Listen free for 30 days
-
Lady Smoke
- Ash Princess Series, Book 2
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $48.25
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
Ash Princess
- Written by: Laura Sebastian
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess - a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner. For 10 years, Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.
-
-
Get rid of the music
- By Megan on 2021-01-17
Written by: Laura Sebastian
-
Frost
- Frost and Nectar, Book 1
- Written by: C.N. Crawford
- Narrated by: Amanda Dolan
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the worst birthday of my life, I come home to find my boyfriend in bed with another woman. Within hours, I’m drunk, homeless, and pledging to stay single forever. And that is when the dangerously sexy Seelie King rolls through town, looking for fae like me.
-
-
Woof
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-04-19
Written by: C.N. Crawford
-
Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1
- Written by: LJ Andrews
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs. When her uncle holds the life of her deathly ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
-
-
Good story, but was hoping for more present chapters
- By cokrystal on 2023-07-03
Written by: LJ Andrews
-
Three Dark Crowns
- Written by: Kendare Blake
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose...it's life or death. The night the sisters turn 16, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.
-
-
Can't get past the narrator
- By Rebecca on 2019-02-08
Written by: Kendare Blake
-
House of Beating Wings
- The Kingdom of Crows, Book 1
- Written by: Olivia Wildenstein
- Narrated by: Olivia King
- Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well...by all but one.
-
-
Its good, but..
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-07-27
Written by: Olivia Wildenstein
-
City of Thorns
- The Demon Queen Trials, Book 1
- Written by: C.N. Crawford
- Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb
- Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I never thought I'd be singing happy birthday to myself in a dungeon. And yet when a sinfully sexy demon crashes happy hour, that's exactly what happens. He’s known as the Lord of Chaos, he’s mistaken me for my succubus doppelgänger. Happy birthday to me. When he tastes my blood, he finally understands I’m mortal.
-
-
Great story!
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-03-05
Written by: C.N. Crawford
-
Ash Princess
- Written by: Laura Sebastian
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess - a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner. For 10 years, Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.
-
-
Get rid of the music
- By Megan on 2021-01-17
Written by: Laura Sebastian
-
Frost
- Frost and Nectar, Book 1
- Written by: C.N. Crawford
- Narrated by: Amanda Dolan
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the worst birthday of my life, I come home to find my boyfriend in bed with another woman. Within hours, I’m drunk, homeless, and pledging to stay single forever. And that is when the dangerously sexy Seelie King rolls through town, looking for fae like me.
-
-
Woof
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-04-19
Written by: C.N. Crawford
-
Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1
- Written by: LJ Andrews
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs. When her uncle holds the life of her deathly ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
-
-
Good story, but was hoping for more present chapters
- By cokrystal on 2023-07-03
Written by: LJ Andrews
-
Three Dark Crowns
- Written by: Kendare Blake
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose...it's life or death. The night the sisters turn 16, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.
-
-
Can't get past the narrator
- By Rebecca on 2019-02-08
Written by: Kendare Blake
-
House of Beating Wings
- The Kingdom of Crows, Book 1
- Written by: Olivia Wildenstein
- Narrated by: Olivia King
- Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well...by all but one.
-
-
Its good, but..
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-07-27
Written by: Olivia Wildenstein
-
City of Thorns
- The Demon Queen Trials, Book 1
- Written by: C.N. Crawford
- Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb
- Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I never thought I'd be singing happy birthday to myself in a dungeon. And yet when a sinfully sexy demon crashes happy hour, that's exactly what happens. He’s known as the Lord of Chaos, he’s mistaken me for my succubus doppelgänger. Happy birthday to me. When he tastes my blood, he finally understands I’m mortal.
-
-
Great story!
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-03-05
Written by: C.N. Crawford
-
The Cruel Prince
- The Folk of the Air, Book 1
- Written by: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him - and face the consequences.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-03-18
Written by: Holly Black
-
A Court of Honey and Ash
- Written by: Shannon Mayer, Kelly St. Clare
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Orphaned. Trained to fight. Raised to fear the power of Underhill. Secretly in love with a man who doesn’t want me. I’m still just Alli, a.k.a. the half-human orphan fae, but my life is looking up for the first time. It only took me my whole 24 years. But when Underhill - the ancestral home of the fae - shatters, making it impossible for any fae to enter, I’m the only one who knows who did it. A secret that will be the death of me if I do nothing.
-
-
it was amazing I listened to it soo fast.
- By Amanda Fletcher on 2022-03-21
Written by: Shannon Mayer, and others
-
Cruel Crown
- The Red Queen Series
- Written by: Victoria Aveyard
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Jayne Entwistle, Amanda Dolan
- Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary - how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lie ahead for her in royal life.
