What I Liked:
Renata – I really enjoyed how unconventional a lead character Renata was. She isn’t the strongest, she isn’t the leader, and she isn’t even the bravest. Renata’s existence is a constant point of contention. The Whispers may have claimed her, but there is a lot of distrust, even amongst those closest to her. They have never forgotten the time she spent in the company of one of their greatest enemies, the Justice Méndez. For most of her life, Renata’s been used by others and never truly accepted. This is one of the reasons she is so drawn to characters like Dez, who believe in her when much of the time she doesn’t believe in herself. Her wounds are often openly displayed, even when she wants to hide, she simply can’t. Renata’s magic has never been neat and she’s never been confident in her abilities. She learned early that her magic was dangerous and hasn’t had very many people tell her otherwise. She’s constantly been told who she is and has never been allowed to choose who she wants to be. I loved the beginning of her journey to discovering the answer.

World-Building – Córdova’s world is loosely based on the Spanish Inquisition. King Fernando is determined to rid his kingdom of the Moria, a people born with what he deems as unnaturally magic abilities. He and his predecessors have all but driven the Moria out of the land. Not only that, but they are determined to wiped out every trace of their cultural and religion. The Moria have done their best to maintain their ways, but they are slowly dwindling in number.

Magical System – The Moria are gifted with different magical abilties. Some are able to create illusions, while others are able to manipulate emotions. Renata is one of very few Robári, whose magic is tied to memory. As a child, she was manipulated into working with Justice Mendez, the right hand of the king, draining prisoners of their memories and turning them into Hollows.

Unpredictability – One of the things I really enjoyed about this novel is how multilayered so many of characters were which made the story incredibly unpredictable at times. Renata struggles to find who she is, especially when so many of her memories are distorted. This makes her point of view somewhat unreliable. She very much wants to believe certain people are just evil, but learns that isn’t always the case. Many of her preconceived ideas about people are proven false or incomplete and I am really looking forward to seeing where the story goes after some shocking revelations.

What I Didn't Like:
Pacing – The novel sometimes felt uneven. The first third of the novel could have been its own separate novel because of how much happened. Things then come to an abrupt halt and I spent so much time wishing the story could capture the excitement of the beginning portion. But then suddenly we are thrust into the latter part of the novel, going full speed and ironically, this is where I wanted things to slow down. Particularly because there is a lot of buildup to meeting a certain character who I wish we could have spent more time with.

Final Verdict: With surprises at every turn, Zoraida Córdova’s Incendiary is a great introductory novel to a new fantasy series that will sweep readers away and whose ending will leave you begging for more.

Incendiary is the first installment in author Zoraida Córdova's Hollow Crown series. Set in a lushly drawn world inspired by Inquisition Spain, (Kingdom of Puerto Leones) Zoraida Córdova's anticipated new fantasy is an epic tale of love and revenge. Protagonist Renata Convida has spent a lifetime dealing with her gift - or curse, depending on who you ask. As a member of a dying, oppressed people - the Moria - Ren has the rarest gift of all: the ability to read and steal memories aka Robari.

Ren unknowingly helped the Andalucia crown hunt and exterminate possibly thousands of her fellow Moria...and she has spent the past eight years struggling to make amends after joining the Whispers, the last rebels standing against the crown's cruelty. For 8 years, Ren has tried to prove herself to the Moria with little movement in accepting her completely. Some of her own teammates (Sayida, Margo, Esteban) would gladly kill her rather than trust her. Yet when Ren commits a mistake that costs her the boy she loves, she must return to the palace and take his place, else the resistance fail entirely. Political intrigue and murderous intent abound as Ren struggles to find her allegiance and who she is.

Renata simmers with barely-restrained fury at the prospect of a weapon created by the king that steals magic from its users. Hell-bent on seeking revenge for all the years she was forced to use her magic to extract people’s memories as a servant of the King’s Justice, Renata infiltrates the palace in order to destroy their plan from the inside out. But while living in the palace, old memories resurface, including who really saved her on the night the rebels tried to overthrow the King, and Renata may be forced into using her magic to become the monster that others always viewed her as.

