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Opal Contagion #1
Opal Smoke
A thief is the only one who stands between her people and complete annihilation.
Liss is a Soul Sorter who can sense any emotion a person is feeling. She uses this talent to steal jewels and dragonhide wallets to help provide for her people, the Extended. A side benefit of her thieving is that she gets to empty the pockets of the wealthy Lagonians, who shun the Extended for the deadly disease that runs in their veins.
When the Lagonians announce that they’ve developed a source of immunity, they are no longer content to just ostracize the Extended. The Lagonians plan to eradicate them.
The only way for Liss to save her people is if she can pull off her biggest heist yet and steal the secret to the immunity.
What is already a perilous mission is further complicated when Lagonia’s infamous Chief Assassin is tasked with taking Liss out. Entangled in his own web of deception, risk, and a fight to survive, the assassin cannot fail. One truth becomes clear. If either hopes to succeed, the other must die.
Liss is a Soul Sorter who can sense any emotion a person is feeling. She uses this talent to steal jewels and dragonhide wallets to help provide for her people, the Extended. A side benefit of her thieving is that she gets to empty the pockets of the wealthy Lagonians, who shun the Extended for the deadly disease that runs in their veins.
When the Lagonians announce that they’ve developed a source of immunity, they are no longer content to just ostracize the Extended. The Lagonians plan to eradicate them.
The only way for Liss to save her people is if she can pull off her biggest heist yet and steal the secret to the immunity.
What is already a perilous mission is further complicated when Lagonia’s infamous Chief Assassin is tasked with taking Liss out. Entangled in his own web of deception, risk, and a fight to survive, the assassin cannot fail. One truth becomes clear. If either hopes to succeed, the other must die.
- GenresFantasy
356 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2020
32 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fazio
22 books41 followersStephanie Fazio is a fantasy author. She grew up in Syracuse, New York, and prior to writing full time, she worked in the fields of journalism, secondary education, and higher education. She has an undergraduate degree in English from Colgate University and a Master’s degree in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephanie lives in Austin with her husband and crazy rescue dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s getting lost in parks, hosting taco nights, or ironically and miserably losing at word games, but having fun while she does it.
Stephanie lives in Austin with her husband and crazy rescue dog. When she isn’t writing, she’s getting lost in parks, hosting taco nights, or ironically and miserably losing at word games, but having fun while she does it.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2020
I loved this book! The language and characters are so beautiful, I was in love.
Opal Smoke is set in a high fantasy world and is very well developed but spends more time on the characters (which I like). It's more contemporary which won't appeal to folks who are expecting medieval fantasy, but again, I'm more of a fan of modern.
The characters are far and away the best part of this story. Liss and Rhett are wonderfully complicated people who are just trying to survive and protect the people they love. Their romance is predictable but that doesn't take away from the beauty of it. You'll be rooting for them from start to finish. There were also a few twists and turns I didn't see coming! Pick up a copy. You won't regret it!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Opal Smoke is set in a high fantasy world and is very well developed but spends more time on the characters (which I like). It's more contemporary which won't appeal to folks who are expecting medieval fantasy, but again, I'm more of a fan of modern.
The characters are far and away the best part of this story. Liss and Rhett are wonderfully complicated people who are just trying to survive and protect the people they love. Their romance is predictable but that doesn't take away from the beauty of it. You'll be rooting for them from start to finish. There were also a few twists and turns I didn't see coming! Pick up a copy. You won't regret it!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
I'm giving this book a 4.5 star because I absolutely loved it! The character development and world-building was utterly stunning. Stephanie Fazio has such a beautiful way with words that'll have you dying to know what comes next!
I went into this book completely blind and I can honestly say that this definitely makes into the best books I've read this year. The characters are sarcastic, sassy with the right amount of humor that you just can't help falling in love with them. for fans of YA fantasy and fans of Leigh Bardugo, this is a must read!!
Our dark and handsome hero Rhett is bound to steal your heart. I love it when my hero is all mysterious and cold hearted on the outside, but has the most kindest soul. Our aloof Rhett was the perfect match for our sassy, outgoing Liss, the protagonist.
For lovers of bold, smart mouthed female leads, Liss will steal your hearts! From a skilled thief to a spy, she makes me love this story more and more! The friendships in this book are definitely another reason why should read this...such a mixed company with one of the most genuine characters
ARC provided by the publisher via Hidden Gems Books. This is my honest review of the book. No gifts or monetary funds were exchanged for a review.
