Review: Stars and Smoke (Stars and Smoke #1) by Marie Lu

*I received a copy of this book from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

Stars and Smoke

(Stars and Smoke #1)

by Marie Lu

March 28, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

This smoldering enemies-to-lovers novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu puts a superstar global phenomenon and a hotshot young spy on a collision course with danger – and Cupid’s arrow – in an electric new series perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Ally Carter.

Meet Winter Young – International pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill. His star power has smashed records, selling out stadiums from LA to London. His rabid fans would move heaven and earth for even a glimpse of him – just imagine what they’d do to become his latest fling.

Meet Sydney Cossette – Part of an elite covert ops group, Sydney joined their ranks as their youngest spy with plans to become the best agent they’ve ever had. An ice queen with moves as dangerous as her comebacks, Sydney picks up languages just as quickly as she breaks hearts. She's fiery, no-nonsense, and has zero time for romance – especially with a shameless flirt more used to serving sass than taking orders.

When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday, Sydney and Winter's lives suddenly collide. Tasked with infiltrating the crime organization’s inner circle, Sydney is assigned as Winter's bodyguard with Winter tapped to join her on the mission of a lifetime as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person alive impervious to Winter's charms, but as their mission brings them closer, she’s forced to admit that there's more to Winter Young than just a handsome face . . .

Review

I had some hesitations picking up Stars and Smoke because of the young-looking cover art. It turned out to be an intense but lively story full of action and reflexes. I had a real fun time reading it~

Well-paced, Stars and Smoke kept me in suspense for the majority of the story. The action sequences whirled by while the characters were given ample time to ruminate on their problems and past. I worked right alongside Sydney and Winter to gather evidence, connect the dots and expose the villain. Even though I was able to guess the major twist, Stars and Smoke's movie-like plot would entertain a lot on the big screen!

Under immense pressure, superstar Winter did a fantastic job as a rookie spy. He was sharp and diligent. The rapport he shares with his manager, Claire, was a spot of comfort in his hectic life. Whereas Winter and Sydney made a chaotic pair in the beginning. After facing some tense situations and close calls, they grew closer. Winter and Sydney's romantic connection came on a bit fast. However, those feelings were left known but unspoken which I feel was the most appropriate course of action for the two of them and the very different lives they led.

Thank you Marie Lu for sparing us from a painful cliffhanger ending. Instead, Stars and Smoke ended on a hopeful and playful note. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel, Icon and Inferno, to see what exciting new mission is in store for our characters~

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.