-
-
The wires read aloud are hard to listen to
- By NED on 2022-04-13
Written by: Victoria Aveyard
-
A Deal with the Elf King (Dramatized Adaptation)
- Married to Magic, Book 1
- Written by: Elise Kova
- Narrated by: James Konicek, Matthew Bassett, Scott McCormick, and others
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death. Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella's village to be their Human Queen. To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she's dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town's only healer. That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her.
Written by: Elise Kova
-
Tarnished Empire
- Written by: Danielle L. Jensen
- Narrated by: Will Damron
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A siege is laid against the last resistance to the Senate's rule. As the battle rages, a commander, a soldier, and a rebel will decide how far they are willing to go for victory.
Written by: Danielle L. Jensen
-
Kingdom of the Wicked
- Written by: Kerri Maniscalco
- Narrated by: Marisa Calin
- Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost - even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then, Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child.
-
-
Can't wait for the next one!
- By Brigid C Lynch on 2021-01-27
Written by: Kerri Maniscalco
-
Realm Breaker
- Written by: Victoria Aveyard
- Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
- Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A strange darkness grows in Allward. Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea. She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won't be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions. Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.
-
-
Good YA book
- By Joshua Peters on 2022-07-15
Written by: Victoria Aveyard
-
Frostblood
- Written by: Elly Blake
- Narrated by: Jennifer English
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.
-
-
Excellent
- By Bookish Britt on 2022-12-20
Written by: Elly Blake
-
Shardless
- Tempris, Book 1
- Written by: Stephanie Fisher
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On Tempris, time magic is outlawed, and suspected time mages are hunted. Humans are second-class citizens, shunned by the immortal fey that live on the island. They even have a name for their kind: Shardless. Taly is one of the lucky humans. Taken in by a fey noble and his family, she's lived a good life, surrounded by people she loves. But when an accidental brush with magic causes her to see things - ghostly apparitions that give her small glimpses into the future - it has deadly consequences. The Sanctorum has returned to the island, and if they find her, they'll kill her.
-
-
Great Story and Great Listen
- By Sophia Unger on 2020-04-16
Written by: Stephanie Fisher
-
Morrighan
- The Beginnings of the Remnant Universe (The Remnant Chronicles)
- Written by: Mary E. Pearson
- Narrated by: Julia Whelan, MacLeod Andrews, Ann Marie Lee
- Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Before borders were drawn, before treaties were signed, before wars were waged anew, before the great kingdoms of the Remnant were even born and the world of old was only a hazy slate of memory told in story and legend, a girl and her family fought to survive. And that girl’s name was Morrighan. Discover the origin story of the Remnant universe, penned by the New York Times-bestselling master storyteller Mary E. Pearson, in this swoon-worthy prequel, a romance for the ages, and a magic that stirs the heart.
-
-
Perfect brain good for a remnant nerd
- By Chase on 2022-11-30
Written by: Mary E. Pearson
-
The Darkest Star
- Origin Series, Book 1
- Written by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seventeen-year-old Evie Dasher knows firsthand the devastating consequences of humanity's war with the aliens. When she's caught up in a raid at a notorious club known as one of the few places where humans and the surviving Luxen can mingle freely, she meets Luc, an unnaturally beautiful guy she initially assumes is a Luxen...but is in fact something much more powerful. Her growing attraction for Luc will lead her deeper and deeper into a world she'd only heard about, a world where everything she thought she knew will be turned on its head....
-
-
If your thinking about it, do it.
- By Danielle on 2020-12-14
Written by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
-
The Queen's Rising
- Written by: Rebecca Ross
- Narrated by: Suzanne Elise Freeman
- Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron. Growing up in Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her. While some are born with a talent for one of the five passions - art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge - Brienna struggled to find hers until she chose knowledge. However, Brienna's greatest fear comes true - she is left without a patron. But months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage.
-
-
Not bad, but...
- By Krystyn Ewert on 2018-08-04
Written by: Rebecca Ross
Publisher's Summary
The second installment in the New York Times best-selling series "made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" (Bustle), Lady Smoke is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.
The Kaiser murdered Theodosia's mother, the Fire Queen, when Theo was only six. He took Theo's country and kept her prisoner, crowning her Ash Princess - a pet to toy with and humiliate for 10 long years. That era has ended. The Kaiser thought his prisoner weak and defenseless. He didn't realize that a sharp mind is the deadliest weapon.
Theo no longer wears a crown of ashes. She has taken back her rightful title, and a hostage - Prinz Soren. But her people remain enslaved under the Kaiser's rule, and now she is thousands of miles away from them and her throne.
To get them back, she will need an army. Only, securing an army means she must trust her aunt, the dreaded pirate Dragonsbane. And according to Dragonsbane, an army can only be produced if Theo takes a husband. Something an Astrean Queen has never done.
