Friday, September 23, 2016

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Series: #1
448 p.
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: Sept. 27, 16
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review
When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched. 
The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die. 
Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan. 
Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara. 
Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . .
My thoughts:

 I loved this author's other retellings and seeing the creepy cover I jumped at reading this book. While I did like the dark world she built here and it did engage me, it just fell a bit flat for me. I don't think this will be how everyone will experience this book but, in my case, it happened this way for me. I think that it was because it was a retelling of such an iconic and famous play and I have a feeling I would see it differently if it wasn't a retelling. This usually doesn't bother me and I've read other retellings of Romeo and Juliet and it didn't bother me, but for some reason I think it got in my way here. Perhaps it is because the world is SO different and I would have enjoyed it if it was labeled more as an original story.

This is also a very dark story. VERY dark. In fact there was no HEAs in this book. Now it is possible it may end in an HEA (I believe this is supposed to be a duology) but this book does not give you that happy feeling at the end. In fact the foreboding is for more darkness and pain emotionally and physically.

While this book may not have totally captured me in full, I still have enjoyed it enough and it has made me so curious as to what will happen next. How will they resolve things? How are all the players in this twisted dark play going to come together? Will there be no HEA or a final resolution in the end? While I realize this sounds like it ends in a huge cliffie, it does not, but it does not feel complete. I must know where this story will take me.

I give this book 3 stars. While I didn't love everything about this book the darkness really did capture my attention and curiosity. I really need to know if things will come to the light or wither in darkness.

26 comments:

  1. It's definitely unique. I iked it, especially how dark it is. But omg, I hate going into a book thinking it's a standalone, only to get to the end and find out the story isn't finished. Sigh.

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    1. I think I'm used to that anymore. I'm usually surprised now when I find a standalone. :)

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  2. Sorry this felt a bit flat to you, it was a bit different from her other stuff and while dark it didn't quite have the same feel so I get it. ;) Wonderful review!

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    1. I don't really know why. I'm only guessing as to the reason. Still, I will continue and perhaps it will be made clear in time. :)

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  3. I find this author hit or miss. I liked her first book well enough but then the couple I read after just did not grab me. I have given up on her, and I am glad I did after reading your review. I am not up for very dark right now.

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    1. Aw too bad. I think I'll still try her other books (I'm behind). Yea, this one probably isn't for you right now. :( ((HUGS))

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  4. I think a lot of readers have expressed similar sentiments where this book has not impressed them much. I think I'll wait for the sequel before diving into this since the darkness seems excessive and not quite what I need at this moment. Thanks for such an honest and helpful review, Melissa!

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    1. It made me curious enough to at least try the second one. :)

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  5. Ah yes I heard about this one but haven't read it I didn't realize hat it was this author in fact lol. SOrry you didn't like all the aspects of the novel

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    1. It wasn't as much as didn't like it as it was it just didn't quite capture me like her other work. Might be the comparison to her other work that got me in the end.

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  6. It sounds interesting but I think with all your issues probably not one for me especially with the cliffie. Thanks for the heads up!

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  7. I do like retellings and the darker the better!. I have not tried this author. What book do you recommend?

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    1. Cruel Beauty was good. I have yet to read Crimson Bound (which was the #2 book in that series).

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  8. I was looking forward to picking up a copy this week, but you mentioned how dark it is and I tremble. Lol. Bah. Off my list it goes!

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    1. Yea, if you don't like dark, then this one isn't for you. :) It might lighten in the next one. I think it has to in some ways.

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  9. Well, this sounds very unique. I love to read something different. Too bad it's only 3 stars, but I still want to try it.

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    1. Oh you may have a totally different experience with it than I have... so go for it! :)

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  10. I loved Cruel Beauty but this one didn't live up to my expectations. Is it only a duology? I feel like I need more story than just two books. Oh well!

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    1. I think it is a duology. In this case I do think that is good since I now expect my questions to be answered. :)

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  11. I've read mixed reviews about this one. I hope it is a duology, because it sounds a little disappointing that there was no HEA. I think I'd enjoy the darkness of it.

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    1. I'm pretty sure it is a duology. I'm hoping for the HEA to be in the next one. :)

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