I went into this book completely blind and I can honestly say that this definitely makes into the best books I've read this year. The characters are sarcastic, sassy with the right amount of humor that you just can't help falling in love with them. for fans of YA fantasy and fans of Leigh Bardugo, this is a must read!!
Our dark and handsome hero Rhett is bound to steal your heart. I love it when my hero is all mysterious and cold hearted on the outside, but has the most kindest soul. Our aloof Rhett was the perfect match for our sassy, outgoing Liss, the protagonist.
For lovers of bold, smart mouthed female leads, Liss will steal your hearts! From a skilled thief to a spy, she makes me love this story more and more! The friendships in this book are definitely another reason why should read this...such a mixed company with one of the most genuine characters
ARC provided by the publisher via Hidden Gems Books. This is my honest review of the book. No gifts or monetary funds were exchanged for a review.
August 7, 2020
I really liked this book. The plot of it was super interesting, but it wasn't the thing that made me love it. Our characters in this are the real reason this book was so great. This book focused on introducing characters and their relationships much more than an intense plot, but the story never felt like it dragged.
Our main character, Liss ,was an extended tasked with finding the Antidote and helping free her people. Her power, called soul sorting, added a really interesting side to the story. It wasn't something that I had read before, and it really helped invest me into the relationship. Rhett ,the king's assassin, was another super interesting character. His emotions felt genuine, and I loved the banter between him and his men.
Ok, so the relationship in this may have been a bit insta-lovey. Ok, so it may have been super predictable. Who cares?? It felt real, and the way it came about actually made sense to me. I loved how it opened each character up to a new side of their beliefs, and how it really changed both of them for the better. It really was a lot of what the book focused on, but I really liked it, so I was fine with that.
Contrary to my expectations, this book was actually super light-hearted. I had a smile on my face for almost the entire book, and I really liked all of the characters. The banter between Ciago, Liss, Rhett, and Wilsean really helped to keep this book going. I definitely enjoyed this book, and will keep an eye out for the next one!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Our main character, Liss ,was an extended tasked with finding the Antidote and helping free her people. Her power, called soul sorting, added a really interesting side to the story. It wasn't something that I had read before, and it really helped invest me into the relationship. Rhett ,the king's assassin, was another super interesting character. His emotions felt genuine, and I loved the banter between him and his men.
Ok, so the relationship in this may have been a bit insta-lovey. Ok, so it may have been super predictable. Who cares?? It felt real, and the way it came about actually made sense to me. I loved how it opened each character up to a new side of their beliefs, and how it really changed both of them for the better. It really was a lot of what the book focused on, but I really liked it, so I was fine with that.
Contrary to my expectations, this book was actually super light-hearted. I had a smile on my face for almost the entire book, and I really liked all of the characters. The banter between Ciago, Liss, Rhett, and Wilsean really helped to keep this book going. I definitely enjoyed this book, and will keep an eye out for the next one!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 20, 2023
When I saw this book had around 30 reviews I was a bit hesitant but boy was I surprised at how GOOD this was.
Though I may be biased, since I love the whole 'grumpy ol' soldier who is bound by duty but is actually a softie' trope, what made this even better was the fact that Liss was a SOUL SORTER and could literally see his soft interior. And the devastation that brought when her true identity was revealed. I do love me some angst. The world building was great, the magic system, the characters, the angst, the conflict between the emporer and Rhett, Rhett's inner conflict with himself, AMAZING.
I recommend if you like:
🐱👤 Secret female assassin/spy
😠 Grumpy, untouchable soldier/assassin (who is actually a softie)
🩸 Touch her and you DIE
Though I may be biased, since I love the whole 'grumpy ol' soldier who is bound by duty but is actually a softie' trope, what made this even better was the fact that Liss was a SOUL SORTER and could literally see his soft interior. And the devastation that brought when her true identity was revealed. I do love me some angst. The world building was great, the magic system, the characters, the angst, the conflict between the emporer and Rhett, Rhett's inner conflict with himself, AMAZING.
I recommend if you like:
🐱👤 Secret female assassin/spy
😠 Grumpy, untouchable soldier/assassin (who is actually a softie)
🩸 Touch her and you DIE
July 4, 2020
Whoa y'all this is a epic start to what I honestly believe is going to be an amazing series! I was sucked in right away with the characters. Could you risk your life to be with someone who could mean your life ends unless a cure is found? Mystery, action, a dash of romance and one big adventure packed into this.
