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Silver and Smoke
It’s the golden age of Hollywood. For two Vietnamese dreamers, success means conjuring a magical break in a spellbinding novel about the frightening price of fame by the author of The Monstrous Misses Mai.
More like sisters than best friends, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. But for young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood, the MGM back lot seems unreachable. Undeterred, Issa knows she’s meant for great things. The blood of shamans runs through her veins. To find fame in this town, for herself and for Olivia, Issa needs to make connections. For starters, with her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại.
Frightening enough in life—Issa’s own mother forbade any contact—Bà Ngoại is even more intimidating in death. A formidable presence of smoke, promises, and pacts, Bà Ngoại introduces Issa and Olivia to her friend on the other side the late Ava Lin Rang, a singularly magnetic Asian star of the silent screen. Ava coaches, encourages, and utilizes her own unique influence to open doors for her determined protégés.
As Issa begins drawing on her own untapped powers, every dream is coming true. But in a city of illusions, at what cost?
More like sisters than best friends, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. But for young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood, the MGM back lot seems unreachable. Undeterred, Issa knows she’s meant for great things. The blood of shamans runs through her veins. To find fame in this town, for herself and for Olivia, Issa needs to make connections. For starters, with her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại.
Frightening enough in life—Issa’s own mother forbade any contact—Bà Ngoại is even more intimidating in death. A formidable presence of smoke, promises, and pacts, Bà Ngoại introduces Issa and Olivia to her friend on the other side the late Ava Lin Rang, a singularly magnetic Asian star of the silent screen. Ava coaches, encourages, and utilizes her own unique influence to open doors for her determined protégés.
As Issa begins drawing on her own untapped powers, every dream is coming true. But in a city of illusions, at what cost?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
75 people are currently reading
4392 people want to read
About the author
Van Hoang
7 books175 followersVan Hoang's first name is pronounced like the van in minivan. Her last name is pronounced “hah-wawng.” She earned her bachelor’s in English at the University of New Mexico and her master’s in library information science at San Jose State University. She was born in Vietnam, grew in up Orange County, California, and now resides in Los Angeles with her husband, kid, and two dogs.
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January 16, 2025Hi it's me, the author of this unhinged Old Hollywood ghost story about 2 Vietnamese actresses doing whatever it takes to achieve their dreams in a time when it was almost impossible for women like them to even have dreams. Less than 3 weeks until this book releases, so I figured it's time to talk about some things, namely the backstory of why I wrote this.
Content warnings for death, grief, family trauma
I’m always a ball of anxiety with every book launch, but this story in particular means so much to me, written during a time of grieving and turmoil. It allowed me to escape to a different world where magic and dreams were just one incense stick and a dead grandmother away.
This is not something that I've talked about openly before but I wrote this book during and after my mother's death, and for many reasons, it was incredibly difficult to write.
But so are all books. Which was why I hesitated to talk about this too publicly. Yet with each book release, I feel this weird need to explain why I wrote what I did, and in a way, it helps me process what I went through (writing books can be a bit traumatic, y'know?) and understand stories a bit better, where they come from, and what they say about the people who write and read them.
My mother had had cancer for a while, so some would say that her death should not have been a surprise, but like all terrible yet inevitable events, it was not something our family expected until it happened, and then it happened like a riptide.
I'd been caught in one before as a kid--a riptide. I was a decent swimmer, even back then, but when one gets a hold of you, it doesn't matter. You get sucked into wave after wave, ones that grip your entire body and swing you about like you're a plaything, only coming up for enough air to survive the next wave--there's barely time to breathe much less to remember what you're supposed to do. Swim with the current? Which way was up or down? Were you supposed to struggle with all your will to live or relax and let it carry you out of danger? And the whole time, your eyes and nose and throat are burning from saltwater and it feels like you're drowning in your own tears, and you can't see anything but foam and darkness and the briefest glimpse of the shore in the distance where kids are still laughing and playing and people are still basking in the sun, unaware that you are slowly dying just barely within reach, if only they thought to look more closely.
The idea for the story had come before the devastating phone call that didn't seem real--hurry, get here now, she won't have much time left--so I did not set out to write something to deal with grief or death...but in the midst of all the turmoil, it turned out to be an anchor for the chaos.
This is how the story goes: On a random Monday evening, I miss a call from my dad but I don't think much of it because he should know by now how terrified I am of talking on the phone. But then on Tuesday, I get a slurry of texts from my sister, and then everything else happens so quickly. It doesn't feel real. I rearrange my life, reschedule things at work, childcare, book flights, lodging, logistics. I'm a numb, walking machine. I don't remember how to human. The longest layover of my life. Dog restrooms in the airport--absurdly adorable. I subsist on caffeine. I work on my book. I was still on deadline for a bunch of projects at once. I don't cancel a phone meeting even though I probably should have. I don't know what "should" means anymore.
I was so busy but being busy was good because it meant that I didn't have to confront my actual thoughts and feelings, and I surfed this wave of busy over the next few days as my mother passed and more questions popped up over her funeral details and then the rest honestly became a blur. I found myself at a weird disconnect of returning to my high school home and feeling like a child again, surrounded by my older siblings, aunties, cousins, the "real grownups"--yet I was asked to make decisions about things I definitely felt no authority over.
Afterward, I was on a pretty tight deadline for Silver and Smoke, which I could have asked to extend, but I used the book as an escape from dealing with my mental state. I told myself I needed to, and then I felt guilty for doing so because something told me I should have felt sadder, that I shouldn't be moving on so seemingly well, and then I felt guiltier for not feeling sadder, for being able to cope, for handling it all a bit too successfully...I was spiraling but rather than downward, I was being whipped back and forth, not knowing which way was up or down or how to get out of it. It was like being stuck in a riptide all over again.
One day, a friend texted to check up on me. "I have efficiently gone through the 5 stages of grief," I wrote while sobbing in the park on my lunch break. I got to know these 5 stages pretty intimately because I naively wanted to track my progress and see when I would be done and get to move on. But during this research, I learned that the 5 stages are not steps you can check off and be done with, but a spiraling of emotions that can happen at any time and in any order and can be replicated for the rest of your life, so that was fun. Learning things is so fun.
But then it was time to dive into edits for Silver and Smoke. Yay for an excuse to be busy and distracted again.
Drafting, for me anyway, often feels like a fever dream. I try to get things out as fast as I can in the first draft before the excitement for the idea goes away, and oftentimes when I read what I wrote, it feels like someone broke into my brain and slapped down words I don't remember writing at all.
As I read through the first draft, I was surprised by the amount of death and darkness that was in it. Why did this surprise me when the premise is: Two aspiring movie stars make a deal with a dead shaman and a ghost to achieve their dreams, only to discover the consequential price? Yet in combing through the story and taking it apart and piecing it back and solving problems and dealing with the character's emotional growth...guess what? I went through my own emotional growth. IMAGINE.
I thought I had successfully escaped my feelings, but I found instead that I had channeled them. I had felt guilty over this escape without realizing that there is no escape. I had been caught in the riptide thinking I was swimming up but really I didn't even have a clue which way that was, and had miraculously kept afloat just long enough for the current to carry me to shore.
In the end, it was the story that gave me a chance to process what I had been trying to escape, efficiently or not. Yes it's full of death and darkness, but it's also full of light and magic and family and empowerment. It helped me find my way out of the torrent. So hopefully in reading it, you'll find a bit of your own way through whatever riptide you might be facing.
I dedicated this book to my mom, who didn't live to see the inscription, but who had been so incredibly proud when I became an author, something she'd seen me work toward for most of my life. She would have been prouder still. So yea...this is for her, my mom. Con viết một cuốn sách khác nữa. I wrote another book. For her.
Content warnings for death, grief, family trauma
I’m always a ball of anxiety with every book launch, but this story in particular means so much to me, written during a time of grieving and turmoil. It allowed me to escape to a different world where magic and dreams were just one incense stick and a dead grandmother away.
This is not something that I've talked about openly before but I wrote this book during and after my mother's death, and for many reasons, it was incredibly difficult to write.
But so are all books. Which was why I hesitated to talk about this too publicly. Yet with each book release, I feel this weird need to explain why I wrote what I did, and in a way, it helps me process what I went through (writing books can be a bit traumatic, y'know?) and understand stories a bit better, where they come from, and what they say about the people who write and read them.
My mother had had cancer for a while, so some would say that her death should not have been a surprise, but like all terrible yet inevitable events, it was not something our family expected until it happened, and then it happened like a riptide.
I'd been caught in one before as a kid--a riptide. I was a decent swimmer, even back then, but when one gets a hold of you, it doesn't matter. You get sucked into wave after wave, ones that grip your entire body and swing you about like you're a plaything, only coming up for enough air to survive the next wave--there's barely time to breathe much less to remember what you're supposed to do. Swim with the current? Which way was up or down? Were you supposed to struggle with all your will to live or relax and let it carry you out of danger? And the whole time, your eyes and nose and throat are burning from saltwater and it feels like you're drowning in your own tears, and you can't see anything but foam and darkness and the briefest glimpse of the shore in the distance where kids are still laughing and playing and people are still basking in the sun, unaware that you are slowly dying just barely within reach, if only they thought to look more closely.
The idea for the story had come before the devastating phone call that didn't seem real--hurry, get here now, she won't have much time left--so I did not set out to write something to deal with grief or death...but in the midst of all the turmoil, it turned out to be an anchor for the chaos.
This is how the story goes: On a random Monday evening, I miss a call from my dad but I don't think much of it because he should know by now how terrified I am of talking on the phone. But then on Tuesday, I get a slurry of texts from my sister, and then everything else happens so quickly. It doesn't feel real. I rearrange my life, reschedule things at work, childcare, book flights, lodging, logistics. I'm a numb, walking machine. I don't remember how to human. The longest layover of my life. Dog restrooms in the airport--absurdly adorable. I subsist on caffeine. I work on my book. I was still on deadline for a bunch of projects at once. I don't cancel a phone meeting even though I probably should have. I don't know what "should" means anymore.
I was so busy but being busy was good because it meant that I didn't have to confront my actual thoughts and feelings, and I surfed this wave of busy over the next few days as my mother passed and more questions popped up over her funeral details and then the rest honestly became a blur. I found myself at a weird disconnect of returning to my high school home and feeling like a child again, surrounded by my older siblings, aunties, cousins, the "real grownups"--yet I was asked to make decisions about things I definitely felt no authority over.
Afterward, I was on a pretty tight deadline for Silver and Smoke, which I could have asked to extend, but I used the book as an escape from dealing with my mental state. I told myself I needed to, and then I felt guilty for doing so because something told me I should have felt sadder, that I shouldn't be moving on so seemingly well, and then I felt guiltier for not feeling sadder, for being able to cope, for handling it all a bit too successfully...I was spiraling but rather than downward, I was being whipped back and forth, not knowing which way was up or down or how to get out of it. It was like being stuck in a riptide all over again.
One day, a friend texted to check up on me. "I have efficiently gone through the 5 stages of grief," I wrote while sobbing in the park on my lunch break. I got to know these 5 stages pretty intimately because I naively wanted to track my progress and see when I would be done and get to move on. But during this research, I learned that the 5 stages are not steps you can check off and be done with, but a spiraling of emotions that can happen at any time and in any order and can be replicated for the rest of your life, so that was fun. Learning things is so fun.
But then it was time to dive into edits for Silver and Smoke. Yay for an excuse to be busy and distracted again.
Drafting, for me anyway, often feels like a fever dream. I try to get things out as fast as I can in the first draft before the excitement for the idea goes away, and oftentimes when I read what I wrote, it feels like someone broke into my brain and slapped down words I don't remember writing at all.
