[Review] Flame in the Mist - Renee Ahdieh

Titel: Flame in the Mist

Series:  Flame in the Mist #1

Author/Autor: Renee Ahdieh

Publisher/Verlag: Putnam's Son

First Published/Erstveröffentlichung: 16.05.2017
Format: Hardcover, 393, english

Synopsis/Inhalt: GoodReads

Review: 4*, GoodReads, LovelyBooks

TBR/Leseliste: x



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. 

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I've read Renee Ahdiehs TWATD duology a few months ago and I loved it, of course I was excited to hear that she'd be not only releasing a new book but also kicking of a new series with it.

When the FairyLoot Theme for the month of may was released and I read about the book I instantly new what it was and I was so excited! I started reading only a few days after I got the book.

Ahdiehs writing style is, as I've already known from her other books, simply amazing. The world she describes is beautiful, although there is no need for worldbuilding as this story is set in feudal Asia, the characters catch, and hold ones attention and the story is incredibly interesting.

As with her first book this one is a retelling, although I would use the term very loosely in this. 

While I'm no uber-fan of Mulan I do like the story and have seen the film multiple times as a child. Still the story Ahdieh paints is unique and not just a new version of the old tale. 

I really enjoyed watching Mariko on her quest to vengeance and more importantly the truth. 

Marino herself is a very interesting character and I loved the mixture of the pampered girl who doesn't know how to hold a sword and the young women determined to do everything and anything to reach her goals.

The budding romance is very well written and while it was quite clear from the beginning that something would be happening it wasn't rushed and the relationship was allowed to develope naturally.

The plot took some twists and turns and the revelation at the end makes me even more excited to the sequel!

I rated this book 4 stars as, despite how much I enjoyed myself, it wasn't quite as good as her first books.