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Book Review: Daughter of Smoke & Bone – Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
My Rating:

Summary:

Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she speaks many languages – not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.
From master storyteller and National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor comes a sweeping and gorgeously written modern fantasy about a forbidden love, an ancient and epic battle, and hope for a world remade.

 
First Sentence: Walking to school over the snow-muffled cobbles, Karou had no sinister premonitions about the day.

My Review:

It all started with the hype. Everyone who had read Daughter of Smoke & Bone was going around praising it, worshiping the air Laini Taylor walked on, and urging everyone to get their hands on it and read it. I resisted – until the Days of Blood & Starlight came out and I fell in love with its beautiful cover. Before I can actually read Days of Blood & Starlight, though, I actually had to read Daughter of Smoke & Bone first.

The first thing I have to say about Daughter of Smoke & Bone is that Laini Taylor’s writing is just so unique. Upon reading the first paragraph of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone, I could already tell that Laini Taylor’s writing is different from all the other authors that I’ve read before. Her writing is detailed, but not that detailed. It’s long, but doesn’t have any run-ons. Her descriptions are sometimes weird – but it works. Laini Taylor’s writing is simply unique.

I’m quite sad to give The Daughter of Smoke & Bone 3.5 stars instead of a full 5 stars, but I have my reasons. My one and main reason is that the first two-thirds of Daughter of Smoke & Bone were just okay. It didn’t grab my attention and truly make me feel for the characters, I was just going along with the story. However, at the last one-third of the book when everything was finally revealed, I had so many feelings. (I never thought that I’ll actually write that.) I literally didn’t want to let the book go.

My one other complaint on The Daughter of Smoke & Bone is how Laini Taylor dragged things on long after I figured out a majority of things. I knew who Karou was once a certain event was revealed, and I had to read at least another hundred pages more to find out that I was right. I knew what Akiva had done, but had to read another two hundred to three hundred pages until it was finally revealed.

I feel that the Daughter of Smoke & Bone didn’t really start until page 57. Before page 57, there were just lots of backstory on Karou, her life, what she went through, and what she could do. It was when I finally reached page 57 that I finally met the other main character that plays a major role in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone. As soon as I got to page 57, I squealed in happiness because I could tell that finally the book would start for real instead of just giving us the backstory.

I want to bow down to Brimstone. At first, I hated that chimaera. He was moody, rude, and impolite. He was simply a beast in my eyes. However, after finding out what he did way later on in the book, let’s just say that I fell in love with him and his ways. Too bad there isn’t a Brimstone in real life. (If there was a Brimstone in real life, I’ll probably run far far away from him anyway because of how he looks.)

One thing I didn’t get is why are the chimaeras called the “devils” in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone? Sure, they are “monsters” since they have a mix of human and animal body parts, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the devil. I’m still waiting on that explanation.

Overall, I did somewhat enjoy the Daughter of Smoke & Bone, especially once I reached two-thirds into it. I am going to read the sequel sometime soon and fond over that cover. It is simply gorgeous. As for if the Daughter of Smoke & Bone deserves the hype or not? I’ll say it deserves it since Laini Taylor’s writing is just beautiful.

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 2-06-13 · 49 Comments
Categories: 2011 book, book review Tagged: 3.5 star

« Waiting On Wednesday [17]
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Speak Your Mind

  1. kimberly says

    2-06-13 at 6:31 PM

    Glad you liked it :). I am hoppeing to get a copy and read it either this week or next.
    Also thanks for the heads up about the first 57 pages being backstory. If I started the book and didn’t know that, I think I would have quit around page 40.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:17 PM

      I hope you enjoy this one Kimberly! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  2. The Twins Read says

    2-07-13 at 12:31 AM

    Glad to know you like this. I love Laini Taylor’s lyrical prose, it makes Daughter of Smoke and Bone such a magical read. I haven’t started on the second book but I hope to soon. I’m definitely interested to see your take on it. :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:20 PM

      I think you’ll love the second book. It’s amazing. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Taylor McBroom says

    2-07-13 at 8:00 PM

    I’ve not read this one, but your description of Laini Taylor’s writing intrigues me. I might have to finally give in to the hype!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:20 PM

      Yes, give in to the hype Taylor! I think you’ll enjoy this one. :D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  4. nurmawati djuhawan says

    2-20-13 at 1:10 AM

    this is a very good book…4 stars from me :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:21 PM

      I’m glad you loved this one Nurmawati! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Charlie @ ReadingToTheStarsAndBack says

    3-09-13 at 12:40 PM

    I recently got the second book out from the library and I’m really looking forward to reading it! I can remember reading The Daughter of Smoke and Bone and thinking it was AWESOME although feeling freaked out at times. Although, i read it before i started reviewing books so i can’t read my own review :( Anyway, i enjoyed your thoughts on The Daughter ….(you know what, that title is way to long to type can I be lazy and just put TDOSAB? Thanks! I will!) I enjoyed your thoughts on TDOSAB and have now made me want to read the second book even more now! Stop messing up my TBR pile!