As I read through the first draft, I was surprised by the amount of death and darkness that was in it. Why did this surprise me when the premise is: Two aspiring movie stars make a deal with a dead shaman and a ghost to achieve their dreams, only to discover the consequential price? Yet in combing through the story and taking it apart and piecing it back and solving problems and dealing with the character's emotional growth...guess what? I went through my own emotional growth. IMAGINE.
I thought I had successfully escaped my feelings, but I found instead that I had channeled them. I had felt guilty over this escape without realizing that there is no escape. I had been caught in the riptide thinking I was swimming up but really I didn't even have a clue which way that was, and had miraculously kept afloat just long enough for the current to carry me to shore.
In the end, it was the story that gave me a chance to process what I had been trying to escape, efficiently or not. Yes it's full of death and darkness, but it's also full of light and magic and family and empowerment. It helped me find my way out of the torrent. So hopefully in reading it, you'll find a bit of your own way through whatever riptide you might be facing.
I dedicated this book to my mom, who didn't live to see the inscription, but who had been so incredibly proud when I became an author, something she'd seen me work toward for most of my life. She would have been prouder still. So yea...this is for her, my mom. Con viết một cuốn sách khác nữa. I wrote another book. For her.
February 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and 47North for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
Tagline: It’s the golden age of Hollywood. For two Vietnamese dreamers, success means conjuring a magical break in a spellbinding novel about the frightening price of fame by the author of The Monstrous Misses Mai.
This was one of those random late-night NetGalley requests I made days before the title was archived. Issa Bui and Olivia Nong were well-written characters, and I enjoyed spending time with them on the MGM and Warner Brothers lots. Sure, there were some predictable plot points, but that didn't deter me from sitting back and enjoying my reading sessions. Although I only started this on Wednesday and finished on Sunday, it was only because I had so many other books on the go that it took me a while to finish this novel. Note to self, try not to request all ARCs that will end up being published on the same day.
Overall, a good paranormal fantasy to sink your teeth into!
#SilverandSmoke #NetGalley.
Publication Date 04/02/25
Goodreads Review 23/02/25
3.5 stars
Tagline: It’s the golden age of Hollywood. For two Vietnamese dreamers, success means conjuring a magical break in a spellbinding novel about the frightening price of fame by the author of The Monstrous Misses Mai.
This was one of those random late-night NetGalley requests I made days before the title was archived. Issa Bui and Olivia Nong were well-written characters, and I enjoyed spending time with them on the MGM and Warner Brothers lots. Sure, there were some predictable plot points, but that didn't deter me from sitting back and enjoying my reading sessions. Although I only started this on Wednesday and finished on Sunday, it was only because I had so many other books on the go that it took me a while to finish this novel. Note to self, try not to request all ARCs that will end up being published on the same day.
Overall, a good paranormal fantasy to sink your teeth into!
#SilverandSmoke #NetGalley.
Publication Date 04/02/25
Goodreads Review 23/02/25
June 13, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC. I was absolutely thrilled for this one. The premise, Vietnamese‑American shamanism meets 1930s Hollywood, is what first drew me in, and I was especially excited to dive into Vietnamese folkloric traditions and supernatural shenanigans. ssa and Olivia’s bond, ambition, and fight against racial barriers make for a heartfelt coming‑of‑age tale rooted in resilience, yet the eerie shamanic rituals and ghostly mentorship of family spirits, which initially hooked me, feel underdeveloped and used more as a narrative device than a culturally rich, supernatural core. While the historical setting and representation are commendable, the focus shifts too heavily onto career struggles, causing pacing to lag and mystical intrigue to dissipate, especially when compared to more fully realized paranormal novels.
Issa and Olivia are refreshingly proactive. Facing institutionalized racism in Hollywood, they refuse to be passive victims. Instead, they actively resist stereotypes and assert their agency, pursuing their dreams in an industry designed to shut them out. Van Hoang enriches the 1930s Hollywood backdrop with a meaningful exploration of the era's discriminatory environment. Themes like gang-run Chinatown, underground shamanic rituals, and the corrupt glitz of studios are woven throughout, all contributing to true Asian‑American representation, and avoiding clichés or a “rescued minority” narrative.
Despite my anticipation for rich Vietnamese spiritual traditions and witchcraft, the shamanism and ghostly elements felt perfunctory—more of a plot device than a cultural deep dive. I picked it up for supernatural intrigue but was left wanting more depth, mystery, and folkloric authenticity. While the Hollywood struggles are compelling, they overshadow the supernatural arc at times. The narrative slows as it focuses heavily on career hurdles, diluting momentum. Some readers echoed this feeling of a slow-burn plot. For such an evocative premise, I hoped for tighter integration of Vietnamese folklore and spiritual practice. Though the ghost of Ava Lin Rang, the ancestral shaman, and mystical pact with Bà Ngoại are compelling, they never fully reach their potential.
Silver and Smoke is a heartfelt, character-driven tale of dreams, identity, and resistance in a hostile industry. Its strengths lie in its representation, sisterhood, and setting. But if you're looking for a deeply atmospheric dive into supernatural Vietnamese shamanism, this one may feel like it only skims the surface. The magic you crave is there, but it doesn’t completely cast its spell. Fans of historical paranormal fiction, Old Hollywood nostalgia, and Vietnamese‑American perspectives will find it rewarding, even if the mystical elements don’t enchant as fully as they could.
Issa and Olivia are refreshingly proactive. Facing institutionalized racism in Hollywood, they refuse to be passive victims. Instead, they actively resist stereotypes and assert their agency, pursuing their dreams in an industry designed to shut them out. Van Hoang enriches the 1930s Hollywood backdrop with a meaningful exploration of the era's discriminatory environment. Themes like gang-run Chinatown, underground shamanic rituals, and the corrupt glitz of studios are woven throughout, all contributing to true Asian‑American representation, and avoiding clichés or a “rescued minority” narrative.
Despite my anticipation for rich Vietnamese spiritual traditions and witchcraft, the shamanism and ghostly elements felt perfunctory—more of a plot device than a cultural deep dive. I picked it up for supernatural intrigue but was left wanting more depth, mystery, and folkloric authenticity. While the Hollywood struggles are compelling, they overshadow the supernatural arc at times. The narrative slows as it focuses heavily on career hurdles, diluting momentum. Some readers echoed this feeling of a slow-burn plot. For such an evocative premise, I hoped for tighter integration of Vietnamese folklore and spiritual practice. Though the ghost of Ava Lin Rang, the ancestral shaman, and mystical pact with Bà Ngoại are compelling, they never fully reach their potential.
Silver and Smoke is a heartfelt, character-driven tale of dreams, identity, and resistance in a hostile industry. Its strengths lie in its representation, sisterhood, and setting. But if you're looking for a deeply atmospheric dive into supernatural Vietnamese shamanism, this one may feel like it only skims the surface. The magic you crave is there, but it doesn’t completely cast its spell. Fans of historical paranormal fiction, Old Hollywood nostalgia, and Vietnamese‑American perspectives will find it rewarding, even if the mystical elements don’t enchant as fully as they could.
February 8, 2025
Two Vietnamese best friends, Issa and Olivia, dream of stardom against the odds in 1930s Hollywood. Issa's family has a history of shamanic ability, so they summon the spirit of her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại for assistance. The grandmother suggests that they take advice from the spirit of Ava Lin Rang, an Asian star of the silent movie era. What Issa and Olivia don't realize is that Ava has desperate goals of her own, and they may have summoned more than they bargained for.
I wanted to know so much more about Issa's family: their history and abilities. What was the origin behind their various family feuds; when did their shamanic abilities start and how? I loved the friendship between the two women and how they supported each other. Issa was so naive but it made me feel protective of her; I wanted her story to end well.
Thank you so much to 47North and Netgalley for this ARC!
I wanted to know so much more about Issa's family: their history and abilities. What was the origin behind their various family feuds; when did their shamanic abilities start and how? I loved the friendship between the two women and how they supported each other. Issa was so naive but it made me feel protective of her; I wanted her story to end well.
Thank you so much to 47North and Netgalley for this ARC!
February 14, 2025
This was 8.4 out of 10!! I had so much fun with this book!
The trials and tribulations of growing up Asian was very much represented here and I enjoyed how Van Hoang lays it out clear on the page. It definitely shows us the difficulties of finding your place in society and in the family especially if your chosen path in life is outside of what family deems worthy of your future, because it’s also their future. This plus the idea of how Asian elders show love and sometimes the need for more and not quite getting it. Even though this was set in 1920s old Hollywood, I know that this definitely is still the case for lots of Asian families with children growing up around western ideals.
While this was a paranormal story with ghost and demon representation, it wasn’t too creepy. There were definitely some moments where it becomes creepy enough that I had to pause reading until I was no longer alone, but I would have liked a little bit more.
I highly recommend if you want a nice paranormal, period piece with interesting family dynamics!
Loveee Jem as the half Filipino representation! That was a really fun surprise!
The trials and tribulations of growing up Asian was very much represented here and I enjoyed how Van Hoang lays it out clear on the page. It definitely shows us the difficulties of finding your place in society and in the family especially if your chosen path in life is outside of what family deems worthy of your future, because it’s also their future. This plus the idea of how Asian elders show love and sometimes the need for more and not quite getting it. Even though this was set in 1920s old Hollywood, I know that this definitely is still the case for lots of Asian families with children growing up around western ideals.
While this was a paranormal story with ghost and demon representation, it wasn’t too creepy. There were definitely some moments where it becomes creepy enough that I had to pause reading until I was no longer alone, but I would have liked a little bit more.
I highly recommend if you want a nice paranormal, period piece with interesting family dynamics!
Loveee Jem as the half Filipino representation! That was a really fun surprise!
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April 15, 2025Thanks to Brilliance Audio for the gifted ALC and the author for the gifted ARC!
SILVER AND SMOKE takes place in the golden age of Hollywood, where two Vietnamese friends, Issa and Olivia, are hoping to find success on the screen. But so much is at play against them and the racism of the era and industry is at the forefront of this story. You know I love my history mixed with magic, so I loved that this book also included summoning a dead grandmother for help. The paranormal activity also brings in the storyline of a successful Asian silent screen acress, Ava Lin Rang, and her story weaves into Issa and Olivia's so well. I loved the narration by Elyse Dinh, as she really brought this story to life!
SILVER AND SMOKE takes place in the golden age of Hollywood, where two Vietnamese friends, Issa and Olivia, are hoping to find success on the screen. But so much is at play against them and the racism of the era and industry is at the forefront of this story. You know I love my history mixed with magic, so I loved that this book also included summoning a dead grandmother for help. The paranormal activity also brings in the storyline of a successful Asian silent screen acress, Ava Lin Rang, and her story weaves into Issa and Olivia's so well. I loved the narration by Elyse Dinh, as she really brought this story to life!
November 7, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up
This was excellent! It's a really fast-paced read with fun characters in a vibrant setting. The only minor criticism that I have is that the climax wasn't quite as good as it could have been, I think the author could have done more with combining the uncles and as threats. Overall, though, this was wonderful and I breezed through it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This was excellent! It's a really fast-paced read with fun characters in a vibrant setting. The only minor criticism that I have is that the climax wasn't quite as good as it could have been, I think the author could have done more with combining the uncles and as threats. Overall, though, this was wonderful and I breezed through it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review!!
