Penned by author A. Joshua Chiatovich, The Baji Mantis is a work of fiction in the fantasy, cultural writing, and adventure genres. Aimed at the young adult reading audience, the action follows Wu Liang, a daring student at a warrior academy in China's oldest mantis village, who delves into taboo subjects involving humans, causing the village elders to question his loyalty. Forced to leave, Liang becomes a student of a human martial arts master, honing his skills and forging his own path as a warrior. But when faced with a choice between defending his village or embracing his newfound independence, Liang must decide where his loyalties truly lie. This exhilarating journey, filled with adventure and self-discovery, immerses readers in the vibrant world of martial arts and ancient traditions.

Liang's transformation from a curious student to a skilled warrior is both compelling and inspiring, showing the power of perseverance and determination. I loved the pacing of his emotional arc, which was woven alongside the different twists and challenges of the plot to show true growth in the face of adversity and create a fantastic ongoing tension. The dynamic relationships between characters, especially Liang and his human master, were penned with dialogue that definitely hits the target for the YA reader, offering authentic yet poignant expressions of emotion and self-discovery. As the plot unfolded, I found myself captivated by Liang's internal struggles and external challenges, rooting for him every step of the way. Overall, The Baji Mantis by A. Joshua Chiatovich is a gripping tale of courage and redemption that leaves a lasting impression, and I’d recommend it to fans of action-packed, emotive adventure everywhere.

Wu Liang’s parents left when he was four years old, and by his ninth birthday, they hadn’t returned. Children in Liang’s village joined their parents’ businesses from the age of nine or started training at the martial arts school to become village warriors. Circumstances left Liang with no choice but to join the martial arts school with his best friends, Xiao and Pang. Liang excelled in his training, but he felt incomplete. He wanted to see what lay beyond his village of Tang Lang Chu and maybe find his parents. However, his first stop was in the land of humans, whom his mantis species feared because they were evil. He must contend with the good, bad, and ugly while prioritizing his life among the humans. Will he survive the trials and find his parents? The Baji Mantis by A. Joshua Chiatovich has the details.

The Baji Mantis by A. Joshua Chiatovich is about adventure, drama, fantasy, and animals. Think of the Justice League cartoon adapted into a novel, and this is it. The storytelling from an animal’s viewpoint had depth and captivated me. This book is a one-of-a-kind read. There are facets to this story as it explores themes like courage, loyalty, curiosity, envy, friendship, kindness, sacrifice, and good and evil. I noticed and picked lessons from supporting characters like Dong, Zhou Fan, and Elder Zhou as the author developed the characters with care. Liang was my favorite thought-provoking character. Was he loyal and kind? Yes. Did he love his friends and Nainai? Yes. Was he curious and maybe selfish? I think, yes. However, there was a uniqueness to his friendship with Pang and Xiao where they complemented each other with brains, physical strength, and speed. Everyone should read this novel because it offers valuable lessons.