Stars and Smoke Is a YA contemporary novel that combines a spy thriller and romance. I personally am a huge Marie Lu fan, but I was hesitant about reading this because it was not my preferred genre and Lu has deviated from her other books.

Winter is a 19 year old global popstar that is just at the beginning of his career and selling out stadiums. He gets an invite to perform for an oil tycoon's daughter's birthday party. Upon this invite, a shadowy spy agency reaches out to Winter and puts him up to the task of helping with a mission to get in the inner circle and expose the oil tycoon. Sydney is also 19 and is a junior agent at this spy agency, and her main goal is to become a full agent. She is assigned this mission with Winter, and becomes his bodyguard as her cover.

One thing to keep in mind (as someone who does read political thrillers), you definitely got to suspend your belief on how "realistic" the spy aspect is. Also both characters are 19 years old with extensive backgrounds, especially with Sydney working for them starting at like age 16 I think?

The plot twists and turns, and overall it was very enjoyable. I expected it to be more YA, but it was more mature than I was expecting. Marie Lu's character's are always the best parts of her stories. Sydney and Winter have truly heartbreaking backstories, which drives their motivations and flaws. Even the side characters felt fleshed out and three dimensional. The romance is a bit insta-love, with how little time they spent together, but I found I still enjoyed it. 

Spolierish on the ending,

I really enjoyed that they didn't choose their love over their passions and different priorities in life. The ending is open, and I believe that was the best way that it could have concluded.

Imagine my surprise when I discover there will be a sequel! I just found out when going through the reviews, so I am definitely interested in what they will expand on since everything felt pretty wrapped up.