Set in 1930s LA, we follow our main characters, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong, Vietnamese women who dream of becoming Hollywood stars and making a name for themselves in a world where Asians are treated with indifference. Issa's family belongs to a line of shamans and she's asked to take over the art after her grandmother's death. But she makes a deal with them to give her a year's time to become an actress and if she fails to become one, she'll take on the family's work. And to make their dreams come true, Issa and Olivia summon the dead actress, Ava Rang for help. But are they prepared for what's about to come when you dabble in the mystic arts?!!
This was a perfect fall read, with its vintage vibes from the 1930s and the chilling atmosphere that come from the mystic art of shamanism. I had a wonderful time following the girls who worked so hard to make their dreams come true!
Racism is so prevalent in the film industry that their talents are overlooked cuz their appearances take precedence, and they struggle to land even minor roles at the start. But with the help of the summoned ghost, they're able to finally get smaller roles and are still treated as nobodies. And it was so painful and also rewarding to see them give their all and still have hopes that they'd become stars if they keep trying. And they do see some changes in the way people start to treat them as they showcase their talents. The willpower and strong beliefs of our FMCs shines throughout the novel, and I liked their character growth towards the end.
Also I love stories that have some amount of paranormal elements in them, and this tackled that aspect very well. With Issa belonging to a family of shamans, we're introduced to a world of seance and summonings, and a dabble into the darker side at times. The last part of the novel took a sinister turn that I saw coming but was still shocked at everything that happened within those few chapters. And I was satisfied with the way everything ended, and how their friendship lasted after going through such arduous times. And I'm glad that Issa and Olivia finally had their dreams come true, and also found out how precious their bond is.
Will definitely recommend this if you're looking for something both eerie and also fun at the same time.
Set in 1930s LA, we follow our main characters, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong, Vietnamese women who dream of becoming Hollywood stars and making a name for themselves in a world where Asians are treated with indifference. Issa's family belongs to a line of shamans and she's asked to take over the art after her grandmother's death. But she makes a deal with them to give her a year's time to become an actress and if she fails to become one, she'll take on the family's work. And to make their dreams come true, Issa and Olivia summon the dead actress, Ava Rang for help. But are they prepared for what's about to come when you dabble in the mystic arts?!!
This was a perfect fall read, with its vintage vibes from the 1930s and the chilling atmosphere that come from the mystic art of shamanism. I had a wonderful time following the girls who worked so hard to make their dreams come true!
Racism is so prevalent in the film industry that their talents are overlooked cuz their appearances take precedence, and they struggle to land even minor roles at the start. But with the help of the summoned ghost, they're able to finally get smaller roles and are still treated as nobodies. And it was so painful and also rewarding to see them give their all and still have hopes that they'd become stars if they keep trying. And they do see some changes in the way people start to treat them as they showcase their talents. The willpower and strong beliefs of our FMCs shines throughout the novel, and I liked their character growth towards the end.
Also I love stories that have some amount of paranormal elements in them, and this tackled that aspect very well. With Issa belonging to a family of shamans, we're introduced to a world of seance and summonings, and a dabble into the darker side at times. The last part of the novel took a sinister turn that I saw coming but was still shocked at everything that happened within those few chapters. And I was satisfied with the way everything ended, and how their friendship lasted after going through such arduous times. And I'm glad that Issa and Olivia finally had their dreams come true, and also found out how precious their bond is.
Will definitely recommend this if you're looking for something both eerie and also fun at the same time.
October 1, 2024
Supernatural elements to a heartwarming story on friendship and withstanding the entertainment business. Olivia and Issa are both young Vietnamese women trying to land acting roles to become famous and earn money so they don't have to work in the laundry business. Issa's family are also shamans, and so she has the ability to conjure up spirits and speak to the dead. When Issa and Olivia are trying to land roles, they speak to a spirit named Ava and ask her for advice. Ava was an actress before she left Earth and so the girls really took to her, especially Olivia. Throughout the story, their friendship is tested and Issa becomes slightly jealous of Ava. Each girl gets their own movies and they kind of feel like they're growing apart. But then something about Ava is revealed and this causes their friendship to kind of go up in flames but also come back stronger than ever. I really enjoyed the friendship aspect of the story. It's the main theme here. They are each other's soulmate.
I did find some parts kind of dragged on and I was a bit bored during some parts as well. I didn't really understand why we encountered Weston more after what they did for Ava. It seemed unnecessary and didn't make sense to me. I enjoyed the ending. I wish we had more info about the clan war. That would have also been interesting to dabble in more. It was very lightly touched upon and felt like such a big thing in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed the book especially at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did find some parts kind of dragged on and I was a bit bored during some parts as well. I didn't really understand why we encountered Weston more after what they did for Ava. It seemed unnecessary and didn't make sense to me. I enjoyed the ending. I wish we had more info about the clan war. That would have also been interesting to dabble in more. It was very lightly touched upon and felt like such a big thing in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed the book especially at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2025
8/23/25: 4 stars. This is a new release from this year—a historical fantasy set in 1930s California following two Vietnamese-American girls from a crime family that uses spirit magic as they try to become Hollywood actresses in a time of racism and avoid having to get involved in the family business. Overall, it was a really fun time, with great family dynamics and such a strong old Hollywood atmosphere that was great fun. Van Hoang really painted a vivid picture of conflicting interests of studios and executives and creatives, the permeation of racism and sexism in the industry at this time, and the culture of excess both in work and play that developed around the industry.
Unfortunately, the book did have a few problems that I feel held it back from being truly great. The main issue was that it really struggled to reconcile the spirit magic crime drama and the old Hollywood halves of the plot and balance them well, it always felt like we were doing one at a time rather than both being intertwined well. Moreover, as a result of this, the book doesn't really have a clear theme—it's unclear if Issa's character arc is about becoming more assertive and less passive or if it's about learning to recognize that people change or something else. And because of these two things, the climax doesn't really land; like it's fine, it's not bad, but it is far from the best part of the book, and feels a little bit generic. Aside from that, I did feel the book was a tad overwritten in its descriptions and internal monologue.
Still, for me at least, these were all quibbles and I couldn't really bring myself to give it less than 4 stars, because the book was genuinely so much fun. Hoang has an extraordinary talent for writing every sort of relationship, whether it's romantic or a friendship or complex family dynamics or professional, and being able to do that for me overcomes so many flaws that a book can have. These characters really felt alive and their relationships felt real in a way that I find is hard anyway, but especially tough in historical fantasy where it has to feel authentic to the time period AND relatable to us in the present. Overall I'd say if you're a character reader who will not be too put off by a weak climax (note: the denouement is really good!), there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book a lot.
Unfortunately, the book did have a few problems that I feel held it back from being truly great. The main issue was that it really struggled to reconcile the spirit magic crime drama and the old Hollywood halves of the plot and balance them well, it always felt like we were doing one at a time rather than both being intertwined well. Moreover, as a result of this, the book doesn't really have a clear theme—it's unclear if Issa's character arc is about becoming more assertive and less passive or if it's about learning to recognize that people change or something else. And because of these two things, the climax doesn't really land; like it's fine, it's not bad, but it is far from the best part of the book, and feels a little bit generic. Aside from that, I did feel the book was a tad overwritten in its descriptions and internal monologue.
Still, for me at least, these were all quibbles and I couldn't really bring myself to give it less than 4 stars, because the book was genuinely so much fun. Hoang has an extraordinary talent for writing every sort of relationship, whether it's romantic or a friendship or complex family dynamics or professional, and being able to do that for me overcomes so many flaws that a book can have. These characters really felt alive and their relationships felt real in a way that I find is hard anyway, but especially tough in historical fantasy where it has to feel authentic to the time period AND relatable to us in the present. Overall I'd say if you're a character reader who will not be too put off by a weak climax (note: the denouement is really good!), there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book a lot.
January 7, 2025
I was weary of the story to begin with since I’ve always had trouble connecting with these type of period pieces. But this is not my first Ava Hoang book, I should have realized the impact. I feel that the writing is considerably better, the characters, environment, and plot. I didn’t put it down once, kept wanting to read more about the two women and their stories. Though I personally have not been so blatantly discriminated, I come from an immigrant family and have “exotic” features. I felt so passionately when they were so obviously scrutinized for who they were and placed into certain roles just because of their looks. I couldn’t stand it, the connection I felt with Issa was not blatant but I recognized parts of myself in her. I loved the story and its progression. The relationship between the two women was so heart warming and I loved seeing their ups and downs in the story. Definitely give this book a try you’ll be pleasantly surprised on how fun it is and how invested you’ll become in their lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and 47North publishing, I received a ARC for an honest review !
Thanks to NetGalley and 47North publishing, I received a ARC for an honest review !
February 3, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Silver and Smoke
Author: Van Hoang
Thank you Netgalley and 47North for this ARC! This released tomorrow 2/4! Overall, I really enjoyed it. The story is about two Vietnamese best friends trying to make it in 1930s Hollywood. Issa is also from a family of shamans. Her mother and Aunt are feuding; and her mother has tried to keep her from the magical side of her family. Unfortunately she ends up getting drawn in, and her and Olivia end up consulting with a ghost for assistance in achieving their Hollywood dreams. The pacing was really good, and the story was interesting. I really enjoyed all the ghost stuff in this read and I also enjoyed reading Issa and Olivia’s friendship, and their struggles with trying to obtain fame. It was a little predictable at times, and the end was a bit anticlimactic but overall it was not a bad read! Thank you @herkindletravels for the rec and our first buddy read of February!
Silver and Smoke
Author: Van Hoang
Thank you Netgalley and 47North for this ARC! This released tomorrow 2/4! Overall, I really enjoyed it. The story is about two Vietnamese best friends trying to make it in 1930s Hollywood. Issa is also from a family of shamans. Her mother and Aunt are feuding; and her mother has tried to keep her from the magical side of her family. Unfortunately she ends up getting drawn in, and her and Olivia end up consulting with a ghost for assistance in achieving their Hollywood dreams. The pacing was really good, and the story was interesting. I really enjoyed all the ghost stuff in this read and I also enjoyed reading Issa and Olivia’s friendship, and their struggles with trying to obtain fame. It was a little predictable at times, and the end was a bit anticlimactic but overall it was not a bad read! Thank you @herkindletravels for the rec and our first buddy read of February!
March 10, 2025
coming of age with a mystical twist! 3.5 just because the middle felt a little dragged on and maybe not as much building as i would’ve liked just seemed stagnant. story line was fun tho, cute friendship where they’re both wanna be actors but one gets possessed by a ghost 😅
December 6, 2025
The launch party for this book in February was great and so was discussing the book for a recent group led by the author and librarian friend!
November 11, 2025
2.5 Stars, Rounded Up
Unfortunately, it seems like I’m 0 for 2 with Vietnamese American historical-fantasy novels.
Silver and Smoke has an interesting concept– a period book both about the historical film industry, and a paranormal story with plenty of ghosts. It’s great to see original concepts from POC authors, especially historical fiction, since too often “historical” gets equated with “white.” However, despite its promising concept, Silver and Smoke didn’t quite stick the landing for me.
The story follows Issa and Olivia, two best friends who are practically sisters, both of whom dream of a career on the big screen. Their relationship is the emotional core of the book, and I liked how Van Hoang constantly creates a sense of unease in their friendship as the two characters grow more successful. However, I felt that Hoang’s writing is often not subtle enough to truly sell the arc. We are often told how Issa feels about Olivia, or what Olivia feels about Issa, rather than merely shown. And instead of just foreshadowing the direction of their arc, it seems pretty obvious from the outset what the story’s path is going to be.
