“Hope? Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.”I know what you’re thinking. “Why would Amanda wait so long to pick up this book?” Honestly, I found myself asking that same question as I was making my way through “Daughter of Smoke and Bone.” It was nothing short of amazing, and I’m so glad I finally got to it.After finishing the last page, I had to sit there for 15 minutes or so just to let everything soak in. The way that Laini Taylor weaves her story is so vivid and beautiful, I couldn’t help but be completely lost in Karou’s world while I was reading.And the characters! Oh the characters! They were so well developed that I instantly felt like I knew them. I felt what they felt. At times, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster. Not to mention that love story was so intricate and kept me wanting to read on to find out more. Very well put together!One thing that usually concerns me in stories like this is the shift in time. You know the whole past – present – past – present scheme. Usually I get thrown off by that if it is not done right. I’m so happy that this was not the case. This was done perfectly. It allowed the story to develop more and more before it all finally came together in the end.I just can’t find anymore words to describe how wonderful this book was for me. I could not recommend it enough!Now I must find the time to read the sequel!See this review and others like it on my blog Confessions of a Bookie Monster