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Shadow Warrior: Based on the true story of a fearless ninja and her network of female spies
It's 1558, and warlords across Japan are battling for territory and control. Into this setting, Tanya Lloyd Kyi weaves the stories of three people: Mochizuki Chiyome, a young woman determined to become a ninja whose plans are thwarted by an arranged marriage; Takeda Shingen (The Tiger), a fierce warlord seeking a new weapon to outsmart his enemies; and Aki, an orphaned tavern girl whose destiny is changed by a mysterious woman. As their stories intersect, the three characters become key players in an elaborate network of undercover female ninjas who will eventually shift the balance of power in Japan. Based on the true story of Mochizuki Chiyome and her all-female spy network.
64 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2017
1 person is currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Lloyd Kyi
110 books84 followersTanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 25, 2017
Did you know that there are stories that circulated, during Japans golden age, the time of peace that came after the Shoguns, that told of female ninjas?
Nope, neither did I.
At first I thought this was going to be a modern take on what could have happened if a girl or woman became a ninja, and I thought that it was going to be full of modern thinking. But, when I read this was based on legend, and stories, so many stories that though there was no direct evidence of the existance of female ninjas, the stories that were told matched up, from all over Japan, and formed a picture of a school of ninjas for girls.
This is just a picture book, but it is well written, very well researched, and with the mindset of the time period. Chiyomi, instead of fighting her arranged marriage, as a girl from this era would, she accepted it because that is what girls did.
Beautifully illustrated with modern pictures, as well as pictures from the era.
Very cool story, and it all works. And the information at the end of the book, about the legends is also quite good.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Nope, neither did I.
At first I thought this was going to be a modern take on what could have happened if a girl or woman became a ninja, and I thought that it was going to be full of modern thinking. But, when I read this was based on legend, and stories, so many stories that though there was no direct evidence of the existance of female ninjas, the stories that were told matched up, from all over Japan, and formed a picture of a school of ninjas for girls.
This is just a picture book, but it is well written, very well researched, and with the mindset of the time period. Chiyomi, instead of fighting her arranged marriage, as a girl from this era would, she accepted it because that is what girls did.
Beautifully illustrated with modern pictures, as well as pictures from the era.
Very cool story, and it all works. And the information at the end of the book, about the legends is also quite good.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 20, 2018
I received a copy of this book from NewSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. This of course does not impact my thoughts on the book.
I was definitely surprised by this; there was a wealth of illustrations which accompanied the story, which was about an aspiring warrior.
Of course, fate has other ideas, ans being set in 16th Century Japan: of course there were cultural implications on women, who were often required to marry rather than carry out their own lives.
Things happen to our heroine, however, and what follows is a tale of war, espionage and constant intrigue. Each page was captured alongside a gorgeous illustration which took the reader though the cruel aspects of ninja training. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and definitley recommended it; what with the beautiful pictures and heartfelt words, this definitely made for a unique reading experience!
I was definitely surprised by this; there was a wealth of illustrations which accompanied the story, which was about an aspiring warrior.
Of course, fate has other ideas, ans being set in 16th Century Japan: of course there were cultural implications on women, who were often required to marry rather than carry out their own lives.
Things happen to our heroine, however, and what follows is a tale of war, espionage and constant intrigue. Each page was captured alongside a gorgeous illustration which took the reader though the cruel aspects of ninja training. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and definitley recommended it; what with the beautiful pictures and heartfelt words, this definitely made for a unique reading experience!
October 3, 2017
Interesting story based on a legend of the first female ninja and the women she trained to gather information to keep their prefecture—or the equivalent at the time—safe.
June 4, 2020
A retelling of the legend of Mochizuki Chiyome who may or may not have been an actual person in 16th century Japan, trained as a ninja, and after the death of her samurai husband led a network of spies for Takeda Shingen.
This is a fascinating book for the legend it brings to life. It is beautifully illustrated throughout too with ancient Japanese-styled prints and backgrounds that bring the time period to life. The text and topic are more fitting for a middle grade reader on up, though the book itself is only 61 pages long so it is a fairly quick read. This would make a great reading pair with Samurai Rising by Turner which is a biography of a samurai from the same time period. The two books' cultural information about the time period compliment each other quite well. Recommended to those interested in ninjas, legendary figures, and women who hold non-traditional roles.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Deaths in feudal wars are mentioned but not graphically described.
