20
Sep292011
JOINT REVIEW & INT’L GIVEAWAY: ‘Daughter of Smoke and Bone’ by Laini Taylor
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Authors Q-T, Book Reviews, Giveaways, Hodder, Joint Reviews, Laini Taylor, Reviews by Carolyn, Reviews by Laura, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Hodder & Stroughton (UK) | Little Brown (US)
Publication Date: Sept 2011 (UK & US)
ARC: 420 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Young Adult/Crossover
Source: Review copy from publisher
Reviewed by Carolyn & Laura
CAROLYN’S RATING: 8/10 – Brilliant, couldn’t put it down!
LAURA’S RATING: 8/10 - Brilliant, couldn’t put it down!
SUMMARY:
Errand requiring immediate attention. Come.
The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. ‘He never says please’, she sighed, but she gathered up her things.
When Brimstone called, she always came.
In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she’s a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in ‘Elsewhere’, she has never understood Brimstone’s dark work – buying teeth from hunters and murderers – nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn’t whole.
Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.
REVIEW:
CAROLYN
There has been quite a lot of buzz about “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” so I’ve really been looking forward to reading this one.
There has been quite a lot of buzz about “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” so I’ve really been looking forward to reading this one.
The Otherworld Taylor has created, named Elsewhere, is mysterious and intriguing and the characters are imaginative and fun. The angels are frightening but beautiful and the Chimaera strange and complex, and Karou is a fabulous heroine.
As I read through each chapter, “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” just got better and better. The world building more vivid, the characters more captivating. I had difficulty putting this book down. Taylor’s writing is smooth, descriptive and easy to read. I glided through each chapter effortlessly and was so mesmerised by it that I hadn’t noticed when two hours had passed.
What starts out as a good, but not unfamiliar story, about a young girl at school, with a loyal best friend, immersed in the supernatural, soon turns into a completely different young adult novel, one which I haven’t come across before, making it unique.
LAURA
Like Carolyn, I’ve seen this on the book blogosphere, with people commenting that it is probably one of their favourite books of the year. So I was rather excited about picking it up. Although is it just me or do you sometimes find when a book has been so revered by others, it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz and then be a little disappointed by the story itself?
Like Carolyn, I’ve seen this on the book blogosphere, with people commenting that it is probably one of their favourite books of the year. So I was rather excited about picking it up. Although is it just me or do you sometimes find when a book has been so revered by others, it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz and then be a little disappointed by the story itself?
And I did find this was the case very slightly with “Daughter of Smoke and Bone“. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but it’s perhaps not the best I’ve read this year.
I totally agree that the book got better and better with each chapter, I thoroughly enjoyed the clever and unique world building Taylor has created, it is rich and fascinating. Set in Prague, it tells the story of Karou, a human girl who has been raised by otherworldly creatures, the chimaera. The chimaera can only be reached through secret doorways scattered about the globe, which enables Karou to transition between the two. The concept of the secret doorways totally captured my imagination! In some respects it had the same appeal as a modern day Secret Garden.
CAROLYN
I agree with Laura that sometimes a book can be hyped up and then not meet expectations, I hate it when that happens, but I didn’t feel it did with this book. Although it’s probably not the best book I’ve ever read, it is one of my favourites of 2011 and definitely one of the best young adult novels I’ve read.
Karou is a talented artist studying at art school in Prague. Brought up by the charismatic but aloof Brimstone who deals in teeth and wishes. Karou transports from her life in Elsewhere to her life in Prague via portals from one world to the other.
Karou, being young and impulsive, is a little frivolous with her wishes. Most of the time she uses her necklace of wishes given to her by Brimstone for harmless things to help her along in life, such as wishing to speak Czech so she could study in Prague, as well as twenty other languages, unlocking her door when she’s forgotten her keys or wishing the eyebrows of the girl who slept with her boyfriend to become overly bushy…
I agree with Laura that sometimes a book can be hyped up and then not meet expectations, I hate it when that happens, but I didn’t feel it did with this book. Although it’s probably not the best book I’ve ever read, it is one of my favourites of 2011 and definitely one of the best young adult novels I’ve read.
Karou is a talented artist studying at art school in Prague. Brought up by the charismatic but aloof Brimstone who deals in teeth and wishes. Karou transports from her life in Elsewhere to her life in Prague via portals from one world to the other.
