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Ninja #1
Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale
Kata, a ninja, embarks on her first solo mission, for which she must enter a warlord's castle and make sure that a certain sleeping occupant never awakens. But then Kata discovers that her target is just a young boy (and that her new accomplice is that boy's slightly older sister), and suddenly her mission is much more complicated than she bargained for. Faced with taking someone's life or confronting the dire consequences of failure in her mission, Kata must make a hard choice, one that leads her into a more dangerous battle than she ever expected. In this action-packed coming-of-age novel, Kata discovers that while a ninja must always act alone, humanity requires that you accept the trust and friendship of others.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
7 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Thomson
71 books83 followersSarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 2, 2017
Have you ever dream of being a ninja? Well people will say that will be impossible to a ninaj. But in this book this girl have done the impossible to a ninja. The book is called the Deadly Flowers genre is action, Historical fiction,Adventure, and fiction.** Spoiler Alert** this book is about girl who has finally got a mission.
The book is about a girl who is in a girl ninja group. The girl has been training to be a ninja her whole life. She has been pick for a mission were she with different people that might killer her if they find out that she is a ninja. When she got there she thought it felt wonderful what will happen in the future when she living their. The conflict of the story is person vs society because this girl has to keep this secret that she a ninja. If the girl doesn't she might be killed by the people that she living. The theme of the story is Sacrifice because she risking her life if they find out her secret.
The story related to the title because the title is called Deadly Flowers is a women ninja group which this girl is part of this ninja group were the take in dangerous mission. She take I think the most dangerous mission. The reason why because is basically going to a house where people that she doesn't know which she living with. But if they find out the she a spy from the ninja group they will killer right on the spot.
I like how the author talking about ninja. Because when you in your childhood you image about hero's or about being a ninja. And that brings a lot of thing from your past when you are a kid. The reason why I say that because your have a lot of fantasy and your brain will go crazy. Like you wanted to be a ninja you dress as one and play with you parent or somebody else. That what I like that author because she talking about what you might want to be in your childhood.
I rated this book 4 out 5 because their a lot of good parts and two or three bad parts. The good part is that this book bring back a lot things from the past. What you or me want to be as a kid a ninja. Or being a superhero or be something else. The bad part is that this girl has been training as a ninja her whole life. She got a mission where she lives with dangerous people that will kill her if they found that she a spy. And as she got there and thinking about that she might be died if the find out she felt wonderful. I recommend this book to everyone because it will bring good things from there childhood.
The book is about a girl who is in a girl ninja group. The girl has been training to be a ninja her whole life. She has been pick for a mission were she with different people that might killer her if they find out that she is a ninja. When she got there she thought it felt wonderful what will happen in the future when she living their. The conflict of the story is person vs society because this girl has to keep this secret that she a ninja. If the girl doesn't she might be killed by the people that she living. The theme of the story is Sacrifice because she risking her life if they find out her secret.
The story related to the title because the title is called Deadly Flowers is a women ninja group which this girl is part of this ninja group were the take in dangerous mission. She take I think the most dangerous mission. The reason why because is basically going to a house where people that she doesn't know which she living with. But if they find out the she a spy from the ninja group they will killer right on the spot.
I like how the author talking about ninja. Because when you in your childhood you image about hero's or about being a ninja. And that brings a lot of thing from your past when you are a kid. The reason why I say that because your have a lot of fantasy and your brain will go crazy. Like you wanted to be a ninja you dress as one and play with you parent or somebody else. That what I like that author because she talking about what you might want to be in your childhood.
I rated this book 4 out 5 because their a lot of good parts and two or three bad parts. The good part is that this book bring back a lot things from the past. What you or me want to be as a kid a ninja. Or being a superhero or be something else. The bad part is that this girl has been training as a ninja her whole life. She got a mission where she lives with dangerous people that will kill her if they found that she a spy. And as she got there and thinking about that she might be died if the find out she felt wonderful. I recommend this book to everyone because it will bring good things from there childhood.
