Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
Helpful Score: 4
I've read everything that Laini has written and have enjoyed all of her books. This one is no exception. I absolutely loved it! I'm amazed at the ideas that come out of her head. They are so different and yet believable at the same time. The only problem with this book is I now have to wait 2 months until the next one comes out.
It's about a girl named Karou who lives a quite unusual life... she's been raised by demons. She typically lives in our world, in Prague actually and goes to art school. She does visit her "demon" caregivers and does odd jobs for them from time to time. Since she is human, she has always wondered what happened to her parents, where did she come from, etc. but she would never get any answers.
For her to get to the demon world she used portals that were just typical doors that would take her where she needed to go. Lately, someone or something has been burning hand prints on all these doors and before you know it Karou's life is turned upside down.
The story itself is very unusual and kept me enraptured the whole time. Even when the romance kicked in (I'm not usually too big on these parts)and yet I found that I never wanted to put the book down. I loved all of the characters and felt an attachment to each one. Can't wait to read book 2 - Days of Blood and Starlight!
It's about a girl named Karou who lives a quite unusual life... she's been raised by demons. She typically lives in our world, in Prague actually and goes to art school. She does visit her "demon" caregivers and does odd jobs for them from time to time. Since she is human, she has always wondered what happened to her parents, where did she come from, etc. but she would never get any answers.
For her to get to the demon world she used portals that were just typical doors that would take her where she needed to go. Lately, someone or something has been burning hand prints on all these doors and before you know it Karou's life is turned upside down.
The story itself is very unusual and kept me enraptured the whole time. Even when the romance kicked in (I'm not usually too big on these parts)and yet I found that I never wanted to put the book down. I loved all of the characters and felt an attachment to each one. Can't wait to read book 2 - Days of Blood and Starlight!
Wendy B. (gelfling) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I regret there aren't more stars. I've given 5 to other books that didn't rush through me the way this one did. Everyone's different & different stories speak to them. This one seemed written for me, as if to prove that the simplicity of words could be crafted in a certain order to touch something far deeper than just my imagination.
And I feel sorry. Sorry for whatever book I read next (after I read book two of course). It won't be fair.
And I feel sorry. Sorry for whatever book I read next (after I read book two of course). It won't be fair.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This it the first book in a series and the second book, Days of Blood and Starlight, releases Sept 2012. I had been wanting to read this book for a long time and ended up listening to it on audiobook. The audiobook was very well done. The story itself was engaging, creative, and absolutely magical in the beginning. Towards the end it got a bit too emo for me. I enjoyed it overall.
Karou draws fanciful pictures, has bright blue hair, and disappears on mysterious errands. Little do her friends know that she lives with some creatures that aren't quite human. She runs errands collecting teeth for the demon like creature named Brimstone, who uses them for something unknown. Karou wants answers to the mysteries surrounding her. Then an angel named Akiva tries to kill her and black handprints start appearing on doors around the world. Well Karou is about to get her answers and it is pretty certain she won't like a lot of them.
This book is very creative and magical and absolutely enchanting. The descriptions are beautiful and the wide variety of international settings charming and intriguing. Most of the story takes place in Prague, but Karou ends up all over the world on her errands for Brimstone.
Karou has an innocence about her that is charming. She is excited about everything, yet is sometimes lonely and sad. She is a wonderful character and was wonderful fun to read about.
Akiva was a good character too, but at times he got a bit too mysterious and tortured for me. Him and Karou do have wondeful chemistry together and I loved watching them unravel the mystery of Karou and her past.
As the story continues the plot broadens and Akiva and Karou are drawn into an ages old epic struggle between two competing races. As with many of these books featuring angels, there are some interesting questionsbrought up about religion...these are never explicit but you can't help but wonder about them given the context.
The only thing that really got to me was towards the end of the book. It takes forever for Karou's past to be revealed. Akiva is tortured for so long and wavers between loving Karou openly and worrying about what she will think when she finds out the truth. This emotional struggle was discussed too much and too long and I just wanted Akiva to get over himself and get on with it. Once we got past this part of the story though things improved.
There isn't much resolution in this story. This are pretty much left handing at the end. So just be aware of that when you start reading this book. If that type of thing bothers you I would wait to read this until the second book is released.
Overall a very creative and enchanting story about love and a war between two ancient races. The descriptions are beautiful, Karou is an absolutely wonderful character, and the world-building is incredibly well done. Some of the emotional scenes between Karou and Akiva were very drawn out, but that is really the only complaint I have. I will defintiely be reading Days of Blood and Starlight to see how everything resolves.
