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lilibetbombshell's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since it was announced because I just knew it was going to be good. It was so much more than good: it was excellent! I enjoyed Icon and Inferno even more than I did Stars and Smoke. Marie Lu took the magic of Stars and Smoke and turned everything that made that novel work up to 11. What came out is an amazing sequel to a fantastically fun book.
We’re exchanging organized crime for an international special agent extraction and a murky conspiracy against a head of state. We’re exchanging a nascent romance for pining like a forest, opportunist exes, and vulnerable hearts. We’re going from narrow focus to wide. The cast is bigger, the stakes are larger, the action is more intense, and the fall is long and hard.
It’s like a romantic Bourne Identity, but without the mind erasure.
I love these books because it’s just like watching a movie like The Bourne Identity: I don’t care if every little bit makes sense or if it’s a little predictable. I just care about how much fun I have reading these books, and these books are an absolute treat to read. They make me happy in the part of my heart that loves fun, fast, action-packed, romantic, improbable-situation books. I loved every page. If Lu wanted to write another one I’d read that one too.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Conspiracy Thriller/Contemporary Romance/Espionage Thriller/LGBTQ Fiction/Rockstar Romance
caseythereader's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Murder, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
theoverflowingbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
akacya's review
5.0
2024 reads: 153/250
i received an advanced listening copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
this is the sequel to stars and smoke.
a year has passed since winter and sydney’s undercover mission. though they haven’t spoken since then, they haven’t stopped thinking about each other. now, though, they’ve been put on another mission together, providing the opportunity to rekindle what they once had…though the situation might not be the most romantic.
it’s been over a year since i read book one, and honestly, i had forgotten just how much i loved these characters! i loved seeing their character growth throughout this book. we also got more detail about how they grew up, which definitely helped put their stories into perspective. as a superstar, winter is dealing with more than just the mission at hand. part of this involves family issues. i think that marie lu handled this subject very well, with both characters.
narration: becca q. co narrated this audiobook and did a wonderful job! i felt very immersed in the story while listening. i’ll definitely be on the lookout for more audiobooks narrated by her.
if you enjoyed stars and smoke, i’d recommend continuing the story with this book. also, marie lu fans are in for a treat🫶
readwithsuzie's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (one vague open door)
Sydney and Winter are back together with a new mission for Panacea. With another agent missing, Winter's star status will allow entrance to an elite gala in Singapore. Little do they know, there's much more at play than a simple agent extraction. As they try to focus on the mission, they're also confronted with their growing feelings for each other. Can these two make it out safely and guard their hearts at the same time?
I definitely liked this more than book one. Since there was already history between Winter and Sydney, the chemistry was hot from the start. There was lots of yearning from Winter, and Sydney was torn between her job and her attraction to him. The mission provided lots of action in the second half, although I did find one twist easy to predict. I was also hoping for a little more tension from the exes who were brought into the story. Overall, though, this was enjoyable, and I found myself liking the characters more than in the first book. I especially liked the ending between Winter and Sydney. I thought that was really tender and romantic while still providing drama and angst. It seemed like a satisfying ending that still left things open for a possible third book.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (one vague open door)
Sydney and Winter are back together with a new mission for Panacea. With another agent missing, Winter's star status will allow entrance to an elite gala in Singapore. Little do they know, there's much more at play than a simple agent extraction. As they try to focus on the mission, they're also confronted with their growing feelings for each other. Can these two make it out safely and guard their hearts at the same time?
I definitely liked this more than book one. Since there was already history between Winter and Sydney, the chemistry was hot from the start. There was lots of yearning from Winter, and Sydney was torn between her job and her attraction to him. The mission provided lots of action in the second half, although I did find one twist easy to predict. I was also hoping for a little more tension from the exes who were brought into the story. Overall, though, this was enjoyable, and I found myself liking the characters more than in the first book. I especially liked the ending between Winter and Sydney. I thought that was really tender and romantic while still providing drama and angst. It seemed like a satisfying ending that still left things open for a possible third book.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
danimae1981's review against another edition
4.0
Icon and Inferno had a similar feel to the first book, with action, mystery, romance and thrills. I read the books together, but enough background information is given catch you up if it's been a bit. Once again, I enjoyed the complicated relationship between Winter and Sydney, and the addition of their exes added extra tension. There are surprises along the way, though I'll admit to having my suspicions about some of the things that happened beforehand. There's a lot of action, and while sometimes it feels a little unrealistic, it gives it the kind of excitement you feel while watching a movie. It was definitely a quick read that was hard to put down. I'm not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I'd love to read more by the author, Marie Lu.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for the advance review copy of Icon and Inferno! All opinions in my review are completely my own.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for the advance review copy of Icon and Inferno! All opinions in my review are completely my own.
laurenjane20's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gun violence
Minor: Drug use
whitwein's review
5.0
I was so excited for book two. I love this secret agent/ pop super star duo!
