Bright Smoke, Cold FireAuthor: Rosamund Hodge
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 448
Source: Publisher
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. . . .
What a crazy unique book! Rosamund Hodge is a must-read author for me. She always writes twisted and imaginative stories! Bright Smoke, Cold Fire is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, but it is definitely its own thing.
I would say this is Hodge’s darkest book yet, and I’m totally okay with that. In fact, that’s something I love about it. I mean, c’mon, there’s necromancers, magic, human sacrifices, and vengeance! Swoon.
Seriously, though, it can be pretty brutal in this world. I found the whole mythology dealing with Death and the dead really interesting. I love how it’s told mostly from Paris and Runajo’s perspective, leaving Romeo and Juliet as vital secondary characters. The twists on these characters is really creative. This is one Juliet not to be trifled with.
There were some parts that felt a little slow, but the action, suspense, and dash of humor totally made up for it. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger, though. I assumed it would be a standalone like the rest of her books, but it seems it will be a duology. Wha-wha.
Overall, I enjoyed this twisted dark tale, and look forward to what’s coming next.
Crud a duology, I would have liked standalone. I have not tired this author. Where should I start? I do like the dark aspect.
Cruel Beauty is my favorite, so I vote you start there.
I’m so intrigued by this one Christy! I didn’t know it was going to be a duology though, so I’m going to wait and see how book two is received before I dive in. I need my books/series to end well, and given how good she is at dark, it’s highly probable that bad, bad things could happen and I won’t be able to deal with them 😉
I don’t know what to think of this one, but I have struggled a bit with this author. I want to read it but I don’t! ARGH what to do.
I still really need to read something by this author, but I love the idea of a Romeo and Juliet re-telling of sorts where they are secondary characters. And I’m all dark reads!
-Lauren
I’m not a fan of cliffhangers at all.
I agree, I love how crazy dark it was and the twist on the characters was fabulous.
Ohh such a cool cover
Ooh human sacrifices lol. I knew that cover had a cultist type feel , with all those people in white standing around. 🙂 I originally thought this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling- yawn- but it sounds like a lot more than that. Nice review, I’ll have to pick this one up.
A twisted, dark tale sounds good!! I haven’t read this author yet but maybe I should get on it. Boo for slow and cliffhangers though.
I heard that this was Dark and twisted and I am okay with that, the whole undead thing is curious to me with this retelling its very different
I’m glad you enjoyed this one more than I did. I cannot tell you why I didn’t like it more. I have a feeling it was just the wrong time for me to read it or something…. because I agree with what you have said here. I do think it was totally me. 🙂 Brilly review.
I got a galley for this one but I had a hard time getting into it. I’ve read Rosamund Hodge before so I think I’ll get the audiobook instead 🙂
I like how this is inspired by Romeo & Juliet, but…gah…cliffhanger!
Would you believe me if I told you I haven’t read Rosalind Hodge yet? It’s true! And I don’t know why, as it seems like I would really enjoy her writing. I love Romeo and Juliet, but I’m not sure a re-telling would work 100% for me… I will wait and see.
Have a wonderful weekend and happy reading.
Thanks for the heads up on the duology!!! I CAN do those, especially if I know going in. Since you totally approve this one and I already love this author, it’s a totally done deal. Before I read your review, I kind of had this on the back burner, just hoping to get to it. It’s going up the pile to the top. Your review made the synopsis make sense 🙂
necromancers! I did not know this. This makes me pretty excited for it.
Argh! Cliffhanger! It’s frustrating, but it’s so good that you enjoyed this so much. I know you love dark and gritty!
I like most of the reviews I have been reading for this book. Thanks for sharing yours. 🙂
I’m glad you were able to enjoy this one! The title and cover always intrigued me. But a cliffie?! Ahh! I’ll wait for the next book. Great review!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
Hodge is definitely a must-read author for me, as well. I just love her unique way of storytelling. I’m itching to get my hands on this one.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by Rosamund Hodge, but it this book definitely sounds up my alley! I’m on a mystery run right now, but am hoping to dive into some good fantasy or magic related books soon.
I’ve seen half and half on this one. It does sound interesting though. Maybe maybe. I have got to start reading faster!
You know I love dark. I haven’t even heard of this one before. Interesting….
This was a bit of mix read for me. I loved the idea and the humour was great, but agree some parts were a bit too draggy. Hope you enjoy the next book, too!