YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Started this! Will post my thoughts in a while

Checking in! This will be a reread for me, but this time I'll actually finish the trilogy :)

I started the book and it’s going great. I’m only at 12% but the characters introduced seem very interesting and unique. I can’t wait for more of the plot to unfold.

28% (view spoiler)[The character of Karou is very interesting. In a way, this book is a mystery because we really do not know what is going on, and who Karou is. However, from the looks of it, Karou seems to be a chimaera. She has unusual blue hair, and she has a chimeara name. When she discovers the new world in the "back door", we meet a man, who is also a chimeara who has the same palm symbol as Karou, which is very unusual. She uses her palm to force some kind of magic that attacks Akiva. There are still many things left to unfold, and I can't wait to continue reading. (hide spoiler)]

41% Finally! The start of an interesting plot! The book so far was pretty slow action wise, but now it is starting to get intense! (view spoiler)[Karou gets locked out! Brimestone has no contact with her so we do not know what is happening to him. Will we be able to find more about Karou's character in her adventures? (hide spoiler)]My main question is: What does the title mean? Daughter of Smoke and Fire? By daughter, I think it is referring to Karou, but who, or what, are her parents?

Ch 1-10: (view spoiler)[ This is a reread for me and I am getting through this a lot faster second time around. It's a little slower than I remember, but I love the characters (angels, humans, chimaera) (hide spoiler)]

Sanah wrote: "Ch 1-10: [spoilers removed]"

I agree. The plot seems to be very slow, but I am still enjoying the book.

Currently on chapter 4. I am finding the protagonist a very interesting character. I am curious about her (view spoiler)[ background. Where she came from and who her parents are (the title!) (hide spoiler)] and yeah the plot seems slow. I don't know where it's leading.

Ch 21/Part 2: (view spoiler)[ I have so many questions right now and everything is happening. The seraphim are burning the doorways and Karou is trying to figure out what's going on and I want to know more about her. Who is she and what is her story with the chimera?What is the deal with the teeth and the hamsas? Where did Brimstone, Yasri, Twiga, and Issa go? Things are starting to pick up (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 32: (view spoiler)[There is a war between the angels and devils, and a romance is beginning to occur between Akiva and Karou. I think it is very interesting that the author focuses on the point of view of the two characters for different chapters. I have concluded a theory: What if Akiva and Karou are like Romeo and Juliet? They are both from enemy worlds, and they seem to be falling in love. What if they are the ones that end the war, or the feud between the two "families"? (hide spoiler)]

Ch 38/Part 3: (view spoiler)[ I feel the romance beginning with Akiva and Karou...It's happening and I am here for it! Zuzana is hilarious and fiercely loves Karou that you can't not love her. Everything is happening right now. The war with the chimera and seraphim is only beginning for Karou and I'm worried for her. There's a bit of insta-love happening with Karou and Akiva, but I kind of love it (hide spoiler)]

Ch 47/Part 4: (view spoiler)[ There is major insta-love happening, but it's cute, so I can deal. Laini Taylor's writing style and her descriptions are just so poetic and I can't handle it...It's too good. BUT KAROU IS MADRIGAL?!?!! Brimstone basically brought her back to life, but how? What does this mean for Akiva and Karou's relationship? There is so much I don't remember... (hide spoiler)]

Finished: This was a great first book and I can't wait to continue. Starting the next one tonight!

Up to Part 2/Ch 33: Great start to this book and this has a faster pace than the first one did, but I guess that is expected because we needed an introduction to the world in the first book. (view spoiler)[ Karou has basically become Brimstone, but I want to know how she learned when Brimstone never taught her. It is her memories of Madrigal's training helping her? Thiago is very suspicious and so is Ten, so what are the two wolves plotting for Karou? (hide spoiler)]

Up to Part 3/ Ch 48: (view spoiler)[ Zuzana is the best friend a girl can have and I absolutely love her. She dragged Mik to a palace of monsters to help her friend and is the only thing that keeps Karou sane. After Ziri somehow returned to the palace, I was glad Karou was able to save him and not have to create him a new body. A little slow, but it feels like a nice break because I know a bunch of action is going to happen (hide spoiler)]

Up to Part 4/Ch 65: (view spoiler)[ ISSA IS BACK, AHHH I'M SO HAPPY!!! Finally Karou has someone to support her against the Wolf and I love that Karou and Ziri are finally friends, even if Ziri still has a mini-crush on Karou. I'm waiting for this chimera rebellion from Karou to begin and Akiva is going to kill Joram? I AM SHOOK (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ Thiago is a vile thing and deserved to die...What he tried to do with Karou was disturbing and hard to read. But Ziri...Ziri decided to take Thiago's place and killed himself so his soul could take the body of the Wolf. And the seraphim are invading the human world and Akiva killed his father?!?!?! And Hazazel :'( I loved his humor and happiness and I don't even know how Akiva and Liraz can move on after that (hide spoiler)]
Starting the next one tonight! This is too good to stop :)

Almost finished! The book is very interesting. The author has created very unique and independent characters that readers could easily relate to. The plot is well thought out and I really love the writing style of Laini Taylor.

ahhhhh I understand the title of "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" now! (view spoiler)[Karou is Madrigal and when Madrigal died, Brimstone used bones to create a new body- Karou! (hide spoiler)]

On part 2. I think I understand the title now, too!

