Mina Paradis is a woman who should be 104 years old, instead she has been bound in the body of her 10 year old self captaining a ship in service to her mother, Madame Secretary, and the Government. Mina's ability to go through life without aging is held within the flame of a strange torch, this torch also binds her to carry out the work that the Government doles out to her. This work often involves maiming, stealing and killing. Mina has been struggling with the inner conflict of what would happen to her if she puts out her torch and any other consequences to her crew and her family.
I was very intrigued by this book, the plot was very unique and Mina's character, a 10 year old girl, but who has lived a lifetime was excellent. Mina's abilities as a ship's Captain and her ability to carry out dangerous missions solidify her as a strong female lead. Written in first person, we were privy to Mina's thoughts and inner struggles with her torch that kept her from aging and feelings about her missions and family. I had a bit of a hard time placing the setting of the story, it seems like a 19th century alternate reality, but with familiar places like Florida, New England and countries in Africa. Also, this is a first book in a series, so it may be explained later, but the workings of the mystical Doors, Lamps, and Tailors were slightly glossed over.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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