"It was awesome! You have to read it especially the part when Yazuki finds out her sister absolutely loves heights instead of hating them."
Layla Ahmed, February 2020
"The good thing about reviewing books on goodreads is that now I am learning something about excellence versus mediocrity. Your book is excellent."
Andd, October 2012
"Well-written and exciting books especially for the younger audience."
Lu Ann, October 2012
"How can it possibly go wrong when the main characters are ninjas? I mean really, ninjas are awesome! ...back to the subject, it's a good book, I read the whole series in just some few days, because I really wanted to know what happened next. The book is, as the other two, well written and the story is good. I really liked the part of the story about the daggers and their history, because, well, how can you NOT like ancient, mythical diamond daggers with mysterious powers? Especially in combination about NINJAS!"
Idun, October 2012
"Wow, this third book in the Hattori Hachi series was a great journey where Hachi had to face all her enemies at the same time in the same place. Once again it brought many surprises with it... I wish the author success in her future and hope that we'l get to read more adventures of Hachi in the near future..."
Yeshma, October 2012
"The premise is so intriguing; partially it's because NINJAS(!), and partially because of a 15 YEAR OLD NINJA in a modern world. Although, ninjas are a popular topic, there aren't that many book about ninjas. So, a huge ninja fan myself, I was really looking forward to reading this. And when I read it, I was blown away. This book is fantastically written. The plot is very engaging, and I was just wowed. The character too were three dimensional, and not just cardboard cutouts. Also, the scenes and descriptions were great. The descriptions weren't overly done, and I was read the book, as if I were watching a movie. Overall, this is a wonderful book in a wonderful series! More people should definitely read this!"
Jasana, August 2012
"i loved this book, i couldn't put it down!"
William Age 10, October 2014
"Hattori Hachi's adventures continue, even more dangerous t han before. More secrets will be revealed, and I, for one, was very excited to see what was going to happen when I started it... In this second book of the series, we learn a little more about how the ninjutsu world is organised. I found it very cool that each ninja who was assigned to do something didn't know anything else about the mission, so as information not to be tortured out of him or her. This made it even more amazing when all the puzzle pieces were there and I could understand everything. Hachi will have to fight Raven and the rest of the Kataki in their new secret base in an abandoned castle in Kielder. Her mission is to find out whatever they are planning and stop them. But that is a pretty hard thing to do when she and her friends are kept prisoners there, not knowing where Yazuki and Chiyoko might be. Hachi is a little braver and smarter than in the prequel, and it made me happy to see that she developed pretty much as a character. She is more secure in her moves, and the fighting scenes are even better described. I could actually visualise all their moves and I can say that the outcome was pretty cool... And did I mention how much I adore Bushi and Akira, the ninja-trained rats? I must admit, it is be pretty nice to have such smart pets on your side! I must say I LOVE the location where the action takes place. Kielder is very well described and I could tell that Jane had done her homework when she visited it. I could clearly picture everything, and, on a first look on some images on the web, it is exactly as I have seen it. And now I have one more place I want to visit in the future. The book ends with the promise of a trip to Japan, which makes me very keen on starting the third book soon. I recommend this book to all martial arts and Japan lovers, both girls and boys, and to all the people who like children and YA novels."
Adela (Vanilla Moon), October 2012
"Here is an author whose remarkable series has exceeded all expectations by producing something of such high caliber, where once more I am left will chills down my spine after reading book two. Hattori Hachi: Stalking the Enemy follows on from book one Hattori Hachi: The Revenge of Praying Mantis the debut novel by Jane Prowse, continuing the adventure of a young Ninja girl that is truly breathtaking. Losing myself once more in Hattie Jackson’s world I was delighted this time to find a new enemy emerging from out of the shadows, in the form of the illusive Raven that like Praying Mantis remains a great threat... One is swept away once more by the epic storyline that captures your imagination and your heart. Touching my soul with its depth, full of thrilling action and drama I sat on the edge of my seat in suspense feeling completely drained as I was so overwhelmed by Jane Prowse books. It is a tale about love, loss and revenge with a clever twist that will delight many young readers as well as older ones too. The fast-paced action makes you sit up and take notice of everything happening, where the characters jump off the page. As more of the mystery is revealed to you the pace quickens, in which as you just begin to grasp what you think is the truth then the author goes and surprises you once again with another twist in the tale that shocks and astonishes. Building up to the most dramatic conclusion I have ever read in a book, I was blown-away by the sheer scale on which the author leaves you guessing right up to the most gripping, intense ending to a thrilling adventure. I found the combination of martial arts, memorable and distinctive characters and a well-structured plot to be a winner, with the mixture of fast-paced action and drama alongside poignant and heartwarming parts making it something very special. To keep ones attention throughout as well as making a story meaningful, thought-provoking and truth-drawing (where the reader can actually relate and connect to the words), is something very great indeed hence I feel that this is in a whole different league to many books within that ‘stereotypical young-adult’ genre category... I look forward to reading book three in the future, whilst I beg of you to delve into a trilogy that is fantastic, fun and totally fabulous."
