Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
Summary from NetGalley:
New sparks. Old flames. And a mission that’s playing with fire.
A year has passed since superstar Winter Young last saw secret agent Sydney Cossette. After barely surviving their first assignment together in London — and their intense chemistry – the two haven’t spoken at all. Though they’re never far from the other’s thoughts, or fantasies.
So when Sydney shows up at Winter’s studio one day with a new mission from Panacea, he has no choice but to accept. With the clock ticking, the duo prepares to head to Singapore to rescue an operative in danger — only to learn he’s none other than Sydney’s ex, a rogue agent known as the Arsonist.
Of course, nothing is ever simple when it comes to Winter and Sydney. Especially not with the glamorous Gavi Ginsburg, a globe-trotting socialite and Winter’s one-time girlfriend, in the mix. Is she back for Winter’s heart – or does she have her eye on another prize?
The smoldering sequel to New York Times bestselling Stars and Smoke follows Winter and Sydney on yet another treacherous mission that grows more sinister with each twist and turn. To make it out alive, they’ll have to figure out how to be partners again — and if they can resist the burn of something more.
ARC provided by MacMillan Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
Confession:
I really enjoyed this second book (and hopefully not the last) in this fun YA spy thriller series that also has a wonderful romance. I did have a few issues with the plot, but hopefully things were smoothed out in the final edit.
Sydney and Winter are so good together. Both of their characters really grow and change throughout this book. I loved the scene where they finally admitted their feeling for each other. The dialog was perfect and full of things that people would say to each other. I love them both. I also love how they refuse to leave the other one behind, even when they could be in peril themselves. They always seem to find a way to save each other.
We had some solid secondary characters in this one, two of which were new, the rest from the previous book. I loved Gavi, although I wasn’t sure how she really fit into the narrative of the mission. But she did add some tension and backstory to Winter’s life. Tems, the agent they are trying to rescue, was also a bit confusing as to his motives for what he was doing in Singapore. His role was part of my issues with the overall spy part of the plot.
The setting was great! I loved seeing Singapore and there were even some cameos from the Warcross series. I don’t think I realized that this series was set in the same timeline as that one. The near future aspect of the story was also well done, with just enough new tech to make it believable.
The romance is very well done, with Sydney and Winter finding time for each other and finally admitting their feelings. The other storyline of the rescue mission, was a bit confusing and felt very muddled at times. There were also some aspects of this that stretched the believability mark even for a spy thriller. But it was fast paced and had lots of action, so that kind of makes up for it. The targeted YA audience also might not notice the flaws as readily as me.
I really hope that this is not the last time we get to see this wonderful cast of characters. But given that ending, which I loved and hated at the same time, it very well could be the last. But I will hope and pray for another in this series at some point. I am not ready to give up on these two having the happy ending they deserve.
If you enjoy fast action and thrilling plots than you really need to read this series. There is also a great slow burn romance that will make you want more. The characters are also endearing and relatable. If you are a fan of the author, you will not be disappointed by this one. If you haven’t read her books before, this series is an excellent place to start.
You can read my review of the first book in the series, Stars and Smoke, here.
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