In this one, which is a year later than book one, Agent Sydney teams back up with Winter to rescue an agent in Singapore and probably have to help stop an assassination (even though they were directed to not help with that…lol)
The only thing… the agent they are rescuing is Sydney’s ex and Winters Ex is coming along too to help keep his cover.
I love this series. I think it’s fun. I like the tech. I loved the Warcross references. Is it super believable. No does it need to be? I don’t think so. I’m very excited for the next book.
Thanks to netgalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced listening copy. The narrator was great.
In this one, which is a year later than book one, Agent Sydney teams back up with Winter to rescue an agent in Singapore and probably have to help stop an assassination (even though they were directed to not help with that…lol)
The only thing… the agent they are rescuing is Sydney’s ex and Winters Ex is coming along too to help keep his cover.
I love this series. I think it’s fun. I like the tech. I loved the Warcross references. Is it super believable. No does it need to be? I don’t think so. I’m very excited for the next book.
Thanks to netgalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced listening copy. The narrator was great.
amym84's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It's been more than a year since superstar Winter Young was recruited into the Panacea Group - an elite covert ops group - to bring down a major crime boss.
Winter has gone back to his superstar status, but with the threatening release of a new tell-all book about him by some unknown person - although undoubtedly someone close to him - Winter longs for the excitement of being an agent. Longs for something slightly dangerous, yet also helpful and, in a way, something that's just his.
As fate would have it, the group needs Winter's help once again. One of their agents has gone missing in the middle of a mission and Sydney has been tapped to find him and bring him home. This includes travelling to Singapore and attending an exclusive gala. Who better to gain entry than the most famous pop singer in the world?
As Winter and Sydney team up again, the mission soon turns from a straight-forward extraction to thwarting a hit on the President.
This was the first time I've listened to this series on audiobook. I thought the narrator did a good job of giving each character their own voice. Honestly, I especially loved the vulnerability the came through in the quieter moments. However, sometimes I felt like there was a lot of whispering dialogue. I understand it's to give the effect of spying and being quiet and, you know, generally whispering, but sometimes it was actually difficult to hear even though my headphones/speakers were at a good volume. Overall, I am tempted to go back and listen to the first book now because I really liked what the narrator did for the characters. She really brought them to life.
I was not ready to be finished with Winter and Sydney from the first book, and was super excited that we get this second one. I low-key loved how Marie Lu ended the first one with them being separated because I knew the meetup again would be **chef's kiss**. Coupled with the fact that the agent they're sent to extract has a history with Sydney and Winter has become entangled again with an ex-girlfriend in the interim, and there's plenty of lovely angst. Now, normally I don't have time for the angst, but I felt like Marie Lu built these two up so well in the first book and built their tentative partnership up that I didn't really feel like there could be a true divide between them in this sense, but it made for some really great tension and also brought up contrasts and comparisons between those others relationships and the one they have with each other. This book felt a lot more emotionally involved than the first one, which makes sense because we are more familiar with the characters and the setup. That was dealt with in the first book, so it makes sense we would delve more into the emotional side of things.
I felt like this time around there's a lot of slow winding build-up until we get to the pulse-pounding intense mission. I didn't mind the slow build, at a certain point when things turn I just did not want to put down the book. Unfortunately, there are also some revelations that come about after the halfway mark that felt too rushed.
Regardless of these, I adore how Marie Lu handled Sydney and Winter.
I don't know what the future holds for this series, but I feel like there's plenty of possibilities for continuation and more ways to explore the characters.
Winter has gone back to his superstar status, but with the threatening release of a new tell-all book about him by some unknown person - although undoubtedly someone close to him - Winter longs for the excitement of being an agent. Longs for something slightly dangerous, yet also helpful and, in a way, something that's just his.
As fate would have it, the group needs Winter's help once again. One of their agents has gone missing in the middle of a mission and Sydney has been tapped to find him and bring him home. This includes travelling to Singapore and attending an exclusive gala. Who better to gain entry than the most famous pop singer in the world?
As Winter and Sydney team up again, the mission soon turns from a straight-forward extraction to thwarting a hit on the President.
This was the first time I've listened to this series on audiobook. I thought the narrator did a good job of giving each character their own voice. Honestly, I especially loved the vulnerability the came through in the quieter moments. However, sometimes I felt like there was a lot of whispering dialogue. I understand it's to give the effect of spying and being quiet and, you know, generally whispering, but sometimes it was actually difficult to hear even though my headphones/speakers were at a good volume. Overall, I am tempted to go back and listen to the first book now because I really liked what the narrator did for the characters. She really brought them to life.
