School Library Journal
07/26/2019
Gr 9 Up-Driven by ambition and a desire to head an army and lead Tzsayn's soldiers against her father, Princess Catherine falsely claimed to be the wife of Prince Tzsayn in order to rule in his place after he was taken captive by her father. However, the marriage never actually took place, and the princess is in love with her bodyguard Sir Ambrose. Meanwhile, her father is raising an army of boys who will be exposed to purple demon smoke, making them unstoppable warriors in his crusade to conquer the neighboring kingdom. Edyon, the bastard son of Prince Telonias, and the warrior March have solidified their relationship while trying to evade arrest for a murder they didn't commit. Tash, now a full-fledged hunter, is still killing demons for their priceless "smoke." However, after the death of her partner Geratan, she finds her way into the underground where the demons live and, upon discovering how they are created, realizes that they are far more human than anyone believed them to be. If all this sounds a bit confusing, rest assured, it is. VERDICT Following hard on the heels of Green's first novel in the "Smoke Thieves" series, a multitude of plot lines, quick scene changes, and a cast of thousands make this an intriguing, if sometimes challenging to follow, read.-Jane Henriksen Baird, formerly at Anchorage Public Library, AK
Kirkus Reviews
2019-05-06
An unlikely group of heroes must find a way to survive—and save a nation.
Picking up immediately after events in The Smoke Thieves (2018), the battle over Rossarb rages, and it quickly becomes clear that the city is lost and the only choice left is to flee to the Northern Plateau, into demon country. Catherine, a princess fighting against her own country; Ambrose, her knight, protector, and possibly more; Edyon, the illegitimate son of a prince; March, a servant with mixed allegiances; and Tash, a scrappy young demon hunter, along with a few loyal soldiers, run for their lives with the Brigantine army on their heels. Entering the demon world leads them into a lair of magic and violence that pushes each toward their own destiny. In this uneven book, some elements feel well thought out, particularly those relating to the construction of the demon world. However, the characters are mostly one-dimensional, making it hard for readers to feel invested in whether they live or die or even in their romances (which lack chemistry). Considering the length, there is very little progress or action, and showing often takes precedence over telling, making certain points feel heavy-handed.
A lot of creative ideas that don't quite come together, but fans of the first book will enjoy the continuation of the story. (map, places and characters) (Fantasy. 13-16)
