Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Ratings359
Average rating4
I enjoyed this book, but not a lot. Some parts were very very good and lots of other parts I was like “what is happening right now?”
Então:
A construção de mundo e a sua mitologia é muito boa. Foi o que gostei mais, apesar de sermos largados naquele mundo assim de repente e sem grandes explicações. Lá mais para o meio há muita exposição o que torna a coisa um pouco assoberbante, mas aguenta-se.
O insta-love que acontece a meio do livro é explicado no fim, mas ainda assim podia ter sido trabalhado de outra maneira. Podia ser mais subtil.
Up to the next :)
via GIPHY
It's difficult for me to understand how a book could have such deep, creative and compelling world-building and such shallow and cliche romance.
The good: The world Taylor built is really lush. The politics in the war between the angels and chimera are nuanced and interesting, and more than that, you get a feeling that there's a depth of culture to both sides much more than what you even read.
The start of this book is one of the best I've ever read – I loved the descriptions of Prague and the rapport between Karou and Zuze. I found Brimstone and Issa and the rest a compelling mystery, and I felt myself quickly caught up in the mystery of who Karou was and what the teeth were for.
For all that there are hundreds of books about the morals for and against magic, I thought that this was the first that really made doing magic feel weighty, but not objectively bad and I loved that. I liked the metaphysics of magic in general.
I love books that explore the tension between “real life” and the supernatural and for at least the first half of the book there was still classes and grades and friends that Karou was trying to balance with saving the world.
The medium: Karou is the Mary Sue to end all Mary Sues. She's slender (as we're told at least seventeen times) and The Best Draw-er and Everyone Loves Her Ideas and she has
“naturally” blue hair and never gets scared and is good at everything. But...I kind of liked her anyway. She's strong and self-contained and has a ton of agency, even once she meets up with the male romantic lead.
The ugly: Ugh, the romance. I'm not a romantic; I don't read romance and I certainly don't do paranormal romance, so clearly not the intended audience. But he's handsome and perfect and they're instantly in love and ugh, ugh, ugh. And even though they're star-crossed lovers from a past life, they were instantly in love then, too. So.... And when they're together all of the descriptions are bland and shallow and cliche.
Supposedly the sequels are more world-building, less romance. I'll check them out...
Wow... WOOOOOOWWWWW what is this ending?!
I listened to the audiobook and have become a fan of this narrator. Some of the voices were just so different, so good. I listened at 1.25x and sometimes at 1.5x. Even 1x didn't feel too slow, but 1.25x sounded better to me.
This is an mesmerizing story, I wasn't sure what would be real, what would be magic. I loved the fantasy aspect and the mechanism behind magic.
The characters!! Karou is interesting as a main character. I totally had no idea what was to come. I love Zuzanna more– I do hope we get to see her and Mik again. She is so funny and morbid. Akiva (?) is interesting....
The romance between the main characters seems insta-love to me, but the book is so magical and flowy, that I can forgive it. I do like them together.
Beauty seems to be such a key thing in this book. I kinda just wanted them to get over it lol.
There is so much here– a war, a love story, a coming of age story, revenge/forgiveness. So much and the writing of it just grips you. The narrator was great at making the story so powerful and distracting from real life haha.
Can't wait to read the next one.
AAAAAAAAA HOLY FUCKING SHIT HOLY FUCKING SHIT HOLY FUCKING SHIT HOLY FUCKING SHITTTTT
Ahem.
Now, A Few Things:
- wow.
- this was just...
- wow.
- i want to dye my hair blue now.
- i can't dye my hair blue because it's against my school's dress code and my mother would probably have a stroke.
- one of my teachers looked at my book and asked if Karou was a kangaroo. then asked if Karou was short for kangaroo.
- everything was just written so masterfully beautiful like how??
- angels? ANGELS??? YESSSSSSS!!!!!- the title of chapter 47 is my favorite band (Evanescence) ayyye- but I still didn't really understand the story until i was about 75% done and then i was like ohhhh... OMFG WHAT- there's a character named Kaz in this book (
4.25/5 stars
Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.