Lucinda, September 2012
"I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one is even better! A lot happens in the first book and I wondered how Prowse could weave all the change in Hattie's life to another story. She answered my question and gave me an amazing adventure... Even though we see this tale through the eyes of a teenage girl, I think boys would like this too. It isn't too girly and it isn't too ..boy-y... (let's pretend that's a word). It is rare that a book is suitable for both genders, but Prowse seems to have the ability to make everyone of all ages and genders love her writing."
Zoe, April 2012
" Stalking the enemy is an amazing read, I am reading it for the third time, it still stays as thrilling as the first time I read It. Hattori Hachi is an amazing heroine with extreme ninja skills. The book could not get anymore exciting and I cannot wait until the next installment comes out!! "
By Jessica Hill, 13 years old
" i love the books..especially this one. hattie and mad dog are really great together and hope they continue being together. i really want to continue reading these books so i really want the book three to be written "
By Sarah Ramlall, 16 years old
" Hi! I just wanted to say that I think your books are really amazing! I was a judge for the 2010 Portsmouth Book Awards and I voted for Hattori Hachi to win. I was really disappointed that it didn't win but at least lots of people know about it and can read it and discover the amazing world of ninjitsu."
" What I liked about Revenge of the Praying Mantis was that for once it was a girl hero doing all the brave stuff because usually it's always boys getting all the main character parts and girls never get a look-in. I could definitely connect with Hattie and I think the storyline was really interesting. I also liked all the things I could learn about Ninjitsu. It really helps you learn as well as being a great story! The second book, Stalking the Enemy, was also really good and I didn't want to put it down. It was just as good as the first one, maybe even better, if that is possible! Jane is an amazing author and these two books are probably among the best, and most interesting, ones I've read so far! "
Gloria Truscott, 13 years old
" Hi Jane! I love your books and voted for Hattori Hatchi to win the book awards. I enjoyed Hattori Hatchi: Revenge of the praying mantis so much that i decided to read the next one in the series: Stalking the enemy. It was really good. Thanks for writing the Hattori Hatchi series and i hope that there will be more to come. "
By Niki Poore, 13 years old
By Hollymay Gladwin, 15 years old
"This is a great book. its hard for me to get into certain books, but this one caught my attention really fast. i love it. and i think my 13 yr old might like it too. she takes karate at school."
Becky, October 2012
"I absolutely LOVE Asia, especially Japan, so I was thrilled to learn that Hattie, the protagonist, was half Japanese, and a big part of the book is based on Japanese culture and history. She could be a teenage girl like any other, but not with her mother secretly training her to be a ninja, testing how much she can hold her breath underwater, making her walk on thin surfaces at big heights and so on. But this so-called little game of theirs gets dangerous when her mother, Chiyoko, suddenly dissappears, and Hattie has to find out what happened to her, and figure out how to save her. She will discover who she and her mother really are, and learn how to be a ninja and fight, before the Kataki, lead by the Praying Mantis find and destroy her. Hattie/Hachi was my favourite character, and not because she is the main one. I found her to be a very strong girl, despite her age, and her personality is credible. She has moments when she is scared, and lost, like any child would be in that situation, but she is trying to overcome her fear and do what is best to save her mother. She is very loyal to her friends, and expects them to act the same... I recommend this book to all of my reading friends, young adult lovers or not. You will find this book to be a little atypical for the YA genre, and in a good way."
Adela (Vanilla Moon), September 2012
" I have loved reading this book. I thought I'd like it after meeting you at Southampton Central library. I love the theme, all about Japan and ninjutsu, and I think having a female main character makes this book accessible to everyone. I loved the shocks, secrets and discoveries in the story, I could never predict what might come next. The character Suzi particularly surprised me, as at first she seems friendly, but turns out to be otherwise! Yazuki is also a brilliant character, for her disguises, and wisdom."
" The story is very well written, and I was totally drawn in. I can't wait to complete the sequel!"
By Saul Barry, 10 years old
" The Revenge of the Praying Mantis was absolutely amazing. It was extremely gripping and an awesome tale. It was enthralling and I would recommend this to any avid reader. It created an extremely vivid picture on my mind and as the story went on the picture in my mind got better and better. I have really only been interested before in the Young Samurai series but now I need to make more room on my shelves for this book and the second one in the trilogy. For me it has been impossible to put down and for that I loved it. If I ever find a book as adventurous or as action-packed as this I will be very surprised. Well done Jane Prowse!!!!"
By Albany Rowan, 12 years old
By Katie, 14 years old
"This was the best book I've ever read. It was exciting and thrilling and when i started reading it, i could not put it back down."
By Roshane Perera, 18 years old
"This is the best book I have ever read. I never wanted to put it down. The characters' personalities fitted the book like a glove and the adventures just kept on coming. If you're looking for an adventure, look here. If you're looking for a mystery, look here. If you're looking for the best adventure book of the year, look here! Hope we get to find out what Hattori does next!!"
By Bella Wickens, 13 years old
"Hattori Hachi is like the female Jackie Chan, she has all the ninjitsu skills and all the moves! The revenge of Praying Mantis is one of my all time favourite books! I love the fact that both boys and girls can enjoy it. In the story there is a handful of emotions and a lot of time and care has been put into it. I love it!"
