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Katana #3
Shinobi
Rileigh is ready to celebrate.
Things have been quiet (as quiet as life can be for a reincarnated samurai), she's graduating high school, and her boyfriend, Kim, has finally regained his lost memories. But the urge to celebrate is short-lived when she realizes that if Kim can remember, chances are her (im)mortal enemy, Sumi, can remember as well. Sure enough, it's not long before the reincarnated ninja attacks Rileigh and her friends. But in the aftermath of the fight, Rileigh discovers that Sumi has performed an ancient ritual that allows her to switch bodies with Rileigh . . . and it's draining her ki. Hunted by the Network (who believe Rileigh is Sumi), Rileigh must track the vengeful ninja down before her own powers completely vanish.
Things have been quiet (as quiet as life can be for a reincarnated samurai), she's graduating high school, and her boyfriend, Kim, has finally regained his lost memories. But the urge to celebrate is short-lived when she realizes that if Kim can remember, chances are her (im)mortal enemy, Sumi, can remember as well. Sure enough, it's not long before the reincarnated ninja attacks Rileigh and her friends. But in the aftermath of the fight, Rileigh discovers that Sumi has performed an ancient ritual that allows her to switch bodies with Rileigh . . . and it's draining her ki. Hunted by the Network (who believe Rileigh is Sumi), Rileigh must track the vengeful ninja down before her own powers completely vanish.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Cole Gibsen
16 books418 followersGrowing up, Cole Gibsen couldn't decide what she loved more--dogs or books. So she decided to devote her life to both! Dog trainer (wrangler) by day and author by night, she's the author of over ten books with more on the way.
She would love to connect with you on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ColeGibsen
and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColeGibsen
She would love to connect with you on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ColeGibsen
and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColeGibsen
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 15, 2014
Enjoyed this end to the series SO MUCH! If you like tough female characters, great writing and loads of action - get the series!
March 28, 2016
This book along with the other two are amazing books. Now i am not going to say anything about what happens in the books cause I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but the series is a fast paced series, it keeps you in tuned all the way through. All the books were amazing it made you not want to put down the book. So, for anyone who is looking for a good series read the Katana series the book are amazing.
April 30, 2014
Yay! I've finally finished. What a great series. NOT what I expected for the ending, but loved it.
That's all I'm telling you, but you, but you all need to read this one. It's fantastic!
That's all I'm telling you, but you, but you all need to read this one. It's fantastic!
February 18, 2021
Have been reading myself to sleep this last year. This was hard to put down, had to set a timer so I would know when to stop reading and go to sleep. Yes, I reset the timer many times.
March 5, 2014
OMG I'M SO EXCITED!!! *fangirls and flails happily*
Oh wait, this the end. -_- *fangirling and happy flailing diminishes*
First, the cover's extremely pretty. I personally think it's the best of the series. :D
Second, I looked up what Shinobi meant on Bing and I ended with another term: Ninja. I'm going to go assume Shinobi means Ninja but I have no clue what ninjas have to do with the third and final novel in the Katana trilogy, because ninjas apparently appeared more often in Senshi.
Third, no picture in the review will probably say my feelings for the book completely.
Fourth, I have good news: no disappointing ending. I think it's surprisingly PERFECTO and I'm going to miss the characters. Oh, and book club, you're not getting anything from me. I honestly don't care how much you guys beg, but all I'm going to say is that it's thankfully not an Allegiant ending and you don't have to throw any books at the wall.
(It happened. Cole's future books won't be feared for either, though maybe I should since I don't read minds.)
Like the synopsis says, it's a jaw dropping conclusion. And this might be my reason why this review is formatted as it is. I didn't want to make a list either... O_o
Fifth, if a person can melt, I would be a puddle of goo right now. But then I wouldn't be able to write the review or fangirl, which would be a really bad idea. I think.