July 1, 2020
5 stars
I really really like this book! I was a bit confused in the first pages, because you're thrown directly into this new world you know nothing about, but I got the handle of it pretty quickly so it didn't bother me at all (also, that's fantasy, so not knowing the world was expected). The world-building by the way is really great, with enough details so that we're not always wondering what the heck is going on, but with the descriptions kept short enough so that our attention are kept on the plot.
I genuinely didn't know where the book was going because what I read about it was vague enough that you don't know the details and I absolutely loved that, loved the anticipation of what would be coming next without actually knowing. Plot-wise, except for the fact I had guessed really early on where what Liss is searching for was hidden, the turn of events wasn't always what I expected and it got my attention the whole book.
As for the characters, I so enjoyed the myriad of people and emotions they all carry and we get to see through Liss' eyes! It was nice to see people are complex, and see how Liss herself changes her view on the fact it's not all just black and white. Besides, it's not only a dual point-of-view, but a multiple one! You get to see some of the workings of different characters' minds, and I'm always a sucker for that. I thought it was also brilliant that though it wasn't only Liss and Rhett, they were still the ones we got to see the most and it made sense since we're following their story.
The ending left me wanting for more while being satisfied that the plot moved on.
I would definitely recommend to give this book a try, I know I'll keep an eye on what comes next in this world!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
I really really like this book! I was a bit confused in the first pages, because you're thrown directly into this new world you know nothing about, but I got the handle of it pretty quickly so it didn't bother me at all (also, that's fantasy, so not knowing the world was expected). The world-building by the way is really great, with enough details so that we're not always wondering what the heck is going on, but with the descriptions kept short enough so that our attention are kept on the plot.
I genuinely didn't know where the book was going because what I read about it was vague enough that you don't know the details and I absolutely loved that, loved the anticipation of what would be coming next without actually knowing. Plot-wise, except for the fact I had guessed really early on where what Liss is searching for was hidden, the turn of events wasn't always what I expected and it got my attention the whole book.
As for the characters, I so enjoyed the myriad of people and emotions they all carry and we get to see through Liss' eyes! It was nice to see people are complex, and see how Liss herself changes her view on the fact it's not all just black and white. Besides, it's not only a dual point-of-view, but a multiple one! You get to see some of the workings of different characters' minds, and I'm always a sucker for that. I thought it was also brilliant that though it wasn't only Liss and Rhett, they were still the ones we got to see the most and it made sense since we're following their story.
The ending left me wanting for more while being satisfied that the plot moved on.
I would definitely recommend to give this book a try, I know I'll keep an eye on what comes next in this world!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
June 29, 2020
Wow what a beautiful story! This is definitely my fave book I've read this year. Mystery, romance, action, and darkness made this book an absolute page turner. I want to visit Lagona and taste the golden cake!! Such lovely prose that completely made me feel like I was right there with the characters. And the characters...definitely my favorite part of the whole thing. Rhett was swoon-worthy and Liss was smart and tough and everything I ever want from my female leads. Bravo!
September 26, 2020
Super Good
Liss and Rhett are really an unlikely, but awesome couple. I hope that they end up having children somewhere in these books. The characters in this book are strong and well written. I like Rhett, Wilean, Ciago, and Stone. I also like Liss and Samara. I can't stand the Emperor. Good book.
Liss and Rhett are really an unlikely, but awesome couple. I hope that they end up having children somewhere in these books. The characters in this book are strong and well written. I like Rhett, Wilean, Ciago, and Stone. I also like Liss and Samara. I can't stand the Emperor. Good book.
June 30, 2020
This is a fantastic fantasy story! I really liked it! It is just simply full of everything you need: romance, imagination, magic, amazing characters and wondrous adventure..
November 3, 2021
This book wa fantastic! It’s set in a fantasy world and the characters you grow to love through the entire story. Their characters keep building through time. It’s a must read!
July 12, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 3.25
I have mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, the central relationship, which is the corner of the story, is very well-done and believable. I'm usually not a fan of YA romance tropes, but the main couple was genuinely cute, even if their relationship was very cheesy at times. I also liked the occasional banter/interactions between some of the less important characters. They just felt like a fun friendship group that was pleasant to read about.
On the other hand, the plot to this novel is pretty weak. A lot of plot points are just clear contrivances to move the story or relationship forward. The main event that drives our heroes into meeting is pretty plainly just an easy way to get some hurt/comfort stuff in there without physically inconveniencing the hero when he later needs to be a dashing fighter. Magical items exist to conveniently fix any problems or plot holes. It's also a lot more dragged out than it needs to be - I felt like a lot of stuff could have been trimmed without really losing anything.
