Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Flame in the Mist

by Renee Ahdieh

393 Pages

Published by G.P. Putman's Sons Books
for Young Readers

Plot: Mariko Hattori is the only daughter of a powerful Samurai leader, and like most young women in feudal Japan she knows her duty.  Against her will, Mariko is engaged to Prince Raiden in a political marriage that will bring honor and more power to her family.  Reluctantly, Mariko agrees to travel to the Emperor's palace where her new life will begin.  But on her journey, Mariko's carriage is attacked and everyone accompanying her is murdered.  Barely escaping, Mariko is convinced that the Black Clan, a ruthless ninja gang, is responsible.  So, instead of finding her way home, she cuts her hair and takes on the persona of a young boy looking to join their ranks.  Once she has infiltrated the clan, Mariko learns more than she bargained for and it makes her question everything she knew about her family and what the Black Clan actually fights for.  To make maters even more complicated, she finds herself falling for one of the clan's most skilled fighters, Okani.  But, the Black Clan's leader and his best fighter are keeping secrets of their own, and it's up to Mariko to find out the truth before she is discovered.  

Review:  Flame in the Mist was so much fun to read from start to finish. I couldn't wait to read this book and it certainly exceeded my expectations.  Set in Feudal Japan, Mariko is the beautiful yet cunning daughter of a powerful samurai lord.  When her carriage is attacked on her way to the Emperor's palace, Mariko wants answers more than she wants to go home.  She disguises herself as a boy and infiltrates the notorious gang of ninja rebels called the Black Clan. Knowing they will kill her if they find out she is a spy, Mariko tries her best to make the Clan's leader to trust her. But, the clan's best fighter, Okani, makes it clear that he doesn't trust her and there is something not quite right.  With her military brother looking for her, Mariko knows her time is short.  But as Mariko spends more and more time with the members of the Black Clan, the more she questions who they really are and what they stand for.  Loved the story and plot twists.  I don't want to reveal too much or what happens - no spoilers here!  Absolutely can not wait for book 2! Recommended for ages 14 and up!

Rating: 5 💖💖💖💖💖