Sixth, diplomas really should be rigged to have confetti shooting out when we open them. Sitting there for 2+ hours at commencement in choir robes that made me feel like a blue pengman. It's actually pretty boring and I have to deal with it again in 2 years. >_<
The thing is, I also loved what the author did in telling Chiyo's story. In the prior novels – I'm not sure if this is a spoiler? – we were reading (hearing isn't exactly valid) Senshi's story. It's essentially "hearing" both sides of the story and why *insert spoiler* happened. AKA motive.
The bad news? It's the end, and I basically have to go wave goodbye to the characters.
Sumi, I pity you, but I still don't like you and I personally think you deserve whatever happens. :p
Whitley, you're a bit hard not to like. Mixed feelings? Yep.
Rileigh, apparently you're my favorite tied next to Quentin. I think it's your sassiness. Me like. Actually, I liked it since day Katana was chosen as a book club pick and I finally got the chance to tick off a book from my TBR. :3
Quentin, I wish you were real. But... "denial isn't just a river in Egypt." O_o
Gene, you remind me of Albus Dumbledore. Just no magic and probably not an extremely long beard. Huh. You virtually LOOK like Dumbledore. With sunglasses. Maybe Psy and Dumbledore put together... – that didn't come out wrong, did it?!
Other characters: Kim, Drew, Braden, Michelle, even Dr. Wendell – I'm sure I missed someone – I don't have any words so... no comment.
Great. I think I made that part sound like I'm going to a funeral or something. Although technically I sort of am? More like a Farewell ceremony. O_o
-----------------------
Advance Review Copy provided by Flux for review through Netgalley
Formatting is lost due to copy and paste.
This review and more can be found at Bookwyrming Thoughts
Oh wait, this the end. -_- *fangirling and happy flailing diminishes*
First, the cover's extremely pretty. I personally think it's the best of the series. :D
Second, I looked up what Shinobi meant on Bing and I ended with another term: Ninja. I'm going to go assume Shinobi means Ninja but I have no clue what ninjas have to do with the third and final novel in the Katana trilogy, because ninjas apparently appeared more often in Senshi.
Third, no picture in the review will probably say my feelings for the book completely.
Fourth, I have good news: no disappointing ending. I think it's surprisingly PERFECTO and I'm going to miss the characters. Oh, and book club, you're not getting anything from me. I honestly don't care how much you guys beg, but all I'm going to say is that it's thankfully not an Allegiant ending and you don't have to throw any books at the wall.
(It happened. Cole's future books won't be feared for either, though maybe I should since I don't read minds.)
Like the synopsis says, it's a jaw dropping conclusion. And this might be my reason why this review is formatted as it is. I didn't want to make a list either... O_o
Fifth, if a person can melt, I would be a puddle of goo right now. But then I wouldn't be able to write the review or fangirl, which would be a really bad idea. I think.
Sixth, diplomas really should be rigged to have confetti shooting out when we open them. Sitting there for 2+ hours at commencement in choir robes that made me feel like a blue pengman. It's actually pretty boring and I have to deal with it again in 2 years. >_<
The thing is, I also loved what the author did in telling Chiyo's story. In the prior novels – I'm not sure if this is a spoiler? – we were reading (hearing isn't exactly valid) Senshi's story. It's essentially "hearing" both sides of the story and why *insert spoiler* happened. AKA motive.
The bad news? It's the end, and I basically have to go wave goodbye to the characters.
Sumi, I pity you, but I still don't like you and I personally think you deserve whatever happens. :p
Whitley, you're a bit hard not to like. Mixed feelings? Yep.
Rileigh, apparently you're my favorite tied next to Quentin. I think it's your sassiness. Me like. Actually, I liked it since day Katana was chosen as a book club pick and I finally got the chance to tick off a book from my TBR. :3
Quentin, I wish you were real. But... "denial isn't just a river in Egypt." O_o
Gene, you remind me of Albus Dumbledore. Just no magic and probably not an extremely long beard. Huh. You virtually LOOK like Dumbledore. With sunglasses. Maybe Psy and Dumbledore put together... – that didn't come out wrong, did it?!
Other characters: Kim, Drew, Braden, Michelle, even Dr. Wendell – I'm sure I missed someone – I don't have any words so... no comment.
