The Flame in the Mist by Kit Grindstaff

My Rank: 3.5 Stars

Summary:

Set in an imagined past, this dark fantasy-adventure is for fans of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. Features  Jemma, a fiery-headed heroine held captive in Agromond Castle, yet destined to save mist-shrouded Anglavia.

Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma’s past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia. 

My Take:

This book has everything that makes me happy: a magical land, murderous villains, a young odd ball girl with special abilities. If my preteen self had gotten hold of this book, she would have been beyond gleeful.

The book, though good and I highly recommend for young teens, had problems. It started off strong. Jemma’s ‘family’ made me very curious and I envisioned their crumbling castle and selves after the 1981 version of Swan Lake.

Is it worth mentioning how I absolutely loved this movie?

But then it slowed down. A lot. By the middle of the book, I found myself wondering if I even cared about Jemma and her terrible predicament. I began to lose my connection with her and her cute rats, but I continued reading. The ending is what scooped up the extra half star. Action packed, plus we return to the crumbling castle with the murderous villains (who, apparently, I enjoyed far more than any of the other characters).

Something else that ruffled me slightly was the fact that some of the character’s actions didn’t match their age. Jemma is 13 through most of the narrative. In the beginning, she acts just like I would imagine at 13 year old to act. However, later on when she is having ‘the talk’ with Feo (who I believe was also 14/15?? I can’t remember if his age was mentioned, but I do know he was close to Jemma’s age) she and he behaved far, far older. In fact, the subject matter of the conversation made me uncomfortable. It just rubs me the wrong way when we are talking about lusting after a 13 year old and have been, apparently, for a long time.

Other than those little issues, the book was entertaining and enjoyable. I especially loved the creepy imagery of a land encased in everlasting mist AND I deeply loved that Grindstaff took the time to describe the food. I repeat: give this book to 10 year old girls and they will squeal with joy.

My Favorite Lines:

The bread, flattened from her falling on it, was deliciously stale, and the cheese was perfect — runny with age and reeking of feet.

“You don’t think much, do yer?”

His voice was as low and resonant as the tone from the empty syrupwater flagons Jemma used to blow into.

“I never was gladder to see a rodent…”

“I’ll always be Marsh to you, Jem.”

“It’s like time’s stood still here.” While for the Agromonds, Jemma thought, it’s kept booming out from the Bell Tower like a death knell…

“Rotten rhubarb!”