Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh Review
Flame in the Mist written by Renée Ahdieh and published in 2017 is an exciting book following the life of Mariko after her convoy taking her to her betrothed, Prince Raiden, is attacked by the feared Black Clan. After Mariko barely escapes death, she is forced to pick herself back up and survive. She daringly cuts her hair and poses as a man in order to find out who in the Black Clan wishes her dead. She picks up the name Sanada Takeo and has an unexpected meeting with the Black Clan and their leader, Ranmaru. His men take her to the Black Clan where she believes she is a prisoner, only to find that Ranmaru wants her as a recruit. She meets a man named Ōkami who she at first finds lazy but realizes that he is very skilled. Ōkami finds Mariko confusing due to the fact that she is so educated yet lacks so many survival skills. They both banter in a way that friendly and challenging throughout the book, especially after Ranmaru decides to have Ōkami train her. As Mariko gets to know the Black Clan’s values and members, she can’t help but question her values and how her family might not be right. She never expected that the Black Clan could be compassionate after what she had always been told by her family. Mariko greatly values honor above all before meeting the Black Clan, but slowly starts broadening what’s important to her throughout the book. But, with the Black Clan and brother trying to end one another, Mariko must choose between her family and her newfound friends.
Throughout this book, there are small glimpses of side stories that mostly focus around Kenshin, Mariko’s twin brother, and how he feels about the fact that his sister might be dead. It also goes into the emperor slightly and a little bit about his love life. Most of these moments enhance the story and make it more valuable. A lot of authors fail to do this successfully without having the story drag on but Ahdieh blended them in very well.
In my opinion, this book is written very well and the characters and plot are delivered to the reader in a way that makes this book hard to put down. The main character, Mariko, develops in a way that’s not completely cliché but also sticks to her own personality. I honestly love how resilient she is despite all the things that seem to be against her. I wouldn’t change anything about this book because I enjoyed how it unfolded and even though it may have been slightly cliché it wasn’t grossly, annoyingly cliché to the point where the author wasn’t creating her own ideas. When I first started reading, I thought this book would follow a similar path as the Disney movie Mulan. But, I soon realized that this book really went more in-depth and wasn’t really like it at all. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to read a book about an adventurous, clever girl who uses her wits to survive.
Throughout this book, there are small glimpses of side stories that mostly focus around Kenshin, Mariko’s twin brother, and how he feels about the fact that his sister might be dead. It also goes into the emperor slightly and a little bit about his love life. Most of these moments enhance the story and make it more valuable. A lot of authors fail to do this successfully without having the story drag on but Ahdieh blended them in very well.
In my opinion, this book is written very well and the characters and plot are delivered to the reader in a way that makes this book hard to put down. The main character, Mariko, develops in a way that’s not completely cliché but also sticks to her own personality. I honestly love how resilient she is despite all the things that seem to be against her. I wouldn’t change anything about this book because I enjoyed how it unfolded and even though it may have been slightly cliché it wasn’t grossly, annoyingly cliché to the point where the author wasn’t creating her own ideas. When I first started reading, I thought this book would follow a similar path as the Disney movie Mulan. But, I soon realized that this book really went more in-depth and wasn’t really like it at all. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to read a book about an adventurous, clever girl who uses her wits to survive.
You did a really good job with this review! I can follow the summary of the book without feeling as if the book was spoiled. When I was first reading this review, I thought it might be similar to Mulan, just like you said, but you have proved that to be wrong. This story sounds action filled and I might read this sometime!
ReplyDeleteHaving read this novel myself, I would say you captured the true essence of Flame in the Mist. The summary you have provided is detailed yet does not provide any spoilers, and is persuasive in its ability to garner new readers. Your comparison of Renée Ahdieh and her writing style to that of other authors is spot on, and even your initial impression of the novel replicates mine the first time I read Flame in the Mist. All in all, your review has not only described the novel to a T, but has even persuaded me to read it again!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this book, but it sounds very interesting and I might read it sometime soon, as I am a fan of survival stories. I like your commentary on the book, as it provided me with enough information to understand the basic plot of the book without having it spoiled. Great job with the review!
ReplyDeleteI have read this book as well, and I agree with everything you have said. I also really appreciate how you thoroughly summarized it without spoiling it (I really don't like spoilers, even if I've already read the book). I have also tried another one of Ahdieh's books- The Wrath and The Dawn, but I did not enjoy that book as much as this one. This book was pretty disappointing for a retelling of such a good story compared to her Flame in the Mist series. The main character was a bit dull and a bit crazy with thoughts like, "I'M GONNA KILL HIM WITH MY BARE HANDS" half the time. However, it wasn't bad. Not saying people shouldn't read it. Anyway, getting off my tangent, I think you did a great job of explaining the book, giving your thoughts on it, and making it interesting so that people might try reading it as well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book, but it seems like a really interesting adventure read! I like how you described the dynamic between Mariko and Okami--they seem like they would be good friends. Your review and good descriptions of the plot makes me really want to check out the book!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree, when I started reading your review I thought it would be a story similar to Mulan (one of my childhood favorites), but Mariko’s story sounds much more complex. Although I’ve never heard of this book or this author, the plot sounds like something I might be interested in reading. Some aspects do seem cliche such as a main character being forced to choose between their family and a new organization, but like you said, Ahdieh puts her own twist on the story. I was confused about whether the Black Clan knows Mariko’s true identity or if they think she is a male soldier. Also, I was curious about whether the emperor plays a major role in the book or not. I really enjoyed reading your plot summary and I’m looking forward to reading Flame in the Mist sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteNice review! The book sounds really interesting, especially the development of the main character. Your summary is a bit long and confusing - you may want to try taking out some of the specific people and events and instead making broader statements about the theme and topic of the book. Otherwise, I think you did a great job on this review, and I look forward to reading the book!
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