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The Silver Ninja #1
A Bitter Winter
A disgraced cop takes matters into her own hands when the murderer who killed her partner comes after her family. To stop him, Cindy Ames fuses with a prototype suit and transforms herself into a superhero.
But the suit has a mind of its own and is determined to execute its hidden agenda.
The puppet has become the master, and the hero has become the monster.
Super powers can save a city but break a hero.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2018
About the author
Wilmar Luna
4 books31 followersAll Wilmar Luna wanted was a story about a female superhero who wasn’t a damsel in distress. He wanted a complex character: someone with inner demons, cool tech, and a world grounded in reality. He wasn’t interested in a goddess from mythology or a gender-swapped version of a male hero. So instead of waiting for that story, he wrote it himself.
Fueled by a love of video games and ’90s pop culture, Wilmar created The Silver Ninja—a conflicted yet powerful woman with the gravitas of Batman and the relatable heroism of Spider-Man.
After years spent in the ninja’s world, Wilmar wanted a change of pace, something darker. He searched for a horror novel that could terrify him, but couldn’t find the right one. So, he wrote Sanctifiction, a series inspired by the eerie and mysterious places hidden throughout New Jersey.
When he’s not writing, Wilmar works as an AV systems manager. Basically, he keeps conference room tech running and makes sure people can hear each other on Teams calls. In his free time, he builds gaming PCs, plays video games, watches movies, and enjoys hanging out with his wife.
You can find Wilmar online at:
https://www.thesilverninja.com
or follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) @WilmarLuna.
Fueled by a love of video games and ’90s pop culture, Wilmar created The Silver Ninja—a conflicted yet powerful woman with the gravitas of Batman and the relatable heroism of Spider-Man.
After years spent in the ninja’s world, Wilmar wanted a change of pace, something darker. He searched for a horror novel that could terrify him, but couldn’t find the right one. So, he wrote Sanctifiction, a series inspired by the eerie and mysterious places hidden throughout New Jersey.
When he’s not writing, Wilmar works as an AV systems manager. Basically, he keeps conference room tech running and makes sure people can hear each other on Teams calls. In his free time, he builds gaming PCs, plays video games, watches movies, and enjoys hanging out with his wife.
You can find Wilmar online at:
https://www.thesilverninja.com
or follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) @WilmarLuna.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 26, 2025
Cindy Ames, a former NYPD officer, currently alternates between gymnastic teacher and security guard - a far cry from what she once was.
"She earned this suit and had every intention of using it."
Two years ago, she lost her partner in a horrendous incident, which cost Cindy her badge, her dignity and her pride.
Ever since, she's spent every waking moment tracking her ex-partner's killer...well...in between the classes and Rent-a-Cop gig. (Money's been a bit tight ever since her hubby spent the family fortune...)
"You both knew the risks of the job and it could have been anyone. Don't let Dan's passing ruin your life."
Her most recent job - acting as a security liaison for the the mayor during a technology conference - was going to routine until things went wrong, very wrong.
A local terrorist cell made an appearance and Cindy's cop-instincts kicked into full gear to save the mayor. But soon Cindy is fighting for own her life - and losing.
Faced with the very real possibility that Jonas (Cindy's husband) could lose her forever, he decides to take matters into his own hands and use an experimental drug to repair her broken body.
"This wasn't the first time he had to watch his wife be taken to the OR, but it was the first time he worried that it would be her last."
Only the consequences leave Cindy a shell of her former self...that is until her thoughts turn to Jonas (and his team)'s semi-secret (and probably very illegal) super suit.
Cindy cannot stop thinking about it - all her problems could be solved, if she can get her hands on that suit...
And thus, a new superhero is born - but with herself hell-bent on revenge, it might just be impossible to consider her a hero after all...
Whew - this was the dark-and-gritty superhero story I was waiting for!
"Some people are born to fight," Jonas said.
"Are they born to kill too?"
I am an absolute sucker for superheros and this book was no exception. I really enjoyed the plot, the dialogue and (above all) the characters.
In the first installment of the Silver Ninja series, we get Cindy's origin story - complete with stealing forbidden tech, an evil "twin", and evil secret corporations intent on ruling the world.
What made this one stand out was the realism of Luna's characters.
Cindy's problems were never magically solved by having the suit - well, sure she could actually kill the Big Bads much easier, but her personal problems were just as real and solid as before - it humanized this overpowering individual.
