This book was amazing and I devoured this book in just a few sittings! I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review. I’ve been a fan of Marie Lu for years so it was an honor to read one of her books early 🥺. I LOVED THIS BOOK! If Winter Young and his music was real.. I have no doubt he’d be on my top artists of my Spotify Wrapped. I love a good secret agents on a mission plot and love the twist of adding in a famous pop star. The love story in this tore my heart out and put it back together multiple times. By the end.. I was sobbing 😅. I loved the added Easter egg of some characters from previous Marie Lu novels 👀. This was a fun, entertaining, YA read. I hope this isn’t the last book in this series 🙏

It's been more than a year since superstar Winter Young was recruited into the Panacea Group - an elite covert ops group - to bring down a major crime boss.

Winter has gone back to his superstar status, but with the threatening release of a new tell-all book about him by some unknown person - although undoubtedly someone close to him - Winter longs for the excitement of being an agent. Longs for something slightly dangerous, yet also helpful and, in a way, something that's just his.

As fate would have it, the group needs Winter's help once again. One of their agents has gone missing in the middle of a mission and Sydney has been tapped to find him and bring him home. This includes travelling to Singapore and attending an exclusive gala. Who better to gain entry than the most famous pop singer in the world?

As Winter and Sydney team up again, the mission soon turns from a straight-forward extraction to thwarting a hit on the President.

I was not ready to be finished with Winter and Sydney from the first book, and was super excited that we get this second one. I low-key loved how Marie Lu ended the first one with them being separated because I knew the meetup again would be **chef's kiss**. Coupled with the fact that the agent they're sent to extract has a history with Sydney and Winter has become entangled again with an ex-girlfriend in the interim, and there's plenty of lovely angst. Now, normally I don't have time for the angst, but I felt like Marie Lu built these two up so well in the first book and built their tentative partnership up that I didn't really feel like there could be a true divide between them in this sense, but it made for some really great tension and also brought up contrasts and comparisons between those others relationships and the one they have with each other. This book felt a lot more emotionally involved than the first one, which makes sense because we are more familiar with the characters and the setup. That was dealt with in the first book, so it makes sense we would delve more into the emotional side of things.

I felt like this time around there's a lot of slow winding build-up until we get to the pulse-pounding intense mission. I didn't mind the slow build, at a certain point when things turn I just did not want to put down the book. Unfortunately, there are also some revelations that come about after the halfway mark that felt too rushed.

Regardless of these, I adore how Marie Lu handled Sydney and Winter.

I don't know what the future holds for this series, but I feel like there's plenty of possibilities for continuation and more ways to explore the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Icon and Inferno is the sequel to Stars and Smoke, and seems to end with the potential for a third installment. This book/series is so fun! This story had a lot of action, romance, and an entertaining amount of Mission Impossible-type intrigue and excitement. Both Sydney and Winter's characters are developed in more depth, which was nice to see, and is probably tough to do when a story revolves around stopping an assassination and war.

This is perfect for teen readers who enjoy fast-paced and entertaining books!

Such a great follow-up to the first book, I finished it in one sitting. The dynamics between Sydney and Winter are more intense than the first book which play off of the plot well. The foreshadowing to the mystery is well written with the pacing never rushed.

Lu, Marie, Icon and Inferno. Pgs. 320. Macmillan Publishing Group, 2024
Since their first mission in London, Sydney and Winter haven’t spoken to each other. To Winter’s surprise, Sydney shows up in his apartment with a new mission from Panacea. Their mission: to go to Singapore to find a rogue agent called the Arsonist. Things only get more complicated when the two encounter their exes. With the stake higher than ever before, can the two find the Arsonist before it’s too late or will things get muddied with the duo’s exes around?

The plot is well developed, adventurous, and has a good pace. The characters are likable, engaging, and draw the readers into the World of Warcross. Themes of espionage, revenge, love, and betrayal will keep readers interested and rooting for the characters. Due to on page sexual content and more mature themes, this book is best suited for high school and older. Characters are cued as diverse.

Readers who like science fiction, adventure, and spy thrillers with romance will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where Warcross, science fiction, and spy thrillers are popular. 4 stars, Gr 10 to 12

Icon and Inferno is the second installment in author Marie Lu's Stars and Smoke series. This book is set one year from the end of the first installment. The book alternates between superstar Winter Young, and Sydney Cossette, an operative who works for the Panacea Group. Winter (who is in Hawaii when he learns of a tell all book that is set to be released) and Sydney (who is now a full operative) haven't stopped thinking about each other even though they haven't been in contact since then.

That changes when Panacea asks them to team up on another mission, once again using the cover of Winter's concert. It seems one of their agents has been missing for 2 weeks, and there's the possibility that he's been compromised. In order to make things twisted, Sydney learns that the missing agent is Tems, a rogue agent named the Arsonist who just happens to be her ex. Thanks to a past incident, Tems isn't exactly on Syd's Christmas list. Meanwhile, Winter is forced to ask the glamorous Gavi Ginsburg, a globe-trotting socialite and Winter’s one-time girlfriend, to be by his side for the duration of the mission.

