Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova sucks you in right away. Renata Convida has a special kind of magic. She is able to take someone’s memories away. She has the power to take all of your memories or she can only take a little bit of your memories because of this, Renata is feared. She is able to make a person completely hollow with no memories. Renata is work with the rebels so to speak. They are called The Whispers. These are renegades that are fighting again a group called the Moria. The Moria is a group of people that are persuading people with magic.

When the commander of The Whispers is captured by the Prince, Renata vows to save him. Things are not what they seem and Renata has to discounter the answers for herself. I enjoyed the fact that the reader is learning at the same pace as the main character. Instead of knowing what is to come, we are in the same boat as Ren. One of the things we learn about Ren, is that even though she can take people’s memories, she has lost many of her own. Her past is pretty absent from her mind.

I thought Cordova did a great job with the writing in this novel. The world building is really good. I really liked the action as well. I think it had a great balance of the two. I feel like this book had so many good elements. The characters were fantastic. I really enjoyed the magic system. I am looking forward to learning more about this magic system.

This is definitely a book that I would pick up again. I really enjoyed it and thing it is definitely worth checking out.

Incendiary will be bought by the chain I work for and should be as I believe it will sell very well. It has a lot of elements that many readers will love. I didn't completely dislike the book. It just feel very flat for me. It had a lot of elements I love and had hoped for going in but they felt under utilized and just "phoned in" except the magic system which was completely brilliant.

There was a lack of world building and very slow pacing. I didn't like any of the characters, including the main character. Rather than being strong in her stance with the Whispers, she floundered. I couldn't buy into any character or any side enough to root for them.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

This is a character-driven novel.

This is good and bad news for me. This meant that the characters are very well developed and written out, but that also kind of reduced my enjoyment for the book. The biggest difference between a character-driven and plot-driven novel is while one is how characters affect the plot, the other is the characters' reaction to the plot.

Also, some warnings for impatient people (like me). This book is almost filled to the brim with italicized flashbacks thanks to our protagonist's magical ability, but patience is key. Those are very necessary for the development of the story and should not be scanned. I know that there are other readers like me who always kind of lose focus whenever I see "italicization"(it's like the moment my brain sees them they kind fo turn off), but it's really important (I promise). So be prepared for these.

It's also been a while since I read a book with a romance subplot where the two are already a pair, and that was quite refreshing for me. Dez and Renata are both extremely respectable, lovable, and capable loves that are well created. They feel genuinely real due to their solid backstory and creation.

Sadly, this is one of the books where I can recognize its quality and effort, I can't fill a huge amount of enthusiasm for. Sure, I enjoyed and finished it, but I don't' think it was good enough to be one of those books where I would go back and re-read again. It was okay, that's the best I can say for it.

Rating: 3.5/5

There are those rare stories that grip you, latch on to you from the first page until the last – those stories that make you stay up all night just so you could finish it. Incendiary is one of those rare stories.

Action-packed and so full of twists and turns from start to end, Incendiary sank its claws on me and dragged me on a trip to a volatile and dangerous world. I enjoyed this book so much. It has everything I ever wanted in a fantasy – magic, court intrigue, spycraft, and revenge – I ate it all up.

The story follows Renata Convida, a róbari – a memory thief – the rarest of the magic-wielding Moria. Kidnapped when she was a child and manipulated into being an instrument to hunt and persecute her own people by the cruel King Fernando and Justice Méndez, the leader of the King’s Justice, she was rescued by the Whispers. Now a young woman and a member of the rebel Moria group, Ren is dead set on destroying her former captors’ rule and to take back Memoria from her conquerors. But when Dez, her friend and love, is captured and executed by the Bloody Prince, Prince Castian, Renata is forced to go back the palace, to her enemies, to finish Dez’s last mission.

Córdova takes on an ambitious work with this book, and it pays off.

Inspired by Spanish Inquisition Spain, this story’s world feels real and familiar in its brutality and its workings. The degradation of the subjugated peoples and the erasure of their way of life – their culture, traditions, religion – felt uncomfortably close especially to someone who is from a country with a long history of being colonized. I couldn’t help but see my own people in the Moria.

