Chasing the Secret

Sisters of the Sword #2

by Maya Snow, Helen Hart

A samurai will overcome all obstacles to face her enemy with honor. And she will show no mercy. Kimi and her sister, Hana, disguised themselves as boys to study at Master Goku's dojo—and to prepare themselves to take revenge on the uncle who murdered their father and older brothers. They have become masters of the sword, and their combat skills are deadly. But after Master Goku's death, the sisters' future is uncertain. When their uncle sees through their disguise, Kimi and Hana flee the dojo, but not all hope is Word has come that their mother and younger brother are alive and waiting for them. Can Kimi, Hana, and their friend Tatsuya risk the perils that lie ahead and defeat their uncle in the hunt for their missing family? To do so, the young warriors must withstand terrible battles, treachery, shadowy ninja—and their own fear, on a journey that may lead them to their loved ones . . . and to the most dangerous choice of Kimi's life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Japan, Historical, Adventure, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Maya Snow once had an aikido teacher who told her that the best place for a tree to hide is in the forest. Maya decided that the best place for a writer to hide is among her own words. Maya Snow is the pseudonym of author, Helen Hart.

Reviews

[AthinaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Γρήγορο, ευχάριστο και ανοίγει μια πόρτα για τον κόσμο των σαμουράι.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for young girls and boys a like, heck a great book for readers of young adult. I love books with strong female leads who kick butt. And this is just that, but it is also a tale of sisterly love and a fight to save one's family and friends. I'm glad I discovered these books! Fans of Tamora Pierce will definitely love this series!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series of Sisters of the Sword. Master Goku has been killed and Kimi and Hana are concerned it may be revealed they are girls. And then the worst happens. Kimi and Hana have been discovered by Uncle and Uncle knows where their mother is. Now they must race for their lives, and for the lives of their mother and brother. If they don't beat him to their mother, all will be lost, and Uncle will kill them all.

We continue the adventures of Kimi and Hana in this book as they race across the Japanese countryside to find their mother and brother before Uncle does. There is so much I like about these books, and as I was reading this addition, I realized that the one thing I may like best about these books is that the story line progresses BUT they haven't conquered the worst evil ever. Book one starts out with them needing to fight Uncle, and instead of them defeating him in the first book, it is very convincingly delayed. It is not a frustrated delay, but one that actually makes sense and helps with the story. I find it very irritating when a series has the worst bad guy ever, the hero defeats him, and then in the next book, there is an even worse bad guy ever. (Good example: Dragon Ball Z)

Also, I love the relationship between Kimi and Hana. There is no sister rivalry in this book, and it is a nice refreshing change. The girls celebrate the differences between each other and don't see these differences as competition, but instead of an important part of the other girl. They are each allow to have strengths and weaknesses individually, and not be criticized for those differences. It is so rare to see a book where there are siblings who are involved in the story and these siblings are not enemies.

Kimi is really developing great amounts of character through these books and I love to see real character development. Once again, refreshing! This book is definitely a good read for middle school aged kids, and especially for girls. Lovely book!

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an action-filled book and I really enjoyed it. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I was left hanging. I am looking forward reading more books from the series.

[Terry Marine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction. Lots of action. Fights are described realistically, with an impressive amount of technical detail. Weapons are listed by their traditional names. Some Japanese words are used. And if you love stories where tough girls are beating up big men, this is pure milk and honey. I loved the first book, and I love the second book, too.

[Riddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book a lot. It was very interesting and fun to read. I would recommend this book, but you would need to read the first book to understand what is going on. The book is packed with adventure and like I mentioned in my review for the first book, I loved the characters’ characteristics. I love how complex the characters are and how they are very brave and are willing to do anything for family.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to say about this book. There's just so much that happens, they fight a lot of Samurai, meet lots of new people, and get attacked by ninja. All well trying get reunite their family. Though I don't know how to feel about Master Jin.

[Dolphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was great. the whole series is constant action. loved it

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first, but still amazing

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hana and Kimi are interesting characters, I just wish the plot wasn't so predictable.

[Patrick Mwita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite captivating

[Willow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second part of a tragic and compelling story. Like its predecessor, it was violent and graphic, heavy on the revenge. Buddhist references.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Candace Cunard for TeensReadToo.com

In SISTERS OF THE SWORD, twin sisters Hana and Kimi were wrenched violently out of the world they knew when their uncle, Hidehira, brutally slaughtered their father and older brothers in order to usurp their father's claim as samurai lord.

Hana and Kimi escaped, as did their mother and their young brother, but the four became separated. For Hana and Kimi, the only hope of survival is to disguise themselves as young boys and seek safety in the martial arts training school, or dojo, of the insightful Master Goku.

They befriend fellow student Tatsuya, who, along with Master Goku, is the only one to know their secret. Things are going well, until Hidehira's son attacks and "accidentally" kills Master Goku in a competition, leaving Hana and Kimi without their greatest ally.

This sequel to SISTERS OF THE SWORD picks up shortly after the previous volume leaves off, plunging sisters Hana and Kimi, as well as Tatsuya, straight into action as they fight to protect their identity from their uncle Hidehira while simultaneously trying to follow a series of clues leading to Hana and Kimi's mother. Along the way, they will be forced to prove their strength, both of body and mind, in order to outfight and outwit Hidehira's forces.

Since Hana and Kimi are back on the run, there's a lot more movement, and arguably a lot more action, in this book. But the characters are still the heart of the story, and they are all remarkably well-drawn. I especially enjoyed the subtle differences that emerged between the twin sisters, and the development of their friendship with Tatsuya.

