Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh

Amy   

young adult, fantasy, historical fiction

Mariko escapes a murder attempt while she is on the way to be married to the emperor's oldest son.  She attempts to find out who was trying to kill her to save her family name. Adventures ensue.

For the most part, I enjoyed this new novel, Flame in the Mist, by Renee Ahdieh. I enjoyed the Japanese setting and the texture of the backdrop. I liked the characters, especially Mariko and her intelligence and bravery. And the story kept me interested throughout. However, the ending seemed a bit anti-climactic and there were many mysteries involving magic which were never explained. And, ugh, another sequel. I hadn't realized it was the first in a series. I probably would've waited to read this until closer to the time the next one comes out.

I liked Ahdieh's The Wrath and the Dawn better but I'll read the sequel when it comes out. Sorry, I don't have anything else to say about this one.