Incendiary is intricately plotted and heavily driven by this same element. At any given time, there are about two or three plot threads being explored in the same chapter. But, amazingly, it doesn’t overwhelm, coalescing and adding up instead to form a solid, formidable base for this whole series to stand on. It was fun trying to piece together stuff and try to figure out how things will go down, try being the operative word in that statement. It was, I think, the most enjoyable bit of this book for me.

The magic system, while it could use some more elaboration, was another thing I loved about this book. The use of metals – gold for the illusionári, silver for the ventári, copper for persúari, and platinum for róbari – to amplify the magics of the Moria was an interesting detail and makes me wonder if alchemy will play a bigger role in the next book.

Córdova also did an awesome job creating intriguing characters you’d want to get to know and root for. Though, with this story being heavily plot-driven, the exploration these characters – Sayida, Margo, and Esteban, Lady Nuria and Leo, even the main trio of Ren, Dez, and Prince Castian – suffers a bit. It’s one of the things I wish will be remedied in the next book.

Still, even with its flaws, Incendiary is a riveting story full of nail-biting action and intriguing politics. The conclusion of this first installment leaves a lot open for the next one to explore, and I, for one, am excited about it.

Quick Take: Set in 15th century Spain the story follows Renata who is part of a rebel group trying to overthrow the government and protect a class targeted minorities known as the Moira. When the commander of the rebel group and Ranata’s dear friend Dez gets captured by the Sangrado Prince.

What I Loved: There is a lot to like here. Cordova creates an immersive world with rich prose and I enjoyed the infusion of Spanish culture throughout the story. I also thought the magic system was intriguing especially the idea of taking people’s memories and the consequences it had for both the users and those who the magic touched. I think there was a lot to unpack around social and political commentary and I will be interested to see how Cordova carries these themes throughout the trilogy.

What I Didn’t Love: At times the plot got confusing only because there was some mystery running through the book that resulted in a reveal at the end and so we, along with the narrator, we’re not privy to certain details and frequently I felt as if I had missed some thing important even though a lot of it was explained by the end of the book. It’s a little thing but it did detract some from my enjoyment of the book.

Incendiary is the first book in the young adult fantasy series called, Hollow Crown, by Zoraida Córdova. This is the first book I have read from this author and I did enjoy it. I am looking forward to continuing on in the series, but I did have a few things that kept Incendiary from being a 5 star read for me.

First, let’s start with the aspects of the story that I really enjoyed. I liked the main character, Ren a lot. She was the saving grace for me in the story because I was ultimately really invested in what was going to happen to her. I was also really interested in the magic present in this world. Not everyone has magic, and those that do are outcasts. They are called Moria, and Ren is even rare among magic wielders because she possesses a very rare form of magic. She can steal memories from people. Steal, not share. When Ren gets her hands on someone, she rips the memory from their head and makes it her own. Meaning the original bearer of the memory, no longer remembers it. This was such a unique power. I have never seen a power described this way, and it was fascinating. There are all kinds of consequences for Ren, both physical and moral. Ren’s own memories are shrouded in a fog the more she crowds her head with other’s memories. Learning about the different forms of magic was my favorite aspect of the story.

I also loved diving into some of the secrets of Ren’s past. There are many characters that we encounter in Incendiary. Some I liked, some I didn’t and some I was very indifferent to. I don’t want to go into which fall into which categories for a few reasons. One, I think I may be in the minority with which characters I didn’t like very much and also I don’t want to spoil too much of the plot of the story. But I did not like everyone I think we are “supposed” to like as the reader.

My least favorite aspect of the story was the rebellion aspect. At the start of the book, the characters are painted as very one-dimensional good or bad, which I never really enjoy. I find the shades of grey much more interesting to play with. I was also very confused at the start of the story. I felt like we were dumped in the middle of a fierce rebellion and I didn’t really have a lot of context for what was going on. I wanted to get to the part of the story where Ren was at court, and it felt like it took too long to get there. I also felt like the characters, other than Ren and at times a few other characters, were a bit one-note and fell a bit flat to me. I didn’t love many of the character, but my fierce love for Ren kept me going and kept me enjoying the book. She is the reason that I want to continue on with this series. I have a feeling that the second book is going to be even better than the first now that the groundwork has been laid. Incendiary had a rough start for me, but it got much better as it went on. I ended up enjoying Incendiary and I am interesting in continuing on with the sequel. If you are a fan of YA fantasies featuring interesting magic, rebellions, secrets and court politics, Incendiary may be a great book for you to check out.

