Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu
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Web ID: 18496959A fun continuation
Icon and Inferno is everything fans of the first book would hope for in a sequel. It’s fast-paced with plenty of romantic tension and that will they, won’t they in both romance and survival that made the first book fun. The story continues in a slow burn way, but the pining doesn’t get annoying, and the characters around them keep things interesting instead of the two of them having more internal conflicts preventing them from being together. This story continues with it feeling more like an action book with spies than a romance, which worked well for the characters and settings. This one also feels like it has more stakes because of some of the losses and because of the point they are both at in their careers. The mystery is a little weak, but the characters continued to be strong. It’s another fun book in the series, and I’m hoping for a third. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving a copy.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A fun YA mystery/thriller
This was a fun YA Mystery/Romance. I didn't realize this was book 2 of a series, but this book is a stand alone mystery so I didn't feel too lost. Sydney is a spy and Winter is a popstar. They had a fling a year ago on an undercover mission and went their separate ways, not expecting to see each other again. But now, the agency needs cover that only Winter can provide, so Sydney makes contact again. The timing couldn't be better as damaging secrets of Winter plays out in the tabloids and he's ready to get away for a bit. Their mission is dangerous and doesn't go as expected, but that's when their training kicks in. This was a fun book, where Winter falls hard and isn't afraid to show his feelings for Sydney. She's devoted her adult life to being a spy and knows she can't commit to a relationship, especially to someone that lives their life in the spotlight. Getting through her tough exterior won't be easy, but Winter is willing to put in the work. I thought Sydney was a bit too uptight and closed off and wouldn't even throw Winter a bone. In one moment that any other girl would be swooning over, she got mad and went off on Winter. I realize it was consistent with her character, but she's not a robot. She could at least show a bit of humanity. But, I guess I'm a big softy and would not be a great spy. :-) Winter has very few people he can trust, and has to put on a show and keep his image up whenever he's out. Not only is Winter in love with Sydney, she's one of the only people he can trust and be himself with. When you live a life like Winter, that is something money can't buy. I liked that he never gave up on Sydney and let himself be vulnerable with her. I also liked how he treated his ex-girlfriend. There were a lot of reasons why he should have show her the door and would have been justified in cutting her out of his life. But he could see through her facade and treated her with understanding and kindness instead. I've liked this author's books since the Legend series. I like her writing style and she always includes interesting elements to her books. I didn't like this book as much as I did the Legend and Warcross books, but I appreciate she is trying out new genres. I'm sure writers get bored writing the same thing over and over, so I don't mind it when they venture out. I just hope her next series is another YA/Fantasy series. I was given a complimentary e-copy and audio of this book from NetGalley and MacMillan. All opinions are my own.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Risking it All
I enjoy Marie Lu’s writing style and her stories. It always amazes me that what she writes is labeled as YA or New Adult because, for this reader, the stories can be enjoyed by late teens and adults alike, to me that is a true writer’s gift. This is the 2nd book in the Stars and Smoke series. I did not read the first book; and my feeling is that these can be stand alone books. There is enough information in this 2nd book that you get a feel for what may have happened in the first story in regard to the main characters, Sydney and Winter. This is an entertaining and interesting tale about a secret government agency that employs/trains late teens/early twenties people to help them carry out missions for national security. This is definitely a “spy” action story and at the same time, a romance of sorts. It certainly captured my attention. I liked the alternating points of view of Sydney and Winter too. This story is fresh and exciting. I thank Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. It was a true gift.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com