Theo knows that freedom comes at a price, but she is determined to find a way to save her country without losing herself.
Praise for the Ash Princess series:
"A darkly enchanting page-turner you won't be able to put down." (Bustle)
"A smart, feminist twist on a traditional tale of a fallen heroine, with plenty of court intrigue, love, and lies to sweeten the deal. Good luck putting this one down." (Virginia Boecker, author of The Witch Hunter series)
"This searing page-turner is a compelling examination of the complexities of both evil and resistance." (Sarah Porter, author of Vassa in the Night)
What the critics say
"[Ash Princess] provides a window into the complexities of human interaction and emotion, familial tensions, and the false public face that is sometimes required in politics and at court...culminating in a climactic ending ripe for a sequel." (Publishers Weekly)
"A rebel queen fans the sparks of revolution...[and] Theo's first-person narration remains enthralling with emotional immediacy...[while] packed to the brim with intrigue." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Through unexpected allies and daring escape plans, [Theodosia's] trip from downtrodden princess to queen is an engaging one that fantasy fans will enjoy...[as well as] fans of The Selection series by Kiera Cass and The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins." (SLJ)
More from the same
Narrator:
What listeners love about Lady Smoke
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- aimerz09
- 2019-03-23
Give me book #3!!
At first I was unsure of Saskia Maarleveld, she wasn’t capturing my attention. But about 35 mins in BAM I was hooked! While I wait for the 3rd book I will be checking out other books she has narrated!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- caitlyn
- 2019-05-16
I'm in love with this series
maybe this is just me, but this book hit exactly all the right notes in my heart to secure this series as my current favourite series of all time.
I have high hopes for the next book, and cannot wait to read or listen to it.
this book took all of the things I loved from book one and just expanded on it. I never knew what was going to happen next and it brought me to tears, laughter and genuinely had my eyes watering with joy on several occasions between the tragic pain.
the performance compliments the story well, and it has become a very important part of my reading/listening experience when it comes to this series.
as always, can't get enough of the Theodosia and her story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gill
- 2019-02-19
Captivating
Great story could not put it down can't wait for next book the big battle between the two friends
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Brittany
- 2019-04-14
A dark and gritty sequel with tons of potential
Lady Smoke picks up right where Ash Princess left off, with Theodosia having escaped the Kaiser and taken back her rightful title as the Queen of Astrea plus a hostage that may or not be the beautiful Prinz Soren. Lady Smoke was honestly a very good follow up to Ash Princess but it didn't wow me like I had anticipated unfortunately. There was just or two things that brought it down to 4 stars for me.
One thing I still absolutely love about this series is the epic world building. In Ash Princess we were mostly limited to seeing Theo being held prisoner by the Kaiser but in Lady Smoke we were able to see more of this bloody and brutal world. Lady Smoke starts off on a ship as Theo tries to put as much distance between herself and the Kaiser as possible. Joining forces with her Aunt, the formidable Dragonsbane, they come up with a plan to take back Astrea and defeat the Kaiser, only issue being they have no army to achieve this. According to Dragonsbane, the only way to secure an army is for Theo to essentially auction herself off to another Kingdom.
This is one of the gripes I have with this book. In Ash Princess we saw Theo go through so much pain, humiliation, and because of it all a lot of growth. She became this strong independent young woman who only wanted to make her mother proud and become the best Queen of Astrea she could be. This never required her to have a husband. In fact, it is even noted from Theo herself that there has NEVER been a Queen of Astrea that took a husband and like, why now? Why did three quarters of this book deal with Theo being auctioned off to the best suitor? Now with that being said, it was still incredibly interesting and entirely gripping to read. There was still mischief and mayhem plus some murders that turned into a 'who dun it' situation and I LOVED it. I'm just a little salty that most of this book was about Theo trying to find a husband 🙃
It's not really a spoiler that the main trope of these books is the love triangle, and while it is a little predictable it is still entirely entertaining. Blaise and Soren are complete opposites and I love that Theo has absolutely no idea what to do with either of them. They are both just giant cinnamon rolls ambling around while also trying to figure out their own feelings.
Most of the action in this sequel is towards the end, but man does it pack a punch. There was more than one time I actually gasped aloud as I was listening to the audiobook at work and I am sure my coworkers were concerned with what was happening to me. No big deal, just going through an emotional trauma over here. I think this sequel set things up very well for Ember Queen, the final book in this series. I am so excited to see how everything plays out!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- roman bay
- 2019-04-12
dull ride
I'll start with what I don't like.
the main character was still annoying and immature, either I'm overdosed on YA and getting tiered of teens acting dumb and being immature in their process of thinking. her flaws felt more annoying than a good build up for her growth which didn't really happen anyways.
the story: in all the hours of listening not many major plots happened, and good amount of time was wasted on little side "happennings" that didn't contribute but dragged the story. On top of that there were some plot holes (why and how questions) and the lack of weight behind characters (why are they the way they are).
