FLAME IN THE MIST

I enjoyed this book. It had a bit of everything needed in a YA novel. It wasn't heavy on fantasy or romance, but had a mix of everything. The one thing that was mentioned over and over again was the way women were treated and how they were expected to conform to the norms set by the society. This did not just hold true for the Feudal Era setting of the book, but works for the current time period too. So everytime Mariko mentioned the way people expected her to behave because she was a girl, really made my blood boil because I've heard all of those things myself.So 5/5 for the plot since it's about a woman trying to break free of the mold that society expects her to fit into.Characters were good. I liked the main trio. The writing was good because I liked the way the author changed the POV whenever needed to show another part of the story to give us a bigger picture of all the scheming behind the plot.I especially enjoyed how much this book made me want to watch anime again because of the Japanese setting and the terms used throughout the story.But like, could it have ended on any more of a cliffhanger?!

I love the central female character, who has strong will and purpose which carves out of her a equally strong strategist and fighter. Bang on feminism.The love story among chaos is like drizzle in a scorching sunny day.

The way the story has been woven and written is flawless. Still very hung over from reading, now the dreaded wait for sequel release begins

This book has everything I want in a book- action,adventure and just the right amount of romance. Seriously recommend this.

condition of the book breaks my heart.

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”----Abraham LincolnRenee Ahdieh, an American bestselling author, is back with another enthralling young adult dystopian-cum-fantasy series called, Flame in the Mist and the first book in the series with the same title opens with the life and challenges of a rebellious Japanese teenage heroine, who, when attempted to murder by a group of Robin Hood-styled bandits, escapes both her fate of getting married to her betrothed and her fate of getting slaughtered by a group of men, instead she breaks in into that group of bandits by cross-dressing as a man.Synopsis:The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.Mariko, the teenage daughter to a famous samurai man, has forever led a privileged life, but that had no happiness or freedom, as she was betrothed to a man the moment she took birth. And now she is 17 and is already on her way to the imperial palace where her prince is waiting to be wed, fortunately it seems her luck is on her side, when her whole troop is attacked by a notorious ninja-themed bandits called the Black Clan and when they tried to kill her, Mariko escapes into the woods, as there is no point of going back home, since her parents will again send her to marry off that man. And gradually she finds a way into the very core of this rebel group in order to take revenge on them by disguising herself as a boy. Little did she knew that she would discover so much secrets about this group who happens to be her sole enemy and also about the life she left behind.Am I the only one who has not yet read The Wrath & The Dawn series books by the same author? Oh well, I regret it badly and especially after reading this particular book, that left me mesmerized, mystified and gratified till the turn of the very last page, that ends with a bang and that left me in sweats to find out what happens in the next book. Also I would like to clarify a slight thing about this book that when this was marketed, they said that it is a retelling of Disney princess story Mulan, but this isn't a retelling, this story is unique and proves the author's unmatchable talent for imagination and storytelling, instead it is so much more than a Disney princess story where the protagonist is more developed, feminist and mature than a mere princess. I can worship this young heroine, Mariko for her smarts and her intellect.The author's writing style is absolutely exquisite, laced perfectly with emotions that hit at the right nodes, and hold an ability to sway the readers along with its flow. The narrative is articulate and engaging enough to keep the readers glued till the very end. The pacing is really fast, as I felt myself rushing and breezing easily through the chapters until the cliffhanger that left me kind of breathless to find out the big scoop, that the author might reveal in her next book.The backdrop of a feudal Japan is vividly, intricately and extraordinarily depicted by the author, that the author has arrested with Japanese flair and aura, so the readers are bound to get that oriental and exotic charm while reading this book. The scenes are penned with utmost clarity and strikingly that the readers will feel themselves standing right in middle of that scene and witnessing everything right before their own eyes. The world building is done with logic and depth, even though it is a make-believe universe, yet somewhere the realism strikes amidst the magic and the fantastical creatures lurking in its very core.The characters are also very well developed, with layers and imperfection to make them look realistic in the eyes of the readers of any age. The main character, Mariko, I already fan-girled about her demeanor, but at times, I felt her to be bit indecisive, although that incomparable intuition of hers will make the readers fall for her. The skills that this young heroine possessed is simply brilliant and inspiring enough to steal all the attraction towards herself. Apart from her, there are some characters, like her twin brother, the leader of the clan, the teacher who teaches about fighting to Mariko etc are also painted with enough thoughts, back story and realism, that the readers won't be able to shake them off from their minds long after the end of this beautiful story.In a nutshell, this page-turning book is a must read for all young adult fantasy lovers and I wouldn't be surprised if some film director/producer purchases the movie rights for this book. I'm sure it would be epic, in one word!

