Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist, #1)

by Renée Ahdieh

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn, comes a sweeping, action-packed YA adventure set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan where Mulan meets Throne of Glass.
 
“[A] fun feudal samurai drama. . .action-packed and well-paced.”—The Washington Post 

“If you live for books that have lush worlds, swoony romance and non-stop action, you’ll want to read this.”—Paste Magazine

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track 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.

• ISBN10: 0147513871
• ISBN13: 9780147513878
• Publish Date: 8 May 2018 (first published 16 May 2017)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780147513878

Reviews

[Beth C.]

Mariko is the only daughter of a Samurai with upward-mobility plans. As such, she has been betrothed to the younger brother of the Emperor against her will—a man she has never met, and has no desire to. But on the way to the palace, her caravan is set upon by a group of men whose main goal appears to be to kill Mariko. She escapes, though just barely, and makes a rash decision that will forever change her. While she tries to find out why someone wanted her dead, several other characters are setting their own plans in motion—not all of them beneficial for Mariko, her family, or even the country.

Mariko is an interesting character—she’s led an extremely sheltered life, but has an inquisitive and scientific mind. That leaves her a bit of a puzzle, as her actions—particularly toward the beginning—don’t always seem to fit those of a very sheltered young lady. However, as the book moves along, things begin to fall more in line with where she’s at in that moment, and she certainly grows as a character. The other characters are interesting, those in the Black Clan particularly.

For more, please visit http://vampirebookclub.net/review-flame-in-the-mist-by-renee-ahdieh-flame-in-the-mist-1/

[liz089]

REREAD.

Because of the next installment release, I really wanted to re-read this one. Yes it has only been a year, but I did not remember everything and I wanted to for the next one.
Still loved it very much, love the characters.. Love the world, and damn that ending ! So happy that I can continue soon and will read the novella's in the meantime :D

FIRST READ.
I finished this one way too soon XD

I wanted to spread it out between a couple of days, but once I started I could not stop !! I read this book in one day ! Mainly because I have a couple of days off, and what better way to spent the time then reading some books in this awesome weather !? And well, because this was an amazing read. I REALLY LOVED IT.

It was everything I wanted it to be and more ! A plot full of action and mystery, not knowing who to trust and who is telling the truth. Awesome main characters and full with very interesting side characters, whom I would like to know so much more about !! A bit of romance throughout the story to make me swoon, but not to overwhelming to ruin the main plot.

Just awesome !!! Renee Ahdieh has become one of my favorite authors in a short time, I loved her The Wrath and the Dawn series and I know this will be among my favourites too !! Can not wait for the second book aaaarrggghh !!!

Seriously, 5 stars and READ THIS BOOK

[nightingalereads]

3.75 stars

Flame in the Mist was a great read. Renée Ahdieh writes beautiful prose, and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire story. She's also particularly gifted at creating atmosphere in her novels. You just feel like you're there, experiencing everything alongside the main character. I really enjoyed the characters in Flame in the Mist - especially Ranmaru, who ended up getting less of a spotlight than I'd initially hoped for. Though focused on Mariko, there's multiple perspectives throughout the novel. Okami, or "The Wolf", was a great addition, but I did find his characterization to be slightly predictable at times. Mariko's brother, Kenshin, was also a reoccurring perspective. I was surprised to find him very interesting, and perhaps the most complexly drawn of the bunch. Honestly, Mariko herself (the heroine) was one of the characters I was least impressed with. Don't get me wrong; I didn't dislike her at all. But the way she was written came off a little bland, and her thinking often felt contrived.

To sum up, I didn't love this book the way that I did Ahdieh's The Wrath & the Dawn duology, but it was certainly enjoyable. I'll definitely be continuing on with this series/duology(?).