Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist #2) by Renee Ahdieh

Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this awesome 2nd audiobook (excellently narrated by Nancy Wu) in the duology series Flame in the Mist for my empowering female twitter chat with #yearofya to be held on 9/6 at 8PM EST, please join us as we talk titles that feature females in the lead, girls supporting each other or overcoming the many challenges young women face and oh was this audiobook perfect with Hattori Mariko the strong female but also with lesser female characters who behind the scenes are intelligent, aware, and forthright in their agendas. Mariko is such a strong female character (within and to all who know her) and she also emboldens other females in the court and the Black Clan to be true to themselves and care for others. There is so much violence in this story, especially Emperor Roko's torture of prisoners that I gave this a horror classification as well. I loved the romance between Mariko and Okami and with Okami's reticence, Mariko stood firm, resolute, and almost embarrassed Okami to the become leader everyone saw. Thankfully when he finally escapes his torturous prison and finds gifts and letters hidden in his destroyed parents' home for his eyes only, Okami realizes what his true mission is and becomes the perfect strong leader needed in a time of battles and betrayals in court and the kingdoms bringing change to a feudal Japan wracked by evil within. Loved this book, could not stop listening!!!


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Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just like the Wrath and the Dawn, I LOVED Mariko, the magic, The Black Clan, her brother, Kenshin, all of it! I could not stop reading, I was grabbed from the first page- feudal Japan, a power hungry Emperor who kills all his friends, and all that follows...it was lush- the writing, the world, the characters. Mariko is a spirited heroine (may be one of my faves!) dislikes being a girl who must be married off, questions everything, doesn't care that she is seen as odd, and wants to find out why the Black Clan hijacked her caravan as she rode to her betrothed. I liked the way her mind worked, especially impersonating a boy, trying to bluster while trying to gain information. Oh the lies, secrecy, and mystery were palpable, I could not stop turning the pages! I enjoyed the mythology, magic, vanishing wolves and foxes, especially Mariko's belief in living life according to the 7 Tenets of Bushido, The Way of the Warrior. I can't wait for the 2nd book but I will continue to go over and over the wonderful characters, the gorgeous setting, and the many adventures of Mariko and Okami and Ranmaru. And that is the sign of a great book, when you continue to revel in the twists and turns!

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