Deadly Wish: A Ninja's Journey - Tapa dura

"Kudos to Thomson for a well-researched story with plausible characters in a fantastical world reminiscent of 16th-century Japan. Jam-packed with thrilling action and hurtling plot twists-readers may forget to breathe." - Kirkus Reviews "Fans of the first book in the series, Deadly Flowers, will not be disappointed when they rejoin Kata on another perilous journey. In this sequel, Kata has matured as an independent fighter who learns about friendship, trust, responsibility, and the freedom to make decisions...A great option for tweens and younger teens interested in Japanese folklore and ninja action."- School Library Journal

This sequel to Deadly Flowers is a fast-paced and compelling read with a multitude of astonishing plot twists. Kata is one of the best employees of a master thief until he sells her to Madame Chiyome, the woman who trained Kata as a ninja. It turns out that Madame Chiyome has been hired by Kata's enemy, Saiko, to capture Kata and the magical pearl she possesses. But while escaping her enemies, Kata puts her trusted group of friends in danger. Should Kata stay loyal to her mission, as a true ninja would, or to her friends? Can Kata trust the fellow thief who says he is in love with her and wants to help her? The themes of trust versus independence underlie each of Kata's decisions as she tries to get the pearl out of Japan to weaken the demon within it. As Kata faces one obstacle after another, including a wide range of supernatural creatures, she is tempted to make a wish to save herself, even though could it be the last wish, the one that frees the demon and lets him take her soul. Will her sense of duty and honor prevail against all odds?