By Jessica Hill, 12 years old
"Hi Jane "
"Just to let the world know that, even as an OAP I thoroughly enjoyed your first book. It made excellent holiday reading, and at times it was difficult to put down! I feel it will appeal to all age groups; ie teens upwards. Good luck with the next, we will be getting our copy."
Judy
From Judy Jones, pensioner
"Amazing Book!! Couldn't put it down, Bought from my school after the author's talk on 05/02/2010 (Friday) and finished it on the very next day!! Completely drawn into the story within the first chapter!!"
By Jack Davis, 12 years old"This book is great for both genders, most ages and certainly all adventure lovers! You must have this book on your shelf. It has excitement, fact and a very clever story line. It's great! READ IT!"
By Alfie Keenan, 9 years old
"I loved this book ! This book is about a girl called Hattie who discovers her Mother's secret life as a Ninjitsu master. At first the book slowly unravels itself, but then it gets more and more exciting."
"I thought that it was a very emotional story and it was told in very good detail. At first there are things that you don't understand but they are explained later in the book. This makes the reader keen to keep reading on to find out the answer. For example at first you don't know why Hattie's Mother gave her a locket."
"I liked the fact that you learned about Ninjitsu and I got sucked in, wanting to know more and more about this Martial Art. I liked the fact that it was action-packed, that there are people you trust but then you find out that you can't really trust them. I was glad that it was a girl hero - I hate that other books make girls look like wimps but in this book the girl is strong and no matter what, she holds on and protects others."
"The story was told from Hattie's point of view and it gave her opinion about people which I really enjoyed. I liked it that she learned her own lessons and that she made sure that her friends were always beside her - she put herself into danger first to look after her friends."
"I would reccommend this book to everyone !"
By Francesca Forte, 11 years old
"I would not normally have been attracted to read a book with this title. However, I am glad I was persuaded to do so. From the very beginning, I found it intriguing and, as I progressed through this exciting adventure, it became increasingly important to find the time to read “just another chapter”. "
"Yesterday I recommended it to a Japanese friend."
By Prudence Vincent, 77 years young"Thrilling, exciting, hugely imaginative and a real page turner, this book holds your attention from start to finish. The book begins by introducing us to Hattie, a 15 yer-old girl around whom the plot ultimatley centres. At first her world seems very typical as we are introduced to the other characters: Nina, devoted best friend, Yazuki, Shiela and Tasha weaver and Hatties hugely caring and sensitive father, these people along with others make up the community in which Hattie lives although she soon realises that her seemingly mundane urban surroundings actually have a lot more to offer than would first appear. When Hatties mother goes missing her world is turned upside down with only the Foundry, the childrens home she set up to provide a lasting legacy. Hattie befriends Mad Dog, a boy previously housed in the Foundry and together the pair make all sorts of fantastic discoveries. The description of Hatties world transports us into the thick of things with an oriental vein running throughout. Exciting revelations allow us to be swept up ino the dark, intriguing world of the Kataki as the plot moves quickly onwards. Hattie's world becomes more complicated as she makes more and more discoveries about her family and true identity, all around her things are changing and no-one is entirely trustworthy. As Hattie is introduced to the ninjutsu world the 'games' from her childhood take on a new significance and suddenly everything begins to fall into place. Hattie is bombarded with all sorts of moves and techniques to learn before she is to take on the fearsome and cruel Praying Mantis. The pace of the book quickens as Hattie discovers the Kataki's terrifying plot and it's up to her to protect her friends and family. The plot twists and turns in the most unexpected of ways as we follow Hattie through this incredible year of her life. There is never a dull moment in this book as we are transported to the fantastic world of the orient, I throughly enjoyed it."
By Claire Mitchell, 17 years old
"I really really liked this book. This book is about Hattori Hachi a.k.a. Hattie Jackson, Golden Child. Hattie is fifteen years old and when her Mum goes missing she discovers that her Mother was actually a secret Ninjitsu in training. Hattie then discovers many secrets and goes looking for her Mother with the aid of a friend and a Secret Ninjitsu Master."
"What I liked about this book is the fact that it is all knotted and twisted up at first but then it unravels and it all becomes clear and you realise how clever it all is. The ammount of Ninjitsu knowledge that the author has, is stunning."
"This book is full of betrayal and revelation. People find out what is and what may be. I liked Hattie very much because she was very cunning and understood many things, although she does have anger melt-downs."
"This amazing book's plot must have been very complicated to write because it took you round every corner and the author must have looked at a great many things to have the knowledge she does."
"The story could be a bit scary in places which was OK for me but might be too much for younger children (say around the age of five)."
"I couldn't put this book down - it was absolutely brilliant !"
By Hugo Forte, 9 years old
"I thought this book was amazing. It had me hooked from the first page. I love how Jane Prowse started the book with something symbolic in Japan, instead of moving right into the story. You learnt a bit about other countries and enjoyed a great book at the same time."
By Hikma Saleem