Ren might hold the memories of hundreds of others, but she has lost so many of her own hidden within the Grey that blocks her from her past. Her remembering is the story. She has never been trusted, never been truly safe. Both her usefulness a weapon and as an inescapable danger to others shapes their every interaction with her. Leo gives the story a bit more balance as he hold some interesting secrets which may or may not align with Ren's own past and what happened to her 8 years ago.

In this world, other Moria are called Illusionari, Persuari, and Venturi aka lie detectors. *Note* some sources say this is the first book in the Hollow Crown series, some say it's the Incendiary series. Incendiary really is about a girl returning to her past and facing some hard truths, while trying to figure out her place in a world that has rejected her. There is some romance involved in the story between Ren and Dez, and likely Dez and Prince Leo. We shall see how that works out now that turbulence has made Ren choose a path which will lead to a conflict with her former allies, and quite possibly, King Fernando.

So good! So much suspense! Loved the characters and the world building. Absolutely highly recommend!

This was such a fun, fast paced fantastical re-imagining of 15th century Spain. The magic system is interesting, with some people being born with an ability to read minds, create illusions, persuade anyone, or steal memories. I really liked seeing how people with magic are oppressed and driven out of their home countries, especially the memory stealers like Renata. That, and the discussions of colonialism made the societies here mirror our own so well.

I did wish we had gotten some more character development throughout the story. We got to know Renata pretty well, as well as Leo, but most of the other characters felt pretty two dimensional-I especially wish we had gotten more of Castian and the Moria rebels. I loved what we saw of those characters, but we didn't get nearly enough of them!

I'm so intrigued to see what happens in the second part of this duology!

Incendiary is a story about freedom, forgiveness, and revenge. I guess what can accurately sum up my experiences reading Incendiary, was that I liked all the elements, but just wanted more. Granted, by the end of the book it was really heating up and getting ready for book two, but even then, I wanted more explanation of the magic system. They live in a world where people are hunted and persecuted for their magic. We see how it impacts the Whispers, the rebel spies, but I wish we had seen more instances of how it changes life for everyone.

While Incendiary has action, it felt very character focused to me. Renata's character is independent and full of secrets. Throughout Incendiary, we are shown what her independence costs her and both asked whether she wants to continue this way. I wanted to love Renata so much. Her personality is guarded and she almost has these hidden doors within herself. Can you imagine the weight of holding all these memories in your mind? It reminded me of "Dollhouse" in that sense! I also loved that while she was part of the rebellion, she wasn't like a super assassin.

This book sadly does not live up to my expectations. I was bored from the start. The cover is fabulous but there is not enough meat in the middle. It felt like all the other YA fantasy I have read. Just not for me I guess.

King Ferdinand of Puerto Leones has consolidated power over all neighboring countries until almost all are bowing to his might. Except the rebels from the abolished kingdom of Memoria; those who wield forbidden magic. Ren is part of the rebels in the Lynx Unit under the command of Dez, her lover and defender. Her magic is the kind that allows her to take away memories; she spent her early days as a pawn for King Ferdinand turning rebels into husks of themselves with no memory or will of their own. Though she escaped she cannot shake her past.

When Dez is captured by the cruel Bloodied Prince Castian, heir to the crown, Ren infiltrates the castle to finish his task of locating the powerful mind-altering weapon about to be unleashed on them all. She falls back into her former life feigning illness to avoid the inevitable task of clearing the minds of innocent victims while she desperately tries to find the weapon. While searching for clues, she finds support in the most unexpected places and preconceived judgements shattered.

Plenty of twists make this book hard to put down. The characters are multi-dimensional with various motivations and personalities. This epic political fantasy will appeal to fans of Sarah Maas, Marie Rutkoski, and Renee Ahdieh. Looking forward to the sequel.

This is a epic tale of a young women, Renata. She was kidnapped as a very young child and taken to live in a palace. She was taken because of her unique magical ability to steal memories. She is used by the king to punish those that he thinks are enemies. After living in the palace for a few years, the rebels a group of magically gifted people from a peaceful and magical country, that has been destroyed by the king, then rescue her. She grows up learning how to fight the evil king. She also falls in love with the rebel leader commander Dez, who has been her friend and companion since she was recused as a child. The rebels are attacked and Dez is taken hostage. She must save not only him but the entire country. Can she do it? This story has twist after twist as Renata tries to save Dez and find out who she really is. It is action packed. A great read. I can't wait for the next book.

