Deadly Flowers

Sarah L. Thomson has written everything from picture books to easy readers to middle grade and young adult novels. Her novels include The Dragon's Son, a young adult novel based on the King Arthur story, which was a JLG selection, earned two starred reviews, and was on VOYA's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror of 2001 list, among other honors; Dragon's Egg, a middle-grade fantasy, which was a JLG selection and a Maine Lupine Award winner; and The Secret of the Rose, a middle-grade historical fiction tale set in Elizabethan London. She lives in Portland, Maine. Visit sarahlthomson.com.

"A girl's first mission as a ninja is complicated by a pair of young siblings and dangerous Japanese spirits.... Thomson has created heroines who are opposites yet manage to use their strengths to take control of their lives under the social restraints of their time.... Edge-of-your-seat action that will have both girls and boys rooting for the girl ninjas." — Kirkus ReviewsGenuinely thrilling, with surprises at every turn and a solid emotional core, this is just the thing for Percy Jackson fanatics thirsty for more, more, more.' — BooklistIn feudal Japan, orphan Kata was not attractive enough to become a courtesan so she was grateful that Madame Chiyome chose her to train as a 'deadly flower'—a ninja. Now, at fifteen, Kata's first mission is to assassinate someone in the warlord's castle.... Nonstop action, interesting characters, and a journey into another time and culture make this novel worthy...' — VOYA MagazineKata is a "deadly flower," a trained ninja who works alone and can take care of herself. She is fully prepared for her first solo assignment, until she learns she is to be an assassin.... The story unfolds with many twists and turns that keep readers intrigued... a great combination of adventure, fantasy, and horror, with two strong heroines who form an unlikely alliance. A great story that is perfect for readers who are interested in ninjas and other warriors.' — School Library Journal