Scan barcode
A review by d_a_rehman
Smoke and Light by Kristin Ardis
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Absolutely loved the book and I'll try my best not to spoil the story because I like how the author kept the mystery.
Synopsis:
Story is about a girl who wakes up in the medical wing of a palace totally forgotten who she is and how she got there. But she has her doting fiancé, the Sovereign, who loves her so much that he suffers every moment she spent suffering. She is told that she was attacked by the rebels conspiring against the Sovereign. But even after months of recovery she stills has this strange episodes of pain that leave her devastated. Her best friend is always by her and her fiancé always ready to help. Desperate to get her memories back and make herself capable enough to become the future ruler Khara will do anything. Khara loves her fiancé Ramsey but she is keeping secrets from him. She is having these strange dreams where a magical grove calls to her, remnants of her memories coming back which she keeps protected in her journal. Getting to the grove might help her remember something but going beyond the walls is treason. Whoever goes beyond never comes back, the rebels are ruthless. But desperation got the better of Khara and she decides she will go no matter what. And there she encounters her biggest enemy. Hayden, the one responsible for her currents state, the loss the pain all because of this one person. But to her surprise he offers to help her regain her memory. Taking help from her enemy, betraying her loving fiancé putting the safety of her people at stake what will Khara do.
Review:
The story proceeded a bit slow but I think it was compulsory to keep the mystery and to keep the events in streamline. Author did an amazing job when the secrets unfold the plot twist shocked me. The scene descriptions in the book were beautifully crafted, offering vivid imagery that will transport you into the magical world. Character descriptions were rich and detailed I could easily picture each character with clarity. Moreover, the author skillfully explained the feelings and emotions. Detail and explanation throughout the book was excellent.
Characters:
Characters were loveable and mysterious
Khara: Her character was confused but still using her wits. She was being monitored and guided by people around her but she still didn't let it falter her. She was determined to get her memories back. Dealing with lies, betrayal and devastating secrets she acts reasonably.
Ramsey: His character was well written. He was loving and caring towards Khara and did his best to help her. His determination and dedication towards his goals were amazing and the dark side of his character was shocking. But there are secrets his betrayal was totally unexpected. It was shocking what he did.
Hayden: In first half of the book he was explained as a cruel rebel leader but he is was a total opposite too soft and kind. At times I thought his character was weak and pathetic but by the end my perception changed. We see him in full authority and action later which was good.
Gage: All I'd say about him is that he gives Kenji Kishimoto vibes and he is my favourite character.
I found the explanation of the magical world a bit difficult to grasp at first but it was interesting there is still a lot missing about Khara which will hopefully unravel in the next book.
Who is this book for?
for someone who enjoys mystery, elemental magic, betrayal, ruler and rebel
for the fans of Shatter me and Shadow and Bone series
Overall I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Thank you Kristin Ardis for the review copy
Synopsis:
Story is about a girl who wakes up in the medical wing of a palace totally forgotten who she is and how she got there. But she has her doting fiancé, the Sovereign, who loves her so much that he suffers every moment she spent suffering. She is told that she was attacked by the rebels conspiring against the Sovereign. But even after months of recovery she stills has this strange episodes of pain that leave her devastated. Her best friend is always by her and her fiancé always ready to help. Desperate to get her memories back and make herself capable enough to become the future ruler Khara will do anything. Khara loves her fiancé Ramsey but she is keeping secrets from him. She is having these strange dreams where a magical grove calls to her, remnants of her memories coming back which she keeps protected in her journal. Getting to the grove might help her remember something but going beyond the walls is treason. Whoever goes beyond never comes back, the rebels are ruthless. But desperation got the better of Khara and she decides she will go no matter what. And there she encounters her biggest enemy. Hayden, the one responsible for her currents state, the loss the pain all because of this one person. But to her surprise he offers to help her regain her memory. Taking help from her enemy, betraying her loving fiancé putting the safety of her people at stake what will Khara do.
Review:
The story proceeded a bit slow but I think it was compulsory to keep the mystery and to keep the events in streamline. Author did an amazing job when the secrets unfold the plot twist shocked me. The scene descriptions in the book were beautifully crafted, offering vivid imagery that will transport you into the magical world. Character descriptions were rich and detailed I could easily picture each character with clarity. Moreover, the author skillfully explained the feelings and emotions. Detail and explanation throughout the book was excellent.
Characters:
Characters were loveable and mysterious
Khara: Her character was confused but still using her wits. She was being monitored and guided by people around her but she still didn't let it falter her. She was determined to get her memories back. Dealing with lies, betrayal and devastating secrets she acts reasonably.
Ramsey: His character was well written. He was loving and caring towards Khara and did his best to help her. His determination and dedication towards his goals were amazing and the dark side of his character was shocking. But there are secrets his betrayal was totally unexpected. It was shocking what he did.
Hayden: In first half of the book he was explained as a cruel rebel leader but he is was a total opposite too soft and kind. At times I thought his character was weak and pathetic but by the end my perception changed. We see him in full authority and action later which was good.
Gage: All I'd say about him is that he gives Kenji Kishimoto vibes and he is my favourite character.
I found the explanation of the magical world a bit difficult to grasp at first but it was interesting there is still a lot missing about Khara which will hopefully unravel in the next book.
Who is this book for?
for someone who enjoys mystery, elemental magic, betrayal, ruler and rebel
for the fans of Shatter me and Shadow and Bone series
Overall I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Thank you Kristin Ardis for the review copy