Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 418
Source: bookstore
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website
Stars: 4/5
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.MY THOUGHTS:
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?
(summary taken from Goodreads)
Multiply creativity by a million and you have this book! It's beautiful, breathtaking, and the kind of novel that makes you wonder, "How can one author be so clever?" I loved it!
I picked this book up from the hype alone and I'm so glad I did! Daughter of Smoke and Bone takes originality to a whole new level — with its teeth-collecting devils, devious angels, and a world so beautifully twisted that I couldn't help but be entranced.
Along with having such gorgeous prose, Laini Taylor's characters came to life like magic in a circus! They were wild and magical and enchanting to the core. It wasn't only our fantastic, artistic, and artfully clever heroine, Karou (with her peacock blue hair and sly smile), but the secondary cast too! Issa, Zuzana, Brimstone, AKIVA (♥)... Prepare to fall in love!
I loved that the line between good and evil wasn't so clear; I loved that you could never really predict what was going to happen next. I didn't love how some parts felt dragged on, but my adoration for everything else almost completely overpowered that.
Beautifully written and perfectly crafted, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is undoubtedly one of the best takes on the angels-versus-demons feud out there! Watch out, everyone, because Laini Taylor is going to take this world by storm! :)
BUY or BORROW?: Once upon a time, I had money in my wallet. Then I found this book... and I didn't. x) Definitely a book I love having on my shelf! Buy it for sure!
-Mimi
Posts
OH MY GOODNESS MIMI!! Your review's totally making me DESPERATE to read my copy now!!! Why, oh WHY DID I NOT READ THIS SOONER?!?! It sounds SO AMAZING <333 Eeeee! This sounds like the type of angel book that I'll LOVE! Fantastic review! <3 I'm definitely going to read this SOON!!!
ReplyDeleteI picked this one up because of the hype too and I also wasn't disappointed. It's just so beautifully written! Can't wait to see what happens next! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I LOVED THIS! It took my breath away. The magical world Laini so carefully constructed and the deeply beautiful characters. And OH. HELLO. THAT ONE WORD. So romantic! <3 I love your review! You make me want to go run to my bookshelf, despite the fact that it's 1am, and curl up to reread this :)
ReplyDeleteLaini has SUCH an incredible way with words! I wish I had a quarter of the talent that woman has <3
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! This book 100% surprised me, I had no intention of picking it up and then I saw some positive reviews for it and thought why not? I was completely blown away, like you said it was enchanting and magical and I just adored it. One of my favorite parts was the blurring of the line between good and evil, and I can't wait to see how that continues in the next book. Awesome review Mimi!
ReplyDeleteI think Laini Taylor is an excellent writer, I loved her prose and the fact that she chose Prague as a setting! I agree with you about how some parts felt dragged on but like you, I overall enjoyed the book. It was such a magical book. I'm curious about what happens in the next book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review Mimi I love your enthusiasm!! I totally agree with you about how beautifully written this is, I loved that. I also loved, like you mentioned, how the line between good and evil was so blurred. I can't wait for the second book to see how everything develops.
ReplyDeleteThe Cait Files
I'm still the odd one out when it comes to this book. :( I appreciated the prose more than I can say and I loved loved loved the setting, but the romance totally ruined it for me.
ReplyDeleteStill, I absolutely love your review and I agree with you on almost everything. This makes me think that you'd really enjoy The Space Between (maybe you'd already read it, I can't remember). Anyway, the prose and the setting are just as gorgeous.
Fabulous review, my lovely.
Great review, Mimi! It really DOES take originality to a new level. I loved that about this book and I adored the beautiful writing. Laini Taylor is super talented that's for sure. I am definitely looking forward to the next book from her. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my absolute favorite books of last year so I'm glad to see you enjoyed it as well! The writing was probably my favorite part of the book, so beautiful and descriptive. I'm dying to read the next book in the series so I can't wait until it comes out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAaah, I still haven't read this one! I've got it in my TBR list though since everyone seems to love it. I wasn't aware however that there were angels in this one, Mimi. I'm glad you mentioned that because now it's going to be bumped up even more. I love angel novels (though a lot of the ones I've read aren't that great) and am sure I won't be disappointed by this one.
ReplyDeleteLol, love the buy or borrow motivation! You make me wanna read this so much more than I ever have before, lol. Awesome review, Mimi! I have to bump this one up a bit on the to-read pile as well, I believe. o: It sounds like a great, unique read!
ReplyDelete"Multiply creativity by a million and you have this book!"
ReplyDeleteOh, Mimi! I truly love your book reviews, because you make me feel so enthusiastic about reading the books you love. Thank you for that. I think I'd even be okay with the slow part just because of the way you've described how the story is so beautifully crafted.
I had a really hard time getting to this one. I've been in a YA slump lately, and I've been trying to read other types of novels. I'm going to come back to this one, but I need some time.
