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perilous1's review against another edition
2.0
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/21611-jet-black-and-the-ninja-wind
2.5 Stars
Rika Kuroi (Jet) has led an unusual and isolated life. Half Japanese and half Caucasian-American, she’s grown up on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico under the care of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend, J-Bird. Her mother has been relentlessly training her all her life, in secret wilderness sessions, to be a Kunoichi—a female ninja. But she has never hinted as to why. When her mother dies, it is feared that those who chased her from her homeland will turn their attention to Jet. And so Jet journeys to Japan, to Kanabe and her mother’s people, in search of the answers she was never given.
The book is written in third person past-tense, largely from Jet’s point of view, but sometimes alternating to include her cousin Hiro, her grandfather, and later on the mercurial Takumi. It picks up more of an urban fantasy feel as it goes.
What I Liked:
I won’t lie—the cover of this book was what first snared my attention. (As tough chicks with swords tend to do.) The premise then pulled me in, with its promise of mystery, cross-cultural intrigue, and of course… ninjas. I read the free sample provided by Amazon, and the vivid writing and rapid pacing gave that final push that made me want to request the book.
The font layout was uniquely attractive. Each chapter has not only a number but a name—written in both English and Japanese kanji. (The same is true for the six distinct parts the book is divided into.) The glossary of terms at the back is a smart addition, offering a quick and thorough reference for relevant Japanese words, terms, and historical figures.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Unfortunately, a significant pacing slowdown seems to occur once the setting switches to Japan. (Something I couldn’t discern from the sample I’d read, as it ended prior to the end of Part 1, 32 pages in.)
Connectivity to Jet became increasingly difficult as the story progressed, in large part because readers never truly get to know her. What had she wanted to be or do when she reached adulthood? Was she completely friendless in high school? Does she have any hobbies or interests outside of the ninja training her mother pounded into her? Why is she bothered by small enclosed spaces? What mysterious illness killed her mother--And is she at all concerned of the same fate might befall her?
So many things about Jet are simply not addressed or fleshed out. Nor is there an explanation for why Jet is initially so weepy, whiny, and passive when she first faces danger Japan (her attitude being a hugely off-putting issue for some time.)
It was continually difficult to suspend disbelief over the villain’s motivations—particularly considering no one actually knows what the treasure is until the very end. The possibilities provided are wildly varied, straying off in convoluted directions that include conspiracy alternate histories for Judaism and Christianity (p. 117-119)—as if vaguely inspired by The Davinci Code. But these possibilities don’t satisfactorily justify why an already incredibly rich man would pump massive amounts of money, time, lives, and criminality into locating a treasure of unknown origin and value.
Other Detractors:
-Insta-love (Involving a bad-boy mercenary with murky motivations and little-to-no moral compass. Despite his participation in attacks and murder involving Jet’s family, she becomes irritatingly preoccupied with trying to save him from his own ambitions/greed.) The chemistry between them ended up feeling forced—“ninja magic” aside.
-Editing issues (More errors than I usually see in a non-ARC outside of self-published works—2 on page 86 alone. An instance of sudden POV shift mid-scene with no warning or transition (page 37), and some yo-yoing in and out of POV. (Example: Masakichi rubbed his nose as if trying to get rid of the smell. (We are meant to be in Masakichi’s perspective—he should know if he is trying to get rid of the smell or not.)
There was also repeated buildup regarding the villain’s infamous pet panther, only to have it seemingly forgotten in the middle of a big fight scene.
Final Thought:
A promising premise with lots of action, but the entirety didn’t quite cohere for me.
2.5 Stars
Rika Kuroi (Jet) has led an unusual and isolated life. Half Japanese and half Caucasian-American, she’s grown up on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico under the care of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend, J-Bird. Her mother has been relentlessly training her all her life, in secret wilderness sessions, to be a Kunoichi—a female ninja. But she has never hinted as to why. When her mother dies, it is feared that those who chased her from her homeland will turn their attention to Jet. And so Jet journeys to Japan, to Kanabe and her mother’s people, in search of the answers she was never given.
