"Daughter of Smoke and Bone" by Laini Taylor is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that explores the boundaries of love, identity, and destiny. The story follows Karou, a blue-haired art student living in Prague, who harbors a secret life as the errand-runner for a family of chimaera, creatures from another world who raise her in the lore and magic of their realm. Taylor's lush and imaginative prose paints a vivid picture of a world where wishes are currency, and the border between life and death is as thin as a razor's edge. Karou's journey takes a dramatic turn when she meets Akiva, an angelic seraphim from a rival world, and the two discover a shared and tragic past that spans centuries. As Karou and Akiva's relationship deepens, they must navigate the treacherous waters of their respective worlds, where war and prejudice threaten to tear them apart. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of good and evil, the consequences of violence, and the power of forgiveness. Taylor's world-building is exceptional, and she seamlessly blends elements of mythology, folklore, and history to create a rich and immersive universe. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the romantic tension between Karou and Akiva is palpable. "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance alike. Its intricate plot and complex themes make it a standout in the young adult genre, and its cliffhanger ending will leave readers eagerly awaiting the sequel. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and exciting take on the fantasy genre.
Holly Black
The Darkest Part of the Forest
If you enjoyed the dark, atmospheric setting of 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', you'll love 'The Darkest Part of the Forest'. This standalone novel follows two siblings who discover a horned boy sleeping in a glass coffin in the woods near their town, and the dangerous secrets that lie hidden in the forest.
Learn MoreR.F. Kuang
The Poppy War
If you're looking for a dark, gritty fantasy with a strong female protagonist, check out 'The Poppy War'. This debut novel follows a war orphan who is accepted into a prestigious military academy and becomes embroiled in a brutal war against an enemy nation.
Learn MoreHelene Wecker
The Golem and the Jinni
If you enjoyed the mythological elements of 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', you'll love 'The Golem and the Jinni'. This standalone novel follows a golem and a jinni who are both trapped in human form and must navigate the dangerous streets of early 20th century New York City.
Learn MoreRick Riordan
The Serpent's Shadow
If you enjoyed the mythological elements of 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone', you'll love 'The Serpent's Shadow', the final book in Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles series. This novel follows two siblings who must defeat an evil serpent god and save the world from destruction.
Learn MoreLaura Ruby
The Shadow Cipher
If you're looking for a fantasy series with a strong female protagonist and a creative, steampunk-inspired world, check out The Shadow Cipher. This novel follows a group of orphans who must solve a series of clues to unlock a mysterious cipher and save their home from destruction.
Learn More