Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1
Published by Little Brown on September 27, 2011
Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 420
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
Daughter Of Smoke & Bone is a new favorite of mine. From the very beginning of this book I was captivated and I could not put it down. Now I am dying for more!
I don’t really know where to start with this review. Every aspect of the book was perfect: characters, plot, uniqueness (is that a word?), writing, and setting. Oh my gosh, that setting! I have never been to Prague but after reading this book I feel like I have. There, as well as Morocco and the worlds of the angels and chimaeras. Every place was so detailed and wonderful; The Poison Kitchen, Karou’s flat, the school, Brimstone’s shop, and the market in Marakesh. Can I please just live inside this book?
The characters were my second favorite thing. Every one of them was so unique and fun. Kishmish, Brimstone’s little messenger, was so cute. Issa was a bit scary but very loving with Karou. Brimstone was even scarier than Issa I would be terrified to come face-to-face with him but with Karou he was very caring and tender, even sweet at times. Karou herself was very likable. She was brave, smart, funny, talented, and all around kick-ass but underneath that she was lonely. Sure she had a great best friend, Zuzana, and her chimaera family but she didn’t have love. It was easy to relate to her. Then Akiva came into her life. Dangerous, sexy, sometimes sweet Akiva. Everything changed when Karou met him and that was when the story really took off.
The plot was interesting from the start but like I said, it really took off when Akiva entered the story. After that there was so much going on. There were battles, romantic scenes, glimpses of the past, and so much more. I never knew what was coming next and there was nothing about this book that I expected. The story was so unique and unlike anything I have ever read.
Overall, Daughter Of Smoke & Bone is one book that I have to recommend to EVERYONE! If you have it, read it now. If you don’t, go buy it! I can’t wait for the sequel. In the mean time I will have to check out Laini Taylor’s other books!
I have been dying to read this book, it’s at the top of my list! Great to hear that you loved it. After reading this, I wanna read it even more. I love unique reads & never knowing what will happen next!
I loved this book! But for I think the middle was a little less good than the rest of it… I loved Madrigal’s story though! Great review 🙂
Ok; you’ve tipped me. I was on the fence, unsure if I wanted to read this. I know a lot of people have LOVED it, but I still wasn’t sure. Your review pushed me over the fence, I’ll be picking it up ASAP…
I’m glad to hear there’s some good action in it! It’s part of why I love Vampire Academy and Hunger Games so much (I know they aren’t good comparisons to this one…) because I love good action books.
I need to go out and buy this one. I love the cover art 🙂
I’ve used uniqueness in a review before it may have even been this one haha. I’m happy you liked this Katie! <3
Giselle
Xpresso Reads
I’ve been wanting to read this book so badly! Your review was great and it makes me want to get it right now, but my Mom said no books till Christmas, which leads me to believe that Daughter of the Smoke Bone will be under my tree. Haha. 🙂
This is more like a A+++++++++++++++
It sure is one of my favorites! You’re right, I do want to live in the world! It’s sooooo good<3
Racquel @ The Book Barbies
-thank you&come again.
wow i already wanted to read this book and now i wanted to read it so much more
So glad you loved this book so much! I really have to get on and read this one. I’ve still only heard great things about it. Love the review!
I loved this one, A LOT. Laini Taylor’s writing style is so very descriptive and captivating. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Katie!
So, this is sitting on my shelf and…I haven’t read it I know, shame on me. I will be trying to get to it soon though Especially with your recommendation backing it!
Like you, this book completely blew me away and rendered my speechless. I have now clue how my review on it is even articulate! I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel and am dropping hints to my local librarians to order it early so I can take it lol. A few days after reading this book I found out my cousin is considering Prague for her college study abroad program. Needless to say I am beyond jealous because this book makes me want to visit Prague too!
I have to say I loved Karou and Zuzanna more than any of the guys. I didn’t read this for the romance (though I was hooked on Madrigal’s romance) which is high praise for me 🙂
Lovely review 🙂