The villain is super unrealistic/unsympathetic, and leaves you wondering why anyone follows him, especially when one of the main character's friends all choose to hand them over vs stand up for them or help them get away, only to go back on this later.
I also had a big problem with our heroine's mother. At the beginning of the book, we learn she's been in a terribly depressive state for 20+ years, to the point where her daughter is constantly struggling to support her and get her the medicine she needs. By the end, her mother has finally snapped out of it and stepped up to the plate, because her daughter was in trouble...but what about those /twenty years/ her daughter was suffering and trying to hold everything together? What about all the times she was in danger stealing things from powerful and risking exposure to get her mother's medicine? It's completely swept under the rug, and our heroine doesn't feel even a glimmer of resentment for her mother lounging around for so long, only to rise to the occasion once she literally has no choice. I hope it gets addressed later, but I don't think it will.
Overall, this was a fun little YA fantasy novel. If you're just in it for some fluffy, angsty romance, you'll enjoy this, but bear in mind the plot is pretty flimsy. This is definitely more of a guilty pleasure book.
Actual rating: 3.25
I have mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, the central relationship, which is the corner of the story, is very well-done and believable. I'm usually not a fan of YA romance tropes, but the main couple was genuinely cute, even if their relationship was very cheesy at times. I also liked the occasional banter/interactions between some of the less important characters. They just felt like a fun friendship group that was pleasant to read about.
On the other hand, the plot to this novel is pretty weak. A lot of plot points are just clear contrivances to move the story or relationship forward. The main event that drives our heroes into meeting is pretty plainly just an easy way to get some hurt/comfort stuff in there without physically inconveniencing the hero when he later needs to be a dashing fighter. Magical items exist to conveniently fix any problems or plot holes. It's also a lot more dragged out than it needs to be - I felt like a lot of stuff could have been trimmed without really losing anything.
The villain is super unrealistic/unsympathetic, and leaves you wondering why anyone follows him, especially when one of the main character's friends all choose to hand them over vs stand up for them or help them get away, only to go back on this later.
I also had a big problem with our heroine's mother. At the beginning of the book, we learn she's been in a terribly depressive state for 20+ years, to the point where her daughter is constantly struggling to support her and get her the medicine she needs. By the end, her mother has finally snapped out of it and stepped up to the plate, because her daughter was in trouble...but what about those /twenty years/ her daughter was suffering and trying to hold everything together? What about all the times she was in danger stealing things from powerful and risking exposure to get her mother's medicine? It's completely swept under the rug, and our heroine doesn't feel even a glimmer of resentment for her mother lounging around for so long, only to rise to the occasion once she literally has no choice. I hope it gets addressed later, but I don't think it will.
Overall, this was a fun little YA fantasy novel. If you're just in it for some fluffy, angsty romance, you'll enjoy this, but bear in mind the plot is pretty flimsy. This is definitely more of a guilty pleasure book.
June 22, 2020
Opal Smoke by Stephanie Fazio is a tale of a plague caused by a people known as the Extended – a people with special abilities who spread the plague – a rich kingdom ruled by a power-mad emperor and the Insorsiled, a magical people immune to the plague. The emperor has found a way to prevent plague and has re-opened is kingdom to the outside world. The Romeo and Juliet of the piece are Rhett and Liss. Rhett is the emperor’s half-brother and an assassin, Liss is the Extended woman he is hunting, a woman called Opal Smoke.
The Extended are marked by orange hair and opalescent skin and always on the move, one step ahead of the assassin who has been ordered to ride the world of them. Naturally he falls for Liss who is only half-Extended and looks normal. Escapades ensue.
This book begins as fantasy, but it is actually a romance novel in disguise and not a very good disguise. The main characters are easy to like but are physically perfect (of course). The plot is dull and predictable. I am guessing this is a YA book from the love scenes.
In addition to being predictable, the book is full of incongruities. In a world of swords and sorcerers, witches and warlocks, dragons and wagons, there are disinfecting wipes, canned vegetables, grandfather clocks, and tubes of lipstick. Laughable. A sequel is expected, but will probably be more of the same. It is possible this book will work for the YA market, anyone else will be bored.
The Extended are marked by orange hair and opalescent skin and always on the move, one step ahead of the assassin who has been ordered to ride the world of them. Naturally he falls for Liss who is only half-Extended and looks normal. Escapades ensue.