Syd & Winter's mission sends them to Singapore, and the guest appearance by one Emika Chen, who is now CEO of Henka Games who made her claim to fame in the Warcross games. While in Singapore, Syd and Winter learn of a threat to the US President by rogue actors. Syd soon finds that she is also under attack by an undetermined group of agents, as well as her employer. The author turns up the volume to 11 by having a very important character killed off in what appears to have been intentional. And when a murder accusation has Sydney on the run, suddenly it's not just a life at stake, but all-out war.

*Thoughts* The ending of this book leaves much to be desired. It seems that this was meant as a duology, but there's always the possibility of a return. Also, why bring back Emika if you weren't going to use here and Hideo in another story? This book is filled with action, suspense, romance, songs that weren't supposed to be played in public, betrayal, heart break, and maybe a bit of hope that the author will continue with the Syd and Winter trials and tribulations.

Winter’s fame is once again needed to get access to certain people. Sydney is tasked again because this time, they are trying to find an agent that is missing, along with a more pressing mission.

I liked this one even more than Stars and Smoke. It had more action and fast-paced scenes but also the build up of their relationship added that extra layer of entertainment. There is the danger, the mission itself, an old flame (or two) and a possible accusation for war. What could go wrong?

Have I mentioned I hate the name Winter? It just did not seem to fit. It rubbed me weird each time I heard it. But as a character, I liked his genuine demeanor and heartfelt personality. He complimented Sydney well. And even if it was a bit difficult to see her as an accomplished spy (because of her age), her character brought a boldness that accentuated her sensitivity.

This addition to the series is full of sabotage, treason, lies, secrets, deceit and more. There was never a slow moment but yet a steady pace of intrigue lasted throughout. I recommend this to those that love a thriller with some romance on the side.

AUDIO REVIEW: Becca Q. Co did an excellent job. The differing voices was just enough to tell each character apart. She also added inflection during suspense scenes making it more enjoyable.

International pop start Winter Young and secret agent Sydney Cossette are two of my favorite characters to read so far this year. This book was just fun to read because there was so much action and adventure. The character development was top tier from the first book and I loved seeing how much the characters had changed in a year. What didn't change was the feelings they had for each other, and it was, at times, heartbreaking to see them fighting them. If Marie Lu ever decided to write a third book for this, I would one-hundred percent be there for it.

I love them, your honor!!!! I absolutely loved the first book and this was a great addition. I think the stakes weren't as high but the vibes were great! I'm actually surprised I managed to catch the twist waayyyyyyy early which was definitely interesting. There was definitely a jaw drop kind of moment that had my heart stop which I probably will never forgive Marie Lu for.

Overall, I think this was a great exploration of the two main characters. Although Stars and Smoke could have easily been a standalone, I think this added to the yearning and since I wasn't ready to let go of the characters yet, this gave me some extra time with Winter and Sydney.

Genre: contemporary romance, YA
*technically futuristic, set in the same universe as Warcross

Picking up a year after Stars and Smoke, agent Sydney and pop music superstar Winter are back on a mission together - this time to extract another agent from Singapore, one who is trying to prevent an assassination and global war, but who can't get out on his own. Problem? The other agent is Sydney's ex. And to get into this exclusive event they'll be using Winter's Rockstar power, and on his arm will be his own spotlight claiming ex.

Marie Lu is one YA author I continue to read consistently long after leaving most of the genre behind. (These main characters may be closer to their early twenties, but it is closed door.) Her characters are well rounded, age appropriate, and have inner monologues that suit their personalities and plot, making this an enjoyable reading experience. It's a fast paced spy adventure, second chance bodyguard romance, and if that sounds like a mouthful, it’s actually not. Lu has the skill to deliver concise plot and her side characters are all well-rounded and important enough to be able to keep track of them (even if some of them were not spelled the way I’d imagine based on the audiobook narration!).

I recommend reading this series in order, starting with Stars and Smoke, to get a better sense of the characters. And while you don’t have to read Warcross, there are some fun easter eggs if you’re familiar with that duology.

Marie Lu does no wrong in my book. I love how her books have constant action and tension ripping through each page. Icon and Inferno is no exception. It is high-stakes, fast-moving, and intense. I flew through this one faster than the bullets flying at Winter and Sydney.

I loved watching Winter and Sydney pushed back together and rooted for them so hard along the way. Suspense is weaved through every emotion and something is always keeping them on edge yet their pull towards each other is so strong. The spice is somewhat upped in this installment, and I was here for it.

"Grief is love. It’s the price we pay for the gift of someone meaningful in our lives."

I am not sure if this series is a duology or there will be more… but I want to keep living in this world forever and honestly I’m still hoping for a little more for our leading duo. This is the second in the

Thank you to NetGalley, Macillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, and Marie Lu for the opportunity to read Icon and Inferno in exchange for an honest review.

