Stars and Smoke

Marie Lu

Mar 2023 · A Stars and Smoke Novel Book 1 · Sold by Roaring Brook Press

About this ebook

This smoldering enemies-to-lovers novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu puts a worldwide superstar phenomenon and a hotshot young spy on a collision course with danger—and Cupid’s arrow—in an electric new series perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Ally Carter.

Now available in a stunning new e-book edition featuring exclusive cover art!

Meet Winter Young—Global pop sensation, with a voice like velvet and looks that could kill. His star power has smashed records, selling out stadiums from LA to London. His rabid fans would move heaven and earth for even a glimpse of him—just imagine what they’d do to become his latest fling.

Meet Sydney Cossette—Part of an elite covert ops group, Sydney joined their ranks as their youngest spy with plans to become the best agent they’ve ever had. An ice queen with moves as dangerous as her comebacks, Sydney picks up languages just as quickly as she breaks hearts. She's fiery, no-nonsense, and has zero time for romance—especially with a shameless flirt more used to serving sass than taking orders.

When a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday, Sydney and Winter's lives suddenly collide. Tasked with infiltrating the crime organization’s inner circle, Sydney is assigned as Winter's bodyguard with Winter tapped to join her on the mission of a lifetime as a new spy recruit. Sydney may be the only person alive impervious to Winter's charms, but as their mission brings them closer, she’s forced to admit that there's more to Winter Young than just a handsome face . . .

Romance and danger abound in Stars and Smoke, a “brilliant, breathtaking ride that will leave you clamoring for the sequel.” — Tahereh Mafi, #1 internationally bestselling author of Shatter Me.

Ratings and reviews

As long as I pictured this as an alternative earth, then I could mostly get into the story. Otherwise it was a bit too much to believe. I mean, come on, a major pop star getting dragooned into being a super spy going after an ultra bad guy with only a week of training? Winter is super cute though and is a genuinely good guy, despite being ultra famous. Sydney was a bit harder to like and if you are part of a super secret spy group, sent on dangerous missions, they should be top of the game.

I would rate this 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the book, but at the beginning I found it a little hard to get into it. However, once I did, I finished the rest of the book quickly. The story itself is rather cute. I did find it to be predictable, but that is normal for YA. It didn't make me like the book any less. I just wasn't surprised at any twists that appeared in the story. The romance was sweet. I actually really liked the characters together and enjoyed that aspect of the story the most.

Before I even finished this book, I knew I needed book two. This was such a fun ride and I enjoyed the depth of the characters. I adored Sydney and Winter and cheered them on throughout this entire novel. Their banter, thoughts about each other, and intelligence made them fast friends and more. They seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Both are flawed and have experienced so much pain, yet keep moving forward, using their gifts--how could I not love them? The mysterious and thrilling

About the author

Marie Lu is the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Legend series, the Young Elites trilogy, the Warcross series, Batman: Nightwalker, The Kingdom of Back, and the Skyhunter duology. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, where she worked as an artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare hours reading, drawing, and playing games. She lives in Los Angeles with her illustrator/author husband, Primo Gallanosa, and their son.