Karou, being young and impulsive, is a little frivolous with her wishes. Most of the time she uses her necklace of wishes given to her by Brimstone for harmless things to help her along in life, such as wishing to speak Czech so she could study in Prague, as well as twenty other languages, unlocking her door when she’s forgotten her keys or wishing the eyebrows of the girl who slept with her boyfriend to become overly bushy…
Her best friend, Zuzana is fab – she really lightened the tone. But when she finds out about Karou and her life the story jumps forward three months so we never get to see Zuzana’s surprise or disbelief and then her realisation that what Karou told her is true. Because of this I really had to keep reminding myself that three months had passed and that was why Zuzanna was so easy breezy about the angels and chimaera and all the other supernatural oddities that were happening around her.
The one aspect I noticed and really enjoyed was the limited amount of angst. There really isn’t much of it and Karou and Zuzanna are pretty mature for their seventeen years, especially in the latter part of the novel.
The story moves along at a good pace and I was completely engrossed. I enjoyed Karou’s world, friends and magic. The fight scenes are pretty good too and Karou can kick some serious butt. I liked that one of Karou’s weapons were devil eye tattoos on the palms of her hands and she gets satisfaction from her weapons, especially when she buys a new set in China!
LAURA
I liked how the narrative set up Karou’s life and how she balanced it between that as a human, studying art in Prague and life as Brimstone’s ward. I find it interesting that you described him as charismatic Carolyn, as I found him really intriguing, probably one of my favourite characters in fact, but more monstrous than charismatic. He balanced on a strange edge between fatherly on occasion and at other times quite chilling.
My favourite part has to be Brimstone’s occupation as a wish bearer. Trading wishes for teeth. Karou’s frivolous wishes did make me smile. Who wouldn’t want to make the eyebrows of the girl who slept with your eyebrows bushy? And there’s a great scene scene when Karou is doing life drawing, but I mustn’t say anymore!
I liked how the narrative set up Karou’s life and how she balanced it between that as a human, studying art in Prague and life as Brimstone’s ward. I find it interesting that you described him as charismatic Carolyn, as I found him really intriguing, probably one of my favourite characters in fact, but more monstrous than charismatic. He balanced on a strange edge between fatherly on occasion and at other times quite chilling.
My favourite part has to be Brimstone’s occupation as a wish bearer. Trading wishes for teeth. Karou’s frivolous wishes did make me smile. Who wouldn’t want to make the eyebrows of the girl who slept with your eyebrows bushy? And there’s a great scene scene when Karou is doing life drawing, but I mustn’t say anymore!
I felt that the story was pacey, but did not really begin to pick up speed when Karou’s world comes crashing down. When the doors to elsewhere close leaving Karou cut off from her other-worldy family, she suddenly finds herself amidst a war she didn’t know existed. On one side the chimaerean and the other the seraphim or angels.
Interestingly, there is no clear division between good and evil in this novel. There are people that commit evil deeds, but one side is not necessarily better than the other. You could easily think the chimaera are the baddies due to their magical powers and unorthodox appearances, but as the book progresses you see that things are not that clear cut. And this was a concept I found cleverly portrayed. If there is no good and evil, how do you define right and wrong?
CAROLYN
I definitely agree with Laura that Brimstone balances between being a loving fatherly figure and something a little more deadly, however, I definitely found him fascinating, which is probably why he is also one of my favourite characters in the book.
I enjoyed Brimstone’s occupation too and I liked the idea of trading teeth for wishes. I did have my suspicions as to what the teeth were for and my thoughts were proven right when all was revealed near the end.
If I had one negative it would be how quick Karou and Akiva’s love for one another grew. Akiva has been a hostile, cold angel devoid of emotions for centuries, and to just get his feelings back in a day after meeting Karou was a little unrealistic.
However, once I got over this blip, I really enjoyed their interactions with each other and the romance is an intense, sweeping love story that fills the heart. My favourite part of the novel was the last third of the book. The flashbacks to another time were just fabulous, which I won’t go into as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say I can’t wait for book two!
This book has definite crossover appeal and I would highly recommend it for adults as well as teenagers. Taylor’s imagination is just superb, and the world of Elsewhere is amazing. I loved reading about the Chimaera, a strange bizarre combination of animal parts, and the Angels, born of fire who are anguished, tortured beings. I am also intrigued to find out who, and what, Karou is.