Icon and Inferno is the follow-up to Stars and Smoke. It seems like a duology, but there is certainly promise for more! Warcross fans rejoice! We have an exciting semi-crossover in which you get a very small snippet of Emika and Hideo's lives after Wildcard. That was an incredible aspect and makes me wonder just what more Lu has in store for these characters.

In this young adult spy thriller, the reader gets to return to Sydney and Winter. After being apart for a year, Sydney appears at Winter's door once more with a request from the secret agent group, Panacea, to help with a particular mission. Winter's next concert tour begins in Singapore, and what do you know?! A plan to assassinate the U.S. president is taking place there as well. But their mission is not stopping the assassination. In fact, they are deterred from intervening lest they give Panacea and/or themselves away.

No, the duo has been tasked with finding Tems, a member of Panacea who has gone off-grid. It seems that whoever is planning the assassination knows about Panacea's involvement and will do whatever it takes to stop the group from its success.

Romantic tensions are high as Sydney and Winter dance around their feelings. But perhaps one day they will be able to give into their own desires.

Yet another thrilling and masterfully written novel from Marie Lu. Everything she writes is something different, and the hint of a tie-in was a fun aspect indeed. Lu says so much in so few words, one of the incredible aspects to her craft. This is a must-read for any Lu fan, lover of secret agent thrillers, and those who want a solid contemporary young adult book to read. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

Winter Young, the international pop superstar-turned undercover agent, is back in Icon and Inferno, the sequel to Stars and Smoke. I admit, I was rather rusty on the plot of the first book, but the sequel is a standout in the series, strong enough to operate as a standalone. I enjoyed this book even more than the first. One year after his first mission with Panacea, Winter Young is called to reunite with his former mission partner / bodyguard, Sydney Cossette, for another undercover operation, forcing them to face their unresolved romantic tension. Their mission is twisty and complex, heightening the stakes of both their operation and their mutual pining. I love forced proximity in a star-crossed love story, and this premise delivers. I was worried about the introduction of each of their exes, but the possibility of intersecting love triangles is well-handled. I also predicted a large part of the third act twist / reveal, but the suspicion only heightened the emotional impact. I appreciated the more complex ethics that Sydney grapples with as the mission grows more convoluted. Overall, an engrossing romantic thriller and an even more satisfying story than the first book in the series.

Icon and Inferno is the second book in the Stars and Smoke series by Marie Lu. It picks up about a year after Stars and Smoke. Winter is struggling with family secrets and drama, Sydney is still a secret agent, and neither of them have been able to stop thinking about the other. Sydney and Winter are reunited for another top secret mission, full of danger, and the threat of war.

Icon and Inferno is full of drama and action, all happening at a fast and pace. To counter the fast paced action, there’s a slow burn romance, complete with jealousy and old flames. I think both Winter and Sydney had some solid character growth in this one which I loved. The political intrigue was also really engaging for me. This one definitely felt like the stakes were higher and it was more intense. Marie Lu does such a great job creating an engaging storyline, and I couldn’t put this one down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the advance copies.

Marie Lu is a fantastic storyteller.
I love that she always closes the loop in The whole plot. The bantering and chemistry is top tier! Also love that she is dipping in the world of possible new adult. Gah I wish I could see her on her book tour! Maybe one day. So glad to be back in the world of War Cross.

The new adult sequel to Stars and Smoke by @marieluthewriter
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It’s been a year since famous pop star, Winter, went on his undercover mission with Sydney Cossette and he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since. When someone makes a threat on the president’s life, Sydney’s team brings Winter back for another mission. Assassination attempts, murder, exes and more have Winter and Sydney thrown together again in high stakes situations. How will it end for the two star-crossed lovers?
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I love love loved this follow up title! Please tell me there are more and it’s not a duology! Being back in the Warcross world was also so much fun! I call this a new adult romance because the characters are in their 20s and living as adults in the world so I think it would appeal more to older audiences, but that’s just my opinion. Grab this when it releases June 11! Thanks @librofm for the ALC.

CW: murder, death, gun violence, violence, kidnapping, death of a sibling (recounted), domestic violence (recounted), alcohol

I cannot express how much Winter and Sydney mean to me. This book had me on the edge of my seat, had my heart aching and my eyes tearing up. Marie Lu has never failed me before. After really enjoying Stars and Smoke I was so excited for the opportunity to read this book early and it lived up to everything I could have ever wanted and more. My heart aches leaving Sydney and Winter behind but I'm grateful for the crumbs that have been left at the end!

Great second book in this series. Loved seeing Sydney and Winter back together. This book felt like much higher stakes than the first one. The latter half had me on the edge of my seat. The action in this one is incredible. And we get a little emotion too.

Sydney and Winter are back and better than before. While they live a tragic tale I love them, their dynamic, just everything them.

I will however be devastated if they turn out living a forever long drawn out life full of regret. I am okay reading a few of these stories but will be very against them not ending up together and living a life of what ifs, constantly apart.

And because I know everyone is dying to hear my casting of Winter, Ross Butler is it. He is Winter. I can’t be convinced otherwise