I really enjoyed the sequel to the first book. Although, the story is a bit simpler, Renee’s writing is beautiful. attractive. I like how she takes romance. it's quite lighthearted. I love the characters.
Mariko is a delight to read about. She differs in a way that she uses her mind more than anything. The writer didn't go in the way of using physical strength to make her strong, but instead her intellect. She's a rebel, and I love it.
I also loved Okami, and the relationship with Mariko. it felt really genuine and sweet.
Overall, the sequel lived up to the expectations from the first book. Renee's story building and writing is really addictive, sweet and comfortable. I enjoyed both books and recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book completely fell in love with this book, this book is the sequel to flame in the mist which I really enjoyed but wasn't sure I wanted to continue on with the series. However I am so glad I continued on as I loved this book so much more than the first. As usual Renee Ahdiehs writing is beautiful and captivating and the characters are very complex and compelling.
if you want something romantic and thrilling I would highly recommend!

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. In fact, I wasn't sure I was going to continue with the duology. When I was lucky enough to get an arc of this sequel, I figured I'd just give it a shot.

And 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.

I find myself remembering why I enjoy Ahdieh's writing so much. Her descriptions of the setting (a fantasy inspired by feudal Japan) are detailed and stunning. She really captures the place where the story is set. She's one of those authors who makes every scene feel a little bit magical, even when nothing supernatural is happening.

Smoke in the Sun is a less romantic book than Flame in the Mist, which is just fine by me. 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. Here, Mariko finds herself in Heian Castle, playing the part of dutiful bride-to-be to the Emperor's younger brother, while the Emperor Roku himself becomes ever more violent and vindictive.

The perspective of the novel frequently switches to secondary characters to offer more depth to them and more layers to the story. Indeed, the secondary characters were even more interesting to me than Mariko and Okami. From Kanako, the former Emperor's scheming consort, to Kenshin, Mariko's brother and dedicated samurai who never got over losing the girl he loved. Characters who at first appear to be villains turn out to be more complex, which I love.

“We should create a world for women like us. It would be a thing to see.”


I love how this book shows a world where, on the surface, powerful men battle it out to be on top, but behind the scenes there are also powerful women pulling the strings. Mariko's friendships with Yumi and Suke offer a delightful break from the action and violence, and show that there is great power in one woman helping another.

A very engaging, fun, action-packed fantasy. Ahdieh's future in YA looks set to follow writers like Bardugo and Maas: a balance of magic, drama, action and romance that is a guaranteed bestseller.

I adored this book! If you're looking fro something that manages to be lush, romantic, heart-stopping, thrilling and devastating all at once, then congrats you've found it! Renee Ahdieh writes some of the most beautiful prose I've ever had the pleasure to read. She writes women who are complex, realistic and worth rooting for, and men who will make you swoon for DAYS. Smoke in the Sun is pitched as a Mulan retelling, but it is so much more. Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas & Sabaa Tahir!!

It was good to be back in this vivid and well-built world once again. Smoke in the Sun picks up from where Flame in the Mist leaves off and delivers on the promise of the first book in a very satisfying way. I think I liked Mariko even better in this book. The action and romance both seemed more certain too. 4 well deserved stars.

Just wow, the world building that went into this book by Renee Ahdieh is just simply phenomenal. The characters have back stories are well thought out and seamlessly added into the story giving you a little more insight to how they become and who they are.

This book follows on from Flame in the Mist and what a book after the death of the Emperor and the capturing of Okami you delve straight back in the world of betrayal, magic, loyalty and love. It has its highs it has it lows and it has its troublesome character who you do not want to like but in the end can't help feeling for them.

I love the characters especially Mariko, she is strong and a leader in the world driven by men, She knows what she wants and has a mind of how to go about getting what needs to be done. Okami who is conflicted does what it takes to take what is finally his and along the way you learn more about the sorcery of the Kanako, Prince Raidan's mother.

This book is a definite read, it took me a while to get back into the book but due to Renee Ahdieh world building and descriptions I was once again ensconced in the world of Emperor's, Samurai, Loyalty and strong females.