The book is written in third person past-tense, largely from Jet’s point of view, but sometimes alternating to include her cousin Hiro, her grandfather, and later on the mercurial Takumi. It picks up more of an urban fantasy feel as it goes.
What I Liked:
I won’t lie—the cover of this book was what first snared my attention. (As tough chicks with swords tend to do.) The premise then pulled me in, with its promise of mystery, cross-cultural intrigue, and of course… ninjas. I read the free sample provided by Amazon, and the vivid writing and rapid pacing gave that final push that made me want to request the book.
The font layout was uniquely attractive. Each chapter has not only a number but a name—written in both English and Japanese kanji. (The same is true for the six distinct parts the book is divided into.) The glossary of terms at the back is a smart addition, offering a quick and thorough reference for relevant Japanese words, terms, and historical figures.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Unfortunately, a significant pacing slowdown seems to occur once the setting switches to Japan. (Something I couldn’t discern from the sample I’d read, as it ended prior to the end of Part 1, 32 pages in.)
Connectivity to Jet became increasingly difficult as the story progressed, in large part because readers never truly get to know her. What had she wanted to be or do when she reached adulthood? Was she completely friendless in high school? Does she have any hobbies or interests outside of the ninja training her mother pounded into her? Why is she bothered by small enclosed spaces? What mysterious illness killed her mother--And is she at all concerned of the same fate might befall her?
So many things about Jet are simply not addressed or fleshed out. Nor is there an explanation for why Jet is initially so weepy, whiny, and passive when she first faces danger Japan (her attitude being a hugely off-putting issue for some time.)
It was continually difficult to suspend disbelief over the villain’s motivations—particularly considering no one actually knows what the treasure is until the very end. The possibilities provided are wildly varied, straying off in convoluted directions that include conspiracy alternate histories for Judaism and Christianity (p. 117-119)—as if vaguely inspired by The Davinci Code. But these possibilities don’t satisfactorily justify why an already incredibly rich man would pump massive amounts of money, time, lives, and criminality into locating a treasure of unknown origin and value.
Other Detractors:
-Insta-love (Involving a bad-boy mercenary with murky motivations and little-to-no moral compass. Despite his participation in attacks and murder involving Jet’s family, she becomes irritatingly preoccupied with trying to save him from his own ambitions/greed.) The chemistry between them ended up feeling forced—“ninja magic” aside.
-Editing issues (More errors than I usually see in a non-ARC outside of self-published works—2 on page 86 alone. An instance of sudden POV shift mid-scene with no warning or transition (page 37), and some yo-yoing in and out of POV. (Example: Masakichi rubbed his nose as if trying to get rid of the smell. (We are meant to be in Masakichi’s perspective—he should know if he is trying to get rid of the smell or not.)
There was also repeated buildup regarding the villain’s infamous pet panther, only to have it seemingly forgotten in the middle of a big fight scene.
Final Thought:
A promising premise with lots of action, but the entirety didn’t quite cohere for me.
ladytabletop's review against another edition
1.0
I was probably not this book's intended audience, but I do usually enjoy YA and fun trope-y stuff like ninjas.
I literally read three pages. I am a strong believer in the three chapter rule: if you haven't hooked me after three chapters, I won't keep reading.
This one did the opposite, it turned me off so much in the first three that I can't read it. The writing style, the tropes, the cheesy metaphors - augh!
If you can stomach thise, then this book might be for you.
I literally read three pages. I am a strong believer in the three chapter rule: if you haven't hooked me after three chapters, I won't keep reading.
This one did the opposite, it turned me off so much in the first three that I can't read it. The writing style, the tropes, the cheesy metaphors - augh!
If you can stomach thise, then this book might be for you.
eviebookish's review against another edition
5.0
As brisk as it is flavorful and rich in historical and cultural (even multi-cultural!) detail, Jet Black and the Ninja Wind is much more than just a highly addictive and visually dazzling action fantasy. It's also a meaningful tale about honoring your heritage and fighting for what's right, challenging your fears and falling in love. Most of all, it's a journey to self-discovery - powerful, memorable and inspiring. This page-turner of a book is hands down the best YA adventure I've read in the past couple years. A novel not to be missed! I am so excited to have discovered this gem of a book, I'll be raving about it for a very long time.
