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. Smoke in the Sun is a less romantic book than Flame in the Mist, which is just fine by me. She's one of those authors who makes every scene feel a little bit magical, even when nothing supernatural is happening. She really captures the place where the story is set. Her descriptions of the setting (a fantasy inspired by feudal Japan) are detailed and stunning. I find myself remembering why I enjoy Ahdieh's writing so much. When I was lucky enough to get an arc of this sequel, I figured I'd just give it a shot.Īnd 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. In fact, I wasn't sure I was going to continue with the duology.

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. A night swirling with mystery, an unknowable energy pulsing in its depths. Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, Smoke in the Sun is the breathless, romantic, not-to-be-missed fiery conclusion to a spell-binding adventure. Mariko and Ōkami risk everything to right past wrongs and restore the honor of a kingdom thrown into chaos by a sudden war, hoping against hope that when the dust settles, they will find a way to be together. One arrow sets into motion a series of deadly events even the most powerful magic cannot contain. Mariko will do what she must to ensure his survival-even marry the sovereign's brother, saying goodbye to a life with Ōkami forever.Īs Mariko settles into her days at court-making both friends and enemies-and attempting Ōkami's rescue at night, the secrets of the royal court begin to unravel as competing agendas collide. Ōkami has been captured, and his execution is a certainty. Now she heads to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted to save the boy she loves. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters-a life of usefulness-and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. For weeks, seventeen-year-old Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice.

Smoke in the sun renee ahdieh