February 1, 2016
Gr 4-8 -- Ninjas are stealthy. They are disciplined. Ninjas trust no-one, and do not let anything deter them from completion of their mission. Teenage Kata has trained since childhood to live up to the exacting standards that Madame Chiyome sets for her “deadly flowers” - the girls who live a harsh, hungry life at her school for ninjas, and she is determined to succeed in her first mission as an assassin for hire. When it all goes wrong, she finds herself on the run, guarding a powerful amulet as well as the children of one of Japan’s most powerful warlords. They meet bandits and monks, and are plagued by demons and ghosts. Feudal Japan is a fascinating backdrop for their journey - neither the wealthy children nor skilled Kata truly control their own fate in a country where might equals right. Genuinely thrilling, with surprises at every turn and a solid emotional core, give Deadly Flowers to your Percy Jackson fans and see what happens. —Paula Willey
March 28, 2017
Who knew female ninjas could be so cool? The fantasy/historical mash-up is pretty good. Though with all the demons and whatnot this might be a little scary for some.
abandoned
June 13, 2017Interesting premise, but I don't really like where this is going.
June 19, 2016
Kata is a Deadly Flower; a female ninja. For her first mission (an unusual first mission, to be sure); she is sent to assassinate the 10-year-old male heir. Instead, she teams up with the boy's sister to instead take on a daring rescue. During the fight and flight; the young heir passes a powerful magical gem on to Kata which makes things even more action-packed as demons and ghosts and monsters now begin to focus on the group trying to make their way to one of the heir's uncles. This was a fast-paced story with betrayals and violence galore. It also had a nice thread of "what is freedom" running through it which could make it a really fun one for a book group who likes action.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It would have been nice to see more of the ninja "training" and the subtle lesbian or bi-sexual nuances that the book seemed to be giving off at the start didn't go anywhere which was a shame (although there's NO romance in the book so that could also be pegged as a nice positive!)
To whom would you recommend this book? Read Alikes? Readers who love a strong girl with kick-butt ninja abilities or who thrill to read stories with Japanese monsters will love this.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It would have been nice to see more of the ninja "training" and the subtle lesbian or bi-sexual nuances that the book seemed to be giving off at the start didn't go anywhere which was a shame (although there's NO romance in the book so that could also be pegged as a nice positive!)
To whom would you recommend this book? Read Alikes? Readers who love a strong girl with kick-butt ninja abilities or who thrill to read stories with Japanese monsters will love this.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 17, 2016
This is well done fantasy YA, with lots of sophisticated little twists and an enjoyable lead. Kata is an interesting character and it's fun to watch her thought processes while she's debating moves and the politics of a particular action in her head.
July 9, 2017
I honestly was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. At first glance, it just seems to be a simple story of this young girl becoming a deadly flower, who has been trained all her life in the arts of shinobi, by completing her first mission; assassinating a 10 year old heir, then things become complicated.
Again, this book gave me quite a surprise and its characters, its world building, and central theme, one which I never would have thought about, is all the more reason why I liked it so much.
Again, this book gave me quite a surprise and its characters, its world building, and central theme, one which I never would have thought about, is all the more reason why I liked it so much.
March 19, 2018
This book was very good. The main characters were fully fleshed out, and even though the main character was trained to be a ninja, she was still able to make mistakes at her job. This book had the main character, Kata, feeling and showing emotion that any other human would have while also bringing unrealistic aspects of fantasy into the story. Those things together in this book make a perfect combination of drama and action. If you enjoy books from other authors like Jonathan Auxeir and Susan Collins, you'll probably like this book.
April 5, 2021
I was a bit disappointed in this book. The story sounded interesting, but it was a chore to read. I never connected with any of the characters or their troubles; I felt they weren't developed enough. Even the creatures/demons in the story were quickly introduced and then gone within a few paragraphs of each so they weren't fully explored either and I would have loved to learn more about them (I love mythology). Anyway, like I said, the story sounded so interesting but the execution of it fell flat.
Want to read
August 2, 2020This was someones comment and gave it 3 stars
This is a great book for middle school grades. This book is a great way to peak into Japanese history. This book is a fun way to learn what being a ninja is really about. If you have an interest in Japanese warriors and history and legends, this is the book for you.
This is a great book for middle school grades. This book is a great way to peak into Japanese history. This book is a fun way to learn what being a ninja is really about. If you have an interest in Japanese warriors and history and legends, this is the book for you.
June 9, 2022
The Deadly Flowers are girls trained to be ninjas back in an ancient Japan where the yokai or monsters of ancient kingdom's mythology are very much alive. Join a deadly flower on her first assignment which becomes far more of an adventure than she ever anticipated complete with a host of Japanese monsters from lore all wanting a pearl she receives as the entire assignment goes horribly wrong.
