Review: Smoke, Wings, and Stone- Great New YA Paranormal Series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 22, 2013
**Original review posted on Gin's Book Notes (ginsbooknotes .com)I love that this book focuses on a different type of paranormal creature. I've read some adult paranormal books that featured this same type of creature but not young adult; so I applaud Mrs. Braden for thinking outside of the box. ((clap, clap))The story begins by introducing us to two of the main characters:  sisters, Carrie and Sarah.  I will admit that at first the sister's attitudes rubbed me the wrong way. They are total opposites of each other and initially came across as bratty and spoiled but in completely different ways.  I am happy to say I was wrong and grew to love Carrie and really like Sarah...I guess you can tell which one is my favorite. SmileCarrie is sixteen, soon to be a sophomore in high school, and a soccer jock. She is smart, witty, and outspoken. As you read the story you will learn she is fiercely loyal and is willing to do whatever is needed to protect and support her family and friends.Sarah is eighteen, a senior in high school, and a flute prodigy with a princess complex.  She comes across as snobbish and superior but the way that Marijon tells the story helps you to see that there is more to Sarah than meets the eye.The story is broken into parts/Seasons with alternating points of view between Carrie and Sarah. (Another clap here) I loved getting to hear the story from different perspectives and getting to know each of the characters inner dialogue helped me to understand them better.Part 1-Summer: Carrie / Part 2-Spring: Sarah / Part 3-Fall: Carrie / Part 4-Winter: SarahThe story has action, drama, and romance. Several characters begin to fall in love and start to establish themselves as couples. There is a hint of a love triangle in one of the romances but only a hint and I am curious to see where that goes in Book 2. Around page 35 the action and drama kick in and from that point on I was lost in the world of Smoke, Wings, and Stone.I would feel completely comfortable recommending this book to my 15 year old niece or to my older young adult paranormal book friends. It is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic series.*I won this book in a giveaway. It is great. *