Title and Author: Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh

Plot Overview: Mariko’s path in life had been set out for her the moment she was born. It didn't matter that she was clever and inventive or that she was as skilled and brave as her twin brother. As the daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko never had any destiny other than to marry the man that would. Give her family the most wealth and political influence. Mariko’s journey to a life in a gilded cage as the wife to one of the emperor’s sons is interrupted when her convoy is attacked by bandits wearing the uniforms of members of the Black Clan. All servants and samurai perish in the attack, but Mariko survives and swears vengeance on the Black Clan and those who hired them in order to assassinate her. The young heiress then disguises herself as a boy and attempts to infiltrate the ranks of the Black Clan, so she can find out who wanted her dead and why.

Critique: I found Mariko’s character and struggle to be compelling. I enjoyed seeing her thought processes and internal conflict throughout the book. Mariko’s intellect, determination, resourcefulness, and desire for independence balanced well with her role as a “fish-out-of water” type character. I liked how she both discovered the true extent of her abilities while also discovering her own limits and naïveté. Also, the political intrigue and ambiguity over who really held the moral high ground were interesting as well. Soon, however, Mariko finds genuine camaraderie and appreciation of her skills amongst the men of the Black Clan and learns of things that make her question her loyalties and her purpose. I did not particularly like the romance and fantasy element of the book because they felt somewhat unnecessary and out of place. I would have liked to have seen Mariko develop a close bond with certain male characters without having to fall in love with them.

Star Rating: 4/5