Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh - 4.5 stars

[Magdalena]

This book exceeded my already high expectations. Filled with political intrigue, torn loyalty, betrayal, misguided honor and duty, it actually gets quite complex for a young adult novel. It's set in feudal Japan with fantasy elements, has fabulous writing that moves at a wonderful pace, a strong female protagonist that noticeably grows throughout and even manages to touch on a few important social issues.

On the way to meet her betrothed the illegitimate son of the emperor, Mariko's convoy is attacked in the forest and she narrowly escapes. She decides to dress as a peasant boy to try to figure out who sent the assassins and why.

Her suspicions land on the Black Clan a group of bandits and she soon tracks them down with the intent to infiltrate their ranks but things don't go exactly as planned and they end up kidnapping her still believing she's a boy.

Meanwhile her twin brother is desperately intent on finding her but although Mariko knows this she chooses to stay with the Black Clan and try to learn the truth rather than return to her betrothed.

As she gets to know to the Black Clan she begins to see things in a different light and uncovers secrets and lies that change everything.

[Joanne]

This sounds really good! Nice review! I have to stop reading all these reviews, they only egg me on to add to the never ending TBR shelf..;lol