This was one of my most anticipated books of 2020 and it was kind of a let down. It wasn't bad, by any means, it just wasn't really what I was expecting it to be. Incendiary is also a slower read - it sort of reminds me more of an adult fantasy than a YA fantasy. Slower reads can frustrate me sometimes, but I was still intrigued by where the story was going (especially after I accidentally spoiled myself and saw the last couple of lines before I'd even hit the half way mark) and it picks up a lot towards the end. I did adore the characters and all the complexities within them. I'm definitely still intrigued about reading the sequel, even if I didn't love this the way I hoped.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! SO MUCH!! Zoraida did it again! Who doesn't love a fantasy filled with slow burn and history? It was one of my most anticipated book of the year and i'm so freaking excited that I get the chance to yell about it early!

This book sucked me in, chewed me up, spit me out and left me sitting here wondering what just happened! This is a gripping and fast-paced read with twists, mystique, intrigue, and suspense. Ren's gradual transition throughout the story from Dez's shadow to feisty rebel was impressive and I can't wait to see how this story pans out in the sequel.

I expected to love Incendiary. Renata is a great character - she can take people's memories, and has been feared, used as a weapon, and abused. She is now a member of a resistance group fighting an evil monarch who has long been persecuting her people. While she doesn't feel like she fits in with the group, she loves its leader, Dez. I really liked the set up for this book, and parts of it - especially when Dez was captured - were riveting. But other parts dragged for me, like when Renata stole memories. I ended up not finishing this one, but I think it's a case of just bad timing for me - I plan to pick it up and try again after it comes out.

Who IS Renata Convida? That seems to be the prominent question Incendiary aims to solve. She was raised to steal memories and turn people into Hollows, empty shells of themselves. And then she spent her adolescent years trying to redeem herself and negate all the pain and destruction she caused. She soon starts to realize that it’s difficult to erase the past for herself, even if she can erase it for others, being a Robarí, one of the types of Moria who can steal memories.

What stands out for me about this novel is how it takes normal tropes and just DESTROYS THEM. The love interest is built in from the beginning. There is no typical falling in love or overly romantic side story to this novel. What hits even more is how Córdova builds (and eventually wrecks) this romance. I can’t even classify that as a spoiler because it happens relatively early, but what it spirals out into in the novel and the implications it begins to introduce just blow my mind. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that takes what you know and what you predict will happen, based on other books, and totally turns them on their head.

SIX HEAVENS, it took a little while for me to get into the magic system, but after you’ve adjusted, you’ll find it enjoyable. It leads to a long long series of memories, events, and small pieces being interspersed to help create the larger puzzle and story of this novel. By its end, I am lost and anxiously awaiting the finale of this duology. I will say it definitely didn’t play out the way I thought it would and that was refreshing. Near the beginning of the novel, I believed it would go the same as several other novels I’ve read recently. If it isn’t clear, this book disappointed in that it actually surprised me and kept me enthralled. I binge read the final 70% of this book in one day after pushing it off for so long.

Give it a chance and dive deeply into this unique magic system and a tops turvy and engagingly refreshing plot.

Incendiary, which is the first book in the Hollow Crown series, starts off slowly. Renata is a Robari who has a special power to steal people's memories. She was kidnapped at a young age by the King's justice in order to harness her power and use it for the court's benefit. Renata eventually is able to escape the grasp of royalty and joins the radical movement as a Whisperer, one of the rebel spies working against the crown. The rebel spies seek to help Moria escape the kingdom. However, as a memory thief who leaves victims as a hollow shell once memories are stolen, people are wary to trust her. Justice Mendes and the Royal family of Selvina use Ren to dissolve magic users.

Zoraida Córdova immerses readers in a rich world with fantastic characters and a intricate story plot line. I would love to learn more about how the magic system works this world and I hope to see more of the evolution of the magic system in future installments of the Hollow Crown series. Ren is in a difficult position where she can get killed fairly easily as she teethers on a thin line between helping the Crown or helping the Whisperers. Furthermore, when she has feelings for Dez, who is the leader of the Whispers, she needs to find where her alliance lies. This complex struggle of doing what is right looms throughout the novel and Ren needs to pave the path by herself.

Incendiary is about revenge, betrayal, figuring out who is trustworthy and fighting for your own rights. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the Hollow Crown series will bring.

Big fan of Zoraida Cordova, so I was really excited about this ARC. She did not disappoint! The world was so well written, especially the magic system! I love a good, unique magic system. This book had a really strong start, you get sucked in immediately into the politics and exciting spy danger. I did find the plot to be a bit predictable, but that in no way took away from the overall FUN of the book. I really liked it and I am excited for the sequel!

*Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Incendiary

Author Zoraida Córdova

Release Date April 28, 2020

Description from Amazon

I am Renata Convida.
I have lived a hundred stolen lives.
Now I live my own.

Renata was only a child when she was kidnapped by the King’s Justice and brought to the luxurious palace of Andalucia. 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. Can she keep her cover, even as she burns for vengeance against the brutal, enigmatic prince? Her life and the fate of the Moria depend on it.
But returning to the palace stirs childhood memories long locked away. 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.

Initial Thoughts

I’ve seen a lot of hype around this release so I was excited to get my hands on an ARC via NetGalley. Claire Legrand, one of my favorite authors, recommended it quite highly and that was a major selling point for me.

Some Things I Liked

Spanish references. I loved the references to Spain, Spanish as a language, and Spanish history.
Magic system. It was a very unique element to make all of the magic focused on the mind. I thought this made the fighting more dynamic (as no one has elemental or superhuman abilities).
Leo. He was a fantastic character. You didn’t quite trust him, but you didn’t totally distrust him either. I enjoyed all of the scenes with Leo and hope to see more of him in future sequels.

Some Things I Wasn’t Crazy About

I wasn’t a fan of the title. I think there were more fitting titles that could have been chosen for this book.
Transparency in the plot. I won’t lie, I saw through the entire plot twist, less than 100 pages into the book. I didn’t love how predictable the story was.

Series Value

I’d continue with this series. The world is well designed, the magic is interesting, and there is a lot left unresolved with the characters. I’m invested and I’d keep reading.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book. There were many well done aspects but I had to knock an entire star off of my rating for predictability. That’s this books major flaw. However, despite being obvious to me, I was happy with the direction it took. I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton – both of these stories gave me similar vibes. Smoke and Key is the story of a girl trying to recover her memories, as they are the key to saving her. Like Ren in Incendiary, Key needs to harness the power of memories and use gifts that only she possesses.
The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy – if you enjoyed the idea of memory stealing magic, try this standalone by Lauren Mansy.
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte – this is another amazing story of a semi-futuristic/dystopian world where memories are traded/collected. Both have amazing strong female leads.

The beginning of the book seemed so well written and then it felt like once the story started it got muddled and the writing was less thought out. The characters were fine enough, but not as fierce or commanding as the earlier characters. I liked the idea of the memory thief and the different magics, but overall it fell flat. It didn't hold my interest all the way through and the twists and turns were mediocre at best. The cover art was pretty and the story was just o.k. Overall, it was just an average read for me. Fantasy, magic, and drama relationships are in this book, but the writing wasn't the strongest.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A long time fan of Zoraida, I am pleased to say that this book is compelling and brilliant. A story filled with intrigue and brutal magic with a lead character that is complex and utterly unforgettable. I could not get enough of this lush world that I could not put down.

This book is so good! I love anything Zoraida writes, so of course this did not disappoint. The world is interesting and I loved the magic system. I can't wait to hopefully learn more about the magic in the sequel. I also liked that since the main character doesn't know her own past, I got to figure it out as she did, piecing everything together. Loved it and I can't wait for book 2!

I have to agree with the SLJ book review of this one: it is so. Slow. Wow. I really loved the Brooklyn Brujas series and found it engaging, but I feel like this more traditional/epic fantasy is bogged down by world-building and loads of internal dialogue. Heaps of it.