Scan barcode
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I won't deny that this is beautifully written book. The world is lovely, the mythology is lovely. The characters are more or less fine. The story didn't click for me, I'm afraid.
And this happens. Often, actually. I feel like I came into this book expecting one plot of mysterious errands and an art student living a double life. And it started like that. It was interesting and different and spattered with subtle dark magic and I was digging it. Then, halfway through the book, everything derailed and suddenly we're digging deep into backstory and everything is revolving around a romantic relationship.
I felt cheated, honestly. This is a huge pet peeve for me in any book. And I can't say that it's bad because lots of people love it and the way it's written feels like something a lot of people will really enjoy. But I definitely felt like I got drawn into the book being promised one story and was given another.
A lot of time was spent developing Karou and Akiva, but we don't get to see a whole lot of the other characters. I really liked Susannah, for example, but her character faded away despite being dynamic and interesting. It became clear about midway in the book that all the other characters were there to prop up the lead characters. Even characters like Brimstone who are pivotal to the development of the romantic relationship aren't given much screen time.
I don't know.
I think my main complaint here was that this wasn't the book I wanted. I can't rightfully say there's anything wrong with it. It's just another paranormal love story. Even though it starts out with so much promise for a creative, action-packed story... it's all about the romance. If that's what you're looking for, you're absolutely going to love Daughter of Smoke and Bone. For myself, at this time, I don't think I'm going to continue this series. I'm just not invested in a love story.
For more reviews and bookish content, check out The Literary Phoenix.
And this happens. Often, actually. I feel like I came into this book expecting one plot of mysterious errands and an art student living a double life. And it started like that. It was interesting and different and spattered with subtle dark magic and I was digging it. Then, halfway through the book, everything derailed and suddenly we're digging deep into backstory and everything is revolving around a romantic relationship.
I felt cheated, honestly. This is a huge pet peeve for me in any book. And I can't say that it's bad because lots of people love it and the way it's written feels like something a lot of people will really enjoy. But I definitely felt like I got drawn into the book being promised one story and was given another.
A lot of time was spent developing Karou and Akiva, but we don't get to see a whole lot of the other characters. I really liked Susannah, for example, but her character faded away despite being dynamic and interesting. It became clear about midway in the book that all the other characters were there to prop up the lead characters. Even characters like Brimstone who are pivotal to the development of the romantic relationship aren't given much screen time.
I don't know.
I think my main complaint here was that this wasn't the book I wanted. I can't rightfully say there's anything wrong with it. It's just another paranormal love story. Even though it starts out with so much promise for a creative, action-packed story... it's all about the romance. If that's what you're looking for, you're absolutely going to love Daughter of Smoke and Bone. For myself, at this time, I don't think I'm going to continue this series. I'm just not invested in a love story.
For more reviews and bookish content, check out The Literary Phoenix.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
bringmybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Original Read: 2015, Re-Read: July 2023
Original Rating 4 ★ , Re-Read Rating 5 ★
Original Rating 4 ★ , Re-Read Rating 5 ★
✨ 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨ B̷O̷R̷R̷O̷W̷ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Alright so I was a bit worried about re-reading this, because … what if it didn’t hold up?! I am very happy to report that it DID hold up and I love love love love these characters so much.
I don’t normally vibe with fated love but for whatever reason it just WORKS here. It just does.
(there’s a slight parking of the brain on the angels vs demons aspect, but I look at it from a fantasy standpoint and call it a day)
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Slavery, Death, Murder, Animal death, Gore, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Torture
Moderate: Genocide, Colonisation, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
More...