Very well written. Gives one the feel of Japan. The author works Japanese words with English nicely. The pace of the book wanes in between. Starts off beautifully and keeps you engaged well. The way the author describes the surroundings and each character is great. Definitely a must read. Especially for a young girl. It's inspiring and engaging. Can't wait to read the next book!

"You are first and foremost a person. A reckless, foolish person, but a person nonetheless. If I ever say you are not permitted to do something, rest assured that the last reason I would ever say so would be because you're a girl.".This book smashed my expectations right out of the park. Mariko is one badass woman. And she dominates in this book. Her story begins as quite a simple one: she is to be wed to the son of the Emperors favourite concubine. Like a sheep to a new farmer so that a little money and status can be made. But on her adventure there, they are ambushed by the Black Clan. Everyone is dead and she is forced to escape into the forest and fend for herself.I absolutely love how vicious this book became. I was expecting to see a girl who naively accepts her fate as a trophy wife. But Mariko is quickly forced to become strong, and she does so emphatically, with great intellect and resourcefulness. She is sneaky, calculating and intelligent and I love her. She soon becomes mixed up with the enemy - the Black Clan, disguised as a man, and plots to attack them from within to get her revenge. This is one fast paced, action packed story; I couldn't have asked for more.There is much more going on behind the scenes in this book. Many secondary plots and secondary characters have their own stories woven in, which eventually tie together. These characters are interesting, likeable and mysterious each in their own right which beautifully fleshed out the story. Each plot twist is layered with magic and mystery - I just couldn't get enough of it. A little flash of magic in any story has me hooked!What I like the most about this story is the powerful message - why should being female make you any less? This author weaves a beautiful statement about women, the roles of women and the expectations society has of them, throughout the pages of this book without seeming to preach a message but rather with the aim to empower people to be who they want.This is a fantastic book with beautiful world building, wonderful characters and a nod to Mulan. I have to admit, this authors previous book wasn't for me so I wasn't expecting this one to be, but this pulled the magical rug right out from under my feet. I can't recommend it enough and I am chomping at the bit for the sequel already!Thank you so much to the publishers for my free copy courtesy of a Goodreads Giveaway. Whilst there was no obligation to review, this book was too good not to!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.I loved this book, I first heard of it when FairyLoot announced it was going to be the book in their (May?) box. Though I'm not subscribed to their boxes I watch the unboxings on Instagram and the glowing reviews everyone gave this book are what made me request it from NetGalley - that and the description they gave it of being a retelling of Mulan (my all time favourite Disney film) and 47 Ronin (which I think I'm going to watch based purely on how much I enjoyed this book).I loved the setting and the characters and the fact Mariko - like Mulan - is not totally pathetic nor completely selfless in her decision to disguise herself and fight. I'm looking forward to the next book but the unannounced release date is making me regret reading this one in a day as the ending leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

I absolutely loved this book. For those who are into traditional Asian movies, the myths of the Samurai, the Shogun and the Ninja, you will just love how this books draws on these elements while offering a completely new version of what 'really' happened... For those who are not, you will enjoy this anyway, as it is just such a great story. Mariko, an inventive girl, and Okami - a lazy? boy with a legacy, come to cross path, drawn between duty and conviction, as the state of the land calls for a rebellion, for the last Shogun to come forward and free the people from oppression. There is a good sense of humor throughout the story - it feels light, but at the same time incredibly deep and heartfelt. Renee Ahdieh is just one of the best writers around. The way she 'weaves' words to create a world and characters - it always ends up being just beautiful in a very unique way. The quality is very much following the Wrath and the Dawn but in the end I liked Flame in the Mist much better. For some reason I found it more relate-able, - less 1001 nights and the character felt more real, but still enough mythology mixed in to add some magic. Wherever she will take The Flame in the Mist, this has the potential to become a great series. If I would criticize anything, it would be that the story ends on a massive cliffhanger and I will only be reconciled by at least 3 more books to follow ;-)

This was sold to me as a Mulan retelling and it's not. The lead does not enter into any wars for herself or others. There is an element of cross dressing but that's it. I love how Renee can take you to another world and you don't ever want to leave. I've always been fascinated by Japanese history and culture. Learning about the ways of the samurai was interesting. Renee writing is the same lyrical beauty as The Wrath and the Dawn. This book has many twists and turns. If you like writing style of the author then you will enjoy this gem.

I loved this book, I love reading about different cultures and the authors clearly done her research. The characters are really interesting and the front cover is gorgeous.The only downside is that the end feels slightly rushed, so much happens in the last few chapters so quickly that if feels like it just ends... and I would have liked to have read a bit more of what happened to the other characters at the end not just the two main characters but it was still a great read!