Great. I think I made that part sound like I'm going to a funeral or something. Although technically I sort of am? More like a Farewell ceremony. O_o
-----------------------
Advance Review Copy provided by Flux for review through Netgalley
Formatting is lost due to copy and paste.
This review and more can be found at Bookwyrming Thoughts
February 17, 2014
“A person’s true self isn’t something that can be seen, but rather how the world around them is affected by their presence.”
In my review of Senshi, book two of Cole Gibsen’s Katana trilogy, I mentioned that the ending was bittersweet and it was one of the things I found interesting about Rileigh’s story. Ah, but then I come across Shinobi, the third and last instalment, and - *POOF* went that heartbreaking moment. I thought Rileigh or Q would need to use their powers to alter Kim’s memories to bring them back or something. But it came back all on its own. Watching Rileigh having her lonesome moments felt short-lived. It was kind of a letdown… or so I thought.
I didn’t read the summary beforehand, so when I started leafing through Shinobi, I didn’t know there was some other adventure in store for Rileigh and Kim. That plot twist was a rather genius move!
The flashback stories from Japan during the past lives of the characters was the reason I was drawn to the Katana Trilogy. I love how those flashbacks were slowly pieced together. Now getting a hold of Sumi’s (formerly Chiyo) past life, I felt completely indulged. It was an interesting perspective. I really felt sorry for what Chiyo has experienced, and yet despite all that, it didn’t justify any of her actions at present. It only proves she hasn’t grown up at all even after a lifetime. This would have been her chance to start anew.
It was a little disappointing to see that aside from Rileigh, Kim, Quentin and Sumi, the rest of the characters were rather useless. Even in the previous books, they didn’t leave that much of an impression and the only help they provided was during patrols and hanging out with the main characters. Other than building a thoughtful bond of friendship, I would think this story would have gone on even without them.
Although I can’t truly say that things all went well for Rileigh; for a moment, there was a sense of failure that the characters have felt. But even though Rileigh didn’t get exactly what she wanted, she at least got a good consolation for her part. Overall, I think it was a pretty cool ending.
*Thank you, Flux and NetGalley for the copy of Shinobi.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
In my review of Senshi, book two of Cole Gibsen’s Katana trilogy, I mentioned that the ending was bittersweet and it was one of the things I found interesting about Rileigh’s story. Ah, but then I come across Shinobi, the third and last instalment, and - *POOF* went that heartbreaking moment. I thought Rileigh or Q would need to use their powers to alter Kim’s memories to bring them back or something. But it came back all on its own. Watching Rileigh having her lonesome moments felt short-lived. It was kind of a letdown… or so I thought.
I didn’t read the summary beforehand, so when I started leafing through Shinobi, I didn’t know there was some other adventure in store for Rileigh and Kim. That plot twist was a rather genius move!
The flashback stories from Japan during the past lives of the characters was the reason I was drawn to the Katana Trilogy. I love how those flashbacks were slowly pieced together. Now getting a hold of Sumi’s (formerly Chiyo) past life, I felt completely indulged. It was an interesting perspective. I really felt sorry for what Chiyo has experienced, and yet despite all that, it didn’t justify any of her actions at present. It only proves she hasn’t grown up at all even after a lifetime. This would have been her chance to start anew.
It was a little disappointing to see that aside from Rileigh, Kim, Quentin and Sumi, the rest of the characters were rather useless. Even in the previous books, they didn’t leave that much of an impression and the only help they provided was during patrols and hanging out with the main characters. Other than building a thoughtful bond of friendship, I would think this story would have gone on even without them.
Although I can’t truly say that things all went well for Rileigh; for a moment, there was a sense of failure that the characters have felt. But even though Rileigh didn’t get exactly what she wanted, she at least got a good consolation for her part. Overall, I think it was a pretty cool ending.