Plus, there was plenty of heart-pounding-action to guaranteed to excite the audience. Reading the fight scenes made me feel like I was right there, in the first row.
"You feeling better?"
"I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
The only thing that threw me out of the book was the science - it was a sticking point for me.
"The blade thrust towards her eyes. She leaned back, ducking left and right as the knife slashed in front of her face."
I could tell that the author did quite a bit of research, but there's always that fine line of what's believable in the alternate reality and what's stretching it.
Most books I read toe that line, but in this one we were taking a few steps over. Maybe a leap or two (ohhhh...convenient memory losses...such a pet peeve...).
On the plus side, this novel had just the right humor. I mean, maybe it's just me, but I find lines like this to be hilarious:
(Probably not the author's intent, but that's my humor for you.)
"I thought we were going to turn into each other's arms and kiss as if today was our last day on Earth. Like the movies."
"There's two dead bodies on the floor and you killed them."
Overall, an exciting start to a promising series.
With thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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January 18, 2020
I love the concept for this one...
Badass female MC in a sci-fi revenge story?
The story itself is awesome! My problem is with the MC.
Cindy starts out as interesting & charismatic with just a hint of insecurity.
Basically someone you can totally relate to.
Quickly she becomes this single minded, depressing, selfish jerk (who still manages to be devastatingly insecure) that I could not root for.
Weirdly enough...I'm still interested when he writes more in the series.
Much thanks to Wilmar Luna for my DRC!
Badass female MC in a sci-fi revenge story?
The story itself is awesome! My problem is with the MC.
Cindy starts out as interesting & charismatic with just a hint of insecurity.
Basically someone you can totally relate to.
Quickly she becomes this single minded, depressing, selfish jerk (who still manages to be devastatingly insecure) that I could not root for.
Weirdly enough...I'm still interested when he writes more in the series.
Much thanks to Wilmar Luna for my DRC!
October 30, 2019
This is a fairly standard sci-fi superhero story that follows a well-traveled path. It’s essentially “Robocop meets Iron Man: Extremis” and not much more. Which is fine for an early book, but it would’ve been nice to see some of these well-worn ideas given a new spin.
There are some interesting bits here, such as the secondary character essentially being an incel. If you haven’t heard about incels, count yourself lucky. “Incel” means “involuntary celibate.” They are those losers who have turned to hating others, particularly women, because there’s something not quite right about them, so they can’t find a relationship even though they feel they are deserving of one. They typically advocate for violence against women rather than spend a single moment towards improving themselves. It’s a whole pathetic thing. It’d be funny if it didn’t have tragic real world consequences.
Anyway, I think this book would have been far more interesting had that particular character been promoted to Big Bad. Given things like Gamergate and the Rabid Puppies which are direct offspring of that sort of irrational misogynistic hatred, that would have been a potent metaphor for a particular strand of ugliness in society in general and geekdom in particular. Being a sci-fi superhero story with a female protagonist, this could have been a nice counterpoint to that nonsense. Unfortunately it instead gives us exactly what we’ve seen before.
After witnessing The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran chased off of social media by those racist trolls and currently seeing the same vitriol being directed at Anna Diop who will be portraying the superhero Starfire in the new Teen Titans TV series, the scenes in this book where Cindy is dealing with similar grossness resonates. But that’s only a small aspect of the story.
Anyway, that was an unnecessarily long digression.
Luna employs a host of standard tropes: the disgraced cop filled with self-doubt, the strained marriage, James Bond-style bad guys who consider the world their playground, a liquid metal supersuit reminiscent of the T-1000 from Terminator 2. The writing is a bit uneven - some parts flow nicely while others have rough edges — but overall it’s fine. Some misspellings and grammar errors that spellcheck doesn’t catch, but it’s a perfectly serviceable actioner.
I will say my favorite part was a small moment early in the story when Police Commissioner Gates throws shade at ex-cop Cindy about how there’s tremendous value working as a security guard after trying to be an NYPD Officer and she marvels how he “called her a piece of shit without anyone noticing.” That was savage af, as the kids say.
It reminded me of the scene in Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita where Humbert Humbert (James Mason) essentially tells Shelley Winters to go fuck herself, but he does it so politely with his British accent that she’s not sure if it really happened.