I also found the general plot a bit predictable. From the outset, it’s pretty clear that Ava has her own ulterior motives, and Issa isn’t given a believable enough reason in the narrative to not seem foolish or naive for trusting the ghostly actress’s promises.
I did enjoy the historical setting and the detail that Hoang uses to reconstruct Golden Age Hollywood. Ava is clearly based on real Asian American Hollywood legends like Anna May Wong, which is a nice touch. However, I also thought that some parts seemed a bit unrealistic from a historical standpoint, which didn’t quite gel with the otherwise detailed setting. I think that Issa and Olivia would have faced substantially more discrimination in Hollywood. No East or Southeast Asian actress was nominated for an actress Oscar until the 1950s, substantially after the 1930s timeline of the book. Merle Oberon, one of the few 1930s stars of Asian descent, concealed her partial Sri Lankan heritage because of discrimination at the time. I do think their rise to fame is possible within the bounds of the story, but that it would have required significantly more behind the scenes intervention from magic and underworld money.
Their Vietnamese American family and community also seem to be a bit hand-waved into existence, which was disappointing for a book based in Vietnamese superstition. Small numbers of Vietnamese Americans have long lived in the US (some of which actually worked for MGM!), but I’m pretty sure that the US didn’t get ethnic enclaves of Vietnamese Americans until the 1970s. It is mentioned that Issa's large extended family lives in Chinatown and are embedded in the Chinese community, but I would have loved more detail into how that all works given the cultural and linguistic differences.
I liked the supernatural elements, but as other readers have mentioned, I wish they were a little more at the forefront! The actual supernatural worldbuilding is a bit hazy in ways that seemed like a missed opportunity. (Ghosts versus demons, whether or not the devil canonically exists?) The plot thread with Issa’s family’s underground gang also seemed strangely toothless. Auntie Yen and Issa’s grandmother Ba Ngoai start off with a fair bit of mystique and intimidation, but they end up coming off as far too nice to be the ruthless gang leaders they supposedly are, and their pressure on Issa to join their business ultimately doesn’t come to much. This characterization also kind of undermines Issa’s mother, who is estranged from her sister and mother because she believes that their illicit or supernatural dealings are too dangerous.
I don’t think this book was terrible-- it was pleasant enough to read, and I liked the characters. But it definitely felt like a letdown given how cool the concept was.
Unfortunately, it seems like I’m 0 for 2 with Vietnamese American historical-fantasy novels.
Silver and Smoke has an interesting concept– a period book both about the historical film industry, and a paranormal story with plenty of ghosts. It’s great to see original concepts from POC authors, especially historical fiction, since too often “historical” gets equated with “white.” However, despite its promising concept, Silver and Smoke didn’t quite stick the landing for me.
The story follows Issa and Olivia, two best friends who are practically sisters, both of whom dream of a career on the big screen. Their relationship is the emotional core of the book, and I liked how Van Hoang constantly creates a sense of unease in their friendship as the two characters grow more successful. However, I felt that Hoang’s writing is often not subtle enough to truly sell the arc. We are often told how Issa feels about Olivia, or what Olivia feels about Issa, rather than merely shown. And instead of just foreshadowing the direction of their arc, it seems pretty obvious from the outset what the story’s path is going to be.
I also found the general plot a bit predictable. From the outset, it’s pretty clear that Ava has her own ulterior motives, and Issa isn’t given a believable enough reason in the narrative to not seem foolish or naive for trusting the ghostly actress’s promises.
I did enjoy the historical setting and the detail that Hoang uses to reconstruct Golden Age Hollywood. Ava is clearly based on real Asian American Hollywood legends like Anna May Wong, which is a nice touch. However, I also thought that some parts seemed a bit unrealistic from a historical standpoint, which didn’t quite gel with the otherwise detailed setting. I think that Issa and Olivia would have faced substantially more discrimination in Hollywood. No East or Southeast Asian actress was nominated for an actress Oscar until the 1950s, substantially after the 1930s timeline of the book. Merle Oberon, one of the few 1930s stars of Asian descent, concealed her partial Sri Lankan heritage because of discrimination at the time. I do think their rise to fame is possible within the bounds of the story, but that it would have required significantly more behind the scenes intervention from magic and underworld money.
Their Vietnamese American family and community also seem to be a bit hand-waved into existence, which was disappointing for a book based in Vietnamese superstition. Small numbers of Vietnamese Americans have long lived in the US (some of which actually worked for MGM!), but I’m pretty sure that the US didn’t get ethnic enclaves of Vietnamese Americans until the 1970s. It is mentioned that Issa's large extended family lives in Chinatown and are embedded in the Chinese community, but I would have loved more detail into how that all works given the cultural and linguistic differences.
I liked the supernatural elements, but as other readers have mentioned, I wish they were a little more at the forefront! The actual supernatural worldbuilding is a bit hazy in ways that seemed like a missed opportunity. (Ghosts versus demons, whether or not the devil canonically exists?) The plot thread with Issa’s family’s underground gang also seemed strangely toothless. Auntie Yen and Issa’s grandmother Ba Ngoai start off with a fair bit of mystique and intimidation, but they end up coming off as far too nice to be the ruthless gang leaders they supposedly are, and their pressure on Issa to join their business ultimately doesn’t come to much. This characterization also kind of undermines Issa’s mother, who is estranged from her sister and mother because she believes that their illicit or supernatural dealings are too dangerous.
I don’t think this book was terrible-- it was pleasant enough to read, and I liked the characters. But it definitely felt like a letdown given how cool the concept was.
January 24, 2025
Fresh out of high school and desperate to change the trajectory of their lives, Issa and Olivia inseparable as always decide they will chase their dreams of being film stars despite the expectations of Issa's family and the near allergy to hire let promote people of color in significant and diverse roles. Their backup plan? Use Issa's dormant ability to summon a former silent era star known to be one of the first 'like them' to guide them through with advice and maybe a little mystical suggesting to key figures.
'Silver and Smoke' is a novel that I found more enjoyment in its parts than its whole. That said, the elements that did draw me in made up for the rest of it. I can easily see the way this novel brings to life what the film industry, production parts and overall process, to a generation who probably hasn't given it much consideration to being almost as magical as the supernatural elements. Things like production rate, the contracting of actors not to works but studios, the even contractual limits on personal conduct and appearance, the whole atmosphere of the lots warmed this gal with a soft spot for media analysis and history's heart.
Another element I loved was how inner-generational collaboration came in as vital. The living memory and importance of family was drawn in a very literal way to a culture known to give it more credence than many of those of the west. It was an interesting choice to have a matriarchal vision when the civil war between branches of this family ran down gender lines. Though to see extended and adopting family working as one was endearing.
One aspect of this story I really hope isn't missed due to some of my personal low points is how deeply this depicts the spectrum and evolution of relationships. There are a lot of parallels to toxic and supportive interactions that aren't always separate. The book has a lot to say about the cycle of abuse, trauma responses, and how long lasting aftereffects can make the lure towards those who seek to exploit.
Unfortunately this book never had a breakout for me. Foreseeing a book's direction isn't always a deterrent. In this case quick swings of character and attitudes gave away much of what I have to commend the summary writer for only alluding to where many give the act away. It made things more of a waiting game than a gradual decline. It was easy to believe in the extent that each of the leads were chasing their own goals that they wouldn't be as aware of the reader when combined with their own self questioning. This reader, however, had a few points where they were waiting a bit too long for the ball to drop.
I am one of the first to say that I wish many underrepresented stories didn't have to have elements of the historical exclusion. If you are going to bring it up, though, I feel like this addressed it more on a social level than industrial. It may have also been nice to namedrop a few real life actors though I did love names to film titles. It starts to introduce the importance of seeing those like you which left me surprised to see that isn't a weighed factor later in some decisions.
Other than pacing, I think the thing I was wanting more of was a more concrete view of how this ability and system worked on the summoner side. We learned several neat tricks and the process, but I wanted a little more time to feel the extent. I also would have loved a little more time exploring the gang war.
As a whole, this story is more for those looking for one that will bring the era to life, to like to see tested friendships, complex family dynamics, and a general positive coming-of-age self-discovery when there are different elements of power and fame at stake. But if you're looking for a gradually darkening, tension building, story this might disappoint just a tad.
'Silver and Smoke' is a novel that I found more enjoyment in its parts than its whole. That said, the elements that did draw me in made up for the rest of it. I can easily see the way this novel brings to life what the film industry, production parts and overall process, to a generation who probably hasn't given it much consideration to being almost as magical as the supernatural elements. Things like production rate, the contracting of actors not to works but studios, the even contractual limits on personal conduct and appearance, the whole atmosphere of the lots warmed this gal with a soft spot for media analysis and history's heart.
Another element I loved was how inner-generational collaboration came in as vital. The living memory and importance of family was drawn in a very literal way to a culture known to give it more credence than many of those of the west. It was an interesting choice to have a matriarchal vision when the civil war between branches of this family ran down gender lines. Though to see extended and adopting family working as one was endearing.
One aspect of this story I really hope isn't missed due to some of my personal low points is how deeply this depicts the spectrum and evolution of relationships. There are a lot of parallels to toxic and supportive interactions that aren't always separate. The book has a lot to say about the cycle of abuse, trauma responses, and how long lasting aftereffects can make the lure towards those who seek to exploit.
Unfortunately this book never had a breakout for me. Foreseeing a book's direction isn't always a deterrent. In this case quick swings of character and attitudes gave away much of what I have to commend the summary writer for only alluding to where many give the act away. It made things more of a waiting game than a gradual decline. It was easy to believe in the extent that each of the leads were chasing their own goals that they wouldn't be as aware of the reader when combined with their own self questioning. This reader, however, had a few points where they were waiting a bit too long for the ball to drop.
I am one of the first to say that I wish many underrepresented stories didn't have to have elements of the historical exclusion. If you are going to bring it up, though, I feel like this addressed it more on a social level than industrial. It may have also been nice to namedrop a few real life actors though I did love names to film titles. It starts to introduce the importance of seeing those like you which left me surprised to see that isn't a weighed factor later in some decisions.
Other than pacing, I think the thing I was wanting more of was a more concrete view of how this ability and system worked on the summoner side. We learned several neat tricks and the process, but I wanted a little more time to feel the extent. I also would have loved a little more time exploring the gang war.
As a whole, this story is more for those looking for one that will bring the era to life, to like to see tested friendships, complex family dynamics, and a general positive coming-of-age self-discovery when there are different elements of power and fame at stake. But if you're looking for a gradually darkening, tension building, story this might disappoint just a tad.
December 31, 2025
How much would you carve out of yourself in order to follow your dreams? In Silver and Smoke, two best friends realize that the bargain they make for fame and wealth might be asking far too much.
In 1930s Hollywood, Issa and Olivia yearn to become movie stars and break through the MGM lot. But that’s practically unheard of for Vietnamese women, especially if they want to be more than nonspeaking maids. Luckily, Issa’s from a family of shamans. Even though her mom left it all behind and tried to give Issa a different sort of life, Issa knows she needs them.
Thanks to some training from her intense recently-deceased grandmother Bà Ngoại, the girls conjure Ava Lin Rang, a famous silent film star. Ava bargains with Issa and Olivia: she’ll help them find success if they steal back her Oscar. But Hollywood asks so much of them, and Issa only has one year to prove herself before she commits to leave it all behind and become a full shaman.