Look I finished the book and have been screaming for a good one hour and now I'm expected to put down coherent thoughts? *grumbles* . I shall try okay? But I can't assure my review will be coherent because right now my brain is basically going asddkfkhjdfkfkkk.

~4 REASONS TO READ INCENDIARY~

~Complex characters~

Morally grey characters and characters with multiple facets are the most interesting. Renata Convida is the most intriguing protagonist I've read about in recent days. She's the girl who worked for the enemy as a child, now a part of the rebellion to take them down. She can't remember her memories from when she was used as a weapon at the palace but vows to earn her people's trust someday and atone for her sin by being an important part of the rebellion. I was rooting for her and her magic from page one. I love how her memories and her ability to steal people's memories is a huge part of the plot and she's an active protagonist. She doesn't stand around watching things happen around her but truly takes part in the plotline and that's awesome.

All the secondary characters are so interesting and while I hated some of them I loved how well they written to evoke such emotions from me. The most interesting character arc of all is that of the villain and *cue screaming* . It was done SO WELL.

~World Building for the Win~

The magic system was so amazingly crafted and I loved how the magic of the Moria worked. It was a magic system like no other I've read and I wanted to learn more about it. I can't wait to learn more in book two because of a certain thing revealed at the end (I did think that might come up again and I was glad it did). Also a good time to mention but I also loved the author's world building in Labyrinth Lost, the first book of hers that I read.

~Plot Line to keep you on the edge of your seat~

It was such a ride. Right from the start there is so much action and so many things happening that it left me breathless. There is a romance but it does not feature for the majority part of the story and when it does show up (at the beginning) it's really lovely. (I just really really hope there is not love triangle in book 2)

Plot twists are of course there! Quite a few actually. I was expecting one or two of them but the rest just blew me away. The twists and the foreshadowing were so well done and I just felt so freaking immersed in the story.

~Beautiful writing I want to climb into~

I know that's a weird description but that's exactly what I wanted to do; climb into the book and sit among the words because they're perfect. The author makes you feel for the characters, feel like you're there right alongside them, picture the scenes and descriptions so perfectly in your head. I swear I'll read anything Zoraida Córdova writes because it's so beautiful!

~Incendiary is a retelling of the Spanish Inquisition and filled with magic, vengeance and revenge. It keeps you turning the pages because you just HAVE to know what happens next~

Thank you Fantastic Flying Fiction Book Club and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Incendiary
Hollow Crown #1
By: Zoraida Córdova


REVIEW ☆☆☆☆☆

"I thank the goddess every day that the Whispers came for me. Who would I be if I had never left? A monster. A killer."

These words, spoken by Renata Convida, are at the heart of Incendiary. Ren is quite special because she is one of the Moria, those possessing magic, and her magic is rare. Ren is a Robari, meaning she has the ability to steal memories from anyone, in part or in whole. If all are taken, the person becomes a Hollow. When Ren was young, the King stole her and weaponized her. She has been used for terrible deeds her entire life. Fortunately, the Whispers, a band of Moria rebels, rescue Ren. Even among her own people, however, Ren is adrift. No one trusts her because of her past. First a weapon, and now, an outsider, Ren has no place in the world and doesn't know who she is. Ren's own memories are muddled with memories stolen, so she lacks an anchor to tie her to her roots. Slowly, Ren remembers and pieces together her life. This girl is powerful and dangerous, but unwanted and despised for things beyond control. Ren changes as she recalls, and her confidence grows, as well as her self reliance. When a mission goes south, Ren must infiltrate the very place from which she was rescued. How will returning affect Ren? Make her stronger or tear her down? No matter what transpires, Ren must hold tightly to her true self and own every aspect of her being, else all may be lost. This story is absolutely amazing in every way. Cordova has crafted a world of magic and evil at odds. The characters could step out of the book into reality because they are so, well, real. Ren, raw with emotion, tears at your heart in so many ways, and I loved her. Incendiary is a favorite of mine this year, and I encourage everyone to read it, even if you aren't a fan of ya fantasy, etc. because it's awesome.

This was amazing! I really enjoyed this book.

What I especially loved, was the intrigue. I often have a hard time following anything politics-related, but I didn't have that issue at all with this book. The terms were explained well, and often repeated so you will not forget them.
The world-building was amazing, and I could connect well to the characters.

Plotwise, it took a while before I really connected to the story. I think it really got going around 40%, that's when I really started getting invested in it. I would have loved for that to be earlier.

All in all I can highly recommend this book.

I was really surprised by this book and enjoyed reading it a lot. At first I was hesitant because the story is told from the first person perspective and that's usually a problem for me when it comes to fantasy books as there isn't a lot of opportunity for world building. I did, however, feel that Córdova managed to explain her world perfectly from Renata's point of view and through her memory magic, it was easy to get a good understanding of the setting, the magic and the political tensions.

To read my full review visit mousethatreads.com

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Fantastic Flying Book Club, Netgalley, and Disney-Hyperion for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.


This was actually my first Córdova novel and I can’t believe that I’ve waited this long to read something from her! I’m actually really disappointed in myself because I could not get enough of this novel and I’m already dying for the next book. Like, can 2021 come any sooner so I can read the second novel?

I absolutely adored the world that Cordova created in this novel. I felt so immersed in this journey from the first page. I was already on the edge of my seat with the prologue alone that I knew that I was in for a wild and amazing ride. I was definitely not disappointed. Ren was such a well written character and again, I’m just floored at how many new characters I have now from all of these amazing books coming out! Ren is a girl that I could totally see me being friends with somehow, and the power that she has is just so intense and terrifying that I was already in love.

The magic system in this novel was also really interesting, and I liked how some of the magics weren’t as common throughout the Moria. Of course, Ren having one of the rarest magic out there, and it also being one of the most powerful was a nice touch, could have been seen as “typical” but hey, I dig it. I also just felt so much for Ren! I said that already I think, but ugh just hearing from her perspective and learning what she endured when she was kidnapped and in the possession of the king just broke my heart sometimes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I think that you will too. Add this to your TBR and get ready for another fantasy novel to enjoy the crap out of.

Read the full review and my blog tour stop at www.yourwordsmyink.com

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

Story

I had to take a few days to sort out my thoughts on Incendiary. I honestly did enjoy the book, it was gripping and kept me hooked, I just have a few minor issues. It felt like the first half of the book should have been the last half of the first book. Stories are supposed to start in the middle, I understand that concept, but this literally felt like I had opened the book in the middle and started reading.

The plot itself was very interesting, and I loved the magic system and the Spanish-Inquisition elements. I read the ARC for this, so it didn't include a map, but I hope the release copies do contain maps. Maps really help to orient me in fantasy worlds, and I felt a little lost without one.

Writing

The writing was superb. At one point I could not put the book down. Córdova does an amazing job of describing scenery and conveying character's emotions. The world she created is brutal and unforgiving, and I cannot wait to read more.

Characters

Renata started out strong, but I was really annoyed by her in the end. My favourite character (the prince) got the least page time. If the ending is any indication we'll be seeing more of him in book two and I cannot wait for that.

Let me know your thoughts on Incendiary!

Incendiary has been a wonderful read. The writing flows well, making it easy to imagine the world the author created. The world-building is rich and unique in its magic system. The author developed the place and the culture well, and it is also rich in history. It has this Spanish atmosphere that I very much enjoyed.

The magic system is also interesting. I've read something similar as far as magic and memories go, but even there, the author twisted it in a way that made it original. I wish I had a bit more on that.

The first third of the book is pretty strong and has this scene where it ripped my heart out. It's so well done. I very much enjoyed how Renata created all sorts of relationships throughout the book.

The rest of the book is a bit slower, but the tension makes up for it. The author plants clues and I wondered how this will end and who the spy is. The tension made me fear for her, for her something utterly wrong to happen. The romance is kept low in this book, which served the story well here.

