Content warning: torture

It’s interesting to go back and read my review of Flame in the Mist having now read The Wrath and the Dawn and The Rose and the Dagger. My main criticism of Flame in the Mist was that it didn’t have much fantasy. Looking back on it now I can see that’s something I should have expected, given the way that Ahdieh tends to write. I think that, if I re-read Flame in the Mist, I would enjoy it even more and it would probably be a five-star read!

Most of the time when reading a sequel (particularly when that sequel is the second part of a duology) I have a clear favourite, a clear sense of which is the stronger novel. However, in this case, I think that both books are pretty evenly matched. I can’t tell you if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but it’s certainly interesting.

Again, now that I know Ahdieh’s work and writing style a little better I’m less surprised by the weight given to romance in this story. I think that the balance between plot and romance is actually struck very well, recognising the relationships and the dynamics that were set up in the first novel, while also recognising that circumstances have changed. I did have a worrisome twenty pages or so where I thought Ahdieh was setting up a love triangle but it was ok, crisis averted. I think those that cannot live without ‘shipping’ Okami and Mariko will be satisfied by this novel, and those who aren’t overly fussed won’t find it too distracting.

The plot of this novel is interesting, largely because I don’t think there is one villain, one evil to defeat. Certainly, there are characters who are undoubtedly evil, but there wasn’t (for want of a better example) a ‘President Snow’ to whom all the reader’s anger could be directed. I think this made the power shifts in the story much more significant than they might otherwise have been and it also means that, as a reader, you’re never 100% sure who is pulling the strings.

Mariko remains a very interesting character, particularly now she is forced back into a world where certain things are expected of her. I do think that Mariko’s inventiveness (such a key aspect to her character in Flame in the Mist) wasn’t used to its fullest in this story, but she does do a lot of sneaking out of windows and clandestine encounters so I wouldn’t say she’s lost her spark.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, if you liked Flame in the Mist I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the sequel. My one possible niggling feeling is that not enough time was given over to the host of fascinating side characters, but that is me being incredibly nit-picky and I think a quick re-read would probably prove me wrong!

My rating: 4/5 stars (more like 4.75 if I’m honest)

I received a digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Actual rating 3.75/5 stars.

Smoke in the Sun is the second book in the Flame in the Mist duology. This final instalment continues to follow Mariko, fiercely independent in a world that expects its females to be anything but. This fantasy, inspired by Feudal Japan, focuses on both the shifting allegiances and political intrigue of the Emperor's court, as well as the wider tribulations, troubling the kingdom.

Before beginning this book I only had the vaguest recollection of the first one. I could recall all the major plot points but not individual names or exactly how the previous instalment closed. This book began by both gently immersing the reader back into this world and bringing back previous details to their attention, without any jarring info-dumps or an uninspired and obvious recap. I found that within the space of a few chapters I was dually up to speed with the story-line and once again enraptured by this world.

Ahdieh again proves herself as a masterfully immersive story-teller. Her writing is sublime and she exquisitely captures a world within her words. This was my main source of adoration and the most memorable aspects about all four of her books, that I have now read.

Whilst still engaged with the story-line and in utter adoration with the writing, I found the latter half of this book slowed in pace a little. The intrigue was still intact, as was my interest with proceedings, but I found myself yearning for a resolution rather than an extension of the anguish this centred around.

Indeed, when under 100 pages of this book remained and so much was still left to be resolved, I was worried a hastily-erected solution would be all the closure that was granted. All my fears were allayed, however, and this book provided a sound ending for this immersive and thrilling duology.

I am so grateful to NetGalley and the Publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for giving me a copy of Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh.

"Never worship any man, Hattori Mariko. But always be worshiped."


Smoke in the Sun is the stunning sequel and finale to Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh - an author I discovered after reading the amazing Wrath and the Dawn duology. And Ahdieh certainly doesn't disappoint, this book is just as samurai packed as the first one.

We follow the same characters as in the first, Mariko is now in the Imperial City playing the dutiful wife to her betrothed Prince Raiden. This is amazing because not only does Mariko continue to impress us but we also get a view the lies contained within the Imperial court.

Some characters come into their own in this book, but also we see a different side to some characters - sides we probably wouldn't have guessed existed. This is good because Flame in the Mist already set up the backstories of Mariko and Okami for us, so it's great to see the secondary characters of Kenshin, Yumi, Raiden and Roku, really come into their own as their backstories are revealed and we see what impact the choices from the first book had upon them.

I sped through the second half of this book and before I knew it, I was at 92% and not wanting it to end, but alas it did and what an ending that was! This book was amazing and the only reason I awarded it 4 stars is because I really would have loved a longer epilogue - but that's just me! I just don't like books to end. So really it's more a 4.5 stars. But I will be purchasing a copy of Smoke in the Sun when it's published to sit alongside my copy of Flame in the Mist - and honestly I think that's the best thing a reviewer can say!

Something else incredible is the underlying feeling of female empowerment throughout this book, starting with Yumi and spreading through to Mariko and women featured in the Imperial Court - it's an amazing thing to see in a book where men are revered and women should remain silent.

“We should create a world for women like us. It would be a thing to see.”