Though this story has supernatural elements, it’s really a character-driven historical piece about the lures and lows of Hollywood for two young Vietnamese women. Though I enjoyed both girls’ characterizations, it also felt a bit surface level, and I wanted more insight into their inner turmoil. For example, a good chunk into the book another character tells Issa about why he wants to work in Hollywood, and she enthusiastically agrees and expresses that she’s never heard anyone say it. But I would have loved that depth into her reasoning right at the start of the book. It felt like there was sort of a wall between the readers and the main characters, and we’re just seeing the choices they make without fully understanding why they’re making them.
Both Issa’s crime family and the supernatural lore and rules also didn’t quite feel grounded in reality. For everything deeply serious that happened, I felt as though Issa’s aunt and grandmother were acting with far too much levity. They teased and shrugged things off and never seemed to harbor any serious concern around their gang wars or ghostly possessions. Issa came to them worried, and they didn’t seem to take her - the person they want to be the heir - seriously. I also felt as though I never understood the paranormal rituals, and I wanted to.
As for the gang war, the stakes didn’t feel quite real. I think overall this story felt young, both prose-wise and also in how simplified every situation was. I never truly worried about anyone and never felt like anyone was in real danger, even though there were horrible things happening. There’s a moment where an abuser dies, and there’s no emotional weight there. We never hear about the toll that the abuser took on the impacted character, never feel her fear or rage, and didn’t get deeper into the confusing feelings people often experience when their abusers are their legal guardians - whichever way it went with this particular character, I wanted to FEEL it.
It was a quick read and I adored the concept! I was rooting for Issa and Olivia (both individually and as friends) the entire time, and the setting was fascinating, too. I just found myself wanting for a bit more.
CW: death (grandparent), racism, xenophobia, child abuse, toxic relationship, emotional abuse, bullying, self harm
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(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
In 1930s Hollywood, Issa and Olivia yearn to become movie stars and break through the MGM lot. But that’s practically unheard of for Vietnamese women, especially if they want to be more than nonspeaking maids. Luckily, Issa’s from a family of shamans. Even though her mom left it all behind and tried to give Issa a different sort of life, Issa knows she needs them.
Thanks to some training from her intense recently-deceased grandmother Bà Ngoại, the girls conjure Ava Lin Rang, a famous silent film star. Ava bargains with Issa and Olivia: she’ll help them find success if they steal back her Oscar. But Hollywood asks so much of them, and Issa only has one year to prove herself before she commits to leave it all behind and become a full shaman.
Though this story has supernatural elements, it’s really a character-driven historical piece about the lures and lows of Hollywood for two young Vietnamese women. Though I enjoyed both girls’ characterizations, it also felt a bit surface level, and I wanted more insight into their inner turmoil. For example, a good chunk into the book another character tells Issa about why he wants to work in Hollywood, and she enthusiastically agrees and expresses that she’s never heard anyone say it. But I would have loved that depth into her reasoning right at the start of the book. It felt like there was sort of a wall between the readers and the main characters, and we’re just seeing the choices they make without fully understanding why they’re making them.
Both Issa’s crime family and the supernatural lore and rules also didn’t quite feel grounded in reality. For everything deeply serious that happened, I felt as though Issa’s aunt and grandmother were acting with far too much levity. They teased and shrugged things off and never seemed to harbor any serious concern around their gang wars or ghostly possessions. Issa came to them worried, and they didn’t seem to take her - the person they want to be the heir - seriously. I also felt as though I never understood the paranormal rituals, and I wanted to.
As for the gang war, the stakes didn’t feel quite real. I think overall this story felt young, both prose-wise and also in how simplified every situation was. I never truly worried about anyone and never felt like anyone was in real danger, even though there were horrible things happening. There’s a moment where an abuser dies, and there’s no emotional weight there. We never hear about the toll that the abuser took on the impacted character, never feel her fear or rage, and didn’t get deeper into the confusing feelings people often experience when their abusers are their legal guardians - whichever way it went with this particular character, I wanted to FEEL it.
It was a quick read and I adored the concept! I was rooting for Issa and Olivia (both individually and as friends) the entire time, and the setting was fascinating, too. I just found myself wanting for a bit more.
CW: death (grandparent), racism, xenophobia, child abuse, toxic relationship, emotional abuse, bullying, self harm
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(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
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December 25, 2024I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Silver and Smoke by Van Hoang is a third person paranormal historical set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Best friends Issa and Olivia are aspiring actresses who plan to become stars together but are struggling to find roles. When Issa’s family tries to bring her back into the family businesses, both of the illegal and paranormal varieties, Issa and Olivia see a chance to communicate with a deceased rising movie star, Ava, and finally get their big breaks.
One of the things I really appreciated was how Van Hoang depicted the anti-Asian racism that was common in 1936 and the various ways it plays out. There are several times where white characters will point to Issa’s eyes and essentially say ‘because, you know’ when it’s mentioned that her white love interest isn’t actually legally allowed to be her love interest. The anti-interracial marriage laws come into play again later with Issa’s romantic interest, Jem, who is half-Filipino but white-passing. There’s a decent amount of microaggressions that play out and Ava hints at her own issues with racism when she was forging her career.
The paranormal elements are mostly limited to spirit summoning with fairly firm rules. Issa has an easier time summoning Ava whenever she pleases because she’s the heir to her family’s spiritualist powers. Olivia, on the other hand, has to sacrifice blood every time in order to communicate with Ava. There’s also mentions of demons and the breaking of possessions, so there is a deeper magic system that Issa could learn later but is only touching the surface in this book as she chooses to focus on her budding film career over learning more about her powers. I actually found it really cool that a main character who finds out they can learn magic says ‘no, thanks. I’m gonna do this instead’ because I’m so used to the idea of a character wanting an escape from their life so bad that they’ll jump at the chance to have magic.
Issa and Olivia’s friendship goes back to their childhood and feels solid until they start getting more roles. Because we see everything from Issa’s point of view, there are various points where there is a question mark if Olivia was subtly sabotaging Issa to get better roles for herself or if Issa was just imagining it. My impression was certainly that Olivia was being self-centered at times and might have been trying to take the spotlight, but I do also believe that Olivia fully planned on bringing Issa up with her, which makes it more complicated. Issa wants to keep Olivia in her life, but when their careers start moving in different directions, she also struggles to not want to pursue those new opportunities even if that means upsetting Olivia. I was so glad when Issa chose her career because Olivia was being controlling and stifling and Issa needed time for her to learn who she can be as an actress independent of Olivia.
Content warning for depictions of anti-Asian racism and implications of sexual assault and sexual harassment
I would recommend this to fans of paranormal novels looking for something set in the Golden Age of Hollywood and fans of slower-paced novels focused on messy relationships between women
Silver and Smoke by Van Hoang is a third person paranormal historical set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Best friends Issa and Olivia are aspiring actresses who plan to become stars together but are struggling to find roles. When Issa’s family tries to bring her back into the family businesses, both of the illegal and paranormal varieties, Issa and Olivia see a chance to communicate with a deceased rising movie star, Ava, and finally get their big breaks.
One of the things I really appreciated was how Van Hoang depicted the anti-Asian racism that was common in 1936 and the various ways it plays out. There are several times where white characters will point to Issa’s eyes and essentially say ‘because, you know’ when it’s mentioned that her white love interest isn’t actually legally allowed to be her love interest. The anti-interracial marriage laws come into play again later with Issa’s romantic interest, Jem, who is half-Filipino but white-passing. There’s a decent amount of microaggressions that play out and Ava hints at her own issues with racism when she was forging her career.
The paranormal elements are mostly limited to spirit summoning with fairly firm rules. Issa has an easier time summoning Ava whenever she pleases because she’s the heir to her family’s spiritualist powers. Olivia, on the other hand, has to sacrifice blood every time in order to communicate with Ava. There’s also mentions of demons and the breaking of possessions, so there is a deeper magic system that Issa could learn later but is only touching the surface in this book as she chooses to focus on her budding film career over learning more about her powers. I actually found it really cool that a main character who finds out they can learn magic says ‘no, thanks. I’m gonna do this instead’ because I’m so used to the idea of a character wanting an escape from their life so bad that they’ll jump at the chance to have magic.
Issa and Olivia’s friendship goes back to their childhood and feels solid until they start getting more roles. Because we see everything from Issa’s point of view, there are various points where there is a question mark if Olivia was subtly sabotaging Issa to get better roles for herself or if Issa was just imagining it. My impression was certainly that Olivia was being self-centered at times and might have been trying to take the spotlight, but I do also believe that Olivia fully planned on bringing Issa up with her, which makes it more complicated. Issa wants to keep Olivia in her life, but when their careers start moving in different directions, she also struggles to not want to pursue those new opportunities even if that means upsetting Olivia. I was so glad when Issa chose her career because Olivia was being controlling and stifling and Issa needed time for her to learn who she can be as an actress independent of Olivia.
Content warning for depictions of anti-Asian racism and implications of sexual assault and sexual harassment
I would recommend this to fans of paranormal novels looking for something set in the Golden Age of Hollywood and fans of slower-paced novels focused on messy relationships between women
March 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and 47North publishing for the eARC.
3.5 stars
Silver and Smoke follows two Vietnamese women, Issa and Olivia, as they aspire to be actresses in 1936 with the help of a seemingly nice spirit. Issa has Shaman blood in her and is able to call upon spirits. Wanting to break into the industry, she makes a deal with her dead Grandma and her living Aunt to connect her and Olivia to a dead actress, Ava, for advice and be stars, but if by the end of the year she isn’t a star, Issa will take her place as the rightful heir to the family’s shady business. With Ava’s help they improve and get more screen time, but at what cost will they go to continue their trajectory to fame?
This was a good read. The foreboding setup was well done, and the details of Issa and Olivia’s experience and life during production were very intriguing and enjoyable. Their friendship felt very real to me. They were supportive of one another and at times felt jealous and guilty. I loved seeing their growth from the beginning and end, as well as their anger about the racism and patriarchal aspect of the industry, especially back then in the 1930’s, when interracial marriage was illegal.
As for critiques, the pacing of the plots weren’t balanced at times. Sometimes I would forget the Shaman aspect of the story because we got too into the acting plot, then the subplot of the Uncles would pop up and it turned out not as relevant. The easy solutions for some of the situations to help move the plot was very glaring. For example, they summon Ava and all she had to do was whisper in someone’s ear to persuade them to do something, and suddenly Issa would be able to do something a powerful Shaman could do on her first try and just be able to do it afterwards.
Side characters were just used as props in an obvious way. Issa’s Ma disappears once Issa moves out and doesn’t come back until she needs help near the end of the book. Jem’s character was a very minor romance plot and he showed up at convenient times. I really wish their romance had developed better. When we first met Jem it was very forgettable as they barely talked and their first date wasn’t much better, but I thought a little romance was a good touch to add in.
Lastly, there was a lot of back and forth on what we were presented with. For example, we were told by the grandma in the beginning that possession can happen and it’s dangerous, but later she would undermine it and say it isn’t as dangerous because it was unlikely to happen. Then when Jem is mad at her we are told he was upset and walked away from her because he didn’t want to talk to her, but then pages later he is chasing after her imporing her to talk to him. Huh?
Otherwise, I enjoyed this book.
3.5 stars
Silver and Smoke follows two Vietnamese women, Issa and Olivia, as they aspire to be actresses in 1936 with the help of a seemingly nice spirit. Issa has Shaman blood in her and is able to call upon spirits. Wanting to break into the industry, she makes a deal with her dead Grandma and her living Aunt to connect her and Olivia to a dead actress, Ava, for advice and be stars, but if by the end of the year she isn’t a star, Issa will take her place as the rightful heir to the family’s shady business. With Ava’s help they improve and get more screen time, but at what cost will they go to continue their trajectory to fame?
