Of Myths & Magic: Incendiary Review

The review

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova tells the tale of betrayal and redemption for our main character, Renata Convida. As a child, she was kidnapped by the King's Justice and brought to the royal palace due to her rare and feared magical abilities as a Robari, enabling her to steal memories from royal enemies. After being rescued by the Whispers, a rebel group working against the crown made up of other magically gifted people known as the Moria, Renata struggles with their mistrust and her own haunting memories of the souls she turned "hollow" during her time in the palace at the hands of the King.

The book follows Renata as she navigates the complexities of her past and her duty to the Whispers. When Dez, the commander of her unit and her love interest, is taken captive by the notorious son of the King, Prince Castian, Renata is willing to do anything to save him. A disastrous rescue attempt forces Renata to return to the palace undercover to complete Dez's top-secret mission. She must convince her former captors of her loyalty while yearning for vengeance against the brutal prince Castian, all while growing more deeply entwined in the royal court's politics.

Throughout the book, Renata's character development is marked by her increasing self-confidence and understanding of her past. She learns to navigate the intricate politics of the royal court and uncovers secrets about her past that could change the fate of the kingdom, and her magical abilities. Renata's return to the palace stirs childhood memories long locked away, forcing her to confront her past, grow from it, and consider ways in which she may have been misguided from those she loves most. She learns more about her own capabilities and potential, gaining confidence in her powers and her role in the fate of the Moria; yet throughout this book she remains her own enemy​.

Renata's interactions with other characters, such as Lady Nuria and Leo, also contribute to her character development. Lady Nuria, who was once engaged to Castian but is now married to Alessandro (under the King’s Justice), is kind to Renata, even asking her to take away the memory of her and Castian’s break up. Leo, Nuria's assistant, is also friendly towards her and serves as friendly face and mentor through her time at the castle. These relationships, as well as Renata's changing perception of Castian, add a layer of complexity to her character and lend to a continuously engaging read.

Personal thoughts

Incendiary offers readers an immersive experience with its rich character development and intricate relationships, this is much of the reason why I rated this novel so highly. While the beginning gives off to a slow-start, as you gain traction through the story you are introduced to complex and uncompromising characters and a world of magic that is only beginning. Further, Renata's journey from a mistrusted member of the Whispers to a confident, self-assured woman is compelling. The dynamic relationships, both humorous and endearing, serve to enhance the depth and complexity of the story. The book also captivates readers with its unexpected twists, such as revelations related to Dez and Prince Castian and the complexity of political alignments within the royal courts. With its blend of adventure, romance, and personal growth, I highly recommend Incendiary - it is a story that leaves a lasting impression.

Book details

Author: Zoraida Córdova

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 450 pages

Series: Book 1 of 2 from the Hollow Crown series

Tropes: Strong female character, redemption

Rating: 💡💡💡💡💡

Spice rating: 🔥

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