*Thank you, Flux and NetGalley for the copy of Shinobi.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
September 29, 2014
Things are looking up for Rileigh. High school is over, she has Kim back, her friends don't hate her anymore, they have a fool proof plan to capture Sumi and put her away for good. Riliegh's whole life is ahead of her. Until Sumi manages to ruin everything with an ancient ritual that allows her to swap bodies with Rileigh. Now Rileigh is the one on her way to permanent lockup, and Sumi gets to live Rileigh's life. All Rileigh has to do is escape the network and convince everyone she's really Rileigh... from Sumi's body. No big deal.
This is by far my favorite book in the series. I loved the twists and turns and nonstop pace. There are so many great moments in this book and I love seeing Rileigh figure out she's a strong warrior in her own right. I enjoyed seeing all my favorite characters from earlier in the series as well as some new faces. This was truly the perfect ending to this series.
This is by far my favorite book in the series. I loved the twists and turns and nonstop pace. There are so many great moments in this book and I love seeing Rileigh figure out she's a strong warrior in her own right. I enjoyed seeing all my favorite characters from earlier in the series as well as some new faces. This was truly the perfect ending to this series.
February 1, 2014
I received an advanced copy of Shinobi from netgalley.com
Shinobi is the story of Rileigh, a reincarnated samurai who has just graduated from high school and is looking forward to enjoying her adult life. When she fights her reincarnated arch-nemesis, they switch bodies, and Rileigh must convince her boyfriend and all of her reincarnated samurai friends that she is really her, not the evil incarnation of Sumi. I had to reread the ending of the book twice and I'm still not certain that I understood what happened in the end. The characters were forgettable (so much so that I couldn't distinguish between any of the supporting characters,) the action choppy, and just fell flat.
Shinobi is the story of Rileigh, a reincarnated samurai who has just graduated from high school and is looking forward to enjoying her adult life. When she fights her reincarnated arch-nemesis, they switch bodies, and Rileigh must convince her boyfriend and all of her reincarnated samurai friends that she is really her, not the evil incarnation of Sumi. I had to reread the ending of the book twice and I'm still not certain that I understood what happened in the end. The characters were forgettable (so much so that I couldn't distinguish between any of the supporting characters,) the action choppy, and just fell flat.
February 23, 2014
Disclaimer: Cole is my crit partner, so I have read an early draft of this book. My opinion is, naturally, biased.
SHINOBI brings us to the end of the KATANA trilogy. Without revealing any spoilers, this books provides a satisfying resolution between Rileigh and the spirit of Senshi. It is also the darkest and most mysterious of the KATANA novels. I loved the depth of the characters. The humor and action sequences are a Gibsen hallmark. I think readers will enjoy this final book while still wanting more.
SHINOBI brings us to the end of the KATANA trilogy. Without revealing any spoilers, this books provides a satisfying resolution between Rileigh and the spirit of Senshi. It is also the darkest and most mysterious of the KATANA novels. I loved the depth of the characters. The humor and action sequences are a Gibsen hallmark. I think readers will enjoy this final book while still wanting more.
April 27, 2014
As the ending to the trilogy, this book closes most ties, but I feel that some of the characters I never fully understood, yet I commend Gibson for knowing her main character well enough to keep her two lives straight. Overall 3/5 stars; this series makes the perfect read for ninja fans!
November 6, 2015
Loved this book and the entire series! It's so different from anything I've read before and the characters are great! It's funny, action packed and surprising. I'm sad leaving these characters behind. They were so much fun for me!
April 6, 2014
so and so
June 17, 2017
This book was awesome! The whole series was awesome!
December 24, 2015
I am upset this was the last book in this series. There were so many questions I had that I felt were not answered.
September 12, 2016
Great conclusion to this series.. though I will miss it.
August 4, 2014
The last book in the Katana series. It was full of a lot of action and twists and turns. I was very surprised (and rather saddened) at the end, but it was still very good.
July 31, 2014
Good ending. More action and a lot more brains than before.
Want to read
October 4, 201310/04/2013 Recvd via NetGalley - Expected publication: March 8th 2014 by Flux
March 15, 2014
Review on my blog!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews