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A review by lyakimov
Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
3.0
I had some issues with the character development and romance in this book. First off, the characterization of Mariko was that she is this “different,” curious, clever girl, emphasis on clever. She is SO SMART AND CLEVER!!!!!! We are told this the entire book, but Mariko does not have many opportunities to display these skills that she claims she has. Also, the way that the Black Clan just automatically accepted her at the end? The entire reveal of her being a girl was so anticlimactic. No one even found out on page except for Okami, which was so lame. I do kind of like how Okami found out, but I feel like it could have been much more explosive and dramatic.
Let’s talk about this romance. Or, lack thereof, we might say? There was so little chemistry in this relationship that it was actually ridiculous that Mariko is out here saying she loves him. Girl you know absolutely NOTHING about him and he knows nothing about you!! Doesn’t seem like a real, long lasting relationship! Also, they just lacked chemistry in general. I think it should have been a slow burn because it had potential but the instalove was very severe.
I listened to the audiobook so unfortunately the repetition in the writing was glaringly obvious. I know that it was partly purposeful with Mariko chanting stuff in her head but it got so annoying to keep listening to over and over again. Also, some of the language was overused, like “of import.” I’ve never heard that phrase in a book so much.
I think the pacing was alright, until the end where I was confused as HELL with all the magic. The magic system is very unclear and undefined so far, so it made all the magic talk just go in one ear and out the other.
Maybe I will read the second book at some point. This book was definitely entertaining so it might be in the future.
Let’s talk about this romance. Or, lack thereof, we might say? There was so little chemistry in this relationship that it was actually ridiculous that Mariko is out here saying she loves him. Girl you know absolutely NOTHING about him and he knows nothing about you!! Doesn’t seem like a real, long lasting relationship! Also, they just lacked chemistry in general. I think it should have been a slow burn because it had potential but the instalove was very severe.
I listened to the audiobook so unfortunately the repetition in the writing was glaringly obvious. I know that it was partly purposeful with Mariko chanting stuff in her head but it got so annoying to keep listening to over and over again. Also, some of the language was overused, like “of import.” I’ve never heard that phrase in a book so much.
I think the pacing was alright, until the end where I was confused as HELL with all the magic. The magic system is very unclear and undefined so far, so it made all the magic talk just go in one ear and out the other.
Maybe I will read the second book at some point. This book was definitely entertaining so it might be in the future.