September 16, 2017
Did I not understand this book?? I don't know what to think of it. The plot was intriguing, the characters decent, the ending kinda meh. Idk - I wanted more? I expected more? It was hard to follow at times - but also super simplified at times. I just wasn't a fan.
November 30, 2017
This is a great book for middle school grades. This book is a great way to peak into Japanese history. This book is a fun way to learn what being a ninja is really about. If you have an interest in Japanese warriors and history and legends, this is the book for you.
August 2, 2018
Really good book, This story educated me on some of the fokelore and ghost in the Asian culture. I look forward to reading more from this author. Hope to find some books on audio, so I can listen to them on my drive to and from work.
May 16, 2017
I enjoyed this story of female ninjas, but thought all the fantasy elements were not needed. I would have just like a book about some kick butt women. Why where there demons and giant scorpions?
July 9, 2017
Nice work
February 25, 2017
This reminded me of "Grave Mercy," but for the middle-school set. Orphaned or abandoned girls are taken in by a harsh benefactress and trained to be ninjas. When they have completed their training, they are hired or sold for their abilities as fighters and assassins.
Kata, the main character, has trained longer than most anyone else at the school. She is proud of her skills and anxious to put them to use, so she is very pleased when she is selected for a particular mission. However, at the last minute, she learns that her intended victim is a 10-year-old boy, and she can't bring herself to kill him. Instead, she ends up kidnapping him (with his sister's help) and fleeing with the two of them. But they aren't just trying to escape the uncle who wanted the boy killed -- they must battle monsters, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures who are drawn to them because Kata is carrying the soul of a demon.
For grades 6 and up.
Kata, the main character, has trained longer than most anyone else at the school. She is proud of her skills and anxious to put them to use, so she is very pleased when she is selected for a particular mission. However, at the last minute, she learns that her intended victim is a 10-year-old boy, and she can't bring herself to kill him. Instead, she ends up kidnapping him (with his sister's help) and fleeing with the two of them. But they aren't just trying to escape the uncle who wanted the boy killed -- they must battle monsters, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures who are drawn to them because Kata is carrying the soul of a demon.
For grades 6 and up.
March 7, 2021
I have pretty mixed feelings about this book, but I still prefer to start with what I liked first.
The author certainly did her research when writing about the ninja. As a self-identified ninja enthusiast, I enjoyed it. I feel she could have gone a little further with the factual information about the ninja and the like, but I do know that the average reader may not appreciate this the same way I would.
The school and the girls were my favorite parts. I liked how the girls looked out for each other in their own ways and the nicknames they gave to their instructors behind their backs. It all made the school feel more like a real place.
What didn’t work for me:
Kata’s arrogance blew my mind. She’s a fifteen-year-old ninja who has been training her entire life. I think she should be allowed to have some confidence, but to a point. She constantly thinks about how she is so much better than her two companions, and mentions how it has been years since she has been punished at school for failing an exercise because she is just that amazing. Speaking of her two companions, Kata has a strong disdain towards Saiko. Kata reminds the reader of this dislike every other page. In my opinion, I see it as believable that someone like Kata may not click with someone like Saiko immediately. However, we do not need the narrator to more or less say “I don’t like this person” nearly every time the character breaths. (That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it did happen enough to grow tiresome).
Towards the end of the book, the characters seem to only take action because the plot needs to keep moving so people need to do things. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will leave it at that.
My final gripe is the way the book handles foreshadowing. During the story, things happen that may make a critical reader raise an eyebrow. That is okay. What is not okay to me is that when this comes to fruition, the narration reminds us of every single moment that led up to this. Stuff the reader is already aware of. This bothered me because it came across more like the writing saying, “You are too simple to remember what happened so I am going to remind you.” I know this is a middle-grade book, but kids in that age range are smart.
Deadly Flowers is okay. I feel it actually could have used more information on the Ninja, but I know I am just an enthusiast so this might not be the opinion of the average reader. The action scenes (mostly blow-by-blow descriptions) could also use some work, but it is not the main focus of the book.
I will admit that a lot of my issues with this book are personal pet peeves, foreshadowing, the main character’s personality, etc. so I would say if you read this and think what bothered me would probably bother you as well, then this book might not be for you. However, if my concerns don’t seem like that big of a deal then I think it would not hurt at all to give it a try.