There are some interesting bits here, such as the secondary character essentially being an incel. If you haven’t heard about incels, count yourself lucky. “Incel” means “involuntary celibate.” They are those losers who have turned to hating others, particularly women, because there’s something not quite right about them, so they can’t find a relationship even though they feel they are deserving of one. They typically advocate for violence against women rather than spend a single moment towards improving themselves. It’s a whole pathetic thing. It’d be funny if it didn’t have tragic real world consequences.
Anyway, I think this book would have been far more interesting had that particular character been promoted to Big Bad. Given things like Gamergate and the Rabid Puppies which are direct offspring of that sort of irrational misogynistic hatred, that would have been a potent metaphor for a particular strand of ugliness in society in general and geekdom in particular. Being a sci-fi superhero story with a female protagonist, this could have been a nice counterpoint to that nonsense. Unfortunately it instead gives us exactly what we’ve seen before.
After witnessing The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran chased off of social media by those racist trolls and currently seeing the same vitriol being directed at Anna Diop who will be portraying the superhero Starfire in the new Teen Titans TV series, the scenes in this book where Cindy is dealing with similar grossness resonates. But that’s only a small aspect of the story.
Anyway, that was an unnecessarily long digression.
Luna employs a host of standard tropes: the disgraced cop filled with self-doubt, the strained marriage, James Bond-style bad guys who consider the world their playground, a liquid metal supersuit reminiscent of the T-1000 from Terminator 2. The writing is a bit uneven - some parts flow nicely while others have rough edges — but overall it’s fine. Some misspellings and grammar errors that spellcheck doesn’t catch, but it’s a perfectly serviceable actioner.
I will say my favorite part was a small moment early in the story when Police Commissioner Gates throws shade at ex-cop Cindy about how there’s tremendous value working as a security guard after trying to be an NYPD Officer and she marvels how he “called her a piece of shit without anyone noticing.” That was savage af, as the kids say.
It reminded me of the scene in Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita where Humbert Humbert (James Mason) essentially tells Shelley Winters to go fuck herself, but he does it so politely with his British accent that she’s not sure if it really happened.
August 12, 2018
An ex-cop who can't get a break, Cindy is almost killed in the line of duty. Fate brings her to connect with a high-tech suit, and a weapon to fight back against the real villains.
I received a free copy of the paperback, after being a beta for this project.
First of all - this book is awesome.
Second - my opinion is highly likely to be biased. After a critical review of Luna's debut, I was brought on board as part of his beta team, which means I have been spending the last five years being very open about everything I thought was wrong with various drafts of this project.
Third - I am going to be equally open, and confirm this finished book is awesome.
This is a new superhero story, following Cindy Ames as she becomes the Silver Ninja.
After Cindy's partner (and the son of her boss) is killed, while they are on duty together; Cindy has been struggling to find her way in life. She has her husband, and a couple of jobs to keep a roof over their heads, but everything is perfunctory. The only thing she feels passionate about is hunting down the man who murdered her partner.
Her plans don't go smoothly, and she nearly dies, only being saved by some experimental project.
This is such a fun origin story, as Cindy fights for revenge, and is inevitably led to the suit.
It's great to read a book with such a strong female character, and her (sometimes-)supporting friends and family.
Cindy has to adapt, has to fight for the survival of those she loves. It's interesting to see how far she is willing to go, and what lines she will cross.
Luna has always done awesome action scenes, and this book weaves together some really great ones. What can I say, it's so much fun to follow her as she swings through the cityscape on a grappling hook, and kicking the shit out of the bad guys.
This book lays the foundations for a great series, with the promise of more Silver Ninja, and an enemy in the shadows.
I highly recommend checking this one out!
I received a free copy of the paperback, after being a beta for this project.
First of all - this book is awesome.
Second - my opinion is highly likely to be biased. After a critical review of Luna's debut, I was brought on board as part of his beta team, which means I have been spending the last five years being very open about everything I thought was wrong with various drafts of this project.
Third - I am going to be equally open, and confirm this finished book is awesome.
This is a new superhero story, following Cindy Ames as she becomes the Silver Ninja.
After Cindy's partner (and the son of her boss) is killed, while they are on duty together; Cindy has been struggling to find her way in life. She has her husband, and a couple of jobs to keep a roof over their heads, but everything is perfunctory. The only thing she feels passionate about is hunting down the man who murdered her partner.
Her plans don't go smoothly, and she nearly dies, only being saved by some experimental project.
