One-line Summary:

In “Daughter of Smoke & Bone,” a young art student named Karou discovers a hidden world of angels and demons, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love.

The Mysterious Life of Karou:

Karou, a seventeen-year-old art student living in Prague, seems like an ordinary girl on the surface. However, she leads a double life, running errands for Brimstone, a chimaera who collects teeth. Karou’s unique appearance, with her blue hair and tattoos, sets her apart from others. She possesses a sketchbook filled with drawings of fantastical creatures, which she believes are figments of her imagination. As Karou navigates her daily life, she yearns to uncover the truth about her origins and the purpose of her mysterious tasks.

An Unexpected Encounter:

When black handprints mysteriously appear on portals around the world, Karou’s life takes a dramatic turn. She encounters an angel named Akiva, who is drawn to her and seems to recognize her. As their paths intertwine, Karou discovers the truth about her past and the existence of a centuries-old war between angels and chimaera. Akiva and Karou’s forbidden love becomes a central theme, as they struggle to reconcile their differences and the history of their warring species.

A Journey of Self-Discovery:

Karou embarks on a journey to find Brimstone, her chimaera guardian, who has been captured by Akiva’s angelic brethren. Along the way, she learns about her true identity as Madrigal, a chimaera who fell in love with Akiva during a time of peace. Through a series of flashbacks, the story delves into Madrigal’s past and her involvement in the tragic events that led to the ongoing conflict between angels and chimaera.

As Karou uncovers the secrets of her past, she grapples with her own role in the war and the choices she must make to protect those she loves. The story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Karou’s journey of self-discovery forces her to confront her own prejudices and question the narratives she has been told.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of love and forgiveness: Despite the deep-rooted animosity between angels and chimaera, Karou and Akiva’s love challenges the boundaries of their respective worlds.
• The complexity of identity: Karou’s journey forces her to confront her own preconceptions and question the narratives she has been told, ultimately leading her to embrace her true self.
• The consequences of war: The story highlights the devastating impact of war on individuals, communities, and the world at large.

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.” – Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke & Bone

In “Daughter of Smoke & Bone,” Laini Taylor weaves a captivating tale of love, identity, and the consequences of war. Through Karou’s journey of self-discovery, readers are transported to a world where angels and chimaera exist, challenging the notions of good and evil. The story’s exploration of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of identity make it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and romance.