My guess is: (view spoiler)[ Karou is neither human nor chimaera: she is a half blood. That's what the first part must've meant when it said: a devil and an angel fell in love! And that it did not end well... (hide spoiler)]

Ellie wrote: "28% [spoilers removed]"

I agree, there is great mystery in the book. It's all very intriguing. (view spoiler)[ I'm curious to know how Karou is a chimaera. It's not like she has inhuman limbs or other body parts or anything. Can't wait to find out (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22. Oh my God. (view spoiler)[ she is starting to turn into a monster. And she wished for flight! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 53: (view spoiler)[I really love how the book shifted to the back story of Madrigal. I think it is a very interesting way for Laini Taylor to explain all the mysteries that was building up throughout the novel. Also, I am getting major Romeo and Juliet vibes from Karou/Madrigal and Akira! I cannot wait to finish and start the second book! (hide spoiler)]

Oh MY GOD! Finished! (view spoiler)[Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this book was full of emotional roller coasters! I could not put it down! The reveals at the end of the book were absolutely shocking! Brimestone and everyone were killed by Akira? The man Karou found on the stone table was Thiago? This is by far one of the best fantasy book I've ever read! I'm still shook! (hide spoiler)]

Ellie wrote: "41% Finally! The start of an interesting plot! The book so far was pretty slow action wise, but now it is starting to get intense! [spoilers removed]My main question is: What does the title mean? D..."

The book did get intense then

Ellie wrote: "Chapter 32: [spoilers removed]"

Interesting theory!

Maria wrote: "My guess is: [spoilers removed]"

As in, (view spoiler)[ she is half angel and half chimaera...I don't even know why I'm so impatiently making guesses when I'll find out eventually, anyway (hide spoiler)]

Going to start the second one tonight!

Up to Part 2: (view spoiler)[ The angels have invaded!!!! I am shook about Ziri/Thiago commanding and the Misbegotten and the chimera teaming up. Is it gonna work? (hide spoiler)]
Up to Part 3: (view spoiler)[ So the council was a flop, but what is Karou's idea. Also what is the deal with Eliza and the Stelians? I don't really see how they fit into the story (hide spoiler)]
Part 4: (view spoiler)[ AHHH Ziri died!! My heart hurts a little. And Esther is an evil woman so she deserves Razgut tbh. But Mik and Zuzana steal all her wishes and wreak havoc, so it evens everything out (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[ I am shook by this trilogy. Loved coming back and finishing it (hide spoiler)]

Ellie wrote: "Oh MY GOD! Finished! [spoilers removed]"

I know right?! I did not expect that ending! Though I did guess that (view spoiler)[ the man on the table had been Thiago...
But Brimstone's fury was so justified!! (hide spoiler)] In the story, (view spoiler)[ romance seemed such an integral part that I had not expected for it have such a bitter end! Man, was Karou furious (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 35 (view spoiler)[This is very interesting. We see chapters from many different points of views, and there seems to be multiple story lines that connect to one plot- the war. Karou and Thiago are working together which I have never expected. I always thought that they would be enemies since Thiago killed Madrigal. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 47 (view spoiler)[I am really missing the mystery aspect I loved about the first book. I think the first book was more interesting, but I love the intensity of the war, and the humerous bits with Zuzana and Mik. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ So I already know Karou and Akiva are probably mortal enemies or something, but I think I'm already shipping this. He's already kind of obsessed with her! (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ Akiva really reminds me of Rowan from Throne of Glass. Especially his lost love tragic past. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 41 (view spoiler)[ Ugh there's so much build up, WHO IS SHE?! (hide spoiler)]
Finished (view spoiler)[ AKIVA NOOOOOOOOO! This book dangles the carrot, like oh she's Madrigal and they can live happily ever after AND THEN DESTROYS YOU. (hide spoiler)]