This is such a fun origin story, as Cindy fights for revenge, and is inevitably led to the suit.
It's great to read a book with such a strong female character, and her (sometimes-)supporting friends and family.
Cindy has to adapt, has to fight for the survival of those she loves. It's interesting to see how far she is willing to go, and what lines she will cross.
Luna has always done awesome action scenes, and this book weaves together some really great ones. What can I say, it's so much fun to follow her as she swings through the cityscape on a grappling hook, and kicking the shit out of the bad guys.
This book lays the foundations for a great series, with the promise of more Silver Ninja, and an enemy in the shadows.
I highly recommend checking this one out!
October 31, 2018
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I adore Cindy. She’s spunky, tough, amusing, and a total mess. It’s refreshing to read about a character (especially a female superhero), who isn’t perfect and has actual problems she must overcome. The actions she takes in the novel weigh heavily on her and change her by the end. Her character growth is amazing.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Cindy and her husband, Jonas. They felt like a married couple. I’m so thankful there was no pointless love angle (not a triangle because, you know, most love triangles aren’t that. They’re angles), and I could just focus on their good, healthy relationship. Yes, they have problems, but it’s nothing abusive.
The suit Cindy gets is pretty cool, and I love that it comes with a price. The action is decent, and Ned’s fate was perfect. I didn’t expect it, but the surprise was beautiful.
My only problem was Raymond. He’s not a bad character, but I didn’t completely buy the duality of his character. I’m not sure how the author could have improved this, but there needed to be more with Raymond. Maybe it’s just me.
Overall, I loved this book. There were a couple of punctuation mistakes, but nothing that distracted from the story. If you like awesome superheroes that have in-depth character arcs, this story is for you.
First and foremost, I adore Cindy. She’s spunky, tough, amusing, and a total mess. It’s refreshing to read about a character (especially a female superhero), who isn’t perfect and has actual problems she must overcome. The actions she takes in the novel weigh heavily on her and change her by the end. Her character growth is amazing.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Cindy and her husband, Jonas. They felt like a married couple. I’m so thankful there was no pointless love angle (not a triangle because, you know, most love triangles aren’t that. They’re angles), and I could just focus on their good, healthy relationship. Yes, they have problems, but it’s nothing abusive.
The suit Cindy gets is pretty cool, and I love that it comes with a price. The action is decent, and Ned’s fate was perfect. I didn’t expect it, but the surprise was beautiful.
My only problem was Raymond. He’s not a bad character, but I didn’t completely buy the duality of his character. I’m not sure how the author could have improved this, but there needed to be more with Raymond. Maybe it’s just me.
Overall, I loved this book. There were a couple of punctuation mistakes, but nothing that distracted from the story. If you like awesome superheroes that have in-depth character arcs, this story is for you.
October 25, 2018
If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you'll see mostly the same nature of books. Most book bloggers prefer to pigeonhole themselves into a couple of genres. Mine typically fall under paranormal fiction, urban fantasy, or horror, and I'm perfectly content with that. Every now and then though, there will be a book that shakes it up and practically begs me to review it. The Silver Ninja is one of those books.
Science fiction, superhero, comic book fiction... Whatever you designation you want to give it, The Silver Ninja is all of those things and none of those things. Wilmar Luna has taken the usual superhero saga and deconstructed it, shattering any expectations of the ordinary lawful good hero. Cindy isn't quite an anti-hero, but she is certainly not playing things by the rules.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
Science fiction, superhero, comic book fiction... Whatever you designation you want to give it, The Silver Ninja is all of those things and none of those things. Wilmar Luna has taken the usual superhero saga and deconstructed it, shattering any expectations of the ordinary lawful good hero. Cindy isn't quite an anti-hero, but she is certainly not playing things by the rules.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
August 10, 2018
Cindy Ames is a former police officer that has trouble letting go of the past and her failures. Cindy in a downward spiral that she just can't pull herself out of. When Cindy comes face to face with the man she blames for her failures something snaps in her~revenge and rage. Cindy's husband has helped create SIRCA ~ a combat suit for military purposes. Cindy's need for vengeance overtakes her reason and she steals SIRCA. Cindy feels invincible and brave in the suit. She prevents the city from disaster. However, there are other forces that want Cindy to follow their guidelines and instructions. Can Cindy let go of her vengeance? Who wants to be in charge of the suit? Your answers await you in A Bitter Winter.
