When I first started reviewing novels, I was always apprehensive about YA reads. I felt that the characters, plot and setting would be juvenile and unable to hold the interest of adult readers. Over the years, I've been proven wrong numerous times. "Stars and Smoke" by Marie Lu is another one of those examples. Ms. Lu does an amazing job of describing the main character, Winter Young's, past and present life thus far. The settings are described with such detail, that it makes the readers feel that they are actually there (at the stadium before the concert, in particular). The plot is believable and moves along at a pace that keeps the reader interested. I'm looking forward to finding out how Winter's adventure continues after signing his contract with the Panacea Group. Do they actually have information about his brother, Artie, or is it all just a ploy to use him as a spy? I'm looking forward to finding out!