I am quite late to the Renée Ahdieh party - I read her first two books at the beginning of the year and Flame in the Mist last month - but man I am 100% here for anything she writes in the future! She has a wonderful knack for creating fantastical worlds that feel so real you can almost taste them, and romantic pairings that grab you by the heart and won't let go!

This sequel continues just after where the last one left off, with Okami installed in the dungeon of the palace and Mariko attempting to ingratiate herself with her new fiance and his family, including the new emperor. (Side note; Roku may be my least favourite boy king since Joffrey. *shudders*)

The story is every bit as thrilling and full of intrigue as you would wish, although the flip side of that is there's not so much time for romance as last time. The friendship between Mariko and Yumi was a joy to read though. My one tiny complaint is that it all ends rather abruptly. I could have happily read an extra 20 (or 50!) pages wrapping it all up in more detail, but that's just me being greedy because it does have a proper ending.

I really enjoyed the sequel to the first book. Although, the story is a bit simpler, Renee’s writing is beautiful. attractive. I like how she takes romance. it's quite lighthearted. I love the characters.
Mariko is a delight to read about. She differs in a way that she uses her mind more than anything. The writer didn't go in the way of using physical strength to make her strong, but instead her intellect. She's a rebel, and I love it.
I also loved Okami, and the relationship with Mariko. it felt really genuine and sweet.
Overall, the sequel lived up to the expectations from the first book. Renee's story building and writing is really addictive, sweet and comfortable. I enjoyed both books and recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book completely fell in love with this book, this book is the sequel to flame in the mist which I really enjoyed but wasn't sure I wanted to continue on with the series. However I am so glad I continued on as I loved this book so much more than the first. As usual Renee Ahdiehs writing is beautiful and captivating and the characters are very complex and compelling.
if you want something romantic and thrilling I would highly recommend!

Okay, I'm going to be honest about something: I remember enjoying the arc I read of Flame in the Mist last year but, before reading this book, I couldn't remember anything that happened. In fact, I wasn't sure I was going to continue with the duology. When I was lucky enough to get an arc of this sequel, I figured I'd just give it a shot.

And it all came flooding back to me in a stream of drama, action and royal manipulations! It makes me sad to think I might not have continued with this series and missed out on a lot of enjoyment.

I find myself remembering why I enjoy Ahdieh's writing so much. Her descriptions of the setting (a fantasy inspired by feudal Japan) are detailed and stunning. She really captures the place where the story is set. She's one of those authors who makes every scene feel a little bit magical, even when nothing supernatural is happening.

Smoke in the Sun is a less romantic book than Flame in the Mist, which is just fine by me. The relationship was left in a good place in the first book and I'm glad Ahdieh moved on to more important things instead of prolonging the angst. Here, Mariko finds herself in Heian Castle, playing the part of dutiful bride-to-be to the Emperor's younger brother, while the Emperor Roku himself becomes ever more violent and vindictive.

The perspective of the novel frequently switches to secondary characters to offer more depth to them and more layers to the story. Indeed, the secondary characters were even more interesting to me than Mariko and Okami. From Kanako, the former Emperor's scheming consort, to Kenshin, Mariko's brother and dedicated samurai who never got over losing the girl he loved. Characters who at first appear to be villains turn out to be more complex, which I love.

“We should create a world for women like us. It would be a thing to see.”


I love how this book shows a world where, on the surface, powerful men battle it out to be on top, but behind the scenes there are also powerful women pulling the strings. Mariko's friendships with Yumi and Suke offer a delightful break from the action and violence, and show that there is great power in one woman helping another.

A very engaging, fun, action-packed fantasy. Ahdieh's future in YA looks set to follow writers like Bardugo and Maas: a balance of magic, drama, action and romance that is a guaranteed bestseller.

I adored this book! If you're looking fro something that manages to be lush, romantic, heart-stopping, thrilling and devastating all at once, then congrats you've found it! Renee Ahdieh writes some of the most beautiful prose I've ever had the pleasure to read. She writes women who are complex, realistic and worth rooting for, and men who will make you swoon for DAYS. Smoke in the Sun is pitched as a Mulan retelling, but it is so much more. Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas & Sabaa Tahir!!

It was good to be back in this vivid and well-built world once again. Smoke in the Sun picks up from where Flame in the Mist leaves off and delivers on the promise of the first book in a very satisfying way. I think I liked Mariko even better in this book. The action and romance both seemed more certain too. 4 well deserved stars.

Just wow, the world building that went into this book by Renee Ahdieh is just simply phenomenal. The characters have back stories are well thought out and seamlessly added into the story giving you a little more insight to how they become and who they are.

This book follows on from Flame in the Mist and what a book after the death of the Emperor and the capturing of Okami you delve straight back in the world of betrayal, magic, loyalty and love. It has its highs it has it lows and it has its troublesome character who you do not want to like but in the end can't help feeling for them.

I love the characters especially Mariko, she is strong and a leader in the world driven by men, She knows what she wants and has a mind of how to go about getting what needs to be done. Okami who is conflicted does what it takes to take what is finally his and along the way you learn more about the sorcery of the Kanako, Prince Raidan's mother.

This book is a definite read, it took me a while to get back into the book but due to Renee Ahdieh world building and descriptions I was once again ensconced in the world of Emperor's, Samurai, Loyalty and strong females.