LAURA
Karou is a fascinating lead character, with her blue hair and tattoos. She does come across as quite young at first, but very quickly progresses in maturity. Determined and tough, but equally sensitive and vulnerable.
I’m impressed Carolyn guessed the significance of the teeth, as it kept me guessing for a long time. As did the reason why these creatures had raised a human child, what was her significance and what happened to her family?
The book is also comprised of some truly creative characters. From Karou’s chimaerean family, I wanted to delve into Brimstone’s mind and find out what exactly made him tick, to, as Carolyn has already referred to, the warm and very lifelike friendship portrayed between Karou and her human best friend Zuzana.
Of course I must not forget to mention the angel Akiva. As this book would not be complete without a love story, and going with recent trends, Karou’s love interest is Akiva, a lost Angel. No longer sure of his path and tortured by his past, but it does make for a compelling story that is easy to get absorbed in. As Akiva and Karou become ever closer, the horror of the war dividing them becomes only more paramount. I didn’t struggle so much with Akiva’s transition from an angel devoid of emotions to one devastatingly in love, as I felt there was enough back story to cover this change. And found I got more sucked into the star-crossed lovers aspect of their story.
I definitely agree with Laura that Brimstone balances between being a loving fatherly figure and something a little more deadly, however, I definitely found him fascinating, which is probably why he is also one of my favourite characters in the book.
I enjoyed Brimstone’s occupation too and I liked the idea of trading teeth for wishes. I did have my suspicions as to what the teeth were for and my thoughts were proven right when all was revealed near the end.
If I had one negative it would be how quick Karou and Akiva’s love for one another grew. Akiva has been a hostile, cold angel devoid of emotions for centuries, and to just get his feelings back in a day after meeting Karou was a little unrealistic.
However, once I got over this blip, I really enjoyed their interactions with each other and the romance is an intense, sweeping love story that fills the heart. My favourite part of the novel was the last third of the book. The flashbacks to another time were just fabulous, which I won’t go into as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say I can’t wait for book two!
This book has definite crossover appeal and I would highly recommend it for adults as well as teenagers. Taylor’s imagination is just superb, and the world of Elsewhere is amazing. I loved reading about the Chimaera, a strange bizarre combination of animal parts, and the Angels, born of fire who are anguished, tortured beings. I am also intrigued to find out who, and what, Karou is.
LAURA
Karou is a fascinating lead character, with her blue hair and tattoos. She does come across as quite young at first, but very quickly progresses in maturity. Determined and tough, but equally sensitive and vulnerable.
I’m impressed Carolyn guessed the significance of the teeth, as it kept me guessing for a long time. As did the reason why these creatures had raised a human child, what was her significance and what happened to her family?
The book is also comprised of some truly creative characters. From Karou’s chimaerean family, I wanted to delve into Brimstone’s mind and find out what exactly made him tick, to, as Carolyn has already referred to, the warm and very lifelike friendship portrayed between Karou and her human best friend Zuzana.
Of course I must not forget to mention the angel Akiva. As this book would not be complete without a love story, and going with recent trends, Karou’s love interest is Akiva, a lost Angel. No longer sure of his path and tortured by his past, but it does make for a compelling story that is easy to get absorbed in. As Akiva and Karou become ever closer, the horror of the war dividing them becomes only more paramount. I didn’t struggle so much with Akiva’s transition from an angel devoid of emotions to one devastatingly in love, as I felt there was enough back story to cover this change. And found I got more sucked into the star-crossed lovers aspect of their story.
VERDICT:
CAROLYN: “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” is a wonderful combination of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, with an amazing heroine and unique secondary characters. A new and refreshingly original world and a fantastic beginning to a new trilogy. I will definitely be continuing this series and wait with bated breath for the next instalment.
LAURA: “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” is a uniquely drawn novel, rich and creative. For me it’s pulled into two parts: before the doors to elsewhere close, and after. With second part of the novel by far having the grittier storyline. Marketed as a YA novel, I think this book would appeal to readers who normally only pick up adult novels too.
You can find out more about the author here:
Carolyn’s Reading Challenges
This book counts towards the following BCC Reading Challenges:
Laura’s Reading Challenges
This book counts towards the following BCC Reading Challenges:
GIVEAWAY
We have a gorgeous new UK hardback edition of “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” to giveaway! Just follow the instructions below!
