Ninjas - by Sara Gilbert (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When there was a battle to be fought, these warriors were there: gladiators, conquistadors, ninjas, Vikings . . . From Roman arenas to the lawless high seas, this series for readers age 12 and up spotlights the world's most fearsome combatants. Each title surveys the history of a fighting group, examining key leaders, weapons, skills, rules of warfare, and reasons for existing. In the 14th and 15th centuries, while Japan's samurai fought high-profile battles in the open, stealthy ninjas fought in the shadows. Serving variously as mercenaries, spies, and guards, the highly trained, secretive warriors carried out guerilla operations under the cover of darkness at the service of warlords. This title for readers age 12 and up surveys the history of the ultra-quiet martial arts masters. It covers key fighters, weapons, combat skills, and rules of warfare. Includes a glossary, sidebars, index, and further resources.

Review Quotes

The "Odysseys in Combat" series offers an in-depth exploration of warrior groups throughout history, such as ninjas, Vikings, and gladiators. Each volume provides background on where these warriors originated, their role within their society, the weapons they used, fighting techniques, and the training they underwent. Key historical events and notable figures are also highlighted. The writing is dense and academic in tone, with full pages of text that read more like a nonfiction novel than a "browsable nonfiction" book. Chapters range from five to 10 pages and are interspersed with full-page graphics. The text remains engaging due to carefully selected, compelling details about each warrior group. Visuals include a mix of historic artwork and modern-day reenactment photos, enhancing both clarity and interest. This volume covers the stealthy ninjas who fought in the shadows in 14th- and 15th-century Japan. The mercenaries, spies, guards, and secretive warriors carried out guerilla operations at the service of warlords. Each volume includes a table of contents, glossary, selected bibliography, websites for further research, and an index. This series is best suited for students conducting research or those with a strong existing interest in various warrior groups, rather than for casual readers. VERDICT A solid purchase for collections needing the specific topic rather than for general nonfiction interest reading.