Karou draws fanciful pictures, has bright blue hair, and disappears on mysterious errands. Little do her friends know that she lives with some creatures that aren't quite human. She runs errands collecting teeth for the demon like creature named Brimstone, who uses them for something unknown. Karou wants answers to the mysteries surrounding her. Then an angel named Akiva tries to kill her and black handprints start appearing on doors around the world. Well Karou is about to get her answers and it is pretty certain she won't like a lot of them.
This book is very creative and magical and absolutely enchanting. The descriptions are beautiful and the wide variety of international settings charming and intriguing. Most of the story takes place in Prague, but Karou ends up all over the world on her errands for Brimstone.
Karou has an innocence about her that is charming. She is excited about everything, yet is sometimes lonely and sad. She is a wonderful character and was wonderful fun to read about.
Akiva was a good character too, but at times he got a bit too mysterious and tortured for me. Him and Karou do have wondeful chemistry together and I loved watching them unravel the mystery of Karou and her past.
As the story continues the plot broadens and Akiva and Karou are drawn into an ages old epic struggle between two competing races. As with many of these books featuring angels, there are some interesting questionsbrought up about religion...these are never explicit but you can't help but wonder about them given the context.
The only thing that really got to me was towards the end of the book. It takes forever for Karou's past to be revealed. Akiva is tortured for so long and wavers between loving Karou openly and worrying about what she will think when she finds out the truth. This emotional struggle was discussed too much and too long and I just wanted Akiva to get over himself and get on with it. Once we got past this part of the story though things improved.
There isn't much resolution in this story. This are pretty much left handing at the end. So just be aware of that when you start reading this book. If that type of thing bothers you I would wait to read this until the second book is released.
Overall a very creative and enchanting story about love and a war between two ancient races. The descriptions are beautiful, Karou is an absolutely wonderful character, and the world-building is incredibly well done. Some of the emotional scenes between Karou and Akiva were very drawn out, but that is really the only complaint I have. I will defintiely be reading Days of Blood and Starlight to see how everything resolves.
gray9cat reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
Excellent read! Nothing like I expected. Better. A story told brillantly. Believable characters and fantastical places. A must read for fantasy enthusiast.
Nancy D. (miz-firefly) -
Just WOW!
Holy Crap, Taylor can WRITE! Some books I read because I like the premise, some because I like the authors voice. And occasionally, (when I get really lucky) because I just cant put it down.
I seldom read YA, but this one grabbed me from the start and would not let go. Tightly plotted, expertly staged; (and I shudder to say this) almost lyrically written, Daughter of Smoke and Bone defies description. Part mystery: part love story: part urban fantasy romp and a whole lot of fun.
Im not going to spoil the things for you by setting up the story. If you like good paranormal stories just go get this book. You wont be disappointed. Its exciting, funny, unexpected, heart wrenching. And just when you think you know whats whatyou dont.
Holy Crap, Taylor can WRITE! Some books I read because I like the premise, some because I like the authors voice. And occasionally, (when I get really lucky) because I just cant put it down.
I seldom read YA, but this one grabbed me from the start and would not let go. Tightly plotted, expertly staged; (and I shudder to say this) almost lyrically written, Daughter of Smoke and Bone defies description. Part mystery: part love story: part urban fantasy romp and a whole lot of fun.
Im not going to spoil the things for you by setting up the story. If you like good paranormal stories just go get this book. You wont be disappointed. Its exciting, funny, unexpected, heart wrenching. And just when you think you know whats whatyou dont.
Mary D. (bygones68) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
This is a long book, 418 pages. I enjoyed the first part of the story and then it slowed down for me. I had trouble keeping track of all the strange names, time periods, the good, the bad, etc. Karou is the primary character, or is she? There are two more books of this series on my bookshelf. The jury's out on the decision to carry on.
Kohner E. (witchcat) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Oh my god, I loved this book. The beginning description of Karou as a little.. eh, leaving me wondering if she was going to be one of the those perfect characters. No, indeed she is not. The story line is original, the characters fresh and wow, suddenly I have all three books. Goodness me.
Michelle M. (jade19721) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
What in hades did I just finish reading???
I haven't been slapped by a book like this in quite a while.
Magical..Alluring..Fantasy Filled..Beautiful..Awe Inspiring..
Those are just a few words that I would use to describe this wonderful book. Where has Laini Taylor been all my life? She is such a wonderful author. I've never read another author who could have spun a tale as brilliant as this one. I can't wait to get my hands on the 2nd one.
I haven't been slapped by a book like this in quite a while.