I would compare this book to microwave dinner , in the end it's semi interesting but I would rather read something else.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- nancy
- 2019-03-20
it's ok
I am a huge fan of the court of thorns and roses series . This series pales in comparison ........
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ashley
- 2019-02-19
more enjoyable than book 1
I enjoyed this way more than the torture in Ash Princess. Theo wasn't my favorite main character but her companions and their tales really took over this story in a perfect way.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dei
- 2020-05-09
Awful
This was a major struggle and predictable. Not work going to the third at all.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- HappyCow
- 2020-01-28
Getting dull
Five hours in and I'm still not sure what to make of this story. It feels like stuff is happening but then nothing it's happening. The bland love triangle is lacking horribly. Lots of dialogue that goes nowhere. Lots of grand gestures and thoughts and curiosities that fall flat. Not seeing a point to any of this information. Magic powers feel like an afterthought and are hardly used. The story wouldn't change if they weren't there at all. It's taking too long to go places and do things. It's difficult to see a goal or even care because it takes so long to get to the point. There's promise of things to happen but I'll likely lose interest before were get there.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Carly
- 2019-07-18
AMAZING
I absolutely loved this book! I thought the first one was great but I was blown away by this sequel. Theo is the modern heroine we need. She’s smart, cunning, and aware of herself (emotions, flaws, limits, and strengths). She does not apologize for her choices and doesn’t need to be saved by anyone. Also Soren is a breath of fresh air. He respects Theo and her choices and doesn’t try to go behind her back to do what he thinks is right like so many other YA love interests. Finally a guy who doesn’t try to save the heroine, but just supports her. Theo and Soren’s relationship is complex, well paced, but ultimately realistic human interaction, which is refreshing.
I also loved diving into the world outside of Astrea, and see the politics and strategies of other rulers. The world-building is very well developed and even though we get introduced to a lot of characters but all serve a larger purpose and propel the story forward in a beautiful and unexpected way.
Laura Sebastian is such a talented, thoughtful writer! Go pick up this book NOW!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lyndsey Lopez
- 2019-03-16
Can’t wait for the next book
This is an awesome book! I couldn’t stop listening I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- krl
- 2019-05-26
Loved it!
All of the pieces of the Ash Princess trilogy start to come together in Lady Smoke. Theo continues to grow into her own and the story kept a nice pace. Ended with enough of a tease that I can’t wait for book 3!
Great performance by the narrator.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- H. J. Ortiz
- 2019-04-01
Lady Smoke Book Review
After reading Ash Princess and falling in love with the story, I had to get my hands on the sequel! I pre-ordered Lady Smoke and got it in the mail the day it came out. I put all I had planned for that afternoon and dove right in. I got through about half of the novel that first night; I simply did not want to stop. This novel is an amazing continuation to Ash Princess.
This novel picks up after Theo's escaping the grasp of the Kaiser in the first novel. Theo now fights to gain alliances to take back her throne. Though, she finds herself in a tricky situation. To accomplish her goal, she must sacrifice much of the freedom she fought so hard to gain. She has to negotiate and find the best ally to help her take back her country. She goes through a long journey full of danger and adventure. I was annoyed for a long portion of this novel. In the first novel, I was so annoyed with the Kaiser. I hated him, which was the point of his character. I wanted Theo to kill him and could not wait for that grand finale. It did not end how I wanted, but it gave me hope for good things to come in Lady Smoke.
In Lady Smoke, I was so annoyed, in the same manner, with Dragonsbane. I mean, in a sense, her character is trying to help the naive Theo get the best alliance, but Dragonsbane just got on my nerves. I had hopes that she would be like a Professor Snape character: one readers hate/are annoyed with until the very end. That hope for the character kept me invested in her as a character. I wanted her to actually become likable.
Audible Review:
Maarleveld does an such an excellent job narrating this second novel in the Ash Princess series! She effectively captivates the emotions of the characters and gives the listening experience a satisfactory feeling of being submerged in the story. However, just as the first novel, I did have to read at more than a 1.5 speed. 1.0 speed was too slow for me, and was quite dreadful to listen in that speed. At 1.25 speed, Maarleveld's narration is about the speed I read, so I enjoyed it at that speed more. However, I did want to get through it quicker so I listened to it at a faster listening speed. For those of us who like to multitask and listen on the go, I recommend listening at a 1.75 speed, so one does not miss anything. For those who are listening while reading the book, I found 2.0 and 2.5 speed to be the best speeds. 3.0 was too fast for me, and I was missing a lot of what the narrator was saying and had to eventually slow down the narrator's reading speed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful