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Alone in the world, one woman must use her sword to seek revenge…

After Keiko finds herself alone, it is up to her to save her family name and honor.

But she is still only a woman.

After humbling herself to her daimyo and begs him to restore her birthright, she is met with only ridicule and watches as the man takes her family lands for himself. According to the samurai code of bushido, there is only one thing left for Keiko.

Vengeance.

Keiko plots to take revenge for the actions of her greedy noble lord and revenge against the men who wanted to buy her and keep her as their slave.

Just like the praying mantis, Keiko lures her enemies into a sense of safety before taking her revenge…

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

121 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

India Millar

41 books249 followers
With a literary journey spanning more than a dozen captivating novels set in historical Japan and a collection of evocative haikus, India Millar has embarked on a diverse career. Her professional odyssey commenced amidst the machinery of British Gas's heavy industry, eventually culminating within the hallowed halls of the British Library, where the tapestry of knowledge and storytelling merged seamlessly.
Now, India finds herself in the idyllic embrace of early retirement on the enchanting Costa Blanca. As she continues to explore the realms of history and poetry, India remains deeply grateful for the winding path that has led her to this peaceful and creative haven. Each word written, each page turned, is a testament to the enduring passion for storytelling that continues to shape her life's narrative.

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5 stars
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84 (40%)
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19 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Wayne Turmel.
Author 26 books130 followers
November 10, 2019
Solid follow up, eager to read the next book

The saga of the vengeful female samurai kept me on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to Chameleon soon
Profile Image for Tammy Jata.
231 reviews11 followers
April 13, 2024
This is the second in the series Warrior of the Samurai. It takes off right where the first one left off. I don’t usually read these sort of books, preferring rather to read things more relatable to my life, but, wow! I started this yesterday evening and read until 2:00am.

The author has done a lot of research for these books. The Japanese culture is heavily nuanced, but our heroine, who has been born and raised there, knows every layer of society and navigates all with ease. She changes character whenever another persona is needed.

Keiko is out to avenge every person who has wronged her and her family, and she has the skills of the Samurai that save her every time. Is the book predictable? Yes, in a way, but it gives me comfort to read a tense and stressful book knowing that the hero or heroine always wins. I’m looking forward to reading the third book. I usually hate series, but here I am, all wrapped up in this and I feel like if I stop reading, Keiko may not win in the end. 😜

These books are all about revenge. The story reminds me of the Count of Monte Cristo. Both of the main characters spend their entire lives getting revenge and righting wrongs.

There’s at least 8 books in Warrior Woman of the Samurai. If they continue in this predictable pattern, I probably won’t read them all, but for now, I am kept on the edge of my seat following Keiko from one adventure to the next.
Profile Image for Laz the Sailor.
1,811 reviews80 followers
October 12, 2023
The lady samurai continues to grow and evolve. As sexy and intriguing as the first book, with a better cast of characters. Not a fan of the "serial" aspect of ending the book with a major plot point unresolved.

Note, there are some sexual situations that might make some pure romance readers uncomfortable.

I'll read the next one.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,249 reviews18 followers
August 27, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book, it felt unique from other books with a strong female character. I really liked Keiko and look forward to more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
77 reviews
October 17, 2022
This series is different

The first book was good. But, the second book is so much better. Now I have to read the third book. When I chose that his series its different but very entertaining. 😀 I am enjoying it very much
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,956 reviews46 followers
September 14, 2019
Keiko's brother and father are dead after being slaughtered by starving peasants she is the last of her line and the ancient house of Hakuseki will die. To try and save it the noble samurai warrior woman is forced to humble herself at the feet of the local daimyo but he just ridicules her and takes the family estate for himself. According to the samurai code of bushido, there is only one thing left for - vengeance. So she plots to take revenge for all the action of the greedy noble lord and revenge against the men who wanted to buy her and keep her as their slave. Just like the praying mantis, she lures her enemies into a sense of safety before taking her revenge.

This was a more dramatic and involved story than the first book in the series as Keiko was busy plotting and doing what she could in order to punish the men she saw as doing her harm. Some of her behaviours were genius and she was very clever, but some of the things that she did were a bit strange. Sadly against she wasn't the nicest person towards her lover even when he was there let alone while he was away working - not sure he will appreciate some of what she has been up to when he returns. I loved the feel of this Japanese world with all the customs and behaviours. An enjoyable read that becomes addictive.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,906 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2019
This second book in India Millar’s new trilogy brings Keiko a new and very different life. Follow this exciting story of a female Samurai!

After escaping Hana at the Hidden House just before she could be sold as a new geisha, Keiko is devastated when she arrives at her home to find her father and brother slaughtered by their village peasants. When she petitions her daimyo, to be allowed to keep her family estate and title, he not only refuses, but humiliates her in front of his court. To add to the atrocity of his behavior, he decrees that she shall marry an old man.

When Keiko leaves the court, she determines to get revenge. Thus, she reinvents herself as an anma, a blind masseuse. She apprentices herself to the daimyo’s own anma until the woman declares her ready to take her place. Her plan will take time, but she will have her revenge at any cost.

Her lover, Yo is shinobi, commonly called ninja. While in Edo he has refused many commissions to remain with Keiko. Eventually he must accept work or lose his reputation for reliability to his patrons. Will Keiko be okay on her own? Will she succeed in destroying the daimyo?
Profile Image for A_MOTUS.
415 reviews47 followers
October 28, 2019
In this second book we follow the evolution of the many facets of the warrior woman of the samurai in world full of prejudices and in constant change. But some things are forever the same: greed, lust, envy, pride are a combination found in the Floating worlds enchantments. And they define clearly the enemies of Keiko as she become Kamakiri the mantis. Once again, I was rived to the pages for horrors and for happy moments. For the great achievement and for the simple details of the new life of the onna bugeisha.
4,720 reviews41 followers
October 14, 2019
Revenge
This second book in India Millar’s trilogy has Keiko in a completely different life. She determines to get revenge for the loss she has experienced so goes in disguised to get her prey. Like the mantis, she is going to attract slowly until she can get her vengeance. This is a very powerful story, well-written and so engaging Keiko is a true warrior woman. I highly recommend this outstanding piece. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Heidi.
100 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2019
What a great continuation in the series! The characters just keep getting better and better, and I am thoroughly enjoying the plot of this book. The Japanese culture is fascinating, and this story is definitely well researched. I can't wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
October 17, 2019
Vengeance is sweet...

Mantis is the second book in the Warrior Woman of the Samurai series. Keiko is a fascinating woman and, according to Japanese custom, she needs to have her vengeance on those who wronged her. I am enjoying this interesting series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,511 reviews16 followers
October 18, 2019
Revenge, a dish best eaten cold

I can so empathise how Keiko must feel being rejected, and the need for revenge, especially as she is now a warrior. Well researched, well written, good read. Not too sure about the amount of sex included though. Looking out for book 3

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,008 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2019
Book 2 continues this series greatly.The culture built around Keiko where she must honor her code and seek vengeance where it is due and reclaim what belongs to her family. The depth of this book really show the effort the author put into the books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
659 reviews
October 8, 2019
A lady, a Samurai or a ninja? ... Keiko or Mantis? The main character seems to be in conflict between various roles as she goes about living her code.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie Shirley Griffin.
808 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2019
I'm enjoying this series

I will be reading book three when it's released. I have mixed feelings about this book, there is a great deal of sex, but it's essential to the plot, or appears to be.

7,229 reviews34 followers
October 17, 2019
What a must-read! fantastic plot and characters. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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