I was not ready to be finished with Winter and Sydney from the first book, and was super excited that we get this second one. I low-key loved how Marie Lu ended the first one with them being separated because I knew the meetup again would be **chef's kiss**. Coupled with the fact that the agent they're sent to extract has a history with Sydney and Winter has become entangled again with an ex-girlfriend in the interim, and there's plenty of lovely angst. Now, normally I don't have time for the angst, but I felt like Marie Lu built these two up so well in the first book and built their tentative partnership up that I didn't really feel like there could be a true divide between them in this sense, but it made for some really great tension and also brought up contrasts and comparisons between those others relationships and the one they have with each other. This book felt a lot more emotionally involved than the first one, which makes sense because we are more familiar with the characters and the setup. That was dealt with in the first book, so it makes sense we would delve more into the emotional side of things.
I felt like this time around there's a lot of slow winding build-up until we get to the pulse-pounding intense mission. I didn't mind the slow build, at a certain point when things turn I just did not want to put down the book. Unfortunately, there are also some revelations that come about after the halfway mark that felt too rushed.
Regardless of these, I adore how Marie Lu handled Sydney and Winter.
I don't know what the future holds for this series, but I feel like there's plenty of possibilities for continuation and more ways to explore the characters.
amym84's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
It's been more than a year since superstar Winter Young was recruited into the Panacea Group - an elite covert ops group - to bring down a major crime boss.
Winter has gone back to his superstar status, but with the threatening release of a new tell-all book about him by some unknown person - although undoubtedly someone close to him - Winter longs for the excitement of being an agent. Longs for something slightly dangerous, yet also helpful and, in a way, something that's just his.
As fate would have it, the group needs Winter's help once again. One of their agents has gone missing in the middle of a mission and Sydney has been tapped to find him and bring him home. This includes travelling to Singapore and attending an exclusive gala. Who better to gain entry than the most famous pop singer in the world?
As Winter and Sydney team up again, the mission soon turns from a straight-forward extraction to thwarting a hit on the President.
I was not ready to be finished with Winter and Sydney from the first book, and was super excited that we get this second one. I low-key loved how Marie Lu ended the first one with them being separated because I knew the meetup again would be **chef's kiss**. Coupled with the fact that the agent they're sent to extract has a history with Sydney and Winter has become entangled again with an ex-girlfriend in the interim, and there's plenty of lovely angst. Now, normally I don't have time for the angst, but I felt like Marie Lu built these two up so well in the first book and built their tentative partnership up that I didn't really feel like there could be a true divide between them in this sense, but it made for some really great tension and also brought up contrasts and comparisons between those others relationships and the one they have with each other. This book felt a lot more emotionally involved than the first one, which makes sense because we are more familiar with the characters and the setup. That was dealt with in the first book, so it makes sense we would delve more into the emotional side of things.
I felt like this time around there's a lot of slow winding build-up until we get to the pulse-pounding intense mission. I didn't mind the slow build, at a certain point when things turn I just did not want to put down the book. Unfortunately, there are also some revelations that come about after the halfway mark that felt too rushed.
Regardless of these, I adore how Marie Lu handled Sydney and Winter.
I don't know what the future holds for this series, but I feel like there's plenty of possibilities for continuation and more ways to explore the characters.
Winter has gone back to his superstar status, but with the threatening release of a new tell-all book about him by some unknown person - although undoubtedly someone close to him - Winter longs for the excitement of being an agent. Longs for something slightly dangerous, yet also helpful and, in a way, something that's just his.
As fate would have it, the group needs Winter's help once again. One of their agents has gone missing in the middle of a mission and Sydney has been tapped to find him and bring him home. This includes travelling to Singapore and attending an exclusive gala. Who better to gain entry than the most famous pop singer in the world?
As Winter and Sydney team up again, the mission soon turns from a straight-forward extraction to thwarting a hit on the President.
I was not ready to be finished with Winter and Sydney from the first book, and was super excited that we get this second one. I low-key loved how Marie Lu ended the first one with them being separated because I knew the meetup again would be **chef's kiss**. Coupled with the fact that the agent they're sent to extract has a history with Sydney and Winter has become entangled again with an ex-girlfriend in the interim, and there's plenty of lovely angst. Now, normally I don't have time for the angst, but I felt like Marie Lu built these two up so well in the first book and built their tentative partnership up that I didn't really feel like there could be a true divide between them in this sense, but it made for some really great tension and also brought up contrasts and comparisons between those others relationships and the one they have with each other. This book felt a lot more emotionally involved than the first one, which makes sense because we are more familiar with the characters and the setup. That was dealt with in the first book, so it makes sense we would delve more into the emotional side of things.
I felt like this time around there's a lot of slow winding build-up until we get to the pulse-pounding intense mission. I didn't mind the slow build, at a certain point when things turn I just did not want to put down the book. Unfortunately, there are also some revelations that come about after the halfway mark that felt too rushed.
Regardless of these, I adore how Marie Lu handled Sydney and Winter.
I don't know what the future holds for this series, but I feel like there's plenty of possibilities for continuation and more ways to explore the characters.