Icon and Inferno (Stars and Smoke #2)

 

Stars: 4 Unexpectedly good action and chemistry in this second novel

My Thoughts:

The first book, Stars and Smoke , is actually a good stand alone, but like Ms. Lu’s second Warcross book, Wildcard, this second book surprised me in how much more the author could add to this story. The additional characters made this more believable. In addition, the shocking loss put this out of the realm of YA bubblegum romance and into the realm of spy intrigue and loss. I actually liked this more than the first book, even if you need to read the first book to get a feel for the characters. 

From the Publisher:

A year has passed since superstar Winter Young last saw secret agent Sydney Cossette. After barely surviving their first assignment together in London -- and their intense chemistry – the two haven’t spoken at all. Though they’re never far from the other’s thoughts, or fantasies.

So when Syndey shows up at Winter’s studio one day with a new mission from Panacea, he has no choice but to accept. With the clock ticking, the duo prepares to head to Singapore to rescue an operative in danger -- only to learn he’s none other than Sydney's ex, a rogue agent known as the Arsonist.

Of course, nothing is ever simple when it comes to Winter and Sydney. Especially not with the glamorous Gavi Ginsburg, a globe-trotting socialite and Winter’s one-time girlfriend, in the mix. Is she back for Winter’s heart – or does she have her eye on another prize?

The smoldering sequel to New York Times-bestselling Stars and Smoke follows Winter and Sydney on yet another treacherous mission that grows more sinister with each twist and turn. To make it out alive, they'll have to figure out how to be partners again -- and if they can resist the burn of something more.

Publication Information:

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: Roaring Books Press (June 11, 2024)

Hardcover: 320 pages

Grade level: 10-12

Stars and Smoke (Novel 1)

 

Stars: 3 It's a good escape. As far as enemies-to-lovers novels goes, it is a solid 3 because it does not give in to the happily ever after tropes, which means it's great for YA.

My Thoughts:

You have a teenage super spy and a teenage pop idol. You also have an elite covert ops group called Panacea who sits above any government agency. Again, go back to the teenage super spy for Panacea being a female, and suspend any kind of questions you may have. Once you do that, this is a fun read. It has danger and travel. It has beautiful people and killers. Really, it is a good way to spend a weekend. 

From the Publishers:

Meet Winter Young―A global pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill.

Meet Sydney Cossette―An agent in an elite covert ops group, and an ice queen whose moves are as dangerous as her comebacks.

When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private Winter Young concert for her birthday, Sydney’s and Winter’s lives suddenly collide. To stop an international disaster, the two must infiltrate the organization’s inner
circle, with Sydney posing as Winter’s bodyguard and Winter tapped to join her as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person 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 . . .

Publication Information:

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (March 28, 2023)

Hardcover: 336 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1250852816

Grade level: 7-9

Foul Lady Fortune (audiobook)

 

My Thoughts:

Two brothers on different sides, two sisters, unaware of each other’s role in this war - everything coming crashing down and then the book ends. This was an exciting book of intrigue and sci fi experimentation taking place in 1930 Shanghai.  It is hard to give up too much as this is a story full of plot twists, mystery and intrigue. They are spies, double spies and even triple spies after all. Rosalind, known as Fortune, or Lady Fortune is paired up in a fake marriage to Orion Hong. Orion Hong, though knows her as Janie Mead, but as they partner up on their mission, there are so many things beside her real name that remain unknown to Orion. Rosalind knows that she is hiding many things, including her greatest secret, but she does not realize that Orion too has secrets of his own.

This is a fast paced read. Keep up.

From the Publisher:

It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.

Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.

Code name: Fortune.

But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.

To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.

Publication Information:

Author: Chloe Gong

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (September 27, 2022)

Print length: 525 pages

Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller

Audio length: 18 hours 28 minutes