The author certainly did her research when writing about the ninja. As a self-identified ninja enthusiast, I enjoyed it. I feel she could have gone a little further with the factual information about the ninja and the like, but I do know that the average reader may not appreciate this the same way I would.
The school and the girls were my favorite parts. I liked how the girls looked out for each other in their own ways and the nicknames they gave to their instructors behind their backs. It all made the school feel more like a real place.
What didn’t work for me:
Kata’s arrogance blew my mind. She’s a fifteen-year-old ninja who has been training her entire life. I think she should be allowed to have some confidence, but to a point. She constantly thinks about how she is so much better than her two companions, and mentions how it has been years since she has been punished at school for failing an exercise because she is just that amazing. Speaking of her two companions, Kata has a strong disdain towards Saiko. Kata reminds the reader of this dislike every other page. In my opinion, I see it as believable that someone like Kata may not click with someone like Saiko immediately. However, we do not need the narrator to more or less say “I don’t like this person” nearly every time the character breaths. (That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it did happen enough to grow tiresome).
Towards the end of the book, the characters seem to only take action because the plot needs to keep moving so people need to do things. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will leave it at that.
My final gripe is the way the book handles foreshadowing. During the story, things happen that may make a critical reader raise an eyebrow. That is okay. What is not okay to me is that when this comes to fruition, the narration reminds us of every single moment that led up to this. Stuff the reader is already aware of. This bothered me because it came across more like the writing saying, “You are too simple to remember what happened so I am going to remind you.” I know this is a middle-grade book, but kids in that age range are smart.
Deadly Flowers is okay. I feel it actually could have used more information on the Ninja, but I know I am just an enthusiast so this might not be the opinion of the average reader. The action scenes (mostly blow-by-blow descriptions) could also use some work, but it is not the main focus of the book.
I will admit that a lot of my issues with this book are personal pet peeves, foreshadowing, the main character’s personality, etc. so I would say if you read this and think what bothered me would probably bother you as well, then this book might not be for you. However, if my concerns don’t seem like that big of a deal then I think it would not hurt at all to give it a try.
February 25, 2017
This is a PA choice book for 2017-2018, and I think it's a good one for the list--lots of action, a strong female character, interesting setting. The writing is decent, but nothing special. I gave it 3 stars because, as literature, it's OK, but not much more--but I'd recommend it to a lot of my kiddos, who will likely enjoy it much more than I do.
March 1, 2019
Oh my goodness, this book was SO GOOD. I was captivated by page one, and it kept my attention throughout the entire tale. The action was relentless, the main character AWESOME, the culture fantastic, and all the sneak ninja stuff AWESOME.
I seriously loved Kata. Some say she wasn't kind enough or was too ruthless or whatever, but I LOVED her for it! So so so many female characters these days are not strong or fast or such a kick-rear warrior-- *cough cough* MICHAEL VEY *cough cough* --but SHE IS. She's not ashamed of who she is, she's mistrustful just as she should be, she makes mistakes but totally makes up for them . . . I LOVE HER. Quite honestly, I love how Kata DIDN'T change much at the end. I love her as she is, as she needs to be. <3 You go girl.
And all de little demons creeping and crawling was definitely creepy. Thumbs up for that.
The writing style was unique and I liked it very very much. Sometimes it made it hard to understand because everything moves so quick and feels almost backward at times, but it was still really really interesting.
The ninja stuff was fascinating and I loved it. I loved Kata's training and all her skillz. When you really think back on her adventure and trials, she is AMAZING, and just fifteen!
She's so awesome. <3
I want a sequel super bad!
I seriously loved Kata. Some say she wasn't kind enough or was too ruthless or whatever, but I LOVED her for it! So so so many female characters these days are not strong or fast or such a kick-rear warrior-- *cough cough* MICHAEL VEY *cough cough* --but SHE IS. She's not ashamed of who she is, she's mistrustful just as she should be, she makes mistakes but totally makes up for them . . . I LOVE HER. Quite honestly, I love how Kata DIDN'T change much at the end. I love her as she is, as she needs to be. <3 You go girl.
And all de little demons creeping and crawling was definitely creepy. Thumbs up for that.