Things I Will Probably Never Do In My Life
bc hi, my name is Emi and I'm scared of everything, especially commitment
Things This Book Makes Me Wanna Do
but probably won't bc hi, my name is Emi and I'm scared of everything, especially commitment
as technically they are already in love with each other but KAROU HAS NO MEMORY OF HER LIFE AS MADRIGAADSAL AND ANGEL DUDE DOESN'T KNOW IT'S HER
Karou.
Example A:
Example B:
Example C:
Example D:
Example E:
Akiva.
okay
Zuzna.
Kaz.
Conclusion? Conclusion??? Conclusion.
2.5 Stars.
So... This book has A LOT of great reviews. I think part of why I was so disappointed with this book was because of the 200K reviews and such a high rating. First off, I thought the book started out great. At about 25% I started getting bored. Then, when Karou and Akiva meet and have all their drama, I was like OH GOD IS THIS OVER YET. I was not impressed with Madrigal at all. There was a lot of love at first sight feeling here for me. I did love the way the chimaera and their world. It was rich and vivid and beautiful. But the romance aspect just did not work at all for me. And ending the book on a total cliff hanger, I always, always HATE when that is done. If your book is good enough to make me want to read the next one, is a cliff hanger necessary? I don't need the bait, and it almost encourages me NOT to read the next book.
I am petty like that.
Oh wow, this book was just beautiful. It was heart wrenching but so fantastic at the same time! I need to know what happens next please!!
Short and Sweet: Set firmly on the line between reality and fantasy, [b:Daughter of Smoke & Bone 8490112 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) Laini Taylor https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338613368s/8490112.jpg 13355552] is a phenomenal story of star-crossed love, betrayal, loss, and hope against all odds. Characters are 3D, their motivations just as clear, all set against a centuries-long war with the two who seek to turn the tide for peace. One of the most well-written and engaging YA novels I've had the pleasure of reading, to date. I'm burned out on YA, I'll be honest. The insta-love, the ~tragic~ choices; I find myself pulling away from the genre despite some of my favorite novels originating in YA. So when [b:Daughter of Smoke & Bone 8490112 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) Laini Taylor https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338613368s/8490112.jpg 13355552] arrived on my doorstep - fueled by a flurry of glowing reviews and five star ratings - I dived in with some reluctance. Reluctance that, as I swam through the first part, deepened upon getting to know the main character Karou on a superficial level. The scent of a Mary Sue weaved faint upon the winds, and I was not pleased.As I read further, however, Laini Taylor brought her back down and turned her into a human like the rest of us, but with extraordinary circumstances - with an extraordinary love interest alongside. This ability to turn extraordinary things into something compelling and engaging is a theme through this novel, and will not let you leave feeling unsatisfied.[b:Daughter of Smoke & Bone 8490112 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) Laini Taylor https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338613368s/8490112.jpg 13355552], at its most basic core, a Young Adult love story. But, to reduce it to that singular point would not be doing the novel justice. Laini Taylor does a wonderful job of weaving the romance in such a way that, aside from serving as the catalyst, it also provides a richness and depth without sacrificing plot. No love triangles, no assholery from Akiva. It is romance as it should be written, with the butterflies and fiery touches and longing glances, but also with very real consequences. The world itself is one of the most unique ones I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Many other fantasy novels will pull from tropes or other books as reference, but [b:Daughter of Smoke & Bone 8490112 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) Laini Taylor https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338613368s/8490112.jpg 13355552] takes it to a new level. It presents not just one plot question, but many, and holds onto them up until the very last page. The ending, while satisfying in the questions it does answer, also leaves room for the next two novels in this trilogy: Days of Blood and Starlight and Dreams of Gods and Monsters. Both were immediately added to my to-reads list, as I will definitely be completing this trilogy in full. Truly, an absolute pleasure to read.
Amazing amazing story. Reminiscent of The Night Circus, but it was more devastating and painful at the same time. In love with the characters and everything about the story.