Days of Blood & Starlight
Finished! (view spoiler)[Ten and Thiago were killed? What? Ziri was a character that I absolutely loved throughout this novel, and it was shocking when I found out that he killed Ten and Thiago and took their bodies to escape. I think that really adds to the character of Ziri, and really shows how much he cares for his people and Karou. I cannot wait for the last book! (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[Only at up to chapter 14 but I am loving it so far! I think that this book will be better than the second one, but the first one was so good so I do not know if it will be better than that one. I have some thoughts for chapter 15 specifically. Ziri is now in the body of Thiago, and I can't help thinking about if Ziri will turn more into Thiago as time goes on. He may get manipulated into thinking like Thiago because he has to constantly act like him, and he is physically in Thiago's body. In Chapter 15, I think we see the first hint or clue that Ziri may be turning into Thiago. He gets the feeling of jealously. The text specifically states, " There was a minor twist at the corners of the lips to convey amusement- the cruel kind" (page 94). I really believe that Ziri is turning into Thiago mentally, but how will the plan work if Ziri has the mind of Thiago and turns against the Misbegotten? I can't wait to keep reading. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Part 2 (page 236): (view spoiler)[I am really loving the love story of Akiva and Karou that is building up once again. I really hope that they end up together because they are just so cute together. I also am loving Eliza's story. I love reading about the different perspectives of the war: Karou, Ziri, Akiva, Zuzanna, and Eliza. Great book so far, I can't wait to keep reading! (hide spoiler)]

Almost done! This series is so good!

Finished the final book! (view spoiler)[I absolutely loved the ending. Looking at other reviews, there seems to be mixed feelings about the ending, but I thought it was sweet, and absolutely beautiful. I loved how Karou and Akiva were destined to unite the chimaeras and seraphim, and how the book ended with the two groups of people working together to build a new empire. Karou and Akiva reuniting at the end was the cherry on top! (hide spoiler)]

This book has such beautiful descriptive writing, with vibrant imagery. I'm enjoying this so much more the second time around, espically as I cannot remember anything about it.

Chapter 1-5
(view spoiler)[ Zuzana is my one of my favourite characters, i love her witty one liners and just her attitude to life.
Brimstone saying ‘…no inessential penises either’ This could be the best quote from the entire book.
I wonder what Brimstone is collecting teeth for and what purpose they serve. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6-14
(view spoiler)[ ‘once all the doors were marked the end would begin. And it would begin with fire’ – Why are they marking all of the entrance's to Brimstone's store and how would this put a stop to his trade?
Akiva’s mission to end the foul trade and the devil’s dark magic is interesting as it re-enforces my previous question of what the trade is for and what it achieves and why they are so adamant to end it for good. (hide spoiler)]

Currently I'm on chapter 10. I'm reading the Dutch translation, but the writing is really good: descriptive, colorful, rich. It took me untill chapter 7 to get into the story, but now I'm liking it so far. I'll post spoilers tomorrow. On the phone isn't that easy. Back to reading!

Glad you're enjoying it! It sounds like you have a good translation.

I'm starting chapter 22, but up untill now I'm hooked. I can't wait to continue. At first I thought that it wasn't going to be a story for me: school, boys...But then it got interesting with Brimstone, Issa...
My thoughts so far is that: (view spoiler)[Karou has demon and angel blood in her. She is watching her shadow and sees that there is something abnormal. So Akiva has also an abnormal shadow, but why was she raised by Brimstone and what's her background? Did Brimstone rescued her from someone/something? And why is she taking Razgut with her? He's a fallen seraphin! And what's with the teeth? The Chimaera are fighting a war with the angels, but why? Is it because of that angel that Kiva knew, that died? It seems to be a very ancient war. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad you're enjoying it more now! It certainly gets better the further through you get. I'm going to do my updates tomorrow as I'm on my phone currently!

So far I think that (view spoiler)[Karou accidently became involved in a war. She only wants to protect the only family she knows. Right now there's something growing between her and Akiva. I'm wondering how Brimstone and the others will go back to the human world without their portals. (hide spoiler)]

I can't remember what chapter this happened in but only read it once you've read what happens after they snap the wishbone! (view spoiler)[ I'm not sure if I can see Brimstone as a bad person after discovering that he put Karou's soul into a child to save her and give her another shot at life. I love that she and Akiva have found each other again after so long and have another chance to be together (hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed this book. At the beginning, I never thought I would. It started a bit slow and nothing was happening and the YA - bits were sometimes a bit irritating, but then my feelings towards the book turned as I had so many questions about the teeth, the wishes and Brimstone.
There were bits and pieces that were easy to figure out, but also twists that I didn't see coming.
It's a bit cliché that an angel and demon are falling in love, but the sort of angel and demon and the why they are falling in love with all the consequences were very interesting an well thought of.
Besides the romance - part, the fantasy - part was enough for me to want to read part 2 and 3.
Karou was a well thought of - character with her blue hair, her tattoo's...It made me curious in who/what she was. She had that hard shell around her and inside there was nothing but loneliness and the feeling of belonging somewhere, but not knowing where.
Zuzana had a little role, but she was one of my favorite characters too.
After all, an ejoyable read and after 3/4 I couldn't stop reading.

Jordan wrote: "I can't remember what chapter this happened in but only read it once you've read what happens after they snap the wishbone! [spoilers removed]"

That was as a big twist in the story! I was waiting on it after you said that. It made me really curious.