The writing style was unique and I liked it very very much. Sometimes it made it hard to understand because everything moves so quick and feels almost backward at times, but it was still really really interesting.
The ninja stuff was fascinating and I loved it. I loved Kata's training and all her skillz. When you really think back on her adventure and trials, she is AMAZING, and just fifteen!
She's so awesome. <3
I want a sequel super bad!
October 21, 2016
My thoughts about this book are in disarray. The first third was very slow. I found it REALLY hard to get into. The second third picked up but it still wasn't stellar. I REALLY liked the last third. As soon as the supernatural stuff entered the picture, things got a lot more interesting.
While I liked it fine, I wish I'd liked it *more.* It seems like just my thing. It was like a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lord of the Rings, and Japanese history/mythology -- with a smattering of Disney's Aladdin. Sounds amazing, right? But it wasn't. It was just fine.
One thing I will say, is that I really admired the way the character Saiko was written. Kata, the protagonist, keeps noting that Saiko continually surprises her -- and yet, I didn't take the hint and Saiko still surprised *me.* The author also excelled at including fascinating ninja tidbits -- the way that Kata used her training to get out of tricky situations and escape from impossible-seeming traps was really interesting, from a practical perspective.
3.5 stars
While I liked it fine, I wish I'd liked it *more.* It seems like just my thing. It was like a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lord of the Rings, and Japanese history/mythology -- with a smattering of Disney's Aladdin. Sounds amazing, right? But it wasn't. It was just fine.
One thing I will say, is that I really admired the way the character Saiko was written. Kata, the protagonist, keeps noting that Saiko continually surprises her -- and yet, I didn't take the hint and Saiko still surprised *me.* The author also excelled at including fascinating ninja tidbits -- the way that Kata used her training to get out of tricky situations and escape from impossible-seeming traps was really interesting, from a practical perspective.
3.5 stars
January 5, 2017
Kata, orphaned as a toddler, has been raised to be a female ninja, a deadly flower. She has aspired to be the perfect ninja, taking her training seriously, to be a killing machine. When Madame Chiyome sends her on her first assignment, Kata cannot kill the young child nor return home. Kata, Ichiro and Saiko go on a perilous journey filled with betrayals, hideous demons, and treachery. Not all is what it seems. This gripping Japanese fantasy reveals much about medieval Japan’s Samurai culture and folklore. The characters are well crafted. The women are strong. This will be keep readers in suspense. Author notes are helpful for those who wish to know more.
July 14, 2016
A book about girl ninjas? Sold! Even by the end of the book, I wasn't a huge fan for Kata for a couple of reasons - one, I felt like sometimes she totally abandoned her training, and two, she was never very kind - which I totally get, given her background, but by the end, I was still expecting a bit more change. And it was a bit creepy, with all of the demons. AND, the ending was sorta a cliffhanger. Sorta. But still - A BOOK ABOUT GIRL NINJAS THAT CAN TOTALLY KICK REARS! It was awesome.
August 26, 2016
3.5 stars. An interesting blend of fantasy, adventure, history, and spookiness. As the main character, Kata goes on an intriguing journey both physically and emotionally. I think readers who like thought-provoking stories will like this, as will those who enjoy fantasy action. I liked the feudal Japan setting as well; it is something not often covered in historical fiction, and it was fun to learn more about ninjas.
May 22, 2016
So, this is not a book I would normally pick up...but something about the cover grabbed my attention (yes, I judge a book by it's cover). Quick paced, adventurous and quite lovely....this will be on our shelf at school next year!!!
July 25, 2016
Kata is a female ninja. Kata is very excited when she is given her first assignment. Little does she know that this assignment will change her life. Strong female character, nice mix of adventure and fantasy. Would recommend it to grades 4th and up.
July 24, 2018
Kata is a ninja who has been trained since she was a young girl to carry out missions without question. However, her first mission raises many questions and she must rely on her training to try to do the right thing. A good adventure with strong female characters. Gr. 4-8.
August 10, 2016
Action packed. Ninja girl has pearl that has bound soul of demon that grants wishes. The book tried hard to make me care for her and her choices.
October 15, 2016
A Japanese fantasy of girl ninjas, demons, Japanese monsters, ghosts, warlords, and finding your destiny.
November 7, 2016
Another strong ninja book! Loved the main character's voice, and was taken in several times. Great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews