Review: Camille does it again.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 25, 2013
The Warrior & The Flower by Camille Picott is the fourth book I've read by this author.  Though there has been some variety in the exact age of the intended audience everything is upper YA or below.  This book is on the higher side of that range with a little bit of adult topics and some violence.This book starts of with a very important man (Yi) returning home to find that tragedy has struck his family.  A retired soldier that lives his life in the boonies seemingly wasting his Emperor's favor, but in reality he is guarding his kingdoms most valuable asset.  When on a trip to the capital Yi sees a woman chasing a small child around with a broom with the intent to beat her.  He steps in to protect the child and ends up purchasing her from her old master because of how much she reminds him of his daughter.As a father this book really spoke to me.  Yi is an outstanding man whose loss almost undid him.  When he comes across Tulip and sees his daughter in her he immediately forms a protective bond and is willing to do whatever it takes to see that her life improves.  Tulip's misunderstanding of the situation only serves to strengthen the fatherly bond Yi feels.I loved everything about this book.  The two main characters were both extremely well written and stayed very true to themselves through the entire book.  I felt a genuine emotional connection with both of them and doesn't always happen when I read a book.  The kylin, cloud shaman, and liquid steel were also some great ideas.  I always had trouble putting this book down when I was reading at work and had stuff to do.  This is a very strong series and I will be eagerly awaiting more.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.