I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Flame in the Mist by Kit Grindstaff Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 13 Hours 29 Minutes
Published by Random House Children's Books on April 9th 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, General, Social Themes, Physical & Emotional Abuse
Pages: 464
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Publisher
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Set in an imagined past, this dark fantasy-adventure is for fans of Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass. Features Jemma, a fiery-headed heroine held captive in Agromond Castle, yet destined to save mist-shrouded Anglavia.Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma's past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.
Why Did I Listen To The Flame In The Mist?
The Flame In The Mist by Kit Grindstaff initially appealed to me because I was on a middle grade fantasy kick. Let’s be real, there are some really excellently written middle grade fantasy books out there. Plus, two key elements of the story are the main character’s pet rats and so, I was hoping for a kind of Redwall vibe. I decided to listen to this one because it has been on my Netgalley queue for an obnoxiously long time, and luckily the library had the audiobook of The Flame In The Mist.
What’s The Story Here?
The Flame In The Mist is about this girl named Jemma Agromond. Jemma has bright red hair and lives in this castle, sort of, with these other people, whom she presumes is her family. She lives with her mother, father, and siblings. One day, Jemma finds out some secrets about her life and realizes everything she thought she knew was wrong. So, she leaves the castle and has help along the way from a friend named Digby and rats named Noodle and Pie. There’s other people who also help her out along the way. It’s up to Jemma to reverse this mist that covers the land of Anglavia and fulfill her destiny.
How Did I Like It?
I feel sort of nonchalant and ambivalent about The Flame In The Mist by Kit Grindstaff. It doesn’t inspire fierce devotion or excitement in me that other middle grade fantasy has. I guess I sort of thought that Jemma was boring. I liked the role of her telepathic rats, though. Overall, I was just kind of bored and felt as though this has all been done before.
How’s The Narration?
The audiobook is narrated by Rosalyn Landor. She does an okay job. I mean, the audiobook feels a bit long. However, this is because I had to listen to the CDs and couldn’t speed them up like I do books on Hoopla and Overdrive. I think your mileage is going to vary with The Flame In The Mist. Either you’ll find it to be incredibly interesting or a bit dull.
Other reviews of The Flame In The Mist by Kit Grindstaff:
- Readerly Musings – “so many layers“
- Alexa Loves Books – “this fantasy novel was imaginative, quirky and very adventurous“
- Waking Brain Cells – “such a compelling read“
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Ah, I remember this book! I read it a little while ago, and I remember enjoying it at the time. Unfortunately, it hasn’t particularly stayed with me in terms of story details- which I guess is a reflection of the book itself.
I think I’m more disappointed in ‘meh’ books than truly disappointing ones. I’ve had similar experiences with MG fantasy books lately, though they’ve just gone on the DNF. What a bummer. 🙁