This was a good read. The foreboding setup was well done, and the details of Issa and Olivia’s experience and life during production were very intriguing and enjoyable. Their friendship felt very real to me. They were supportive of one another and at times felt jealous and guilty. I loved seeing their growth from the beginning and end, as well as their anger about the racism and patriarchal aspect of the industry, especially back then in the 1930’s, when interracial marriage was illegal.
As for critiques, the pacing of the plots weren’t balanced at times. Sometimes I would forget the Shaman aspect of the story because we got too into the acting plot, then the subplot of the Uncles would pop up and it turned out not as relevant. The easy solutions for some of the situations to help move the plot was very glaring. For example, they summon Ava and all she had to do was whisper in someone’s ear to persuade them to do something, and suddenly Issa would be able to do something a powerful Shaman could do on her first try and just be able to do it afterwards.
Side characters were just used as props in an obvious way. Issa’s Ma disappears once Issa moves out and doesn’t come back until she needs help near the end of the book. Jem’s character was a very minor romance plot and he showed up at convenient times. I really wish their romance had developed better. When we first met Jem it was very forgettable as they barely talked and their first date wasn’t much better, but I thought a little romance was a good touch to add in.
Lastly, there was a lot of back and forth on what we were presented with. For example, we were told by the grandma in the beginning that possession can happen and it’s dangerous, but later she would undermine it and say it isn’t as dangerous because it was unlikely to happen. Then when Jem is mad at her we are told he was upset and walked away from her because he didn’t want to talk to her, but then pages later he is chasing after her imporing her to talk to him. Huh?
Otherwise, I enjoyed this book.
January 24, 2025
The description of communing with the dead in Golden Age Hollywood caught my interest, along with the tensions and challenges facing the young, Los Angeles-born Vietnamese friends.
The audiobook immediately drew me into the lives of the two close friends whose bond formed early as the only Asian students in school. Their isolation and experiences of being belittled and marginalized comes through in key moments.
Their shared dreams of acting in movies shines in contrast to the future in menial jobs expected for them by the main character's hardworking mother.
Van Hoang keeps the story moving and shows a deft touch in revealing enough character background to create empathy without bogging down the pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in the cultural details of the family and the descriptions of Chinatown, old Hollywood, and environs.
This is quiet horror, yet nonetheless powerful. Although the story's direction is clear from the beginning, I felt fully engaged. I liked the two young friends and wanted them to win.
For me, the novel could have used more suspense and peaks, and a slightly faster pace, yet the subtlety is ultimately effective.
I enjoyed the details of their lives and the question of how far we’ll go to achieve a dream. Hoang handles the effects of poverty and feeling unwanted with sensitivity.
Hoang slowly unveils the danger brewing under the surface and lets loose with a satisfying climax and conclusion.
Favorite things:
Supernatural elements entwined with life
Cultural insights, family and clan aspects
Naturally rendered crime background
Mother-daughter dynamic
Moving depiction of the struggle to succeed in white male-dominated Hollywood
Friendship
Coming of age
Character growth
The presence of romance doesn't take over–the book remains centered on the supernatural plot and female relationships
Excellent Bechdel Test score
The audiobook narrator does a good job with the many voices. This is an excellent production. I rated Silver and Smoke 4 stars. I’ll watch for more books by Van Hoang.
Highly recommended for readers of horror, supernatural fantasy, and #OwnVoices books. This is an excellent pick for a listener seeking to #DiversifyYourBookshelf for 2025.
I hope librarians will pick this up. It handles risks and conflicts young people face moving out on their own in a way that shows consequences without ever being preachy.
The audiobook immediately drew me into the lives of the two close friends whose bond formed early as the only Asian students in school. Their isolation and experiences of being belittled and marginalized comes through in key moments.
Their shared dreams of acting in movies shines in contrast to the future in menial jobs expected for them by the main character's hardworking mother.
Van Hoang keeps the story moving and shows a deft touch in revealing enough character background to create empathy without bogging down the pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in the cultural details of the family and the descriptions of Chinatown, old Hollywood, and environs.
This is quiet horror, yet nonetheless powerful. Although the story's direction is clear from the beginning, I felt fully engaged. I liked the two young friends and wanted them to win.
For me, the novel could have used more suspense and peaks, and a slightly faster pace, yet the subtlety is ultimately effective.
I enjoyed the details of their lives and the question of how far we’ll go to achieve a dream. Hoang handles the effects of poverty and feeling unwanted with sensitivity.
Hoang slowly unveils the danger brewing under the surface and lets loose with a satisfying climax and conclusion.
Favorite things:
Supernatural elements entwined with life
Cultural insights, family and clan aspects
Naturally rendered crime background
Mother-daughter dynamic
Moving depiction of the struggle to succeed in white male-dominated Hollywood
Friendship
Coming of age
Character growth
The presence of romance doesn't take over–the book remains centered on the supernatural plot and female relationships
Excellent Bechdel Test score
The audiobook narrator does a good job with the many voices. This is an excellent production. I rated Silver and Smoke 4 stars. I’ll watch for more books by Van Hoang.
Highly recommended for readers of horror, supernatural fantasy, and #OwnVoices books. This is an excellent pick for a listener seeking to #DiversifyYourBookshelf for 2025.
I hope librarians will pick this up. It handles risks and conflicts young people face moving out on their own in a way that shows consequences without ever being preachy.
October 20, 2024
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very interesting slow burn supernatural mystery.
I find the ideas of ghosts and conjuring fascinating, and so this was right up my alley.
More than anything this is a story about family relationships and friendship but also about trust and boundaries.
For me, this wasn't a quick read, but it was definitely a captivating one. The characters are very well written, and I was really curious to see whether they will be able to achieve their goals. There are also very interesting dynamics between the multiple women in the center of the story. There was ambiguity regarding their motives for seeking out each other's attention, and that has contributed to the overall mystery of the book. It wasn't entirely clear for a while as to who is playing who and who is actually being truthful.
I really appreciated how the author made these women the focus of the book, all of them very different with their individual desires and personalities and yet there was also a sense of camaraderie among them when standing up to a common enemy, such as the patriarchy. Provided, different women had different ideas regarding how one should tackle such a potent system of oppression.
Even the ultimate villain here is portrayed so skillfully in a way that amplifies the underlying factors which contributed to making the person a villain in the first place. This in my opinion is what makes good writing - I found some degree of sympathy for all the characters. And the fact that in the end the villain's actions were explained but not excused is what made the story that much better.
The only thing that could be improved in my opinion is the pace of the plot. It could definitely be a bit faster, at one point it seemed pretty drawn out. For example, there were lots of details regarding the women's work in movie production, and at some point it felt a bit repetitive. I think some of the details could be left out.
I think this book will stay with me for a while. I feel I almost got to know the characters like they were people. Honestly, can very much imagine a movie or a TV show made out of this book.
This was a very interesting slow burn supernatural mystery.
I find the ideas of ghosts and conjuring fascinating, and so this was right up my alley.
More than anything this is a story about family relationships and friendship but also about trust and boundaries.
For me, this wasn't a quick read, but it was definitely a captivating one. The characters are very well written, and I was really curious to see whether they will be able to achieve their goals. There are also very interesting dynamics between the multiple women in the center of the story. There was ambiguity regarding their motives for seeking out each other's attention, and that has contributed to the overall mystery of the book. It wasn't entirely clear for a while as to who is playing who and who is actually being truthful.
I really appreciated how the author made these women the focus of the book, all of them very different with their individual desires and personalities and yet there was also a sense of camaraderie among them when standing up to a common enemy, such as the patriarchy. Provided, different women had different ideas regarding how one should tackle such a potent system of oppression.
Even the ultimate villain here is portrayed so skillfully in a way that amplifies the underlying factors which contributed to making the person a villain in the first place. This in my opinion is what makes good writing - I found some degree of sympathy for all the characters. And the fact that in the end the villain's actions were explained but not excused is what made the story that much better.
The only thing that could be improved in my opinion is the pace of the plot. It could definitely be a bit faster, at one point it seemed pretty drawn out. For example, there were lots of details regarding the women's work in movie production, and at some point it felt a bit repetitive. I think some of the details could be left out.
I think this book will stay with me for a while. I feel I almost got to know the characters like they were people. Honestly, can very much imagine a movie or a TV show made out of this book.
February 26, 2025
⭐️✨ Book Review: Silver and Smoke by Van Hoang ✨⭐️
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the digital copy!
🎬 Lights, camera… ghosts? In Silver and Smoke, Van Hoang whisks us away to the glitz and grime of 1930s Hollywood, where two Vietnamese best friends, Issa and Olivia, chase stardom—only to discover that success in Tinseltown comes with a supernatural price. With shamanic abilities running in Issa’s blood, the duo enlists the spirit of a long-gone silent film star, Ava Lin Rang, for help. But Hollywood is a land of illusions, and the dead have their own agendas…
🎭 What I Loved
✔ Unbreakable Friendship – Issa and Olivia’s bond is the heart of the novel. Even when ghosts (literally) come between them, their relationship remains the emotional anchor.
✔ Paranormal Elegance – The supernatural elements were just eerie enough—seances, spirits, and family secrets made for a spellbinding atmosphere.
✔ Historical & Cultural Depth – Hoang> doesn’t shy away from the racism, struggles, and expectations Asian actors faced in early Hollywood. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, heritage, and ambition.
✔ Jem’s Half-Filipino Rep! – A little surprise that made my heart happy.
🎬 A Few Missed Marks
✘ Slow Moments – Some parts dragged, making me wish for tighter pacing.
✘ Unexplored Family History – Issa’s shamanic lineage and the hinted-at >clan war felt like huge missed opportunities.
✘ Weston’s Role? – His presence in the later sections felt randomand unnecessary.
🔥 TROPES! 🔥
Ghostly mentorship 👻
Fame comes at a cost 🎥
Best friends to soulmates (platonically!) ❤️
Family duty vs. personal dreams
💭 Final Thoughts
This was a perfect fall read! 🍂✨ The blend of vintage Hollywood glamor, paranormal suspense, and heartfelt friendship made for a uniquely atmospheric story. The last chapters took a sinister turn (I saw it coming, but still—😱), and while some plot points felt underdeveloped, I> loved how Issa and Olivia’s friendship endured it all.
RATING: 4.2/5 🎞️ Would recommend if you love eerie yet heartwarming historical fiction with a paranormal twist!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the digital copy!
🎬 Lights, camera… ghosts? In Silver and Smoke, Van Hoang whisks us away to the glitz and grime of 1930s Hollywood, where two Vietnamese best friends, Issa and Olivia, chase stardom—only to discover that success in Tinseltown comes with a supernatural price. With shamanic abilities running in Issa’s blood, the duo enlists the spirit of a long-gone silent film star, Ava Lin Rang, for help. But Hollywood is a land of illusions, and the dead have their own agendas…
🎭 What I Loved
✔ Unbreakable Friendship – Issa and Olivia’s bond is the heart of the novel. Even when ghosts (literally) come between them, their relationship remains the emotional anchor.
✔ Paranormal Elegance – The supernatural elements were just eerie enough—seances, spirits, and family secrets made for a spellbinding atmosphere.
✔ Historical & Cultural Depth – Hoang> doesn’t shy away from the racism, struggles, and expectations Asian actors faced in early Hollywood. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, heritage, and ambition.
✔ Jem’s Half-Filipino Rep! – A little surprise that made my heart happy.
🎬 A Few Missed Marks
✘ Slow Moments – Some parts dragged, making me wish for tighter pacing.
