5 Stars: Incredible /Keeper
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1
Hardback: 417 Pages
Publication: September 27, 2011 by Little, Brown & Company
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?
Laini Taylor has put me in a bit of a jam, as I have no idea how I can write a review worthy of praising Daughter of Smoke and Bone. It is such an amazing, wonderful, beautiful work. I love the imagery, the plot, and the characters… the story is a masterpiece. It is definitely at the top of my favorite reads this past year.
Karou is an oddity. With her blue hair, gift for languages, and family of chimaeras, you wouldn’t hope to find another like her on Earth. The first two come from wishes, and the third makes the first two possible. How is this possible? Magic, rituals, and ingenuity. The rest comes from Laini Taylor’s gift for presenting the story to readers.
Vivid imagery brings the streets of Prague and a fantastical world to life. I never read the story. I lived with it. Laini Taylor is that amazing of a storyteller. With the third person point of view, she gives us glimpses into the minds of various characters as needed, rounding out the plot and keeping us in high anticipation of the second book. Don’t make light of my words. You will laugh, you will rage, and you will despair.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is the kind of book that you have to read to understand the plot. I can’t possibly hope to explain the beginnings of it to you. This is a book that you will want to buy to read and reread and reread. It’s phenomenal. Magical. Prepare yourself to jump from truth to untruth and back again as Laini Taylor introduces you to unimaginably hot boys, magic, shadows, and a war-torn world that threatens Karou’s very existence.
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A copy was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Ελλάδα says
My main gripe about this book is that I could not connect with the main character Karou, or any other of the characters. I had trouble finding myself in their shoes and connecting with their world. Though, I did love the world that Ms. Taylor created. It is inviting, fresh, and very unique.
I really wish that I have enjoyed this book more. I strongly suggest that you read this book. Though it may be not be for me, it might be something you will enjoy.
Laura H. says
I just won this book on another blog and knew it was going to be a good read but until your review I didn't realize just how good of a read it was going to be! Thanks for "pumping" me up to read it!
Lisa Richards/alterlisa says
I loved this book so much. I just love reading others thoughts on what is sure to be a fabulous series.
Sophia Rose says
I have not read this book, but hear good things about it everywhere. It is in my TBR list.
Thanks for posting!
TG says
I loved this. The writing was so lovely and poetic. And I cried like a baby at that ending.
K R Weinert says
I really enjoyed this one too. I thought it was beautifully written and highly imaginative.
Giselle says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It's such a great book and extremely creative. I've never read anything like it! Great review!!
Giselle
Xpresso Reads
Natalie Aguirre says
Thanks for the great review. I met Laini at a book signing a few weeks ago and got a signed copy of this. Can't wait to read it.