    Star

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:23 PM

      LOL, I’m glad to mess up your TBR pile Charlie! ;D
      I mean, you just HAVE TO make room for more awesome books. :P
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Jules says

    3-24-13 at 11:02 AM

    Nice review.Though, I’m still kinda interested in reading it. I love how you said how unique the writing was, totally convinced me that I needed to read this myself :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:30 PM

      When you read this, you’ll definitely notice how unique Laini Taylor’s writing is Jules. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Ashfa says

    5-19-13 at 6:33 AM

    I haven’t started on this book yer even though I have it. Looks amazing!! Love the cover and the concept is just so unique!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-19-13 at 3:57 PM

      Yep, Daughter of Smoke & Bone is definitely unique. (:
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: Do You Have A Book Buying Problem?My Profile

      Reply
  8. Reem @ I Read And Tell says

    7-01-13 at 12:14 PM

    Great review! Although Smoke and Bone was a 5 star read for me, I agree with the points you made here. The first half of the story was “okay”, but I don’t know, I guess I was too enchanted with Laini’s writing to notice?

    and about the chimaera thing, I believe Brimstone said something about why humans perceive chimaera as the devils, and seraph as angels? Something to do with religion? Can’t remember.
    Reem @ I Read And Tell recently posted…Blogging Advice From A Newbie To A NewbieMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-01-13 at 9:44 PM

      Thanks! :D
      I was enchanted with Laini Taylor’s writing too, but I also need a strong beginning to immediately capture my attention too, if you know what I mean.
      He did mention that? I guess I’ll have to pay more attention to that when I re-read Daughter of Smoke & Bone in the future.
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 1 – Class Orientation + Teaser TidbitsMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Ashfa says

    7-02-13 at 11:43 AM

    This book was just great. I was not too sure about this book when I got it but it was just so fantastic!! Loved everything about it.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-02-13 at 12:41 PM

      I felt exactly like you Ashfa – I was iffy about it at first because of all the hype, but I ended up loving it. I’m glad you felt the same way! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Most Intimidating BooksMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Maida @ Literary Love Affair says

    7-02-13 at 2:53 PM

    Glad you enjoyed this! I am very excited to read this and I can’t wait to experience Laini Taylor’s writing and meet the characters! :D

    Great review!

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 
    Maida @ Literary Love Affair recently posted…Blog Tour: Tragic by J.A. Huss – Excerpt & GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-02-13 at 5:09 PM

      You’ll be sure to love this book Maida! :D
      Thanks!
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Most Intimidating BooksMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Najwa Shufia says

    7-04-13 at 11:26 PM

    You’re right, the writing is unique. At first I didn’t really enjoy this book, but as the story goes on I can enjoy it.
    Najwa Shufia recently posted…Another Giveaway by @CafebiblioartMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-05-13 at 8:48 PM

      That’s the same as me Najwa – the book got better as I read on.
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 5 – Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On + Cover Title ScrambleMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Vivien says

    7-10-13 at 8:00 PM

    I just adore Laini’s writing style. It’s so unique and I’ve just loved every book of hers that I’ve read. I cannot wait to read book 2! This felt like a YA version similar to her Blackbringer series.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 8:03 PM

      Book 2 – Days of Blood & Starlight – is already out Vivien. Well, in the US at least. o:
      And mhm, her writing style is just so unique!
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Rachel says

    7-11-13 at 10:27 PM

    I’m still not sure if I am interested in this series or not. Neither the cover nor the description appeal to me, and especially after reading how long it takes for the story to really start, that makes me want to read it even less. Great review!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-12-13 at 8:59 PM

      Aww. I understand what you mean Rachel. :l
      I still like this series though. Maybe you can just read the first chapter and see if it grabs your attention from there? o:
      Kelly recently posted…Let’s Speculate: How Setting Causes A Reading SlumpMy Profile

      Reply
  14. Diana Dimovska says

    8-05-13 at 6:59 PM

    I absolutely loved this book! Just amazing, something new & fresh, not the everyday vampire/zombie stuff…

