Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1)

by Laini Taylor

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.

Reviewed by Beth C. on

3 of 5 stars

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After reading Taylor's newest, Strange the Dreamer, I was curious to try this series. I had avoided it in the past, as I generally find stuff that everyone is raving about to end up being somewhat disappointing. I will say that, while this book is enjoyable - and I will probably pick up the sequel - Strange the Dreamer is by far superior.

However, overall, the writing style is enjoyable and the characters - while a bit annoying at times in their young-adultiness - are done well. I am curious to see where the story goes from here, though whether or not I get around to it will be dependent upon what other intriguing books I have to read :)

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  • Started reading
  • 18 April, 2017: Finished reading
  • 18 April, 2017: Reviewed