Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
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 What can I say? In my eyes, no review in the entire world of book reviews can do this book justice. There is no way to explain how incredibly unique and remarkable it really is. I feel like I should build a shrine to Laini Taylor and worship before it every morning when I step out of bed. Seriously. It's a complete step-up from your average Young Adult book. No, not just a step-up.. a complete world apart. IT'S. JUST. THAT. DAMN. FANTASTIC. 
 "Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. 
 It did not end well." 
 Karou is a 17-year old art student living in Prague. The drawings in her sketchbooks tell a story. Only Karou knows that these stories are actually real, as are the strange creatures depicted in them - creatures which appear to be pieced together by numerous animal and human parts. Chimaera. Monsters. 
 You see, Karou leads a double life. While she isn't at school or spending time with her best friend Zuzana - she's visiting what she refers to as 'Elsewhere', and running errands for Brimstone, aka: the Wishmonger. Brimstone is a chimaera, and he deals in wishes. These errands (errands that involve collection and purchase of teeth, yes...TEETH) take Karou all over the world to places such as Morocco, Paris, and then right back to Prague in just seconds. Brimstone's shop (Elsewhere) has two doors. One in the back of the shop which Karou is forbidden to use, and one in the front; the door that takes Karou on her errands. When she exits on the other side, it's through a series of seemingly average doors; doors that - if you're anyone else - open to residences, shops, or some other normal place. 
 All over the world, black hand prints are being found scorched into random doorways. Witnesses claim unbelievable sightings, and people are baffled as to what is happening; some even screaming "Apocalypse". 
 "'She didn't have wings, but her shadow did.' 
 'His eyes were like fire. Sparks rained down when he flew away.' 
 'Angel,' she whispered, relishing the pain." 
 During an errand in Morocco, Karou meets Akiva - an angel. An angel who, having witnessed her make a deal for teeth, hence figuring out she works for Brimstone - tries to kill her. A war has been waging between the angels and chimaera for centuries. Now though, the angels have a plan to end it for good. Only, when Akiva clearly has Karou within his grasp, he hesitates. He doesn't even understand why - but he feels drawn to her, and it's by using that small window of opportunity that Karou truly realizes just how little she knows about herself. After making a hasty escape, she is left with nothing but confusion and questions that she is determined to have answered. Who are her parents? What does Brimstone need these teeth for? Why did the hamsa tattoos on Karou's palms burn when she is near Akiva? What is she? 
 After that, the fun really begins. You HAVE TO read it to even begin to understand. 
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 The story - It's like nothing I have ever read before. I know what you might be thinking when seeing the genre categories it's lumped into. Angels? Been there. Demons? Done that. Paranormal Romance? There are a million of those out there! - But let me tell you, NOT LIKE THIS. This isn't Fallen, this isn't Hush, Hush, this isn't City of Bones, and it's certainly anything but your average Young Adult PNR. 
 Laini Taylor was not afraid to take a chance. She wasn't afraid to take you into worlds untrodden. This book is written insanely well, and it's so out of uniform. In a genre of stories wearing khakis and sweater vests, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is clad sequins in peacock feathers. There isn't some whiny heroine filled with angst. There isn't some forced love triangle. There isn't a dainty, virgin teen walking the tightrope of should-I-or-shouldn't-I. The story and characters can stand on their own without a plethora of unnecessary drama thrown into the mix. 
 Karou, with her bright blue hair, inked skin, and freaky drawings, is absolutely nothing like your average female protagonist. She has so much personality (a unique and strange one), world experience, and intelligence. I think she will forever be my favorite YA heroine. 
 The romance is bittersweet and powerful. While I would consider this book PG, for sure, the interaction between Karou and Akiva is wrought with intensity and heat. It's epic and heartbreaking. Akiva's past comes back to haunt him in a way I did NOT see coming, but wow - was it fantastic! 
 Oh, and don't even get me started on the ending. You just need to read this book. NOW NOW NOW. Seriously, just go buy it. If you think you've experienced beautiful writing and epic storytelling, you might re-think that after reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone. After I finished it, I wanted to revise almost every 5-star rating I've ever given a book. 
 It's just... 
 WAIT FOR IT 
 WAIT. FOR. IT. 
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 LE- 
 GEN- 
 DARY! 
 LEGENDARY!!