Mariko got one of the most precious present, freedom, from someone, who was hired to kill her. Now she is ready to investigate it, who and why wanted her dead.

Mariko was born into a world, where she has no chance to decide her future. She knows, that she can do nothing against it, that she is just a tool, which helps to elevate her family's standing. However when her convoy, which brings her to be the wife of the emperor's son, Minamoto Raiden, is ambushed by the imfamous Black Clan, first in her life Mariko has the decision about her future in her hands. Go back home, or try to learn the truth, who and why wanted to kill her... And the girl decides. As she tries to infiltrate the ranks of Black Clan, dressed as a peasant boy, she sees a fully new world, which is not just dangerous, but has many secrets and surprises. But not this is the only problem. The more she gets know the members of the enemy, the more questions and doubts Mariko has. Which is worse, she starts seeing also her own life in a fully differen light.

Flame in the Mist is just a great mixture of adventure, romance and magic for me. What I really like, that these things in the story are balanced, there is just the right amount from all of it. The characters are also interesting, and I really liked Mariko.

To sum it, Flame in the Mist was a really good book and I can't wait to read the continuation. Interesting story, good characters, samurais and mystery. For me, an awesome mix, I can just recommend it to anyone, who wants to read an entertaining book.