The ending is fantastic. I wanted a bit more, but I guess I'll have to wait for book 2. :) This book is definitely one I recommend.

4.5 // 5 stars

I would first like to start by saying a big thank you to FFBC and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book and letting me participate in the blog tour. I was excited about this release prior to it so when I saw that there was going to be a tour, I jumped straight on signing up!

The book picks up from page one with action. We're thrown right into an intense scene and I thought it was the perfect beginning. It sucked me in right away and I was very engrossed throughout the entire book. Some parts did drag at times in the middle, but I feel like, for the most part, the book was paced pretty well. The way the plot moved was so unexpected for me--so many things happened that I wasn't expecting going in. It was very intriguing and, even when the action was less, the tension and high stakes kept the story moving. I will say the ending seemed a bit rushed and confusing, but maybe that's because I stayed up until 1 am finishing this because I could not put it down!

The world itself was very interesting but the magic is really what I want to focus on. The magic! I've never actually read a book with magic like Ren's before. She can steal people's memories from them and even take their entire minds so that they're a empty inside. I thought it was really interesting, especially because of her struggles with guilt for using it but it being a necessity.

I really loved the characters. I loved Ren from page one and I knew that she was going to be a character I loved reading from. However, all of the side characters were all so well-developed that I loved each of them as well. Plus, there were betrayals and twists and big reveals that I didn't see coming all in regards to the characters and I loved every moment. I'm so excited to see what happens to all the characters in the next book.

I think what speaks the most highly for this book to me is the fact that every time I think about it, I like it even more. Sometimes I'll really enjoy a book in the moment but whenever I look back on it I don't like it as much, but I look back on this book and love it slightly more each time.

Overall, I loved this book more than I expected and I'm so excited to get my hands on a finished copy and to read the sequel when it comes out next year. These characters truly have my heart and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book to them since there were so many twists at the end of this book. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! I read this as part of The FFBC blog tour. You can find my full review and favourites quotes on my blog (link in bio).

I can't believe that there was a point earlier this year when I thought I didn't want to read this book but I'm glad that feeling flew away with the wind! I absolutely loved this--the world, the magic, the characters. Cordova does a fantastic job pulling readers into this Spanish inspired world with her whimsical prose and easy writing style. There's so much I enjoyed about this book that I don't even know where to start talking about it!

I actually started reading this having forgotten what it was about so I was initially confused but it really didn't take long for me to become immersed in this world and to grow attached to the characters. I enjoyed the world building and how seamlessly the history of Puerto Leones and Memoria were woven into the unfolding of the story. I also loved the magic and the Moria's different powers (I can't decide which I'd want more)! That said, I feel like we only got to see small pieces of a much much bigger world and there were times I wish we got more details; especially about the history of magic and Memoria. I enjoyed reading about the different magical abilities and the touch of Spanish influence in the names. Of course Ren's ability to steal memories was the most interesting to me--just picturing having an ability like that thrills and horrifies me at the same time.

The plot was driven by revenge and although there were parts where the pacing slowed down, the majority of the story was fast and full of action. There were secrets, mystery, betrayals. There was also a healthy dose of political intrigue and of course, court drama between the ladies at the palace. Cordova threw in a few plot twists that had me shook and even though I predicted one or two towards the end, I loved the build up to the actual reveal (is it just me who gets all excited about them even though you already know what's going to happen?)--the anticipation was delicious!

As for the characters, the story is told through Ren's eyes and I really enjoyed being in her mind. I found her complex and intriguing because of everything that she has been through and all that she feels towards herself. She's riddled with guilt and self-loathing due to her past and it came through so strongly in the writing that it made my heart hurt! Despite being constantly beat down by others, she never bites back or breaks and I see a great strength in that. I can see how some people could say she's one dimensional because the growth in her character really only comes through in the end, but I appreciate that we watch her unravel a bit as she faces her past and her memories start to resurface. I can definitely feel that she will experience a lot more growth in the coming back. Other than Ren, most of the other character don't get much attention. I'm most curious about Prince Castian and Sayida and I hope we get much more of them in the coming book.

