Book Review: 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' is imaginative, for older YA readers

"DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE," by Laini Taylor, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 432 pages (f)(17 and up)

Karou is a promising young art student who fills her sketchbooks with imaginative drawings of monsters, demons, and otherworldly things. Only they aren't from her imagination. Karou is the courier for Brimstone, a demon who collects teeth, and Karou's only family. When Karou meets Akiva, all the things she thought she knew about her past and her world are about to be torn apart.

"Daugher of Smoke and Bone" gets off to a rocky start with an opening scene introducing our main character, Karou, getting even with her former boyfriend by humiliating him in her art class where he shows up as a guest model.

Moving past the first awkward scenes, what follows is an exceptionally imaginative and exciting story filled with mythical creatures and a world that is mind blowing in its scope and detail.

The setting is unique for much of today's modern fantasy, as the story either takes place in Prague or in another realm completely separate from Earth. Even the "mundane" earthly setting has a unique flavor to it, being set in a European country instead of the traditional large American city. Each species of demon and each setting is carefully thought out, causing the reader to feel like perhaps it truly exists. Despite all the glorious descriptions, it was never overdone and kept the pace nicely.

Karou and Akiva's relationship is shrouded in mystery. Each chapter brings the pair closer to understanding their connection to each other. In addition to learning more about their connection, Akiva holds the key to Karou's own mysterious past, such as the meaning of the tattoos on her hands, or what the wishes that she so frequently uses truly cost.

Taylor's new series will be a hit with adults and teenage readers of urban and modern fantasy. "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" contains sexual content and innuendo that would be more appropriate for teens 17 and older. Additionally, the overall tone of the book would be better suited for more mature readers.

Emily is a blogger at Emily's Reading Room, emilysreadingroom.com, a blog dedicated to promoting a love of young adult fiction.