4.5 Stars
Initial Thoughts: This book was amazingly well written and had great characters. I really appreciated how this story progressed and how we came to know more about Karou and Akiva. I appreciated the changing POVs since it really helped bring the two characters' stories together. This book ended with a huge cliffhanger so I'm glad I have the next book to immediately start reading to see what happens next to Karou and Akiva. There is still a lot to find out about the Chimaera and Angels. I'm really looking forward to diving further into this world and read more of Laini Taylor's amazing writing. I love her writing style and love how descriptive and imaginative she is.
Sometimes you start reading a book, not really expecting to like it, but out of an unnamed desperation - wanting something new, something different and, yes indeed-y, begging for a strong woman in a sea of pantywaists (let it be known, I have more of a problem with mental pantywaists than physical pantywaists) you find the book. The book that everyone you know has already read and loved and you are left sitting there scratching your head wondering why it took you so long to pick it up.
What? No, you mean that's just me?
Well, anywho, this book is not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting typical: super special snowflake of a teenaged girl gets drawn into a world of angels and demons and teeth. Okay, honestly, I wasn't expecting the teeth, either. (Who would?)
Against all odds - including choosing to read this at a time that I felt I wouldn't much enjoy anything - I really liked this book. It was different and unexpected and kind of like two stories in one. And I love Karou. Akiva I had slight problems with - he was probably the most problematic character in the book for me, really - but Karou? Love her.
I will say that this book is very much the first in a trilogy. It spends a lot of time setting up the characters and informing you of their backstories. (And, let me tell you, there are some beautiful characters here. I find myself especially fond of Brimstone.) The book ends at a natural place and, in fact, a place that I long suspected it would end at. (I am very hopeful that the second in the series will feature more fighting.)
Now, I'll leave you with what is probably my favorite quote in the book.
“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters? I've seen things, angel. There are guerrilla armies that make little boys kill their own families. Such acts rip out the soul and make space for beasts to grow inside. Armies need beasts, don't they? Pet beasts, to do their terrible work! And the worst is, it's almost impossible to retrieve a soul that's been ripped away. Almost. But it can be done, if ever...if ever you decide to go looking for yours.”
Holy crap this was good. Like really good. Just DAMN. DAMNNN GIVE ME THE NEXT ONE NOW???
I made it more than halfway through this book, but I just couldn't finish. The plot was interesting, and the writing in general was pretty good. It was the romance that was painful to read. It was a bit too twilight for my taste, and the romance felt sudden and unrealistic.
I really loved this book. It was very creative and interesting. It had some sappy love scenes which I didn't like much. I really enjoyed the characters and plot.
I am a huge fan. This story had me engrossed from the beginning. Laini's words were so descriptive. It set my imagination on fire. I think I have a crush on Akiva. Lol. Did I just say that? Shhh. Don't tell no one. This was a great read. I am on to book 2. I cannot wait for the next adventure.
I am rooting for Karou and Akiva!!
Taylor has written a richly detailed world full of seraphim, chimera, and the odd human or two. You've read this story before, it hits all the familiar beats, but the world in which the story takes place is unique and enjoyable to spend some time in. Very light, quick read.
Group read with Mitsu, Joyce, and Nikki.
I absolutely love Laini Taylor's writing. This book is beautiful with vivid descriptions that bring everything to life, and needless to say the world-building is simply amazing. The plot twist and the reveal might be predictable for some (myself included), but the execution is just so well-done that it turns into a very engaging story—even if you see the secrets coming from a mile away.
Another thing that I adore from this book is the grey characters. Even though the story takes on the theme of angels and demons, the characters are never 100% black or white. Both sides have their own legends that justify their perspectives, and the romance that serves as the beginning of this story shows that things are not as simple as “good and evil”. The way Brimstone and his group take care of Karou and Madrigal is very touching, and the same goes for the love between her and Akiva. It happened really fast and at first left me wondering if it's another love at the first sight, but the second half of the book really gives depth to their story.
That being said, I didn't give this book 5 stars because some parts are written so vaguely it feels like something is missing. Mainly the time skips, the brief flashbacks, and especially the epilogue. The first two didn't bother me that much, mostly because we get the full version of the flashbacks later on, but I feel that the epilogue killed the tension built by the last chapter. As much as I dislike cliffhangers, I believe the book would've ended in a more intriguing note that way... Then again, it's a finished series so thankfully I can just grab the next volume and marathon them all.
