Nariko's Map

Legends of the Kunoichi #1

by Alex Redwood

The adventures of an all-female ninja army in medieval Japan.

Japan, 1562. Young Nariko finds herself on a farm for misfit girls after she narrowly survives a brutal samurai attack on her family. But the farm hides a secret: it is a training camp for a secret army of all-female ninja. Smart and brave, Nariko is a valuable spy, and she soon finds herself drawn back into the very war that tore her family apart, as she is haunted by unanswered questions about her past.

About the Book Series
Legends of the Kunoichi is a historical fiction adventure series set against the dramatic historical backdrop of medieval Japan. Featuring an ensemble of strong female characters, the stories are inspired by the legends of Chiyome Mochizuki, founder of a secret all-female ninja army.

Genres: Historical Fiction

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2016

About the author

Alex Redwood is the author of Nariko's Map, a novel about a young girl who joins an all-female ninja army.

Upon learning that female ninja actually existed in medieval Japan, Alex became compelled to write stories inspired by these amazing women in a historically accurate setting. He draws daily inspiration from his adventurous wife and two ninja children.

Reviews

[Jordan Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun summer book. There are lots of things to love -- ninjas, strong female characters, believable female relationships.

I'm a sucker for an ensemble cast and female protagonists. So, I found myself really caring about the girls and their relationships with one another. My daughter is still too young for this one, but I'm glad to have another book with strong women at the center.

I love historical fiction, and it was refreshing to read a book set in medieval Japan. I liked all of the little historical details, like how the girls used bird calls to secretly communicate, or how the warring samurai used a lookout system to monitor the border. I would have enjoyed learning even more about the time period and place. Sometimes I couldn't picture the setting as well as I wanted to.

The plot was exciting. I enjoyed seeing Nariko transform and toughen up. The ninja training makes me want to learn how to kick butt. I look forward to the next book!

[Arajane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am generally a sucker for books with strong female characters, and that's totally where this one got me. A book about a secret female ninja army set in 16th century Japan? Sign me up! I'm not sure if this is intended for a YA audience or if it's more for adults, as it has a lot of the usual YA trappings and yet it's pretty violent at times and there is a bit of sexualization of the characters. Though, to be fair, those are certainly themes present in many YA books these days. Either way, I tore through this book compelled by the non-stop action and vivid descriptions of medieval Japan, and was drawn to the well-developed and distinctive characters. I can't wait to learn more about these women in the sequel.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! I don't read much YA, but it's just around the corner for our family. I'm looking forward to the next book and learning more about life on the farm, ninja training, and the girl's backstories.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nariko lives a good life, just a bit spoiled, in medieval Japan. But one day her world is torn open when her parents are killed by samurais and she finds out her dad was a spy. She and her friend end up being taken under the wing of the kunoichi, the female ninjas. Liked the strong female characters and it being Japanese historical fiction probably more so since being in Japan.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the kunoichi (female ninjas) was new to me and instantly captivating. "Nariko's Map" moves between the stories of orphan girls secretly training to be ninjas and the samurai power struggle in Edo-era Japan. The book's main protagonist, Nariko, is a Harry-Potter-type character: an orphan, capable, strong, strong-willed, and she occasionally makes mistakes. The other girl trainees are also strong, interesting, and well-drawn--it will be interesting to follow their stories as new books in the series come out. I'd recommend this book for readers 12 to 112. Not only is the story interesting, but I believe it will create a deeper interest in Japanese history. Cool!

[vmt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plants,birds,secrets of the forest

women ninja, girl ninjas, family loss with a new family formed thru courage, sorrow and living. young teens thru adults will enjoy this story and learn many of nature's ways.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end felt like a cliff hanger, that I didn't like. I did like the history aspect of the story and how the characters had growth.