Flame in the Mist

Mariko is unhappily on her way to marry a man she's never met.  Her father has traded her for political power, and all the intelligence and cleverness in the world doesn't change the fact that a woman's will is just not important.  When her caravan is attacked and burned, Mariko is the only survivor, and she vows to get revenge on her attackers the only way she knows how.  She disguises herself as a boy and tries to infiltrate the ranks of the most dangerous gang of thieves in the empire.

It takes her a while to get her footing, but the members of the Black Clan accept her as a boy which means they also accept her intelligence and inventiveness.  Despite herself, Mariko begins to feel a sense of belonging with these outlaws who are dangerous, no doubt, but whose motives may not be exactly what she first thought. 

Okami, the wolf, is the most dangerous of all with his supernaturally quick and efficient fighting ability.  Mariko is drawn to him and fearful of his wildness.  Through all of their arguments and threats, something else could be developing between the two. 

Mariko thought she understood her world and her place in it, but her time with the Black Clan is teaching her otherwise, and she is beginning to realize she has only ever seen a carefully crafted version of reality.

Renee Andieh's new book is as dark and dangerous as it is lush and romantic.  It is steeped in the world of feudal Japan and samurai culture.  I really enjoyed reading this one.  I just wish the fantasy elements had been more integrated.  There's a scene near the end that had some foreshadowing but still seems pretty out of place.  I'm hoping the author will anchor the fantasy elements more firmly in the seque.  Recommended for 8th grade and up for PG-13 sexual content.