Book Review - Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Often times I come across books that I like so much, I just have to tell someone right this minute. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is one such example. During the last year, I have stayed away from young adult paranormal romance. I was tired of the same mythological creatures being paired together in every combination one could imagine (Fairies! Vampires! Werewolves! Witches! Angels! Zombies! Oh my!). I was also tired of the love triangles and the endless examples of wimpy female protagonists. When I met new characters, I want to be able to actually believe in their decisions and emotions, not have an overwhelming desire to march into the middle of the story and shake them until their teeth rattle around in their empty little heads. So, I cut back.

I was at this point when I picked up Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I knew it got great reviews in all the literature, which goes a long way towards convincing me it's worth a read. I was not disappointed. Although the author does use the words 'angel' and 'devil' in the opening lines of her book, the actual beings the author has created are very far removed from the typical Christian mythology. The 'devils', or chimera, in particular are as fantastical as my little fantasy loving heart could wish, evoking visions of the creatures from Pan's Labrinth and the darkest fairy tales. Additionally, the main female protagonist is the perfect blend of capable and vulnerable. True, she gets embroiled in a star-crossed romance, but she's no wilting flower. She fights just as hard for her family and her own future as she does for her man. She also (dare I utter the words) has interests and passions outside of her relationship. Pinch me, I'm dreaming. In short, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a paranormal romance that I can recommend with enthusiasm. I will also be blogging about the book in December via the King County Library blog, Book Talk. See my draft review below and check this book out!

"'Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love...it did not end well.'

With that cryptic opening line, readers are swept into the Gothic, romantic world of modern day Prague in winter. We meet Karou, a beautiful young art student with blue hair, who draws fantastical creatures that look like something out of a dark fairy tale. She often tells her friends that her hair grows blue naturally and the beings that she draws are real, but of course no one believes her.

Unbeknownst to her friends, Karou is telling the truth. She has lived a double life for as long as she can remember. Some of the time she lives the life of a student with a mysterious past and the rest, she runs errands for her magical adopted family. More specifically, Karou is sent all over the world to collect teeth for her guardian, Brimstone - a creature that is half-man and half-ram. Brimstone buys teeth in exchange for wishes, some small and some very large indeed. Karou loves the creatures, called chimera, who brought her up, but she has always been curious about her past. What made these fantastical beings adopt and care for a human infant? Who and what is Karou?

Karou begins her journey to find the answers when she encounters Akiva. Akiva is a seraphim, a winged creature of fire. Akiva and his followers have been leaving burning hand prints on the magic doors that Karou and her family use to travel the globe. The two forge an instant connection that leaves them wondering if they have ever met before. With Akiva's help, Karou will indeed discover the key to her past, but the answers that she finds may prove to be impossible to bear.

Taylor writes a fantastical, romantic adventure, filled with beautiful descriptions and a whole new take on the mythology of 'angels' and 'devils'. Readers should absolutely check this book out, but be warned, it is the first in a trilogy - we have a bit of wait time until the next book comes out!"