At first…I was skeptical. I have read just about every book written by Marie Lu because I am a fan of her creative writing style and I enjoy how she navigates dystopian themes. However, Stars and Smoke breaks away from her usual dystopian theme and focuses on espionage in a world resembling present day.
The first chapter did a good job of setting up the main character’s motivations, traumas, and family relationships. However, the second chapter character interactions did not seem authentic. The style of banter between Winter and Claire was nearly identical to that of the prologue agents and the CIA hired group that enlisted Winter. There wasn’t a clear distinction between the interaction style of these characters and it didn’t feel authentic that sets of characters have the same sarcastic banter style of communication (especially when seemingly being kidnapped). And it was a little frustrating to see agents make Winter believe he was being kidnapped at first instead of just instantly showing them their badges to avoid the conversation and banter surrounding him feeling as if he was being kidnapped for ransom. After all, these agents are professional and wouldn’t have wanted to scare him before asking him for help.
Yet, this story has a very interesting concept. I enjoy how the second chapter sets up the main conflict. I can see the controversy between Jackal, Winter, and Ms. Morrison brewing on the horizon and I am VERY interested in seeing how everything comes together. The deeper themes surrounding Artie’s death is a nice callback to Legend. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds and I look forward to reading this book.
The first chapter did a good job of setting up the main character’s motivations, traumas, and family relationships. However, the second chapter character interactions did not seem authentic. The style of banter between Winter and Claire was nearly identical to that of the prologue agents and the CIA hired group that enlisted Winter. There wasn’t a clear distinction between the interaction style of these characters and it didn’t feel authentic that sets of characters have the same sarcastic banter style of communication (especially when seemingly being kidnapped). And it was a little frustrating to see agents make Winter believe he was being kidnapped at first instead of just instantly showing them their badges to avoid the conversation and banter surrounding him feeling as if he was being kidnapped for ransom. After all, these agents are professional and wouldn’t have wanted to scare him before asking him for help.
Yet, this story has a very interesting concept. I enjoy how the second chapter sets up the main conflict. I can see the controversy between Jackal, Winter, and Ms. Morrison brewing on the horizon and I am VERY interested in seeing how everything comes together. The deeper themes surrounding Artie’s death is a nice callback to Legend. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds and I look forward to reading this book.