Lowitz and Oketani write with amazing clarity, beauty and conviction, making Jet Black an unputdownable treat. The story is fast-paced and epic, but it's also emotional and reflective, offering the reader both something fun and something to ponder and reflect upon. It's also incredibly uplifting, exciting and loaded with positive energy, and I loved how good it made me feel. The descriptions of Japan and American southwest are all gorgeously evocative and mesmerizing, the action parts (martial arts!) - sweeping, almost cinematic. And the dialogues are equally awesome - captivating, dramatic and full of sparkling chemistry.
Filled with meaningful themes and life lessons, this book is perfect for young readers and adults alike. I honestly can't imagine anyone disliking this story. Fans of historical settings and vibrant cultural backdrops (Japanese and Native culture in particular), will be thrilled to discover this one. All the cross-cultural references and historical accuracy make this book even more interesting to read. And there's even a glossary of Japanese terms and concepts at the end of the book, and a great area map of Japan at the beginning.
All the characters are great, but it's the lead heroine who really shines. Jet is such a fantastic character! I loved following her adventures and seeing her morph into this strong, kickass ninja-girl (or kunoichi, to be more accurate). As the story progresses, she learns more about herself, her family and her heritage, and she becomes stronger and wiser with every page. There's still a lot for her to discover, not all her questions are answered in the first book, and it only makes me that much more excited for the sequel. I can't wait to find out where the story will take her next!
Action, mystery, magic, history, culture, romance and intrigue - Jet Black and the Ninja Wind has it all! If you're looking for a book to completely sweep you off your feet and transport you to a land of mysticism and heroism, this is the book for you. I highly recommend reading this one!
Lowitz and Oketani write with amazing clarity, beauty and conviction, making Jet Black an unputdownable treat. The story is fast-paced and epic, but it's also emotional and reflective, offering the reader both something fun and something to ponder and reflect upon. It's also incredibly uplifting, exciting and loaded with positive energy, and I loved how good it made me feel. The descriptions of Japan and American southwest are all gorgeously evocative and mesmerizing, the action parts (martial arts!) - sweeping, almost cinematic. And the dialogues are equally awesome - captivating, dramatic and full of sparkling chemistry.
Filled with meaningful themes and life lessons, this book is perfect for young readers and adults alike. I honestly can't imagine anyone disliking this story. Fans of historical settings and vibrant cultural backdrops (Japanese and Native culture in particular), will be thrilled to discover this one. All the cross-cultural references and historical accuracy make this book even more interesting to read. And there's even a glossary of Japanese terms and concepts at the end of the book, and a great area map of Japan at the beginning.
All the characters are great, but it's the lead heroine who really shines. Jet is such a fantastic character! I loved following her adventures and seeing her morph into this strong, kickass ninja-girl (or kunoichi, to be more accurate). As the story progresses, she learns more about herself, her family and her heritage, and she becomes stronger and wiser with every page. There's still a lot for her to discover, not all her questions are answered in the first book, and it only makes me that much more excited for the sequel. I can't wait to find out where the story will take her next!
Action, mystery, magic, history, culture, romance and intrigue - Jet Black and the Ninja Wind has it all! If you're looking for a book to completely sweep you off your feet and transport you to a land of mysticism and heroism, this is the book for you. I highly recommend reading this one!
thecatochronicles's review against another edition
3.0
Fun and entertaining, this book was a wonderful mix of modern America and ancient Japan. It dealt with the question of what it would be like to be a modern ninja. Jet was a vulnerable girl who could kick your ass if it came to it. The dualities in this book were fun to see played out: male/female, war/peace, modern/ancient, East/West, Christian/Buddhist. Pick this up if you're looking for a cross-country ninja adventure. Or just something different.
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