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-05-13 at 8:31 PM

      I know! I mean, it’s a totally unique version of angel vs. devils. :D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Road Trip Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  15. Karin says

    8-16-13 at 6:59 PM

    I liked this book,but I didn’t love it!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-17-13 at 11:04 AM

      Yeah, I liked this book well enough too, but I didn’t LOVE it. However, I definitely fell in love with the next book, Days of Blood & Starlight. Maybe you would too. (:
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]My Profile

      Reply
  16. Fatma Shahin says

    8-18-13 at 8:20 AM

    cannot wait to read this book! the concept is so intriguing and ive so many interesting reviews on it, cant wait to get my hands on it ;D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-18-13 at 8:24 PM

      I think you’ll love this one Fatma. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…The Last Hurrah Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Alex U. says

    8-18-13 at 3:33 PM

    Thanks for the review, this book is on my list and I’ve heard good things about it. I’ll have to read it and see if the slow beginning bothers me :) It sounds interesting enough though!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-18-13 at 8:25 PM

      The slow beginning is worth getting through just to get to the end Alex.
      I hope you’ll enjoy this one!
      Kelly recently posted…The Last Hurrah Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Cali W. says

    8-20-13 at 3:00 PM

    Cool review!! I haven’t read the second book of this and I thought this one was really good and unique. <3

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-20-13 at 7:41 PM

      You MUST read the second book NOW Cali! It’s even better than this one! ;D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger EasierMy Profile

      Reply
  19. casey says

    9-24-13 at 5:54 AM

    I absolutely loved this book! the first chapters were weird but then the ending. gaah Loved it.
    casey recently posted…I MOVED!My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-25-13 at 12:54 PM

      I know! It took me a long time to get into the book, but when I finally got into it, The Daughter of Smoke & Bone was AMAZING.
      Kelly recently posted…Teen Thrill Book SigningMy Profile

      Reply
  20. Zandalee says

    9-29-13 at 4:32 PM

    This review is spot on to what I was thinking. I tend to pick up on things quite quickly and it took longer than most books to have everything revealed. I did really like the second half of the book. Once it picked up, I didn’t want to put it down. Great review!
    Zandalee recently posted…Cover Reveal~ Far Too Tempting by Lauren BlakelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-29-13 at 5:12 PM

      Have you read Days of Blood & Starlight yet Zandalee? It’s even better than Daughter of Smoke & Bone! :D
      Thanks Zandalee! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing GameMy Profile

      Reply
  21. HIllary R. says

    10-04-13 at 6:41 PM

    Oh my gosh! I need to read this book so bad! I keep hearing about it all the time and it’s been a while since it was released. And the third book is going to come out next year and I haven’t even started the series. I hope I can join the bandwagon for this one soon :3

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-05-13 at 6:04 PM

      It’s been out for more than awhile. I think that means you should read it now. -hint hint, nudge nudge-
      I hope you’ll love this one too Hillary! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]My Profile

      Reply
  22. Frannie Panglossa says

    10-07-13 at 6:34 PM

    This book seems so much interesting, I can’t wait to read it! It reminds me of Carnival, I don’t know why exactly! :P

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-07-13 at 8:57 PM

      Carnival of Souls? I never read that book before, so I can’t tell you if Daughter of Smoke & Bone is like that one. :P
      But I’m sure you’ll LOVE Daughter of Smoke & Bone! ;D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: Just One Day – Gayle FormanMy Profile

      Reply
  23. sarah c. says

    10-09-13 at 2:35 PM

    I have heard so so many things about this book..i yet to get it to read due to my budget…but i will get to it eventually..I didnt know it has a chimaera in it!!!! im even more interested in this book!!!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-12-13 at 1:44 PM

      Why not borrow it from the library Sarah? I mean, Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone is TOO good not to read.
      Ha ha, chimaeras are the “devil” in this series while the angels are the angels.
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]My Profile

      Reply
  24. Ashleigh Swerdfeger says

    10-27-13 at 6:39 AM

    I am definitely interested to just read this for the writing style. It sounds so unique :) The plot seems pretty good too.
    Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…MiscarriageMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Dhaifullah says

    12-08-13 at 9:58 AM

    Thank you for the review , i cant wait to read it

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Monthly Wrap Up: February 2013 says:
    4-10-13 at 5:25 PM

    […] Moonlight Masquerade by Jude Deveraux (Rating: 2.0/5.0) 2. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (Rating: 3.5/5.0) 3. Robin in the Hood by Diane J. Reed (Rating: 3.0/5.0) 4. Heist […]

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