Review: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Published September 27th 2016

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. . .

I absolutely loved Cruel Beauty and I really enjoyed Crimson Bound so I was super excited for Bright Smoke, Cold Fire. The synopsis sounded amazing and I love the cover so much. However, this book just wasn’t what I was expecting.

This book is very complex. Too complex, maybe. I had a hard time following the story and I felt like nothing made sense. I would reread parts two or three times but it just wasn’t making sense to me. I felt lost for most of the book and I wasn’t able to fully enjoy it because of that.
I didn’t really like any of the characters, especially Paris. I warmed up to a few of the others but I never fell in love with them.

I do love how creative and unique this book is though. I loved that aspect of it.

Overall, this book just wasn’t what I was expecting. I was confused and I didn’t like the characters. I didn’t hate this book but I think it could have been a lot better.