Title: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire Author: Rosamund Hodge Rating: 4/5 stars Genre: YA Fantasy Publisher: Balzer + Bray Publication Date: September 27th 2016 How Did I Get This Book: ARC from a swap with another blogger Format: ARC Paperback Why Did I Read This Book: Romeo and Juliette retelling with a magical twist? I became obsessed when I first heard of this book months ago! Review Written By: Lisa Golding // City of YA Books |
Synopsis
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.
Review
Now onto the book! This is a Romeo and Juliette retelling so I’m not going to barrage you with plot details, I’m pretty sure the plot details are public knowledge at this point. What I will say is that this book is similar yet plot points happen in a jumbled kind of way via flashbacks ect, and it works super well!
This book is brilliant, the fantasy world is rich and well created. Juliette is an all-powerful being who sees criminals and deals justice (I really don’t think I’m justifying this). There is Necromancers, mystery, and the familiarity of a timeless love story. Yet, the plot doesn’t revolve entirely around the romance.
Overall this book is compelling and it drew me right in. If you like YA fantasy or Romeo and Juliette you will like this book! I was drawn right in and adored it.