Lady Smoke: Laura Sebastian

We meet again!

And here we are, at my third review on this site. Diving back into this has been so much fun for me, and I appreciate any of you out there that have been giving me a chance. Without further ado.. here we go!

Brief Synopsis: Lady Smoke picks up exactly where Ash Princess left out. Theo escaped successfully from the Kaiser’s disgusting clutches and is now sailing away with Dragonsbane, who she discovers she has an… interesting connection with, as well as her Shadows (Blaise, Heron and Artemisia) and her prisoner. Though Soren risked literally everything to save Theo, she still made the choice to turn around and take him prisoner. At this point I honestly think that I am more salty about it than Soren is.

Theo quickly discovers that, once again, trust is something that she can’t afford for the most part. Dragonsbane has always been credited as the kind of person that does what is best for Dragonsbane and nothing more. Immediately, Theo is told that there is a plan to marry her off to another royal for the hopes of armies and more.

Theo isn’t totally buying this, though. She begins to visit Soren after waking from a nightmare and making another shocking discovery. Together, they tentatively begin to make plans.

Theo ends up tentatively agreeing to the marrying-off plan for leverage and enters into Sta’Crivero for protection while this Bachelorette-type situation plays out. Marriage is in the works, but Theo is really looking for an ally with an army.

She is shocked when someone from her past makes an unexpected appearance, willing to help though the resources are limited where this individual reigns. During one evening, a (truly wholesome, I’m still sour about it) character is poisoned, though many are sure the poison was meant for Theo, as the Kaiser has a bounty on her and Soren’s heads.

From there, Theo is rushing to find an absolution as she feels as if she is another prisoner in another way under another king. Visiting a refugee camp that was supposed to help people, she discovers that things are even more dire than she thought. Working with her Shadows, Soren and an old ally, a plan is crafted to save everyone, possibly including these refugees. Following a very close call from a betrayal unexpected, everyone escapes and sails to Astrea to take back their land.

The battle turns and the Kaiser and Cress request a visit with Theo and Soren for a parlay, which doesn’t end well for many. Theo wakes up with her Shadows and makes a decision that will change everything, for the better or the worst.

My rating: 8.5/10. I really loved this one, which I feel like usually happens in these high-stakes fantasy/battle novels. The sequel gives the reader the chance to get to know the characters a lot better and it isn’t just introductions throughout and telling everyone what is at stake. Lady Smoke upped the ante in so many ways and I am here for it. I’m excited for the third, I genuinely can’t wait to dive in and see this to the conclusion.

Favorite Quote: This time around, I have two!

“It’s awfully rude of everyone to try to use me to their own ends when I’m trying to do precisely that to them.”

“He looks at me like I’m his favorite book, one he’s read every page of too many times. One whose secrets he’s uncovered but he keeps coming back for more anyway.”

Other books I have read by this author: Obviously, Ash Princess. I am very grateful I have been introduced to this story, which is a great addition in the fantasy novel world.

Check out my Goodreads (Traci Bishop) to see what I’m currently reading and to see a good chunk of the books I have already read. My Instagram can be found on the home page and I will share whenever a new post is up as well!

Until next time <3