ReplyDeleteAaaahh Mimi, you're the best!! ;) I've had this one on hold for a while from the library, not really sure if I'd want to read it or not. But now, when it comes in (11 more holds!) I will be excited to read it! Thanks for a great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this book and your review just confirms that! I can feel your love and enthusiasm for this one through your words. I will definitely have to check this one out in the future. Sounds good and mysterious.
ReplyDeleteThere's no denying that Laini Taylor eats imagination for breakfast. The storytelling in this one is breathtaking. But I do agree that some parts were quite slow and that's what really took a point away from this one for me as well.
ReplyDeletelovly review mimi
ReplyDeleteonce upon a time i won a HB copy/last year/ and it never arrived / so sad :'(
I absolutely LOVED this book. Glad you did too. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI really admire Taylor's writing ability-definitely a step up from a lot of YA. I loved the first part of this book but not every element of the latter parts (didn't really like the romance). Still a great addition to YA lit and an author to seek out!
ReplyDeleteMIMI!!!! <3333333 Why are your reviews always so breathtakingly beautiful? I saw this in the bookstore last week and I'll admit that it never occurred to me to pick this one up because it sounded so damn STRANGE. But you just reminded me that strange and original and totally enticing is a great thing! Now I'm definitely going to pick up a copy of this book when I return to the bookstore this weekend! (:
ReplyDeleteFantabulous review, Mimi-Doll!! I am FULLY prepared to fall in love -- bring on the awesomesauce! <333333
BTW: I've always wanted blue hair too!!!! :D
I have LITERALLY not read one bad review for this book!!! I REALLY REALLY REALLY need to read it SOON!
ReplyDeleteMIMIMIMIMIIIIII! OH MY GOODNESS! I've had this sitting at home since Christmas Day, and with everything else, I kind of keep forgetting about it, but I'm SO EXCITED TO READ IT AGAIN NOW! I've heard nothing but AMAZING things about it (honestly, you mentioning parts were slow is the only vaguely negative thing I've heard at ALL). And SERIOUSLY! *hugs you* I LOVED your review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read. I've seen it around and maybe will pick it up soon.
ReplyDeleteTBR for sure.
"Once upon a time, I had money in my wallet. Then I found this book..." Story of my LIFE, girl! Lol. I'm so glad to hear you found this one to be super creative though, because that's what I've been looking forward to the most about it!
ReplyDeleteArgh I need to read this book! :D I've heard such amazing things about it. I'm so happy that you loved this too! :D
ReplyDeleteAwwh such a beautiful review like always, Mimi! You never stop to make me want to read any book you review! I guess I'd even buy a cooking book if you reviewed it! <3
ReplyDeleteI really need to get this book soon! So many people have told me to read this book! Original story and awesome characters? It's AWESOME that even the secondary characters are lovable! A wishlist for sure! <3
I'm so glad I picked it up a while ago! I read amazing reviews but hadn't gotten around to buying it yet. It blew me away, let me tell you. I agree with every single point of your review! I'm so happy that you liked it as much as I did :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the next book. I need more Akiva in my life!
I'm planning on reading this book since forever lol. I've heard so many great things about it, but Mimi, your review is stunning!! :) I love it! It makes me want to pick the book up right NOW! :) Awesome review Mimi!! I will pick it soon, promise!! <3 <3 :*
ReplyDeletewell what a nice review, miss Mimi. I read this after hearing about it on The book report, go check it out, you get to listen to the reviews rather than reading it, you can find it here - http://bookreportradio.com
ReplyDeleteThe author is so clever! I wish I could write like her! I'm happy you liked this one! Karou is a great heroine! :)
ReplyDeleteACK!!! I just passed this book up at a book exchange that my school was putting on! I hadn't heard of it before this but almost got it because of the cover!!! Now I'm so mad at myself! Oh well...looks like my paycheck is heading out the door...lol
ReplyDeleteGorgeous review, Mimi! I'm so glad you loved this book! It is so very clever with words and so carefully crafted!
ReplyDeleteOMG I'm soooooooooooooo glad to hear you enjoyed this one Mimi!!! I actually thought the beginning was slow and a tad confusing but gosh the second half of the book was just mind blowing!!! The cover is sooooooooo cute...it looks gorgeous on my bookshelf!!! BTW glad to hear you like Akiva but ummm you can have have him only if I get the next cute fictional guy you blog about!!! Deal!?!?!? Anyway awesome review as usual and if I hadn't already read this book I totally would have picked it up after reading your review <3 muaaaaaah
ReplyDeleteJaskirat~SeeitORreadit
I really am so intrigued with this book and now your review just made me want to go get a copy! :) great review, will sure read this one. x
ReplyDeleteLALAINE'S FICBOOKREVIEWS
So I guess I REALLY need to go ahead and read this one, huh? I own it, splurged on it last year. I keep seeing amazing reviews for it, and the way you talk about the secondary characters is exciting. I love when an author can make you love (or feel something for) the secondary characters!
ReplyDeletei really loved this book too. It is so unique and beautifully written. I love how you carved out your review with repetition of "I love" firmly stating that you loved this book. New follower :)
ReplyDelete