I’ve been reading Van Hoang’s books for a while, but this is my first adult release. This historical fiction is a winner! It combines a story about sisters, family secrets, and Hollywood. Keep reading this book review of Silver and Smoke for my full thoughts.
Summary
More like sisters than best friends, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong grew up dreaming of becoming movie stars. But for young Vietnamese women in 1930s Hollywood, the MGM back lot seems unreachable. Undeterred, Issa knows she’s meant for great things. The blood of shamans runs through her veins. To find fame in this town, for herself and for Olivia, Issa needs to make connections. For starters, with her dead grandmother Bà Ngoại.
Frightening enough in life—Issa’s own mother forbade any contact—Bà Ngoại is even more intimidating in death. A formidable presence of smoke, promises, and pacts, Bà Ngoại introduces Issa and Olivia to her friend on the other side the late Ava Lin Rang, a singularly magnetic Asian star of the silent screen. Ava coaches, encourages, and utilizes her own unique influence to open doors for her determined protégés.
As Issa begins drawing on her own untapped powers, every dream is coming true. But in a city of illusions, at what cost?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Silver and Smoke is a historical fantasy that explores the sacrifices and bond between sisters. Facing the racism within Hollywood, how can Olivia and Issa chase their dreams of fame? How can they get ahead when so many opportunities are denied to them before they even get in the door? You make a deal with a demon. Silver and Smoke begins by asking us what we would do for our dreams. And it turns into a story about who we would sacrifice and how much we’d give up to save the ones we love.
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Silver and Smoke also examines family secrets. What will bring our family together and what will tear it apart? This historical fantasy is a fast paced and entertaining read for those who love stories about the bonds between sisters. There were some parts at the end which made me tear up as we have characters who don’t believe they’re worthy of love. Find Silver and Smoke on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & Blackwells.