I really liked the future tech this novel took place. I found the characters and story to be rich, bold, mysterious, curious, intriguing, raw, real, and complicated. This new to me author is someone I would read again in the future.
I really liked the future tech this novel took place. I found the characters and story to be rich, bold, mysterious, curious, intriguing, raw, real, and complicated. This new to me author is someone I would read again in the future.
September 20, 2018
This story is a fast-paced sci-fi fantasy featuring a kick-ass superheroine.
Cindy Ames is an ex-cop who is struggling to deal with her tragedy in her past, the death of her partner. Caught up with a need for revenge, Cindy steals advanced tech (a combat suit) that her husband had been working on.
The suit gives her strength, speed and purpose. Turning her into the Silver Ninja. But there are other players involved who have interests in controlling Cindy and the suit.
A great story with well-developed characters, an intriguing plot and great tech concepts. Wilmar Luna does a great job of building the imagery of this world and taking us on a ride with the Silver Ninja as she becomes a superheroine.
An excellent book for sci-fi fans and I am looking forward to reading the next one. This series promises to keep you turning the page.
I was given a free copy of this book after being a beta reader.
Cindy Ames is an ex-cop who is struggling to deal with her tragedy in her past, the death of her partner. Caught up with a need for revenge, Cindy steals advanced tech (a combat suit) that her husband had been working on.
The suit gives her strength, speed and purpose. Turning her into the Silver Ninja. But there are other players involved who have interests in controlling Cindy and the suit.
A great story with well-developed characters, an intriguing plot and great tech concepts. Wilmar Luna does a great job of building the imagery of this world and taking us on a ride with the Silver Ninja as she becomes a superheroine.
An excellent book for sci-fi fans and I am looking forward to reading the next one. This series promises to keep you turning the page.
I was given a free copy of this book after being a beta reader.
August 20, 2018
Great story! I love a good Superhero story, and this one was great. I enjoyed the Authors writing. The characters were down to earth and relatable. Cindy was amazing. A lot of action in this one, twists and surprises. And a lesson to be learned. Loved it! Looking forward to The Silver Ninja #2.
I give A Bitter Winter 5 stars for its action packed read.
I would recommend this book to Superhero fans.
I give A Bitter Winter 5 stars for its action packed read.
I would recommend this book to Superhero fans.
November 20, 2018
Cindy Ames has become a superhero. She has her own avenging to do. And thanks to Wilmar Luna, she does it well!
The Silver Ninja: A Bitter Winter is best described as a roller coaster of action. And that term also applies to Mr. Luna’s main character, Cindy. A young cop rising through the ranks, only to fall from grace due to tragedy into dark obsession. Cindy rises again as new combat technology comes into her reach, but darker designs bring her falling down again. Can Cindy rise once again to the greatest heights of a true hero?
Mr. Luna has honed his skills to create a superheroic masterpiece, with talent to place him in the realm of action/adventure bestsellers like Patterson, Clancy and Cussler. Perfectly balanced with the right amount of detail in the right spots, the Silver Ninja strikes!
The Silver Ninja: A Bitter Winter is best described as a roller coaster of action. And that term also applies to Mr. Luna’s main character, Cindy. A young cop rising through the ranks, only to fall from grace due to tragedy into dark obsession. Cindy rises again as new combat technology comes into her reach, but darker designs bring her falling down again. Can Cindy rise once again to the greatest heights of a true hero?
Mr. Luna has honed his skills to create a superheroic masterpiece, with talent to place him in the realm of action/adventure bestsellers like Patterson, Clancy and Cussler. Perfectly balanced with the right amount of detail in the right spots, the Silver Ninja strikes!
September 13, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is the first book in the Silver Ninja series. I was not sure what I was stepping to when I received this book. I just knew that it was out of my comfort zone when it came to the genres that I was reading at the time of getting it. The story centers around Cindy Ames a disgraced cop that is going after the person that took her partner from her and that is now coming after the people that she cares for. This makes her go off the rails a bit and fuse with prototype suit that has a will of it own and a plan that it will do anything to se fulfilled. The world building in this is very intense and the characters add to that complex world. The more I learned the more I understood what was happening. That made the twists and turns more appealing and the story unfold before me.
Read
November 3, 2020This had so much action in it that it flowed smoothly. The characters were the driving force for the story. I’m going to get the second installment when it comes out.
March 23, 2025
I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews