emilyrberry's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
oliviak_31's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
narmaeth's review
3.0
It's good but it definitely has it's issues.
As others have mentioned, the supernatural elements fade very quickly in the book which I find to be a real shame. I'd love to learn more about the world and what powers each species has.
Instead we are treated to drama that I typically associate with highschool rather than university. There is the 'bitchy barbie' trope, a major disappointment to me that definitely impacted the score of my review. The girls are completely one dimensional and it really grinds my gears that all the main characters dismiss them as 'bitches'.
The two M!Protag's (Hudson and Dante) that the 'bitch squad' date treat their supposed girlfriends badly, they're physically affectionate with the F!Protag in front of their girlfriends and clearly have no respect for them. It's really disappointing and makes it really hard to actually like these guys or think that they're a good match for the F!Protag.
I also have a major issue with the fact that the F!Protag decided to hide something incredibly important to her in a relatively public space. It was wildly irresponsible and if this doesn't bite her in the ass I'll eat my hat.
Even with all this, I did enjoy the book. While the writing has its flaws, it flows well and I really liked the pacing. The author does a great job with describing panic attacks, anxiety and how to help someone having one. It has very cute moments and if this author ever wrote a purely fluffy book, I'd definitely save it for when I'm having a bad day.
Overall I think the book is worth a try, just don't hold it to high expectations.
As others have mentioned, the supernatural elements fade very quickly in the book which I find to be a real shame. I'd love to learn more about the world and what powers each species has.
Instead we are treated to drama that I typically associate with highschool rather than university. There is the 'bitchy barbie' trope, a major disappointment to me that definitely impacted the score of my review. The girls are completely one dimensional and it really grinds my gears that all the main characters dismiss them as 'bitches'.
The two M!Protag's (Hudson and Dante) that the 'bitch squad' date treat their supposed girlfriends badly, they're physically affectionate with the F!Protag in front of their girlfriends and clearly have no respect for them. It's really disappointing and makes it really hard to actually like these guys or think that they're a good match for the F!Protag.
I also have a major issue with the fact that the F!Protag decided to hide something incredibly important to her in a relatively public space. It was wildly irresponsible and if this doesn't bite her in the ass I'll eat my hat.
Even with all this, I did enjoy the book. While the writing has its flaws, it flows well and I really liked the pacing. The author does a great job with describing panic attacks, anxiety and how to help someone having one. It has very cute moments and if this author ever wrote a purely fluffy book, I'd definitely save it for when I'm having a bad day.
Overall I think the book is worth a try, just don't hold it to high expectations.
bookish_embers's review
4.0
Smoke and Wishes Review
This book hooked me right from the start and the ending left me with more to be desired. I am beyond ready for the second to come out so I can devour it like I did this one.
This book hooked me right from the start and the ending left me with more to be desired. I am beyond ready for the second to come out so I can devour it like I did this one.
bunnerz's review
3.0
It was okay as a petty high school drama style reverse-harem romance read set in a university, but the paranormal aspects barely had anything to do with the story. The introduced cast was huuuuuuuge, and we barely got to see relationships develop between the FMC Lucienne/Lucie with most of them, especially the supposed best friend kitsune shifter Benji and her roommate Sadie. We seemed to follow along more the petty jealous Bitch Squad girlfriend drama more than anything. The insta-lust/insta-love between the boys and Lucie was also rather boring.
I would have categorized this as new-adult due to the college setting, but the main plot revolving around petty jealousy was a much more YA-style device instead. There were also a few huge truck-size plot holes like how Justin knew that Lucie was a when it was supposed to be a secret between a handful of people? The author also went through a whole explanation of how a . Another huge question I had was what the deal with Dean Alex was - I don't recall the story ever explaining what kind of supernatural he was and why it wasn't weird for him to take such a big interest into a random new student other than a request from Lucie's adoptive mother.
Marguerite's review sums up most of my issues with the story, although I was interested enough at where the harem relationships were going to not skim too heavily and rate this as a 3-star instead of a 2-star.
I'm intrigued enough with the relationship dynamics that I'm willing to give the next book a try.
--------
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Smoke and Wishes (this book): ★★★☆☆
#2 Smoke and Survival: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
I would have categorized this as new-adult due to the college setting, but the main plot revolving around petty jealousy was a much more YA-style device instead. There were also a few huge truck-size plot holes like how Justin knew that Lucie was a
Spoiler
genieSpoiler
djinn's wishing worked, and Hudson had set one as a date with her, but then it was never ever brought up again for the rest of the book - either additional wishes or the dateMarguerite's review sums up most of my issues with the story, although I was interested enough at where the harem relationships were going to not skim too heavily and rate this as a 3-star instead of a 2-star.
I'm intrigued enough with the relationship dynamics that I'm willing to give the next book a try.
--------
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Smoke and Wishes (this book): ★★★☆☆
#2 Smoke and Survival: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
angelastl's review against another edition
4.0
So good
The story starts off a little weird. But you get sucked into it so quick after that. Love these characters.
The story starts off a little weird. But you get sucked into it so quick after that. Love these characters.
ssiler2's review against another edition
5.0
Great book
I was hesitant about this book at first but ended up really liking it. The characters are well thought out and the plot line is great!
I was hesitant about this book at first but ended up really liking it. The characters are well thought out and the plot line is great!
clovers_mom's review
1.0
Ugh
This book is pretty bad. The heroine is a weak simpleton and she needs six guys to develop one dude worth a crap.
This book is pretty bad. The heroine is a weak simpleton and she needs six guys to develop one dude worth a crap.