Review of ‘Incendiary’

Set in a lushly drawn world inspired by Inquisition Spain, Zoraida C rdova's fantasy is an epic tale of love and revenge perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas.

As a memory thief, the rarest and most feared of the magical Moria, Renata was used by the crown to carry out the King's Wrath, a siege that resulted in the deaths of thousands of her own people. Now Renata is one of the Whispers, rebel spies working against the crown. The Whispers may have rescued Renata years ago, but she cannot escape their mistrust and hatred--or the overpowering memories of the hundreds of souls she drained during her time in the palace. When Dez, the commander of her unit--and the boy she's grown to love--is taken captive by the notorious Principe Dorado, Renata must return to Andalucia and complete Dez's top secret mission herself. But as Renata grows more deeply embedded in the politics of the royal court, she uncovers a secret in her past that could change the fate of the entire kingdom--and end the war that has cost her everything.

Review

Incendiary is the start of a new series by Zoraida Córdova, inspired by Inquisition Spain; this fantasy follows Renata as she struggles to face her past and find her identity.

Latinx Representation

Córdova is a talented writer, but what makes her stand out is her ability to imbue her storytelling with Latinx culture. As a Mexican reader, it only serves to make the story more engaging and thoughtful.

The reader can hear the Latinx culture in the names, the texture of the setting, and the tone of the world-building. Córdova makes it easy for the reader to draw comparisons between her story and the Spanish Inquisition. All anyone has to do is pick up a history book.

In this novel, the crown is hunting anyone who is a Moria, someone who has magical abilities. However, if the crown comes across a Moria they deem helpful to them, they keep them alive, which is what they did to Renata as a child. Kidnapped her, brainwashed her, spoiled her, and used her abilities to turn people into living husks as she steals away their memories.

It is an intense story that follows Renata through turbulent and emotional times. Incendiary is a high-stakes novel with excellent rising tension from beginning to end. It has the depth to challenge and engage the reader to think as Renata struggles through the lies and secrets to face evil men and corrupt governments.

Excellent Characterization

Renata drives Incendiary forward as she comes to grips with her past. Although the Whispers, a group of rebels working against the crown, saved her, she is still not trusted. It makes the reader feel for her because she was a child who had no idea what her power was doing, and yet, her power is what makes her feared from all sides.

Growing up feeling unloved, surrounded by hatred, mistrust, and grief of the pain she has caused makes Renata put up this wall around her. She is an easy character to sympathize with because she only seeks to bring down the crown, even if it means sacrificing herself.

Her gift of memory stealing also creates much tension in the story as well. For Renata, the memories go towards her, living forever within her. Renata has never been sure of who she is because she has all these memories that are not hers swimming around her head. So it forces the story to be as much about rebellion and the fight for equality as it is about Renata struggling to find her identity. However, her past is filled with so many lies and secrets that it is not an easy journey.

Nevertheless, that makes it so compelling for the reader because it is unpredictable, and the reader understands and sympathizes with Renata.

Final Thoughts

Incendiary is an excellent start to a new series. The writing, world-building, characterization, and structure make the novel engaging from beginning to end.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.