GOOD LUCK! 
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20 Comments
This is fabulous thank you!!
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This joint review was awesome. And love the book itself.
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I'e read so many great reviews and I can't wait to read this. Thanks for this chance, girls. I really liked the joint review.
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I want this book so bad. I am a cover lover and as soon as I saw this book(us cover) I feel in love with it, now that I see the UK version I love that one even more. I have seen excerpts and reviews for this book and it looks great and would love to win and read this book. I love to read and always looking for new books and genres to read. I love YA novels, historical, and paranormal books. This looks like a great YA novel. I would love to win so please choose me for the giveaway.
Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
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Great post! Daughter of Smoke and Bone has an amazing story. I loved your reviews!!!
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Marybelle – You're very welcome – good luck!
Cassandra – Thanks so much, I'm glad you liked the joint review!
Ivana – I had read lots of really positive reviews too and am very pleased they turned out to be correct. It's a great read
Chrisbails – I like the covers too but I think I do prefer the UK edition. As for the giveaway, the winner is chosen at random but good luck!
Diana – Thanks, glad you liked our review – the story is amazing and I for one can't wait to read the second book
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I enjoyed your joint review, nice to have two opinions going. This book has a lot of buzz and is on my wish list. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jnmt3@hotmail.com
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I loved the joint review as it highlighted different aspects of the book that meant something to each of you. That said as you each loved it enough to give it 8/10 I think I will add it to my wishlist
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Really enjoyed the joined review. And since you both liked the book so much this one is really going on my wishlist.
Thanks for the giveaway
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I've seen this one around, but I don't know why, but I had my doubts until now, but you both convinced me
Now I'll have to get it 
So, thank you so much for the great review & for the opportunity to win!
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Oh My that UK cover is gorgeous!
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Great review! Thanks for the chance to win!
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This is a really neat way to post a review. I'd never thought of such a neat way to "discuss" a book!
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Thank you for the wonderful giveaway opportunity, I have been wanting to read this book for a very long time:)
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Rain Maiden – Thank you, glad you enjoyed it, it was fun to write. I think we will be doing more of these in the future
ilona – Definitely add this one to your wishlist, it is a great read. I'm glad the joint review showed different aspects about the book as that was our intention as, although we both thought it was 8/10, there were areas where we had slightly differing opinions
KimvA – You're welcome and good luck!
Aleksandra – Aw, thanks. I'm always a little dubious of books that get a lot of buzz as I don't want to be let down, but I felt as though this book deserved it
Teril – I agree! I like both covers but I do prefer the UK edition more.
Holly – Thanks and you're welcome. Good luck!
YzhaBella's Bookshelf – Thanks! We enjoyed writing it
Denise Z – You're welcome! It's a lovely book, so I hope you get to read it soon. Good luck in the giveaway!
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@marybelle thank you
@Cassandra I'm so glad you enjoyed it
@Ivana really glad you liked the joint review & best of luck!
@Chrisbails like Carolyn I think I prefer the UK cover & best of luck in the competition
@Diana thank you, I'm so pleased you liked our reviews
@Rain it was actually quite fun to review together. There is lots of buzz about this book & I'd recommend it
@Ilona it's the first time we've done a review together, so glad it worked for everyone!
@Kimva thank you! And I hope you enjoy the book as much as we did
@Aleksandra you're welcome! I often find I resist books with a lot of buzz on occasion, but this one is good. Good luck in the competition
@Teril I like the UK one best too
@Holly thank you & good luck x
@Yzhabella it's the first time we've reviewed a book like this although i've seen it on other blogs, so glad you like it
@Denise good luck & you're welcome
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You are so wonderful to make this international! *love your graphics by the way!*
Pabkins @ Mission to Read
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Pabkins – You're welcome! I like to offer as many giveaways as I can internationally, but sometimes it isn't possible if the publisher is sending direct. But I have this one on my desk waiting to go to it's new owner
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Everybody's raving about this one. I can't wait to read it. It just sounds so unique.
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Lovely review!
It's interesting to see the joint review, and get opinions from two people at once
I'm really hoping this book lives up to the hype, because it sounds great.
~Ailsa
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