The Monthly Re-Read: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes its own magic.

Ten reasons re-reading Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone is totally worth it:

10. The unbelievable beauty of Karou and Akiva’s love story. Not to go all mushy here but my God, that’s one intense relationship.

9. The imagery – it’s visceral and vivid and makes you almost desperate to see the world through the eyes of Laini Taylor

8. Taylor’s prose – it’s borderline poetic, flowery (in the best way imaginable), mature and clever – your eyes just flow across the pages as your brain effortlessly absorbs the story.

7. It’s creative. At first glance the story seems totally out there, I mean who would have thought that a world that encompasses animal-people hybrids and oppressive angels could be so enthralling? But it is. Enthralling and original – unlike anything else out there.

6. Zuzana – quite possibly the ideal best friend.

5.  Teeth for wishes – where does this woman come up with this stuff? Furthermore, the uses Karou puts her wishes to (namely exacting revenge on an ex-boyfriend) priceless.

4. The mystery surrounding Karou – Taylor builds it so brilliantly, even if you’ve already read DOSAB  it’s still a shocker when the truth is revealed.

3. Brimstone – the Wishmonger is both fearsome and loveable. His life’s work is pain yet he always has hope. He’s wise and kind and puts his life at risk to give Karou a second chance. Basically, he’s amazing.

2. AKIVA! Do I really need to explain this? I mean I will, but come on. He’s described as having ungodly beauty, he’s all dark and tortured – but loyal and totally crazy for Karou. On a scale of 1 to 10 in swoon-worthability he’s a modest 80.

“Love is a luxury.”
“No. Love is an element.”
“An element. Like air to breathe, earth to stand on.”

1. Karou – she is one of the best modern-day heroines, beautiful, charming, smart and funny but tough, not just physically but mentally as well. She’s not afraid to show vulnerability or to kick your butt, and in the face of adversity she always perseveres.

A Favourite Exchange

“I don’t know many rules to live by,’ he’d said. ‘But here’s one. It’s simple. Don’t put anything unnecessary into yourself. No poisons or chemicals, no fumes or smoke or alcohol, no sharp objects, no inessential needles–drug or tattoo–and…no inessential penises either.’

‘Inessential penises?’ Karou had repeated, delighted with the phrase in spite of her grief. ‘Is there any such thing as an essential one?’

‘When an essential one comes along, you’ll know,’ he’d replied.”

Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke and Bone