Here is the summary of the book:
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. . .
REVIEW ==
I like Mr. Shakespeare. I respect the playwright really and admire his work very much but ..... Romeo & Juliet ..... I always keep at a distance. Un-uh no way, this play just somehow rubs me in the wrong direction but this is a retelling in author Rosamund Hodge's unique and cool way of adding fantasy and a little bit of darkness like in her books 'Cruel Beauty' & 'Crimson Bound'. Sadly the end result had me bored out of my life with Bright Smoke Cold Fire.
Its not really the fault of the book. I was still nursing a bookish hangover from the awesomeness of Lady Midnight. So I didn't feel that into the book either. I will point out that Hodge does a great job of setting up this world. She also plays around with the original script of the source material, putting her own spin on things. But its well within the confines of the story.
I also liked the parameters of the unusual friendship between Romeo & Paris and Juliet & Runajo. How they all begin with hate slowly evolving into a grudging respect and almost friendship. But i didn't care much for them characters at all. It just felt too tedious. One of the main reasons for that was definitely because of the rich mythology the author created for this series.
Its good that Hodge was trying to set the world but it was only when we reach some chapters further does the world start making sense. I don't usually mind it but it all just felt too heavy this time. Resulting in me not really enjoying the book. Maybe it was also because i just don't like Romeo & Juliet. Maybe thats why I didn't enjoy this book as I was expecting it too ..... come on just look at that gorgeous cover.
I like Mr. Shakespeare. I respect the playwright really and admire his work very much but ..... Romeo & Juliet ..... I always keep at a distance. Un-uh no way, this play just somehow rubs me in the wrong direction but this is a retelling in author Rosamund Hodge's unique and cool way of adding fantasy and a little bit of darkness like in her books 'Cruel Beauty' & 'Crimson Bound'. Sadly the end result had me bored out of my life with Bright Smoke Cold Fire.
Its not really the fault of the book. I was still nursing a bookish hangover from the awesomeness of Lady Midnight. So I didn't feel that into the book either. I will point out that Hodge does a great job of setting up this world. She also plays around with the original script of the source material, putting her own spin on things. But its well within the confines of the story.
I also liked the parameters of the unusual friendship between Romeo & Paris and Juliet & Runajo. How they all begin with hate slowly evolving into a grudging respect and almost friendship. But i didn't care much for them characters at all. It just felt too tedious. One of the main reasons for that was definitely because of the rich mythology the author created for this series.
Its good that Hodge was trying to set the world but it was only when we reach some chapters further does the world start making sense. I don't usually mind it but it all just felt too heavy this time. Resulting in me not really enjoying the book. Maybe it was also because i just don't like Romeo & Juliet. Maybe thats why I didn't enjoy this book as I was expecting it too ..... come on just look at that gorgeous cover.
"Romeo & Juliet in a world of magic & fantasy"
Genre : Young Adult, Fairy Tale re-tellings, Paranormal, Romance
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Release Date: 27th September, 2016
My Copy: publisher & edelweiss
Rate: 3/5 (Liked It)
Other Books from Author (review links):
Cruel Beauty
Crimson Bound
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Release Date: 27th September, 2016
My Copy: publisher & edelweiss
Rate: 3/5 (Liked It)
Other Books from Author (review links):
Cruel Beauty
Crimson Bound
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository
Yeah I feel some hesitancy over this one! I've read some early reviews now and it's really having me worried that this one might not be for me. I might still try it eventually, just likely not right away. Nice honest review!
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