Magical..Alluring..Fantasy Filled..Beautiful..Awe Inspiring..
Those are just a few words that I would use to describe this wonderful book. Where has Laini Taylor been all my life? She is such a wonderful author. I've never read another author who could have spun a tale as brilliant as this one. I can't wait to get my hands on the 2nd one.
Kristin K. (escapeartistk) -
What a great story: suspenseful, creative, well paced, well written, beautiful! This book kept me doing cardio longer because I would stay on the elliptical in order to keep reading-- and I don't like doing cardio. Last night, still under the halfway point, I couldn't resist and stayed up to finish it. So much for the cardio, I guess, but what fun! I'm amazed that I could like a YA book this much. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
Lots of twists and turns, a real page turner. Keeps you hooked throughout!
Kristin K. (escapeartistk) -
What a great story: suspenseful, creative, well paced, well written, beautiful! This book kept me doing cardio longer because I would stay on the elliptical in order to keep reading-- and I don't like doing cardio. Last night, still under the halfway point, I couldn't resist and stayed up to finish it. So much for the cardio, I guess, but what fun! I'm amazed that I could like a YA book this much. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Kristin K. (escapeartistk) -
What a great story: suspenseful, creative, well paced, well written, beautiful! This book kept me doing cardio longer because I would stay on the elliptical in order to keep reading-- and I don't like doing cardio. Last night, still under the halfway point, I couldn't resist and stayed up to finish it. So much for the cardio, I guess, but what fun! I'm amazed that I could like a YA book this much. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Angie S. (mspoet569) reviewed Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
The book is broken up into 4 parts. Each part starts with what I'm going to call an invitation to the chapters; something to get your mind thinking where the chapters are going to take you in the story. Below is how each starts:
1. Once upon a time, a devil and an angel fell in love. It did not end well.
2. Once upon a time, a little girl was raised by monsters. But angels burned the doorways to their world, and she was all alone.
3. Once upon a time, an angel lay dying in the mist. And a devil knelt over him and smiled.
4. Once upon a time, there were two moons, who were sisters. Nitid was the goddess of tears and life, and the sky was hers. No one worshiped Ellai but secret lovers.
. . . I mean come on!!! How can you not get hooked just from number 1! Which is how it happened for me. I was hooked from page 1, and ripped through the book like there was no tomorrow.
Meet Karou- the 17 year old girl, trying to find herself. . . .in art school . . . in Prague. Did I mention she's self sufficient? There's no living with parents here for this girl! Karou happens to stand out, mainly for her electric blue coif and her random tattoos. For the most part, Karou is your typical teenager; dealing with love and heartbreak, going to school, being a best friend, and trying to figure out where she fits in to the world. Unfortunately for Karou, she doesn't even know who she is, or if she has a family.
At the art school, Karou is infamous for her eclectic sketch books. Karou enjoys drawing chimera figures, a combination of animals and man that she claims have been her only family. With a quirky smile, people just pass her off as having an active imagination. By throwing up that quirky smile, Karou is able to pull off the absolute truth, something that is mimicked in her tattoos.
For the full review, please visit:
https://quitterstrip.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/one-might-say-you-have-a-death-wish/
1. Once upon a time, a devil and an angel fell in love. It did not end well.
2. Once upon a time, a little girl was raised by monsters. But angels burned the doorways to their world, and she was all alone.
3. Once upon a time, an angel lay dying in the mist. And a devil knelt over him and smiled.
4. Once upon a time, there were two moons, who were sisters. Nitid was the goddess of tears and life, and the sky was hers. No one worshiped Ellai but secret lovers.
. . . I mean come on!!! How can you not get hooked just from number 1! Which is how it happened for me. I was hooked from page 1, and ripped through the book like there was no tomorrow.
Meet Karou- the 17 year old girl, trying to find herself. . . .in art school . . . in Prague. Did I mention she's self sufficient? There's no living with parents here for this girl! Karou happens to stand out, mainly for her electric blue coif and her random tattoos. For the most part, Karou is your typical teenager; dealing with love and heartbreak, going to school, being a best friend, and trying to figure out where she fits in to the world. Unfortunately for Karou, she doesn't even know who she is, or if she has a family.
At the art school, Karou is infamous for her eclectic sketch books. Karou enjoys drawing chimera figures, a combination of animals and man that she claims have been her only family. With a quirky smile, people just pass her off as having an active imagination. By throwing up that quirky smile, Karou is able to pull off the absolute truth, something that is mimicked in her tattoos.
For the full review, please visit:
https://quitterstrip.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/one-might-say-you-have-a-death-wish/
