Relax, I'm a Ninja by Natalie Whipple

A Clan of ninjas in San Francisco may sound improbable—but as the son of a ninja master, Tosh Ito knows what lurks in the shadows of his city. Or at least he thought he did.

When a killer with a poisoned blade starts cutting down teens, Tosh enlists Amy Sato—newest ninja recruit and his best friend’s crush—and sets out to uncover the killer’s identity. What they find is ninjutsu more evil than they could have ever imagined.

As Amy and Tosh grow closer, they discover their connection unleashes a legendary power that could stop the murders. Problem is, that power may be exactly what the killer is looking for, and wielding it could cost them both their souls.

  Opening line:
"All I wanted was sleep, but my stomach groaned until I couldn’t take it anymore."

Awesome, fun story about teen ninjas and how they kick butt and still have time to kiss and go to high school dances. I was drawn into the story right from the beginning! I never felt lost with all the karate, ninja talk or fight scenes. It was a unique story that I had to keep reading.

TRANSPARENT by Natalie Whipple

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

First line:
"I nearly died the second I was born."

Pitched as Godfather meets X-Men is a pretty good assessment. There is a mafia and there are people with special powers.
And a story about an invisible girl? Cool. Poor Fiona is a teen and invisible. Literally, invisible. I enjoyed reading her storyline and how she changed and grew as a person.
I liked the neighbors! And Seth.
I hoped for more reconciliation between Fiona and her mom.  And maybe a little more scenes with her dad.
A quick, fun story with a cast of interesting characters. Ms. Whipple has debuted a great book. Keep 'em coming, Natalie!


Rating: PG 13
V: Some fighting
L: Sprinkling of swear words
S: Kissing

Liked:
Seth
Special abilities
The twist

Disliked:
Fiona's treatment of her mom
Ending came too quickly

4 STARS