✘ Unexplored Family History – Issa’s shamanic lineage and the hinted-at >clan war felt like huge missed opportunities.
✘ Weston’s Role? – His presence in the later sections felt randomand unnecessary.
🔥 TROPES! 🔥
Ghostly mentorship 👻
Fame comes at a cost 🎥
Best friends to soulmates (platonically!) ❤️
Family duty vs. personal dreams
💭 Final Thoughts
This was a perfect fall read! 🍂✨ The blend of vintage Hollywood glamor, paranormal suspense, and heartfelt friendship made for a uniquely atmospheric story. The last chapters took a sinister turn (I saw it coming, but still—😱), and while some plot points felt underdeveloped, I> loved how Issa and Olivia’s friendship endured it all.
RATING: 4.2/5 🎞️ Would recommend if you love eerie yet heartwarming historical fiction with a paranormal twist!
September 27, 2024
Silver and Smoke - Review
Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ masterpiece from Ms. Van Hoang. I was eagerly anticipating this read, and it did not disappoint.
Set in 1930s Culver City, California, the story follows two Vietnamese friends, Issa and Olivia Nong, both aspiring actresses in an era where Asians faced harsh discrimination and were often dismissed in the film industry.
Issa, who hails from a family of shamans, strikes a deal with her deceased grandmother, Bà Ngoai. She’s given one year to make herself and Olivia famous or else inherit the family’s shamanic responsibilities. To guide them on this journey, they summon the spirit of the late actress Ava Lin Rang, hoping for some Hollywood wisdom. However, Ava turns out to be far more than they bargained for.
Ms. Hoang’s vivid descriptions masterfully immerse readers in the world of shamanism, summonings, and the supernatural, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
The pervasive discrimination and racism in the film industry left me heartbroken for Issa and Olivia, as they were typecast and treated as expendable. It wasn’t until Issa began to embrace her own mystical abilities—with the help of a quiet admirer—that she found the strength to believe in herself and shine onscreen.
Issa’s brief chance at love was quickly crushed by the studios, as interracial relationships were illegal at the time. Imagine that—it wasn’t even that long ago. As the story reaches its conclusion, it takes a dark and unexpected turn, which I absolutely loved. Despite the shift, the pacing remained solid, and Ms. Hoang wrapped everything up beautifully.
At its heart, this isn’t a typical love story between a man and a woman, but a story of the deep, sister-like bond between Issa and Olivia. Issa’s love for Olivia and their shared dream is what drives her, even when the price becomes dangerously high.
I highly recommend Silver and Smoke for anyone who loves a blend of historical fiction, strong female characters, fantasy, and the paranormal with a dash of old Hollywood glam.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review.
Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ masterpiece from Ms. Van Hoang. I was eagerly anticipating this read, and it did not disappoint.
Set in 1930s Culver City, California, the story follows two Vietnamese friends, Issa and Olivia Nong, both aspiring actresses in an era where Asians faced harsh discrimination and were often dismissed in the film industry.
Issa, who hails from a family of shamans, strikes a deal with her deceased grandmother, Bà Ngoai. She’s given one year to make herself and Olivia famous or else inherit the family’s shamanic responsibilities. To guide them on this journey, they summon the spirit of the late actress Ava Lin Rang, hoping for some Hollywood wisdom. However, Ava turns out to be far more than they bargained for.
Ms. Hoang’s vivid descriptions masterfully immerse readers in the world of shamanism, summonings, and the supernatural, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
The pervasive discrimination and racism in the film industry left me heartbroken for Issa and Olivia, as they were typecast and treated as expendable. It wasn’t until Issa began to embrace her own mystical abilities—with the help of a quiet admirer—that she found the strength to believe in herself and shine onscreen.
Issa’s brief chance at love was quickly crushed by the studios, as interracial relationships were illegal at the time. Imagine that—it wasn’t even that long ago. As the story reaches its conclusion, it takes a dark and unexpected turn, which I absolutely loved. Despite the shift, the pacing remained solid, and Ms. Hoang wrapped everything up beautifully.
At its heart, this isn’t a typical love story between a man and a woman, but a story of the deep, sister-like bond between Issa and Olivia. Issa’s love for Olivia and their shared dream is what drives her, even when the price becomes dangerously high.
I highly recommend Silver and Smoke for anyone who loves a blend of historical fiction, strong female characters, fantasy, and the paranormal with a dash of old Hollywood glam.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review.
March 5, 2025
So the book starts in 1936 and CulverCity California , with two best friends auditioning for movies. Issa Doesn't like mirrors when she looks at them Smoke and people appear in them.
Issa(a shaman) has the power to summon spirits that have pass, but as of lately she's seen her Grandma. I like that she has a friend that can talk about this stuff with because her mom doesn't like to.
Issa mom doesn't believe in that kind of stuff.So she moved the family away and works very hard, doesn't want her to be a movie actress either. And she spends her free time at the church.
Issa friend,Olivia Is nice,charming,pretty and her mom's favorite. They were often mistaken for sisters only because they were two vietnamese girls.
Even though her grandmother was forbidden from seeing issa she still finds a way to get notes to her.
For Issa To achieve her dream of becoming an actress she has to distance erself from the family crime organization and talking to spirits of the dead. But when she talked to her grandma , she'd given The choice to give it her all at acting and if she stops or her gives up.She has to work for the business.( Seems easy enough what could go wrong)
I know olivia wants to be an actress as much as Issa, But at what cost to her friends having a summoning(Ava) often. Now not only can Olivia summon Ava whenever she wants.What's gonna cost her too. With Olivia and Ava spending so much time together and giving her blood.She's getting stronger and more physical form,and Issa thinks it not good.and causing a strain on their friendship.
Issa never believed or had time for love but I like that she has found jem a writer. But like all good things the new studio she at didnt approve because during this time period Interracial couple looked bad and marriage was illegal.
I have to say from the very start of the book,I was intrigued and kept me wanting to read to see what happened next. The book has a nice flow to it and the chapters are not that long.the book has magical aspects and some comedy. This book reiterate that there's always a price to Achieve your dream.
Issa(a shaman) has the power to summon spirits that have pass, but as of lately she's seen her Grandma. I like that she has a friend that can talk about this stuff with because her mom doesn't like to.
Issa mom doesn't believe in that kind of stuff.So she moved the family away and works very hard, doesn't want her to be a movie actress either. And she spends her free time at the church.
Issa friend,Olivia Is nice,charming,pretty and her mom's favorite. They were often mistaken for sisters only because they were two vietnamese girls.
Even though her grandmother was forbidden from seeing issa she still finds a way to get notes to her.
For Issa To achieve her dream of becoming an actress she has to distance erself from the family crime organization and talking to spirits of the dead. But when she talked to her grandma , she'd given The choice to give it her all at acting and if she stops or her gives up.She has to work for the business.( Seems easy enough what could go wrong)
I know olivia wants to be an actress as much as Issa, But at what cost to her friends having a summoning(Ava) often. Now not only can Olivia summon Ava whenever she wants.What's gonna cost her too. With Olivia and Ava spending so much time together and giving her blood.She's getting stronger and more physical form,and Issa thinks it not good.and causing a strain on their friendship.
Issa never believed or had time for love but I like that she has found jem a writer. But like all good things the new studio she at didnt approve because during this time period Interracial couple looked bad and marriage was illegal.
I have to say from the very start of the book,I was intrigued and kept me wanting to read to see what happened next. The book has a nice flow to it and the chapters are not that long.the book has magical aspects and some comedy. This book reiterate that there's always a price to Achieve your dream.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
SILVER AND SMOKE - VAN HOANG
I am *obsessed* with this book. I couldn't stop reading it and, when I wasn't reading, I was definitely thinking about it. Here's what to expect:
More like sisters than best friends, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. But for young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood, the MGM back lot seems unreachable. Undeterred, Issa knows she’s meant for great things. The blood of shamans runs through her veins. To find fame in this town, for herself and for Olivia, Issa needs to make connections. For starters, with her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại.
There's so much more, but this is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better the experience. What you do need to know is how thoroughly intoxicating this book is. Set in the 1930s - the Golden Age of Hollywood - when movies were being churned out back to back, this is a fascinating insider look into the film industry at the time. But through the unique lens of 'other', as Issa, the main character, is Vietnamese, and is therefore subject to many forms of racism, from casual slurs to actual legal limitations.
While this book is classified as a fantasy, I would say that this is more a touch of the paranormal, as suggested in the synopsis. But this is so effective and believable, and I felt like it was the perfect device to keep the story moving at a strong pace. With each page turned, you're desperate to find out the effects of the paranormal interventions.
I really liked Issa, as well as the wider cast of characters. Issa was especially endearing to me, as a person who is very much trying to find her place in the world, specifically within the film industry and her community.
In summary, I can't recommend this book enough and if I could give it more stars, I would!
Release date: 4 February 2025
Review score: 5/5
TWs: racism, d*ath, injury detail
I am *obsessed* with this book. I couldn't stop reading it and, when I wasn't reading, I was definitely thinking about it. Here's what to expect:
More like sisters than best friends, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. But for young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood, the MGM back lot seems unreachable. Undeterred, Issa knows she’s meant for great things. The blood of shamans runs through her veins. To find fame in this town, for herself and for Olivia, Issa needs to make connections. For starters, with her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại.
There's so much more, but this is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better the experience. What you do need to know is how thoroughly intoxicating this book is. Set in the 1930s - the Golden Age of Hollywood - when movies were being churned out back to back, this is a fascinating insider look into the film industry at the time. But through the unique lens of 'other', as Issa, the main character, is Vietnamese, and is therefore subject to many forms of racism, from casual slurs to actual legal limitations.
While this book is classified as a fantasy, I would say that this is more a touch of the paranormal, as suggested in the synopsis. But this is so effective and believable, and I felt like it was the perfect device to keep the story moving at a strong pace. With each page turned, you're desperate to find out the effects of the paranormal interventions.
I really liked Issa, as well as the wider cast of characters. Issa was especially endearing to me, as a person who is very much trying to find her place in the world, specifically within the film industry and her community.
In summary, I can't recommend this book enough and if I could give it more stars, I would!
Release date: 4 February 2025
Review score: 5/5
TWs: racism, d*ath, injury detail
February 4, 2025
Issa Bui and Olivia Nong are best friends who grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. Young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood aren't called up for roles, but Issa is descended from shamans and plans to connect with her dead Bà Ngoại for help. Bà Ngoại introduces Issa and Olivia to the late Ava Lin Rang, who had been an Asian star of the silent screen. Ava coaches them and uses her influence to open doors for her protégés. Issa uses her power more and more, and her dreams are coming true. But what is the cost of magic?
Issa is the latest in a long line of shamans, able to connect with the dead and summon them to the land of the living. The more a spirit connects with the living, the stronger it gets and the more powers it will develop, including the potential to possess the living. Her mother walked away from her family, who not only summoned the dead but were involved in the criminal underworld. Issa's Bà Ngoại gave them the semblance of distance but wants Issa to take her place within the family business. Issa wants to be a movie star and gets a year to make it big or get pulled back in. Between the two of them, Olivia is the driven one; she does whatever she can to get seen by the movers and shakers in Hollywood, is more willing to lie, and sacrifices to get the guidance of ghosts to advance her career.
Of course, everything goes smoothly at first, but then the cracks begin to show. Issa has multiple things grabbing her attention besides the lure of fame, and Ava continues to push both women forward. While you can probably guess some aspects of the novel if you're genre-savvy, it's still fun to see how it all plays out. I was drawn into the story and had to find out what happened next. I was rooting for Issa and Olivia, hoping they would make it work in Hollywood. It's a rough time for young women, let alone Asian ones, and the journey they take is well worth the read.
