Hattori Hachi #2: Stalking the Enemy by Jane Prowse

Synopsis:

Hang-gliding high above the vast forest, silently swooping through the darkness towards the enemy camp, I felt powerful, free ... Schoom! An arrow tore through one of my wings, and suddenly I was plummeting down, fast and vertical. The ground was coming up to meet me as the air was forced from my lungs by the pressure of the wind. Only a miracle would save me now ...
An abandoned castle in the heart of Kielder forest is not what it seems as Hattori Hachi encounters a new terrifying enemy. Why is the evil Raven planning to kill hundreds of people? What is his connection to her family? How can she avert catastrophe, while uncovering dark secrets and terrifying legends that cannot be allowed to come true?

Review:

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.

Hattori Hachi (Hattie) may seem like a normal teenage girl: hormones, crushes, dreams. But ever since her Mum mysteriously disappeared in the first book, she has been declared a ninja. In Stalking the Enemy, Hattie faces a new villain. *cue 'dun dun dunnn's* I think she is tough and the ideal heroine, but she doesn't always know what to do. I like the characters in this series; they create a nice blend together. I like Hattie and Mad Dog's relationship especially, and the whole complicated thing with Toby is a big twist. There are a lot of characters, which are hard to keep up with and remember who's who, but I think most of them are required and play a significant role.

Furthermore, although Hattie is 15 years old, I don't think this is a book that would entice teenagers as much. This is classed as a YA novel but I think it should be more for 9+. The romance is quite limited and although everyone is different I think Hattie would be better as an 11 or 12 year old. However, I did enjoy it even though I prefer books with protagonists around the age of 13-17.

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.

In conclusion, I like this series but I'm not jumping up and down in excitement about them. It is unique, action-packed and a page-turner which creates an unpredictable ending. To give it the full rating for me, I would make it more for teenagers, if that is the target audience. Give it a go and let me know what you think - who would resist a book about ninjas? :)
RATE: 4/5

Publisher: Piccadilly
Publication date: 1st June 2010

Pages: 231

Edition: Paperback

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

PS. LOOK!!! 199 FOLLOWERS!!! :D

Only 1 more.... can I get 200 by tomorrow? I am planning to do a giveaway when I get 200 so look out for it... :)