Grade 9
The line "In the beginning, there were two suns and two moons" makes the reader want to find out what this means, and what/who the suns and moons are. This opening is effective in catching the reader and making them want to continue reading.
Hattori Mariko is the daughter of a powerful man in ancient Japan. While she is on her way to meet her betrothed, her caravan is attacked and lit on fire. After escaping the assassins, Mariko is kidnapped by the Black Clan, and has to disguise herself as a boy to remain safe. But is everything she knew about her family really the truth?
Flame in the Mist has very interesting and well-rounded characters, such as Hattori Mariko. Mariko is a disgraced member of a powerful Japanese family, and does not give in to anything or anyone. She is characterized as strong-willed and brave when she remains seated inside a blazing carriage to avoid being detected by assassins. After escaping them, she is caught by a dirty man who is attracted to her, and she stabs him in the eye with her hair pin. Hattori Mariko acts with regard for her morals, and values all lives equally.
Flame in the Mist by Reneé Ahdieh is a very entertaining novel with a positive, clear message. This book is a great read for young girls, as it is a story of female empowerment, but can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender. I would give it a four out of five, and I am planning on reading the sequel, Smoke in the Sun. This is also an excellent book to read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and/or folklore. The author's heavy usage of Japanese terms such as 'shinobi no mono' and 'kagemusha' can provide the reader with a better understanding of the Japanese language and terminology.