Issa is the latest in a long line of shamans, able to connect with the dead and summon them to the land of the living. The more a spirit connects with the living, the stronger it gets and the more powers it will develop, including the potential to possess the living. Her mother walked away from her family, who not only summoned the dead but were involved in the criminal underworld. Issa's Bà Ngoại gave them the semblance of distance but wants Issa to take her place within the family business. Issa wants to be a movie star and gets a year to make it big or get pulled back in. Between the two of them, Olivia is the driven one; she does whatever she can to get seen by the movers and shakers in Hollywood, is more willing to lie, and sacrifices to get the guidance of ghosts to advance her career.
Of course, everything goes smoothly at first, but then the cracks begin to show. Issa has multiple things grabbing her attention besides the lure of fame, and Ava continues to push both women forward. While you can probably guess some aspects of the novel if you're genre-savvy, it's still fun to see how it all plays out. I was drawn into the story and had to find out what happened next. I was rooting for Issa and Olivia, hoping they would make it work in Hollywood. It's a rough time for young women, let alone Asian ones, and the journey they take is well worth the read.
January 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
**"Sliver and Smoke" by Van Hoang** is a fast-paced paranormal fantasy set in 1930s Hollywood, blending elements of crime, racism, and found family with a touch of magic. The book dives into complex themes like racism and the dynamics of interracial marriage, all while building a world filled with intriguing paranormal elements. The historical setting of 1930s Hollywood adds a unique flair, bringing the glamour and grit of the time to life.
The pacing is strong, keeping the reader engaged with a mix of action, tension, and emotional moments. The dynamics between the characters are one of the book's strongest aspects, with well-crafted relationships that evolve over the course of the story. From messy friendships to a deep sense of found family, the character interactions are layered and authentic. The inclusion of a crime family element adds an exciting and dangerous backdrop to the narrative, making for a compelling mix of fantasy and crime drama.
However, while the world-building is realistic and immersive, the twist at the end felt a bit predictable. Though it didn’t necessarily detract from my overall enjoyment, it did lessen the impact of what could have been a jaw-dropping revelation. Despite this, I'm still intrigued by the direction the story will take in future installments and look forward to seeing where the plot goes next.
**Rating:** ★★★½ (3.5/5)
*Sliver and Smoke* is an enjoyable read with strong pacing, rich character dynamics, and a unique setting, though the twist at the end might not have the shock value I was hoping for. The exploration of racism, interracial marriage, and found family adds depth to the story, and I’m excited to see how the series progresses.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47 Nort for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review!
**"Sliver and Smoke" by Van Hoang** is a fast-paced paranormal fantasy set in 1930s Hollywood, blending elements of crime, racism, and found family with a touch of magic. The book dives into complex themes like racism and the dynamics of interracial marriage, all while building a world filled with intriguing paranormal elements. The historical setting of 1930s Hollywood adds a unique flair, bringing the glamour and grit of the time to life.
The pacing is strong, keeping the reader engaged with a mix of action, tension, and emotional moments. The dynamics between the characters are one of the book's strongest aspects, with well-crafted relationships that evolve over the course of the story. From messy friendships to a deep sense of found family, the character interactions are layered and authentic. The inclusion of a crime family element adds an exciting and dangerous backdrop to the narrative, making for a compelling mix of fantasy and crime drama.
However, while the world-building is realistic and immersive, the twist at the end felt a bit predictable. Though it didn’t necessarily detract from my overall enjoyment, it did lessen the impact of what could have been a jaw-dropping revelation. Despite this, I'm still intrigued by the direction the story will take in future installments and look forward to seeing where the plot goes next.
**Rating:** ★★★½ (3.5/5)
*Sliver and Smoke* is an enjoyable read with strong pacing, rich character dynamics, and a unique setting, though the twist at the end might not have the shock value I was hoping for. The exploration of racism, interracial marriage, and found family adds depth to the story, and I’m excited to see how the series progresses.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47 Nort for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review!
January 23, 2025
5/5 Stars. Thanks to Ms. Hoang, Netgalley, and the publisher for an ELC/ARC of the audiobook!
The story follows Issa and Olivia, best friends in the 1930s who want nothing more than to be movie stars. They try their hardest to break into the industry the traditional way, going to auditions and lining up outside of studios. Though Issa's mother doesn't approve, she decides to do two things that she wouldn't like:
1) Pursue a career in acting instead of at the hotel where she works
2) Reconnect with her aunt and dead grandmother to receive training in the shaman ways that run in her family - and get help to break into the industry.
Bà, her grandmother, connects them with a spirit on the other side: silent film star, Ava Lin Rang. With her help, Issa and Olivia not only get their first big break, but use her advice to achieve higher and higher levels of stardom.
But, as expected, things aren't going to turn out like they do in the movies.
What can I say? I loved this one. This pulled me in from the start with the atmospheric setting, the characters, and a wonderful narrator. The twists in the story felt natural. The romance that happens isn't the forefront because this was a story about two best friends above all else. Their friendship and the way it changes with connections to the spirits and Hollywood are the center of the story and I think that makes it all the more poignant.
As for the narration, I think the narrator did a fantastic job with every voice. As something transforms in the story, her voice transforms. She puts on accents and uses certain tones in such an appropriate way. I think I actually benefit ted listening to this story rather than reading it. And I don't usually think that.
Definitely a recommendation for many, many of my friends!
The story follows Issa and Olivia, best friends in the 1930s who want nothing more than to be movie stars. They try their hardest to break into the industry the traditional way, going to auditions and lining up outside of studios. Though Issa's mother doesn't approve, she decides to do two things that she wouldn't like:
1) Pursue a career in acting instead of at the hotel where she works
2) Reconnect with her aunt and dead grandmother to receive training in the shaman ways that run in her family - and get help to break into the industry.
Bà, her grandmother, connects them with a spirit on the other side: silent film star, Ava Lin Rang. With her help, Issa and Olivia not only get their first big break, but use her advice to achieve higher and higher levels of stardom.
But, as expected, things aren't going to turn out like they do in the movies.
What can I say? I loved this one. This pulled me in from the start with the atmospheric setting, the characters, and a wonderful narrator. The twists in the story felt natural. The romance that happens isn't the forefront because this was a story about two best friends above all else. Their friendship and the way it changes with connections to the spirits and Hollywood are the center of the story and I think that makes it all the more poignant.
As for the narration, I think the narrator did a fantastic job with every voice. As something transforms in the story, her voice transforms. She puts on accents and uses certain tones in such an appropriate way. I think I actually benefit ted listening to this story rather than reading it. And I don't usually think that.
Definitely a recommendation for many, many of my friends!
January 30, 2025
Breaking into show business is hard. Will summoning the spirit of a former Vietnamese silent film star make it easier?! Issa Bui and Olivia Nong are two young Vietnamese girls trying to break into the biz in the 1930s. Going to the MGM lot daily to try and get auditions and having to cart back to the lot another day because phones are an extravagant expense.
After a long day, Issa gets summoned to visit Bà Ngoąi, the grandmother Issa’s Ma has forbidden her to form a relationship with. Bà Ngoąi is the head of their family gang and also a shaman. The whole family is. Issa and Olivia are surprised to arrive and find that Bà Ngoąi is dead. But no fear, her spirit is brought forth by her Auntie. Issa is the heir of the family business, but wants to follow her dreams of becoming a famous movie star! They strike a deal and Issa has a year to become famous before she takes over the family business. She and Olivia are also introduced to the spirit of Ava Lin Rang, an Asian actress of the silent era. She helps them make connections and gives them acting tips and tricks! We love a ghost friend!
Issa grows more confident in her powers and her acting abilities, and Olivia spends a whole lot of time with Ava at her side providing feedback and bolstering her skills and fame! After some time, though, Ava seems to want more. To spend more time on the mortal plane, to get stronger. Issa gets worried and reaches out to Bà Ngoąi and her auntie, and eventually they need to bring Ma in to fully sus out what Ava is doing with Olivia and Olivia’s body!
This was a wild ride and had me guessing what was going to happen next throughout! And Elyse Dinh’s performance was so genuine and beautiful!
After a long day, Issa gets summoned to visit Bà Ngoąi, the grandmother Issa’s Ma has forbidden her to form a relationship with. Bà Ngoąi is the head of their family gang and also a shaman. The whole family is. Issa and Olivia are surprised to arrive and find that Bà Ngoąi is dead. But no fear, her spirit is brought forth by her Auntie. Issa is the heir of the family business, but wants to follow her dreams of becoming a famous movie star! They strike a deal and Issa has a year to become famous before she takes over the family business. She and Olivia are also introduced to the spirit of Ava Lin Rang, an Asian actress of the silent era. She helps them make connections and gives them acting tips and tricks! We love a ghost friend!
Issa grows more confident in her powers and her acting abilities, and Olivia spends a whole lot of time with Ava at her side providing feedback and bolstering her skills and fame! After some time, though, Ava seems to want more. To spend more time on the mortal plane, to get stronger. Issa gets worried and reaches out to Bà Ngoąi and her auntie, and eventually they need to bring Ma in to fully sus out what Ava is doing with Olivia and Olivia’s body!
This was a wild ride and had me guessing what was going to happen next throughout! And Elyse Dinh’s performance was so genuine and beautiful!
February 1, 2025
I was looking forward to reading this book because supernatural elements and Vietnamese stories are totally up my alley. The 1930s Hollywood setting plus supernatural occurrences is reminiscent of Tower of Terror or The Twilight Zone. I appreciate the references to LA, of Hollywood and Chinatown to Culver City and Burbank as these used to be some of my old haunts, so the imagery of the setting is great.
However, I didn’t really vibe with the prose, as this book is plot-forward and dialogue-heavy, but the characters’ motivations and time period didn’t really make sense. The characters are also not compelling and at times feel like caricatures, especially in regards to the descriptions of characters in Hollywood, complete with sleazy producers, rude staff, and the villainous background family clan members.
Overall, a lot of details were stuffed in this novel but at the same time, too surface-level in terms of ghosts, shamanism/witchcraft, mafia crime bosses, Hollywood dreams of breaking out, intergenerational relationships, and even a little romance. Although this is a fictional story, Vietnamese culture historically does include spiritualism elements like fortune-telling and soothsaying, and I felt that cultural piece could’ve been explored more especially if shamanism and the fact that the two main characters are Vietnamese is a big part of the story, so that the story would feel more grounded rather than just left as a consequence of excess ghost summoning.
A good effort on crafting a creative and imaginative story but not my cup of tea.
Special thanks to 47North and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.
However, I didn’t really vibe with the prose, as this book is plot-forward and dialogue-heavy, but the characters’ motivations and time period didn’t really make sense. The characters are also not compelling and at times feel like caricatures, especially in regards to the descriptions of characters in Hollywood, complete with sleazy producers, rude staff, and the villainous background family clan members.
Overall, a lot of details were stuffed in this novel but at the same time, too surface-level in terms of ghosts, shamanism/witchcraft, mafia crime bosses, Hollywood dreams of breaking out, intergenerational relationships, and even a little romance. Although this is a fictional story, Vietnamese culture historically does include spiritualism elements like fortune-telling and soothsaying, and I felt that cultural piece could’ve been explored more especially if shamanism and the fact that the two main characters are Vietnamese is a big part of the story, so that the story would feel more grounded rather than just left as a consequence of excess ghost summoning.
A good effort on crafting a creative and imaginative story but not my cup of tea.
Special thanks to 47North and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.
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