This is a fascinating book for the legend it brings to life. It is beautifully illustrated throughout too with ancient Japanese-styled prints and backgrounds that bring the time period to life. The text and topic are more fitting for a middle grade reader on up, though the book itself is only 61 pages long so it is a fairly quick read. This would make a great reading pair with Samurai Rising by Turner which is a biography of a samurai from the same time period. The two books' cultural information about the time period compliment each other quite well. Recommended to those interested in ninjas, legendary figures, and women who hold non-traditional roles.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Deaths in feudal wars are mentioned but not graphically described.
June 7, 2023
Beautiful mix of modern and historic illustrations, and a fun way for kids to learn more about history. Found it in the storybooks section at the library, but it belongs more in the nonfiction section (despite some fictionalized aspects) because it's quite dense for a "storybook" and doesn't follow a linear storyline with a satisfying ending.
November 8, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Annick Press for the ARC!
Graphic novel, Japanese culture, female ninjas... What else can I ask for?
This story about a female ninja who managed to build an all-female army in the 1500s in Japan is the perfect read in the age of an even more feminist version of Wonder Woman, and a newfound boom of graphic novels. Definitely a must.
Graphic novel, Japanese culture, female ninjas... What else can I ask for?
This story about a female ninja who managed to build an all-female army in the 1500s in Japan is the perfect read in the age of an even more feminist version of Wonder Woman, and a newfound boom of graphic novels. Definitely a must.
February 10, 2020
Fascinating story. Borderline between nonfiction and fiction. My library chose fiction. I choose nonfiction. After all, close enough. And it is not like there is any way to get more facts.
October 7, 2020
The flow of the story lacked.
January 22, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVRq...
Hey! I learnt some new things! We don't really study Japanese history outside of their role in world wars. I love that they have a person that they think was real because of literature.
I really liked the illustrations.
Women: using mens belief that women can't do anything against them since before Japan was a country 😁👍
Hey! I learnt some new things! We don't really study Japanese history outside of their role in world wars. I love that they have a person that they think was real because of literature.
I really liked the illustrations.
Women: using mens belief that women can't do anything against them since before Japan was a country 😁👍
March 10, 2018
In the vein of
Rejected Princesses
this kids book is an excellent look into the life of Mochizuki Chiyome--the all-around bad@$$ founder of an order of women ninja spies.
Through short vignette scenes, we see Chiyome grow up in ninja training, be married to a samurai, and finally fulfill her dream of teaching young women the art and skills of being a ninja spy. No one ever suspects the innocent women, dressed as shrine maidens or servants, but they end up collecting vital info which they pass on to Chiyome who then informs the military leaders. We also see through the eyes of a fictional trainee, Aki, who goes on a quest to give the reader a first-hand glimpse of how Chiyome's training was put into place.
I loved the integration of Japanese art in addition to Krampien's illustrations. It gives a heightened sense of setting and time period and subtly introduces traditional Japanese art styles to the reader.
Also, all the points for providing a "Further Reading" section AND a "Selected Sources" bibliography at the end. I love when I see kids non-fiction that includes sources, as it encourages further research, whether now or later, reinforces the factual nature of the book, and creates a more reliable source for using in possible reports.
This was a very informative read and I can definitely see this appealing to young girls who are looking for a bad@$$, real-life role-model/inspiration.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
Through short vignette scenes, we see Chiyome grow up in ninja training, be married to a samurai, and finally fulfill her dream of teaching young women the art and skills of being a ninja spy. No one ever suspects the innocent women, dressed as shrine maidens or servants, but they end up collecting vital info which they pass on to Chiyome who then informs the military leaders. We also see through the eyes of a fictional trainee, Aki, who goes on a quest to give the reader a first-hand glimpse of how Chiyome's training was put into place.
I loved the integration of Japanese art in addition to Krampien's illustrations. It gives a heightened sense of setting and time period and subtly introduces traditional Japanese art styles to the reader.
Also, all the points for providing a "Further Reading" section AND a "Selected Sources" bibliography at the end. I love when I see kids non-fiction that includes sources, as it encourages further research, whether now or later, reinforces the factual nature of the book, and creates a more reliable source for using in possible reports.
