Daughter of Smoke & Bone

by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke & Bone cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 10100
  • Added: 2026-01-15
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9780316192149
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-27
  • Reviews: 4

The first book in Laini Taylor's New York Times bestselling epic fantasy trilogy introduces readers to a world filled with mystery and danger. Black handprints are appearing on doorways around the globe, left by winged strangers who have slipped through a tear in the sky. Meanwhile, in Prague, Karou, a young art student with bright blue hair that grows naturally, leads a life shrouded in secrets. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters, speaks multiple languages, and frequently disappears on cryptic errands. Her world is upended when she meets Akiva, a beautiful and haunted stranger, whose presence ignites a chain of events that will reveal the truth about Karou's past and her role in a brutal otherworldly war. As Karou delves deeper into her mysterious origins, she uncovers a violent history that binds her to Akiva in ways she never imagined. Their star-crossed love story is fraught with danger and secrets, and Karou must confront the truth about herself and the war that threatens to consume her. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, Daughter of Smoke & Bone is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that will leave readers eager for more.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2022-07-01
excellent 4.50

The book is beautifully written and evocative, making it a memorable read. The reviewer loved the first book and found it to be remarkably well-crafted.

This Reddit discussion highlights the reviewer's deep appreciation for 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone'. They describe the book as beautifully written and evocative, which is not something they usually say about books. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the first book is evident, and they found it to be remarkably well-crafted. The discussion suggests that the book has a significant impact on readers, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely loved the first book.

    It was beautifully written and evocative, and I don't usually describe books that way.

    I wouldn't have expected to enjoy it as much as I did.

Luke Harkness · 2021-11-14
great 4.75

The book is loved for its intelligent plot and genuinely likeable characters, leaving the reviewer excited for more.

This reviewer expresses a deep affection for 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone', praising its intelligent plot and the likeable characters that bring the story to life. They mention how the book's quality makes them eager to dive into the next installments. The reviewer's enthusiasm is palpable, indicating that the book is a standout in their reading experience. They highlight the book's ability to captivate and engage, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    I loved Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

    The plot was intelligent, the characters were genuinely likeable and I'm excited to jump into ...

    The book's quality makes them eager to dive into the next installments.

Geeky Mythology · 2019-02-15
excellent 4.00

The book is fascinating and well-presented, with a unique and engaging narrative structure. The reviewer found the story to be captivating and enjoyable.

This review from Geeky Mythology praises 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone' for its fascinating narrative structure and engaging presentation. The reviewer found the way the chapters were presented to be unique and captivating, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book. The story's ability to hold the reader's attention is highlighted, making it a compelling read. The reviewer's positive experience with the book is evident, and they clearly appreciated the author's creative approach.

Quick quotes

    It was fascinating – the way the chapters were presented felt like it was the ...

    The plot was intelligent, the characters were genuinely likeable

    I loved Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

Goodreads · 2011-09-27
excellent 4.00

The book successfully achieves what other similar series have failed to do, with finesse and excellence. The characters and plot are engaging and well-crafted.

This review highlights how 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone' excels where other books in the same genre have fallen short. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a compelling narrative with well-developed characters and an engaging plot. They appreciate the finesse with which the story is told, making it a standout in the genre. The book's ability to captivate readers is a testament to its quality, and the reviewer clearly enjoyed the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    This book is everything Lauren Kate tried to do in her Fallen series, and failed.

    Laini Taylor, however, pulled it off with such a finesse and ...

    The plot was intelligent, the characters were genuinely likeable

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