"Smoke and Light" by Kristen Ardis is an enthralling journey through a war-torn kingdom, deftly weaving together themes of memory, duty, and the complexities of personal and political loyalty. The protagonist, Khara Laveya, is a future sovereign grappling with the aftermath of a rebel attack that has robbed her of crucial memories. Her desperate quest to reclaim these lost pieces of herself is both poignant and compelling.
What struck me most about this novel is its rich character development. Khara is a multidimensional character, torn between her obligations to her kingdom and her personal desire to rediscover her past. This internal conflict is beautifully portrayed, making her struggles and growth feel authentic and deeply relatable. The depiction of her haunted dreams and the mysterious grove adds a layer of intrigue and suspense that kept me invested in her journey.
Ardis has a talent for world-building, creating a vivid and immersive setting that is both captivating and treacherous. The kingdom’s political turmoil and the looming threat of rebel forces provide a constant tension that underscores Khara's personal quest. The author’s prose is descriptive and evocative, painting a clear picture of the world and its dangers without falling into the trap of over-explanation.
The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and betrayal is handled with a deft touch. The relationships Khara navigates are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the tangled web of loyalties and lies that define her world. These interpersonal dynamics add depth to the story, making the stakes feel both personal and profound.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Smoke and Light" is the way it balances Khara’s personal journey with the larger narrative of her kingdom’s fate. This balance keeps the story grounded in Khara’s perspective while still acknowledging the broader implications of her actions. The tension between personal desire and duty is a recurring theme that resonates throughout the novel, making Khara’s choices and sacrifices all the more impactful.
Overall, "Smoke and Light" is a beautifully crafted tale that combines emotional depth with a gripping plot. Kristen Ardis has created a world and a protagonist that are both memorable and compelling. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that delve into the intricacies of memory, loyalty, and the enduring struggle between personal desires and larger responsibilities.

I really loved this book. One, it is told from the perspective of Khara, who is trying to recover her memory on top of getting used to the responsibilities that come with being the almost-wife of the leader of a country at war. Instead of simply giving us all the answers, Ardis forces the reader to follow the breadcrumbs that Khara is slowly finding as well.

And the relationships between the characters are well-written. It doesn't matter if it's a romantic or a platonic relationship; they feel authentic and real (even the ones that eventually are found out to be based on lies).

I am super excited to see where this series goes next. This may be a longer book, but it is worth the time and energy. ( )

I fell in love with this book! I mean within the first sentence you’re thrown right in! The twists and turns had me turning the pages so fast, and needing more! The characters are so well written and you can’t help but love them, (especially the love interest!). It took a turn I was not expecting but in the best way!

The plot and conflicts had me hooked. It’s so strange to look back on the read as a whole and realize that not a lot of things actually happened in the book, but it didn’t feel that way in the reading. It never feels slow. If you love forgotten memories, unraveling mystery, unexpected turns, then you’ll love this book! ( )

I enjoyed every moment of this book... Can not wait for book 2. I loved Hayden and Khara but Gage had my whole heart! And Emilia with her redemption moment! Love it!

Smoke and Light by Kristin Ardis. Written from the viewpoint of Khara who has suffered a massive attack and lost all of her memories, the story follows her attempt to navigate the unfamiliar world around her while trying to find a way to heal and recover her memories. The first 2/3-ish of the story mostly focuses on her learning about her life and her fiancée, and preparing for her future ruling role for the Kingdom of Anluan. Admittedly, while I enjoyed the story, I do feel compelled to add that this portion can seem a bit slow with a significant portion focusing on her continued debilitating injuries as she pieces together her life as it currently is. The last 1/3-ish of the book begins ramping up the mystery and almost thriller-feel of Khara's struggles with piecing her memories together and deciding what fate she will choose for herself and her kingdom. Gladly looking forward to the next book in the series. 4/5 stars. ( )