This was a very informative read and I can definitely see this appealing to young girls who are looking for a bad@$$, real-life role-model/inspiration.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
November 30, 2017
Part history, part legend from Japan's Warring States Period, Shadow Warrior follows the evolution and career of a female spy master and an extensive network of trained, female ninjas.
The tale of a young woman from a small province, her marriage, widowhood, and how she founded a school for orphaned young women to train as spies and ninja assassins filled me with hope that Mochizuki Chiyome really existed: Not as a quiet, elegant geisha or woman in distress, but as a smart, resourceful character protecting her family and her people from enemy warriors.
The story is told partly in graphic novel form with gorgeous period art, patterns and landscapes. The text is spare and exciting, describing the difficult training of shinobi (ninjas), as well as the battlegrounds, castles, and shrines of Japan.
The tale of a young woman from a small province, her marriage, widowhood, and how she founded a school for orphaned young women to train as spies and ninja assassins filled me with hope that Mochizuki Chiyome really existed: Not as a quiet, elegant geisha or woman in distress, but as a smart, resourceful character protecting her family and her people from enemy warriors.
The story is told partly in graphic novel form with gorgeous period art, patterns and landscapes. The text is spare and exciting, describing the difficult training of shinobi (ninjas), as well as the battlegrounds, castles, and shrines of Japan.
August 3, 2018
I loved the facts and illustrations of Shadow Warrior, but the story--and telling of it--seemed a bit complicated for a children's book & (to me) lacked the flow and continuity to make this tale truly memorable.
March 27, 2024
When this story first began, warlords in Japan were engaged in lengthy wars over territory and power. How does a woman can become a wife and a Shinobi? Given her training, Mochizuki Chiyome Shinobi was able to establish the first Shinobi all-female spy network and maintain her family's honor and safety. This historical fiction picture book, which is based on a genuine event, recreates the heroic life of a daring spy ninja while remaining faithful to the historical context.
The author transports the reader to the harsh realities of 1600s Japan, complete with the stunning forests and unwavering tenacity of the inhabitants. The story's elements, historical events, and cultural references are all faithfully maintained in this book. Two stories were conveyed by the illustrations: one imaginary, one genuine. The illustrator did a fantastic job of compiling images of artwork from the period and locations, then incorporating her drawings of the characters and setting into the tale.
There are tense moments, historical allusions, and fascinating, valiant individuals throughout the narrative. This book is a gem for Asian social studies and history lessons. This picture book is suitable for readers aged 8 to 11 and has guided reading levels J to O. It has a strong female protagonist, author, and illustrator. An exquisite fusion of the groundbreaking accomplishments of women's capacities with the mindset of women at the time. Among my list of favorite picture books!
The author transports the reader to the harsh realities of 1600s Japan, complete with the stunning forests and unwavering tenacity of the inhabitants. The story's elements, historical events, and cultural references are all faithfully maintained in this book. Two stories were conveyed by the illustrations: one imaginary, one genuine. The illustrator did a fantastic job of compiling images of artwork from the period and locations, then incorporating her drawings of the characters and setting into the tale.
There are tense moments, historical allusions, and fascinating, valiant individuals throughout the narrative. This book is a gem for Asian social studies and history lessons. This picture book is suitable for readers aged 8 to 11 and has guided reading levels J to O. It has a strong female protagonist, author, and illustrator. An exquisite fusion of the groundbreaking accomplishments of women's capacities with the mindset of women at the time. Among my list of favorite picture books!
September 3, 2024
Chiyome's grandfather was one of Koga's greatest warriors. Following in his footsteps, Chiyome trains to be a ninja among a group of all boys. With patience and the will to conquer her fears, Chiyome finishes her training after years of working hard under the wise and watchful eyes of her Sensei. However, instead of being able to follow her dreams of working as a ninja under a daimyo somewhere far off, Chiyome is called to marry the nephew of Takeda Shingen, a very powerful daimyo himself. When her samurai husband dies in battle, Chiyome realizes that her dreams were not annulled but rather, put off until now. As she steps forward to be a ninja under Takeda's service, Chiyome recruits orphan girls from all around, to her school that trains young women to be ninjas.
