cj_jones's review against another edition
4.0
This is the new generation of superhero novels. Your protagonist is a superhero whose super power is talking, instead of flying or punching. The characters have layers and complex objectives, the writing is snappy and crisp, and if you're looking for diversity you'd be hard pressed to find a YA novel with better representation.
curgoth's review against another edition
4.0
A solid YA superhero story. The world feels real, and diverse. I was invested enough to care about the characters and didn't figure out the plot as soon as I thought I had. Most importantly, it left me wanting to know What Happens Next. I want to know more about the setting, about how Jamie's powers work, and the answers to some of the secrets hinted at.
queien's review against another edition
5.0
I was really pleased with this book. There were lots of things that caught and held my interest: An interesting cast of characters, a welcome into the interesting world of roller derby, a queer relationship. It was a fun and light read.
Most interesting is that I'm really good at predicting the ends of books; however, I was nearly to the end of this book when I had to put the book down and think through the clues because I seriously had no idea who was behind it all. After some serious thinking, I figured it out and it was revealed that I was right. But it's rare when I have to stop reading to think through the clues like that. I found it impressive, because it meant that the mystery was challenging but still realistically solvable by the readers before the big reveal, and it was refreshing after reading so many predictable books.
I plan on rereading this book soon, because I recently got book 2.
Most interesting is that I'm really good at predicting the ends of books; however, I was nearly to the end of this book when I had to put the book down and think through the clues because I seriously had no idea who was behind it all. After some serious thinking, I figured it out and it was revealed that I was right. But it's rare when I have to stop reading to think through the clues like that. I found it impressive, because it meant that the mystery was challenging but still realistically solvable by the readers before the big reveal, and it was refreshing after reading so many predictable books.
I plan on rereading this book soon, because I recently got book 2.
ceredwin's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. Roller derby, a bi-racial superhero who carries a samurai sword and talks to spirits, high school, cheerleaders.. it's pretty much a checklist of things that set my teeth grinding. And yet Zimmerman blends them masterfully. Kensei walks a tightrope between superhero and high school student, and isn't in it for the glory or the excuse to beat people up. In fact, she chooses diplomacy over violence as much as she can, samurai sword or no. The cheerleader she interacts with the most is a complex character who is doing her own balancing act. Kensei's parents are interesting and loving but have their own issues. The roller derby girls are supportive and kind but also sassy. And yet the book retains a light and fun tone that makes it easy to read and hard to put down.
empheliath's review against another edition
5.0
I stumbled across "Kensei" sort of by accident, and am so glad I did! I read half the book in one night, and the rest quickly followed.
Jamie "Kensei" Hattori is a great protagonist, equal parts budding superhero and young girl figuring out her own self and her own life. The world Zimmerman created is fantastic - it clearly has a history that plays into current events. And I love the way the spirit world is portrayed and how Jamie interacts with it. (Agyo may well be my favorite character, to be honest!)
The ending is well done, with a satisfying show-down between Jamie and her nemesis. And yet Zimmerman manages to leave just enough threads dangling to leave me wanting more, and excited for book two.
Jamie "Kensei" Hattori is a great protagonist, equal parts budding superhero and young girl figuring out her own self and her own life. The world Zimmerman created is fantastic - it clearly has a history that plays into current events. And I love the way the spirit world is portrayed and how Jamie interacts with it. (Agyo may well be my favorite character, to be honest!)
The ending is well done, with a satisfying show-down between Jamie and her nemesis. And yet Zimmerman manages to leave just enough threads dangling to leave me wanting more, and excited for book two.
bentgaidin's review
5.0
Okay, this was a lot of fun. High school superhero, cute awkward lesbian romance, and an engaging little mystery to go along with everything. I'm definitely going to have to pick up the next one of these.
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