Overall, this was such a fun and fast read and I didn't want to put it down for a second! While maybe not wholly unique with its magic system, and it's certainly not without its share of tropes, I thought all the elements came together nicely and made for a very entertaining read. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book! Definitely recommended.

I found the concept of Zoraida’s new YA Fantasy, Incendiary, really unique and interesting. The magic system was different than what we normally see. I felt the story was fast-paced yet captivating.
Renata’s character was well-developed and I found her ability to take people’s memories really fascinating. She was forced as a child to perform her magic on people within the palace and when she gets kidnapped she finds herself wondering if she’s any safer with the rebels.
In a world where trust does not come easily Renata has to decide who the real enemy is and if both sides just want to use her for her magic. She goes back into the palace for the first time in years to get revenge for the person she loves. She decides to use her magic to get answers along the way and is surprised to find out that what she’s thought all along has not been what it seemed. She’s left at the end with an ally she didn’t see coming and many many more questions.
I picked up the audio on release day and it was well done. I would definitely recommend it to those who prefer audiobooks. The narrator did a great job.

Can't wait to join the blog tour April 30!My first Zoraida Córdova book, one I've been eagerly anticipating, and it did not disappoint for a second. Also, how on earth was this my first Zoraida Córdova book?!

From the first page this was a phenomenal story! The plot is intriguing and cleverly unravelled. The world-building and the set-up of the story in the first 50 pages is just beautifully done. I am so in awe of this book and Córdova skill as a story teller! This is inspired by the Spanish Inquisition, and let me tell you, it delivered. In this, the heretics in need of hunting down are those with magic, them must be tamed with a weapon that Renata is desperate to find. The plot twists in this are unreal and worthy of moments of regularly shouting NO to your house at large. One happens relatively early in the book that had me stunned beyond belief.

I adore Renata. I realize I say that a lot about female protagonists, but when they're brave and fierce, they get my love. Ren has not had the best childhood and she does not know where she fits in. As a young child she was stolen from her parents for her magic to serve under the Arm of Justice, taking memories from people and helping the king in his quest to hunt down the Whispers—the rebels with magic. But poor Ren doesn't remember much of that time, which keeps her at arms length from the rest of the Whispers who rescued her. They do not trust her, and she struggles with being part of a team that really just doesn't like her. Aside from Dez, of course, but I can't even talk about that without spilling some major secrets.

The magics system in this took me a few to get the hang off, but it feels like a very unique one. In this world, there are four types of magics a person can master of. One allows the person to read the truth in a person's thoughts. Another can draw out emotions from others and manipulate them. One can craft illusions to make anyone see what isn't there. And finally, the ability to steal memories. Memory magic we know the most of because this is what Renata has. That she has this magic does not endear her to the Whispers either, because they are dangerous. Ren can take every memory inside a person's head, leaving behind nothing but a Hollow. The shell of a person that will eventually die.

Ren's memory magic is so unbelievably important in drawing out the plot. We learn the back history of characters and past events through the memories she takes. I could not get over how clever this was! It was absolutely fascinating and the consequences it had were absolutely mindblowing for good and bad reasons. My absolute favourite way this was used as a plot device was to learn more about the villain, Prince Castian. I am literally bursting to say more, but I can't without, again, leaking some MAJOR spoilers. But it was so freaking well done and I am in love!

The ending was absolutely explosive in terms of reveals and changes in allegiances. Basically, I cannot wait until the sequel!

I knew I wanted to read Incendiary from the moment the book deal was announced. It made my most anticipated list for 2020 and I am so happy I got a chance to read an early copy of it. It is my first book by Zoraida Cordova and I am hitting myself for not picking up her books earlier. You can be sure I will go back and read her body of work.

As I sit to write this review, there are so many things that I want to say about Incendiary. I set out to read a story about magic and rebels but discovered so much within it that speaks of history. Zoraida said that it was inspired by the Spanish Inquisition period and from what I know of it it does definitely give us that feel.

The main kingdom in Incendiary is called Puerto Leones and there were many lions in this story. From a king that only cares about conquest and taking advantage of people to better suit his needs to the Justice a type of Sheriff if you will, that condemns all that rebels against his authority. But fear not trusty readers as for in every story that talks of injustice and corrupt kingdoms there is also hope. Because to quote Star Wars: "Rebellions were built on Hope!" 

