DNF Review: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Title: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Author: Rosamund Hodge
Length: 448 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Classification: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy
Release Date: September 27, 2016
Source: e-galley via Edelweiss (Thank you, Balzer + Bray!)

Sabriel meets Romeo and Juliet in this stunning and atmospheric novel—the first in a duology—from the author of Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound.
When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.
The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.
Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.
Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.
Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . 

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***I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review***

I love Rosamund Hodge's writing. I loved reading Cruel Beauty and really enjoyed Crimson Bound, so I knew I needed to read her newest book, Bright Smoke, Cold Fire. It was easily one of my most anticipated reads for 2016. So being approved to read an advanced copy, I was beyond excited! 

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. At first, I had a hard time getting into the story. In fact, I ended up starting the story two different times before I got more than a couple chapters into it. But it wasn't just getting into the story that was difficult for me. It was hard for me to stay interested. I was reading the story very slowly. I would read a couple chapters, put the book down, then days later I would pick it back up and read a couple more. 

I felt very disconnected from the main characters. I really wish I cared about them more, but sadly I had a hard time caring what happened to any of them. I did like the concept and re-imagining of  Romeo and Juliet. I was slightly curious about how the story would end. But it sadly wasn't enough to make me want to continue reading. Overall, I think I just felt too disconnected from the story and the characters to continue reading. Which makes me sad, because I really wanted to love this book. 

Maybe I wasn't in the right mood when I started the story, or maybe I ended up having too high of expectations, but Bright Smoke, Cold Fire just wasn't a me book. Maybe one day I will give this one another try. I still plan to read Rosamund Hodge's other future projects. 

DNF at 42%