This is such a fascinating legend that is part fact and part fiction. Though it is not clear whether Chiyome really existed, tales of her skills have been told through the centuries. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. Her character is one of a fiercely independent woman who also did not shy from her loyal duty to her family and people. As a daughter, ninja, wife, teacher, and spy, Chiyome was able to be all of those in her life.
This is such a fascinating legend that is part fact and part fiction. Though it is not clear whether Chiyome really existed, tales of her skills have been told through the centuries. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. Her character is one of a fiercely independent woman who also did not shy from her loyal duty to her family and people. As a daughter, ninja, wife, teacher, and spy, Chiyome was able to be all of those in her life.
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August 16, 2017
16th century Japan was a land riddled with warring factions. Yet while the men fought and died on battlefields, vying for glory and more land, one woman developed a network of over 200 spy girls. This female ninja, who may or may not have really existed, although many historians believe she was a real life figure in some sense, developed an undercover spy school and taught her girls to be ninjas.
I really enjoyed the mixture of artwork throughout this book, particularly the traditional Japanese style for landscape shots of feudal Japan and the more modern Japanese-style drawings for the characters in the story, both of which combined to evoke the sense the reader was entering an era of danger, tradition and fighting.
While I wish that there was more involved in the story of Chiyome's spy girls and what they actually did (granted, the historical record is based upon folk lore and 17th century storybooks), this is still a pretty cool look into feudal Japan and one fearless woman who dared to be a fighter and ninja in a man's world.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the mixture of artwork throughout this book, particularly the traditional Japanese style for landscape shots of feudal Japan and the more modern Japanese-style drawings for the characters in the story, both of which combined to evoke the sense the reader was entering an era of danger, tradition and fighting.
While I wish that there was more involved in the story of Chiyome's spy girls and what they actually did (granted, the historical record is based upon folk lore and 17th century storybooks), this is still a pretty cool look into feudal Japan and one fearless woman who dared to be a fighter and ninja in a man's world.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
August 25, 2018
'Shadow Warrior: Based on the True Story of a Fearless Ninja and Her Network of Female Spies' by Tanya Lloyd Kyi with illustrations by Celia Krampien is true. Maybe.
Young Mochizuki Chiyonne trains to be a ninja, and she's quite good at it. Unfortunately, before she can use her skills, she finds herself married off to Mochizuki Moritoki, the nephew of a powerful daimyo named Takeda Shingen. Soon after her wedding, her husband goes off to war and she feels like her training could be put to good use. She finds a young orphan girl named Aki, and starts a school. The cover is that her girls will be in a religious order, but they will actually be spies.
Some of the characters are real, and some are fictional. There isn't much known about Mochizuki Chiyonne, but there are legends about her. It makes for an interesting story. Especially when the beautiful art by Celia Krampien is added. Along with that art are drawings from the time period, which helps add nice flavor to the story.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Young Mochizuki Chiyonne trains to be a ninja, and she's quite good at it. Unfortunately, before she can use her skills, she finds herself married off to Mochizuki Moritoki, the nephew of a powerful daimyo named Takeda Shingen. Soon after her wedding, her husband goes off to war and she feels like her training could be put to good use. She finds a young orphan girl named Aki, and starts a school. The cover is that her girls will be in a religious order, but they will actually be spies.
Some of the characters are real, and some are fictional. There isn't much known about Mochizuki Chiyonne, but there are legends about her. It makes for an interesting story. Especially when the beautiful art by Celia Krampien is added. Along with that art are drawings from the time period, which helps add nice flavor to the story.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
January 24, 2018
Shadow Warrior tells the possibly true story of a female ninja in 16th century Japan, along with the story of the girls she trained to become ninjas as well.
Using what is known about the myths and legends, as well as what is known about the historical facts, Tanya Lloyd Kyi has told a story of what could have possibly happened hundreds of years ago with Mochizuki Chiyome. It is well written, and well told. The illustrations by Celia Krampien are stunning. The more classic art included adds to the atmosphere wonderfully.
I would definitely recommend this for kids and adults alike. It is enjoyable, interesting, entertaining, well-researched. It has reminded me that I really want to read more about Japanese history.
Using what is known about the myths and legends, as well as what is known about the historical facts, Tanya Lloyd Kyi has told a story of what could have possibly happened hundreds of years ago with Mochizuki Chiyome. It is well written, and well told. The illustrations by Celia Krampien are stunning. The more classic art included adds to the atmosphere wonderfully.
I would definitely recommend this for kids and adults alike. It is enjoyable, interesting, entertaining, well-researched. It has reminded me that I really want to read more about Japanese history.
December 13, 2017
Fantastic take on the legend of female shinobi, Chiyome, who trained over 200 women to be shadow warriors in 16th century Japan. Gorgeously illustrated with an exciting and empowering story, showing the rewards of having courage and the patience to pursue your dreams. Chiyome showed that despite her station in life, and the emotional and physical hardships she had to endure as a woman, she was strong and smart and lived the ninja life of her dreams because she was brave enough to go after what she wanted.
Written for young readers but it's a great lesson for anyone at any age!
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for this awesome ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Written for young readers but it's a great lesson for anyone at any age!
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for this awesome ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 27, 2017
"Shadow Warrior" is a strange hybrid of graphic novel and picture book. Yet it works. Based on a true story passed down over hundreds of years in Japanese folklore, it tells the life events of Mochizuki Chiyome - a female ninja warrior in 16th century Japan, who also becomes a notorious spymaster with a large network of female spies. The book is very appealing visually as it features attractive original illustrations by Celia Krampien. Krampien's artwork is seamlessly integrated with a large number of pictures of traditional Japanese art that exist in the public domain. The book includes a glossary of Japanese terms and suggestions for further reading.
December 10, 2017
This was an great story. With gorgeous art!
I’ve never heard of Chiyome - but I’m going to have to find out more about her.
This is written almost as a folk tale. But there may be some truth to the tale; Chiyome might have been a real person. It’s always nice to have a section in the back that separates fact from fiction and gives the reader references for further investigation.
This was an enjoyable story that could be read in a single sitting. Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for a copy in return for an honest review.
I’ve never heard of Chiyome - but I’m going to have to find out more about her.
This is written almost as a folk tale. But there may be some truth to the tale; Chiyome might have been a real person. It’s always nice to have a section in the back that separates fact from fiction and gives the reader references for further investigation.
This was an enjoyable story that could be read in a single sitting. Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for a copy in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2017
This story was really interesting & I really want to know more about Chiyome! I must find an adult book about her. As for the illustrations - they are absolutely stunning! There are some I wish I could have as posters... I'll definitely be purchasing a copy of this book when it's released.
Disclaimer: I was sent an eARC in return for an honest review
Disclaimer: I was sent an eARC in return for an honest review
September 8, 2017
Female ninjas! It's a very appealing subject matter that promises action, excitement, and danger. However, while the story is very interesting, it's not nearly as exciting as the title makes it out to be. It does provide a good background on Japanese culture at that time (the 1500s), and I liked the illustrations, but it needs much more suspense.
December 20, 2017
A beautifully illustrated and fascinating story about the legend of female ninjas in ancient Japan. Chiyome is talented, driven, and intelligent, and starts her own network of female spies. The author's historical note in the back was even more fun, describing what was fact and fiction.
I enjoyed this immensely.
I enjoyed this immensely.
July 19, 2019
Amazing story. I had no idea females could be ninjas. Very empowering tale from old Japan. Based on fact though little proof remains. I think 4th grade up would enjoy this story. The illustrations are truly wonderful, just so detailed. Lovely book overall.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
August 10, 2020
Part fact, part legend- Chiyome trains as a young girl to be a ninja spy. She is disappointed to be married instead, but when her husband is killed in battle, Chiyome uses her training to start a ninja school for girls. The girls make excellent spies, able to cross borders unexpectedly and slip in places unnoticed. Chiyome continues her work until Japan is united under one daimyo.
March 20, 2018
Absolutely fascinating story, and a real historical entry point for girls who are interested in ninjas, but I fear that the text may be too long for the typical picture book audience, and the type a bit too small for parents who are reading it to them.
August 19, 2017
This imaginative tale takes young readers on a journey to Japan of days long considered history with colourful images, strong heroines, and strategy galore, providing an engaging read.
September 1, 2017
Beautiful book, full review to come.
January 7, 2018
What's not to love about a beautifully illustrated book focused on female ninjas in 16th-century Japan? Kickass!
January 27, 2018
A potentially true girl ninja story? So cool, right? Unfortunately it doesn’t read exciting...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews