In a metropolis choked by industrial smog and governed by ancient infernal pacts, a street-smart investigator tracks a series of ritualistic occult murders. The protagonist navigates a criminal underworld where shifting alliances between demon-tainted syndicates and aristocratic magic-users dictate the laws of the land. When an assignment forces a partnership with a dangerous high-ranking fugitive, the two must evade supernatural assassins while unearthing a conspiracy that threatens the city’s fragile political structure. Their shared survival depends on balancing lethal combat skills with a growing, high-stakes attraction that challenges their respective loyalties and complicates their escape from the city’s walled borders.
This narrative serves readers of urban fantasy and romantic adventure who prioritize intricate world-building and character-driven stakes. It appeals to those looking for a blend of gritty detective noir and magical systems rooted in demonic folklore. Readers gain a detailed look at the mechanics of magical hierarchies and the ethical contradictions of survival in a dystopian setting. The book provides a fast-paced experience centered on tactical problem-solving and the friction of proximity between rivals who share a common enemy.
Insights from City of Smoke and Brimstone
“She was a girl made of glass in a world of stones.”
Loren can see auras but can't see how much she matters. It hurts watching her stay in the shadows while everyone else takes up so much space.
“I don't collect debts from people who are already bankrupt.”
Darien is basically a monster who hunts other monsters. He treats his life like a transaction until he finally finds something he won't sell.
Angels in this city are terrifying. They aren't holy or kind. They are just another gang with better PR and sharper wings.
“The city didn't care if you lived or died. It only cared if you paid.”
The city of Angelfall feels like a character that wants to eat you. It is dirty and crowded and full of people who are just trying to survive the night.
- Published
- 2025
- Publisher
- Penguin Books Limited
- ISBN
- 9781405988872
- Language
- EN