Laini Taylor has created a beautifully written and extremely original book in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I was hooked from the first page by her gorgeous, prose-like writing. It was never cloying or overdone. Her characters were fantastic. Karou, Brimstone, Issa, Akiva, Zuze, Mik – I couldn't help but fall in love with them. As histories and true identities were revealed, the character interactions gained an even greater depth.
Akiva & Madrigal? Swoon. Their dream? Maybe a little far-reaching, but beautiful all the same. What happened to both of them? Heartbreaking.
The last few chapters were somewhat painful to read, but in the best possible way. The tension between Karou and Akiva and the uncertainty of their futures made for a great cliffhanger ending.
I absolutely loved this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone I know. Miss Taylor, thank you for giving something so unique and lovely to us bookworms! (And thanks to my coworker for recommending it!)
The Good:
Angels vs. Chimaera. Much more than one-dimensional good vs. evil.
Great range of characters and relationships.
Humor, anguish, love, hatred, malice, mystery, and HOPE.
The Bad:
nothing, as far as I'm concerned
For my full review on this book and others, please visit: electricyawp.wordpress.com
Publicado originalmente (Reseña completa): El Extraño Gato del CuentoUna de las reservas que siempre tuve que con el libro era sobre las quimeras y es eso porque tengo cierto gusto por todo lo relacionado con la mitología, en muchos, por no decir todos, los mitos o cuentos que uno se encuentra que tenga quimeras, no es exactamente algo muy... ¿bonito? Siempre son bestias salvajes sin ningún tipo de conciencia, tan solo aparecen para antagonizar. No leo sinopsis, eso de alguna manera también me hizo tener otra idea del libro. Lo que quiero decir con todo este palabreo es: ¡Que cosas tan queribles son! En su manera un tanto perturbadora y tosca son una de las criaturas más adorables que he podido leer. La verdad es que no me esperaba para nada terminar añorando haber crecido con quimeras.Karou no es un protagonista cualquiera, no sé muy bien si es cosa de la escritora o del personaje en sí, pero hay algo que me hizo conectar tanto. El que por fuera se vea diferente no significaba que por dentro ella sea un ser frío y sin sentimientos, a veces es como un requisito en los libros: Si quieres ser una protagonista de armas tomar significa o que bien debas dejar tu lado más suave o ser una mujer sin alma. A mi parecer es un gran mensaje, puedes ser ruda y tener un gran corazón y a la vez ser una chica!Y el romance. Les doy un minuto para recuerden su escena favorita y se derritan, aquí espero... ¿Ya?Es tan bonito el romance porque en gran parte del libro casi ni existe, quiero decir ¿cuando se ven por primera vez? No tuvo exactamente nada de romántica pero fue espectacular. Ahora que estuve revisando mis notas para poner algunas citas en la reseña, es obvio lo pausado y de segundo plano que es el romance y como tampoco es algo que absorbe toda la trama. Básicamente estoy restringiéndome al no copiar medio libro aquí, tengo una cantidad impresionante de citas, varias de ellas son de personajes secundarios. Porque sí, Laini Taylor nos da LOS personajes secundarios, no solo es una narradora excelente y con una capacidad gráfica impresionante, sino que además de una protagonista genial, un personaje masculino del cual no me hablo porque es mío... digo, ustedes ya lo conocen, o sea, Akiva ♥ Laini también nos da a Zuzana, Brimstone, Issa... por nombrar solo algunos, cada uno es perfecto.Quizá hayan visto que le puse 4.5 estrellas en goodreads, es porque al final hubo una pequeña cosita que me desinfló un poco, no el final final, no recuerdo ahorita muy bien, algo mínimo. Me han dicho que la historia mejora y mejora con cada libro así que lo más seguro es que me falten estrellas para los siguientes.Y el final!! –> 4.5Por alguna razón casi al final se me desinfló un poco pero por todos lo demás ME ENCANTÓ.Twitter Blog Pinterest Tumblr Instagram