, Kata must trust her friends: Jinnai, a thief who professes his love for her; Otani, an ex-samurai-turned-bandit; and her ninja sisters. With their help, Kata escapes and continues on her journey. At every turn, Kata has difficult decisions to make. Should she stay focused on her mission? Or trust her friends and remain loyal to them? Somehow, things fall into place. Together, they fend off enemy ninjas and samurai as well as bakemono (shape-shifting creatures) to create safe passage for Kata. As her mission nears its climax, Kata faces an epic battle alone and must decide between the lesser of two evils. Kudos to Thomson for a well-researched story with plausible characters in a fantastical world reminiscent of 16th-century Japan. Jam-packed with thrilling action and hurtling plot twists--readers may forget to breathe. (author's note, glossary) (Historical fantasy. 10-14)

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