Renata is a girl with a complicated past. Stolen from her family and forced at a young age to use her powers on people to do the King and Justice's bidding. Then brought to the Whispers a group of rebel spies with powers just like her that fight to help the Moria. Even many years later Renata hasn't come to terms with everything she was forced to do. So much so that it pushes her to isolate even from her fellow rebels while thinking that she will never be accepted. I loved Renata. I thought she was an amazing thought out character that had many layers. Her power is feared by most. She is a  Robari which means she can steal memories from people. Memories are what makes us who we are and I can understand why there was a stigma against people with this ability in Incendiary. It’s scary to think that who you are, everything that you went through can be erased by just a touch of the hand. I think there is a correlation to do between the erasing of memories in the book and the erasing of culture in our own world through history. Reading Incendiary also made me think of the first explorers coming to America and claiming the land for a country across an ocean while killing and assimilating so many cultures.

The way the story is thought out speaks volumes on what a good storyteller Zoraida is. To have written a book so complex and make it seem effortless is astounding. Incendiary had so many twists and turns that I heard someone comparing it to a George R. R. Martin-esque novel and I don't see this as farfetched at all. Incendiary kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want more and more. Did it deliver? Yes absolutely.

I cannot wait for book two and see where this series will go. From that ending, I am sure it will be epic. This was an absolute 5 out of 5 stars for me.

It's really, really rare for me that I don't finish a book. Like...soooooo rare. And usually it's because there are typos and/or the writing is just atrocious!

With Incendiary, however, I think my inability to finish this one was just due to personal tastes and preferences.

To sum it up--I was bored. Interestingly, enough, I thought the prologue was pretty good. And it made me think that I may really enjoy the book.

But, it didn't take long for me to realize that I couldn't get past--to me--what was the same, tired, story-line.

It's so difficult for me because, honestly, Ms. Cordova isn't a bad writer. She knows how to tell a story. I just wasn't interested in this one.

I'm not lying when I say I'm going to give the author another chance. Just maybe not with this series.

My review will be available on the link provided on 5/9/20.

Zoraida Cordova is an autobuy author for me. I have loved everything I've read so far.

Ren was rescued by the Whispers years ago. Dez is the leader of their small group, the Lynx Unit. Sayida, Esteban, and Margo also make up the group. The king has pushed the Moria (magic users) out. They are considered the enemy. Renata is one of the most dangerous, a Robari. She can take memories from a person. It can be one or it can be all of them. She's left Hollows with no memories at all. She can't control her magic well yet and most people are afraid of her. She isnt' trusted either. When Renata was young, she was taken in the king's justice. He was good to her and she had everything she could want. But Ren was also going to be a weapon. The justice used her and it caused the deaths of a lot of Moria, including her parents. Ren feels like an outcast everywhere. She's a loner and doesn't trust anyone except Dez. She's in love with the boy who rescued her all those years ago.

When the current mission doesn't end well, Ren makes the decision to go back to the justice. Her goal is to kill the prince more than anyone. He's cruel and kills people easily, even his own brother. Ren doesn't have many memories from her first time there. She created what is called the Gray. It holds all her memories. The memories she takes from others confuse her. She finds out things she repressed and things she didn't know about the king and prince. Ren is pretty broken. She focuses on all the bad things that have happened and not realized how much she needs others. She meets a few people in the capital that she enjoys, but that suspicion is always there. Ren needs to find the Magpie, a current spy, but she's not sure who it is or if they're even alive. The Arm of Justice has created a weapon to "cure" the Moria. What it will do is rip out their power. A lot of people have already died trying to find out where it is.

Things are not all that they seem. There is revenge and betrayal. I saw some twists coming, but I still loved them. The writing and story is great. I got invested in the people quickly. And that ending. I cannot wait to see where things go in book two. My review is a big vague as usual, but I really don't want to ruin any plot twist.

I gave this 5 stars. Thank you to Hyperion for my review copy.

Warnings for death, torture, captivity, and a lot of blood.