Around the world, black handprints 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 grown 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’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands”; 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.
When one of the strangers–beautiful, haunted Akiva–fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
Woooeey. If you need a vacation from reality, this is the book that will haul you inside its pages and make you live inside its story! Laini Taylor created a world like you’ve never imagined. Seriously, I would love to get a glimpse inside this woman’s mind. How she came up with this stuff is beyond me. It’s incredible. I loved it!
This is among one of the best written books I’ve read this year, if not ever. The creative aspect is beyond amazing. I was enthralled by every detail. The wonderful surrounding with extraordinary characters all come to life before your eyes and it’s so… ugh… I can’t even put it in words. So let’s just say that it’s outstanding!
I’ll be totally honest and say that I picked this up because of the hype alone. I had read the blurb, but that only gave me a very vague idea what the book was about – basically that it was strange and it involved monsters. So I had no idea what to expect, plot-wise. My thoughts now: it was brilliant. It has this gothic/fantasy feel with a sweet romance and yes, monsters. The politics of the world can get a little complicated; some passages I had to re-read because there are several worlds, species, and myths to take in, but I got the gist of it and even if you don’t catch it all, it’ll make sense once you get passed a certain point.
The mystery behind Karou and Brimstone is really interesting. I would have never guessed what he used the teeth for and who Karou is. I couldn’t even come up with any theories that made any sort of sense. So I didn’t bother trying and just let the story unfold and overcome me. The romance plays a good part in this novel as well. It’s very sweet and tragic. I loved Akiva’s devotion and Karou’s stubbornness.
So yeah… get this book! It deserve each and every 5 star rating that it has been getting. You haven’t read anything quite like this before, I can promise you that!
an angel and a devil fell in love.
It did not end well.
5/5 hot espressos |
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Nicole
Great review!! I so agree. The whole thing was so intricate and beautiful. Definitely one of the best books of the year.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh no… the pressure of a 5 star rating… 🙂
I’m about to be pressured… it’s coming up on my tbr review pile! It does look like I’m going to enjoy this one. Even the parts that didn’t quite capture you with sense seemed to not make much of a difference. Sounds good to me! But then I rarely make sense. 😉
Giselle
Haha Melissa! It’s not that it didn’t make sense. It was just a lot to take in. Lots of different specie names and lords etc. It can get a bit confusing but it isn’t so bad once you keep reading.
Mocha ღ Latte
Excellent review, Giselle. I’m so happy to see that you enjoyed it too! And don’t feel like an outcast!
Fireflywishes
Love your review! I’m going to have to take a closer look at this and maybe pick it up.. the blurb didn’t really sound that enticing, but your review makes me think there is much more to it than the blurb gives it credit for!
April @ My Shelf Confessions
Alwyn
Oh man,It was the same with me! I knew nothing plotwise. “Once upon a time an angel and Devil fell in love. It did not end well.” Was quite literally the full extent of what I knew about this book when I started it. Within a few pages I was beginning to suspect it might be pure awesome and a few pages after that I was shouting at my flatmate about inessential Penises. Love love loved this basically! So glad it got 5 hot espressos! 🙂
Giselle
Oh April I suggest you give it a try. Borrow it if you must. I wasn’t that enchanted by the blurb either but it’s amazing!
And that’s for all the lovely comments!
celine.olivia
Great review! Now I really can’t wait to read this!
http://forget8me8not.blogspot.com
Book Sake
Woohoo – one of the best of the year. I knew there was a reason I’ve been dying to read this one. I’m in it for the gothic fantasy & monsters! And the blue hair.
Rachel
You know….I had this is my hand the other week at the book shop and then decided not to get it. Even though I’m dying to read it and heard such great things (trying to save some money) and now you review makes me really wish I had bought it!
Andrea
I love that you felt so enthusiastically about this book. I did too! Great review!
Cristina
This is my favorite book this year… possibly ever. She’s deinitely my favorite author.. I just adore her stories, and her writing… sigh.. she’s awesome!
piscesmuse
I can’t wait to read this one. I get all happy squeely whenever I see another 5star rating for this book!
fishgirl182
i am dying to read this one! thanks for the review.
NoraBell
Fantastic review! I got this book recently from the publisher and I haven’t had a chance to read it… This review sounds amazing! I may just have to get reading! 😛
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Have a great week!
Nora, The Bookery
Fran
Awesome review!! I must admit the hype is one of the main reasons I want to read this book too:D
Aeicha @ Word Spelunking
Great review! I agree 100%!
This is one of those books that just grips you and refuses to let go.
Here’s my Review if you’re interested 🙂
Jude Henderson
Wow, guess I need to read this book ASAP. I’ll definitely take it from my shelf soon. Great review 🙂
hmb1223
I have been wanting to read this book for awhile now. I just haven’t came around to it yet. Reading your review has pushed it up on my must reads list.
Kelly
Great review. I agree with every word. I’ve been in an Akiva-filled daze since I read this in January and have finally picked it up for a re-read before Days Of Blood And Starlight.
Laini Taylor has hypnotized me with her writing and killed me with her cliffhanger-tastic ending.