The path of riddles they follow in order to find their mother is intricately crafted and had me second-guessing myself every other page. The ending is once again somewhat inconclusive, leaving room for the next book in the series, but this was frustrating only because I don't want to wait for the next book to find out what happens!

If you liked SISTERS OF THE SWORD, then CHASING THE SECRET is a must-read.

[Gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, how I love this series. Chasing the Secret starts up right where Sisters of the Sword left off, and it does not take long for the thrilling action that was so prominent in Sisters of the Sword to show up in here. This book was just as exciting as the first and did not disappoint me at all!

Kimi and Hana do not disappoint in this story. The kick-butt female samurais show up again and show those male samurais a thing or two. I loved how Kimi would get out of bad situation after bad situation, without it being over repetitive. The plot twists in this book are unexpected in a good way, and I have a feeling that one of them is leading up to Tatsuyu finding his father! -squeal-

This isn't just an action book, though. I learned a bit about how life was back in Japan back then. I'll admit that I learned more in Sisters of the Sword, but there are still a couple interesting tidbits in here.

And the ending made me so eager to read book three! Maya Snow absolutely rocks at writing endings so that you can't wait until you can read the next book. The only thing is...my library does not have book three. Poo.

So, if you haven't read this book, I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend it. Like I said in Sisters of the Sword, even people who hate reading have a good chance of becoming hooked on this addicting series!

This review can be found on http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...

[Angelic Zaizai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dapat kehormatan membaca ARC hasil kerja si kembaran

waduuh gila ini buku, asli banyak bener darahnya
anak-anak jepang itu kok berani-berani yak *heran*

kalo di buku pertama Hana lumayan dapet peran, di sini kurang euy
mungkin karena ada Tatsuya, jadi porsi Hana terbagi dengan Tatsuya

Kalo di buku pertama mengisahkan kehidupan Kimi dan Hana di perguruan, di buku 2 ceritanya tentang pengembaraan mereka mencari sang ibu dan adik laki-laki mereka - jadi lebih seru dan full action

karena mereka dikejar-kejar oleh pasukan samurai sang jito
sempet lonjak-lonjak girang ketika ada kata ninja -- tapi ternyata tertipu *sigh"

jadi penasaran juga siapa sih Tatsuya ituh +___+

[Jle4157 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After this ending of the first book. The story continues and this time with more action. With the sisters now having more knowledge about fighting. They now hide disguised as boys in the boys only training dojo. A friend and their master knew of this secret but when their master was murdered they must go on another journey to fulfill their master last wish, And at the same time running from their uncle that has seen through their disguise. I encourage anyone to read the first book first and then read this. I admit I enjoyed the first one more, but I still ask anyone to read this book also.

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, fast-paced action and lots of narrow escapes. The sisters Kimi and Hana are still resolute and kick-ass. No pesky romance either. It's actually cool that they don't mind being mudy, wet or bloody. Even their mother has some pretty impressive sword skills. And yes, female samurai did exist. I had to deduct a star for a "green-eyed" Japanese character appearing in the feudal era. Hazel, maybe. The only time I've seen green eyes on Japanese people are on Visual Kei bandmembers and various Lolitas.

[Ceejay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sisters of the Sword series. I enjoyed this book more then the first, as I'm getting to know all the characters better, and seeing the personal interaction between them. These books pull no punches; the violence that existed in Feudal Japapan is not glossed over.How much did I enjoy this novel? I returned this book to the library today, and got the next in the series!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the events of Under the Cherry Blossom, the story of Hana and Kimi's quest to reunite what's left of their family and take revenge on their uncle for the murders of their father and brothers continues in this second book. Like the first one, a quick and entertaining read!

[20jmitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimi wanted to protect her sister and get revenge on her uncle, but her uncle was much more powerful than her with a full army on his side. So, Kimi tried to fight against her uncle in the war but got wounded. Then, Kimi and her sister hid away in the villages until the final fight. Sisters of the Sword 2 is a book about bravery, love, and courage.

[Keridwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appears to have a different title but synopsis is the same. I surmise that it has a different title in America.
UK title? - Blade's Edge: Sisters of the Sword 2 - Maya Snow

Hana and Kimi's adventure continues and I found this book almost impossible to put down. Now I face the problem of tracking book 3 of the trilogy down as Edinburgh library doesn't appear to have a copy.

[Elena]

The second book of the series is as interesting as the first one, we are introduced to some new characters, the story doesn't leave any gaps between the books is it really well wrapped without taking all the fun away by blocking the imagination.
Personally, I am eagerly awaiting for the 3rd and final book of this story!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the series. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first - less character development and cultural information about feudal Japan. But the action was fun and left me itching to know what will happen in the next book.

[Rachel]

ME MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and interesting read. I am not sure of the cultural authenticity, but I didn't see any negative stereotypes, and the characters are believable. Now if I can only get my hands on the next one!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked this book!!! i finished this book and also finished the 3rd book in the same day. this book... kinda has a happy ending... but omg i wanted to cry in the beginning of the book. it was sooo sad.... thats all im gonna say......

[Sarah Tilatitsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is great. Although, it still contines, this book talks about stratagy, hardships and the value of family, no matter how rich or how poor the person is. Believe me, this book is great, as in GOOD OPINION OF DICTIONARIES aond other books. (HA HA) But, read it.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very thrilling and action-packed, but I did not like it as much as the first one. However, it still had the same thrill and adventure, and I enjoyed reading it, and finished it in one day.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai trouvé ce 2ème tome un peu plus lent que le 1er, mais certaines scènes étaient très intenses et l'univers est toujours aussi prenant.Je pense que le 3ème tome sera encore plus fort en émotions et je le lirai avec plaisir!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picks up about 3 days after the first one. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one.