This book begins as fantasy, but it is actually a romance novel in disguise and not a very good disguise. The main characters are easy to like but are physically perfect (of course). The plot is dull and predictable. I am guessing this is a YA book from the love scenes.
In addition to being predictable, the book is full of incongruities. In a world of swords and sorcerers, witches and warlocks, dragons and wagons, there are disinfecting wipes, canned vegetables, grandfather clocks, and tubes of lipstick. Laughable. A sequel is expected, but will probably be more of the same. It is possible this book will work for the YA market, anyone else will be bored.
September 23, 2020
The new emperor starts his reign by declaring that the country is no longer threatened by the Opal Contagion. The rich and powerful no longer have to fear becoming part of the Extended. The Extended have much to fear from the Lagonians though, while the Extended first thought the immunity would improve their quality of life they soon find that the Lagonians mean to enslave as many of them as possible. The powers they have from being infected are not enough to save them. The Lagonian Emperor's right hand man is a skilled assassin. The Extended have "Opal Smoke" a skilled thief that the Lagonians think is a spy. When she unknowingly saves the assassin how will their lives change? Will her people be exterminated or will they find some way to free themselves from the terror wrought by the Lagonians? I guess you'll have to read this book to find out!
November 2, 2020
This book had a lot of potential but was so slow it was hard to continue reading.
**Will come back and do a more thorough review**
**Will come back and do a more thorough review**
August 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the book. I liked this world that was built and really enjoyed both Liss and Rhett's character. Very intriguing. Will read more.
April 30, 2021
This was an interesting fantasy read and a pretty interesting world. The Lagonians are a wealthy people ruled by a cruel emperor who are enemies with the Extended. The Extended are a magical people with a deadly disease that runs in their veins leaving them with opalescent skin and orange hair. Liss is an extended who looks like a Lagonian whose magic is being a Soul Sorter. Liss can sense emotions on a person's soul which comes in handy for her thieving and pick pocketing. Somehow the Lagonians find an immunity to the Extended's deadly disease and decide now is the time to eliminate them once and for all. After Liss gets into some trouble with her caravan leader her only hope to remain with her family is to go into the Lagonian's castle and steal the immunity. If that wasn't difficult enough she has to also get past the infamous Chief Assassin whose killed many of her people and is now on the hunt for her.
Usually in stories like these I get really irritated with the female lead who seems to think she can do no wrong and is always right and everyone is out to get her. That was not the case with this story. Liss knows when she gets hot headed and steals from Lagonian soldiers that she is going to get in trouble with the caravan leader, but she does it anyway. She doesn't try to justify her actions, she just accepts that she did what she did and there is a punishment for that. I understand her attraction to Rhett and how their relationship changed so drastically because of her power of Soul Sorting. She sees instantly what takes people a long time to realize about one another. She was an enjoyable character and I loved her personality.
Rhett was an interesting character. I did like him and his morals and how he was with his soldiers. The one thing that I didn't like though was his instant attraction to Liss. I know this sounds weird since I was okay with Liss but Rhett doesn't have her ability and it just felt like he gave into falling for her rather quickly despite being 20 years old and never having feelings for anyone. He did irritate me a little at the end, typical "girl I loved lied to me so now I need to push everyone away and brood and clearly she never really loved me" type of thing.
All the minor characters are amazing and each bring something to the story and the world. I'm excited to see where this story leads as we are left with a huge cliff hanger at the end.
I received a review copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
Usually in stories like these I get really irritated with the female lead who seems to think she can do no wrong and is always right and everyone is out to get her. That was not the case with this story. Liss knows when she gets hot headed and steals from Lagonian soldiers that she is going to get in trouble with the caravan leader, but she does it anyway. She doesn't try to justify her actions, she just accepts that she did what she did and there is a punishment for that. I understand her attraction to Rhett and how their relationship changed so drastically because of her power of Soul Sorting. She sees instantly what takes people a long time to realize about one another. She was an enjoyable character and I loved her personality.
Rhett was an interesting character. I did like him and his morals and how he was with his soldiers. The one thing that I didn't like though was his instant attraction to Liss. I know this sounds weird since I was okay with Liss but Rhett doesn't have her ability and it just felt like he gave into falling for her rather quickly despite being 20 years old and never having feelings for anyone. He did irritate me a little at the end, typical "girl I loved lied to me so now I need to push everyone away and brood and clearly she never really loved me" type of thing.
All the minor characters are amazing and each bring something to the story and the world. I'm excited to see where this story leads as we are left with a huge cliff hanger at the end.
I received a review copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews