Trust Me, I'm a Ninja by Natalie Whipple

Today I’m happy to review a book by one of my favorite YA authors: Natalie Whipple.

I found her books because of her blog – and I’m sure I’m not alone in that. She’s the author of a popular writing blog called Between Fact and Fiction. She posts less frequently now but her archives are full of useful Writerly resources (which is why I link to her blog so many times on my Resources page).

I’ve enjoyed each and every one of her books but the series that stands out the most in my mind is her Ninja series. It’s just wonderful! So I thought I'd share my thoughts on book 2 in the series, Trust Me, I’m a Ninja:

Here are the deets:

Title: Trust Me, I’m A Ninja (Book 2 in Relax, I’m a Ninja Series)
By: Natalie Whipple
Audience: YA
Genre: Fantasy

Here’s the blurb (WARNING – as this is book 2 in the series the blurb contains mild spoilers):

Life hasn’t exactly been rosy since Tosh Ito and Amy Sato rid San Francisco of the Akuma Clan ninjas. They still can’t control their powers, and no one really knows how to train them to be Inyo. Adding to their problems, Amy is distant and depressed and won’t say why.

Before Tosh can figure her out, the Akuma Clan makes a comeback. A gate to the kami realm is opened and strange creatures roam the city, causing chaos. Only Tosh and Amy can stop it, but they don’t know how, and they haven’t got time to learn. The gate is getting bigger, and something dangerous is waiting on the other side. Something hungry for the soul of an Inyo.


Sounds amazing right? Buy Trust Me, I’m A Ninja here:

Amazon | B&N

Still need the first book in the series? Grab Relax, I’m a Ninja (Book 1) here:

Amazon | B&N


My thoughts:

I loved the first book. I loved everything about it!!! In fact, when I finished reading Relax, I’m a Ninja (Book 1) I emailed Natalie to ask if there would be more. It was before the official announcement was made that there would be a trilogy. When the trilogy news came out I did a happy dance.

So I was pretty sure I would love Trust Me (Book 2) and I was right.

The MC in this series is male – which, naturally, means the POV is male. And it works for this series. Natalie does such an excellent job with the male voice. How can you not love Tosh? He’s adorable and good and complex and kind. He continues to be driven to do the right thing even if that causes him pain. He’s the type of friend you want to have.

Amy, the heroine, is fun and a little more complicated than we saw in the first book. Which I liked.

I also enjoyed the ancillary characters – oh man, the ancillary characters really come to life in this installment.

The action is intense. There are some very real consequences in this book and the stakes are raised. Trust Me had a satisfying ending that leaves you wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book *makes grabby hands*

I give Trust Me, I'm a Ninja 5 out of 5 screaming cats!

Right about now you are thinking, 'Gee, I should buy this book.' Well, here, have some buy links (because I'm classy like that):

Buy Trust Me, I’m A Ninja here:

Amazon | B&N

Don’t have the first book in the series? Grab Relax, I’m a Ninja (Book 1) here:

Amazon | B&N


Want more about the Author, Natalie Whipple? Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog: Between Fact and Fiction