Welp! I so wanted to love this one. First off, I loved the title! How intriguing is that!?! Plus, the synopsis piqued my interest - two viet best friends (more like sisters) use supernatural powers to gain fame and fortune in the golden age of Hollywood... but at what cost? How fun, I thought. A perfect book for the fall season. But sadly, this book did not work for me. We can't love them all and unfortunately this is the case here.

Two Vietnamese best friends (more like sisters) use supernatural powers to gain fame and fortune in the golden age of Hollywood... but at what cost? Fun read if you like magic/fantasy, without diving into a heavy series.

In this book we get a healthy dose of:
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 cross-generational family dynamics
👻 paranormal magic/ghosts
😈 a twist on the selling-your-soul trope
🎥 golden age of Hollywood
💸 rags to riches
🇻🇳 race prejudice
🔥 a dash of gang rivalry</ul>

Really enjoyed this second paranormal/magical realism story from Van Hoang! As her second adult novel, this one felt a lot more polished and well-paced than her debut, <i>The Monstrous Misses Mai</i>. I felt that the magic elements were more fleshed out and easy to understand, and the characters had more depth to them. Similarly to her first novel, this is written as a period piece-- taking place in 1930s Hollywood-- though I felt that the time setting was more apparent (and plot-driving) in this story versus Misses Mai.

Two things that left me wanting more:
1. I wish there was more closure with Jem & Issa at the end.
2. I felt like in the beginning, Issa's grandmother and aunt warned her and Olivia about spirits becoming stronger in their world, about possession etc. But when Issa brought her concerns to them when things with Ava were starting to get weird, they sort of blew it off. Maybe it was because they were distracted with the gang wars? It just felt incongruent to me.

Additionally, while I didn't necessarily feel like it "dragged" (I was having a good time throughout, never bored), I did feel like it could have been a bit shorter or "cut to the chase" a bit quicker. It's definitely a slow burn to the reveal, even though I feel like it's pretty clear early on where the story is going.

4.5 stars, rounded up

This was excellent! It's a really fast-paced read with fun characters in a vibrant setting. The only minor criticism that I have is that the climax wasn't quite as good as it could have been, I think the author could have done more with combining the uncles and [redacted] as threats. Overall, though, this was wonderful and I breezed through it.

Thank you to Net Galley and 47North for the ARC. I liked the concept but the actual story was too boring for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and or the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review the Silver and Smoke.

This book was interesting in a good way. Loved the plot, the characters interactions with each other.

"Silver and Smoke" by Van Hoang is an engaging fantasy novel that combines detailed world-building with deep character development. The narrative unfolds in a distinctive universe brimming with magic, adventure, and a variety of cultures, all skillfully interwoven by Hoang. The author excels at crafting vivid imagery, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story's setting.

The characters in "Silver and Smoke" are richly developed, each possessing their own motivations and arcs for growth. The protagonist’s journey is both relatable and uplifting, highlighting themes of strength, resilience, and self-discovery. The relationships among characters—whether through friendship, rivalry, or romance—add layers to the narrative and keep readers engaged.

Hoang's writing style is captivating, striking a balance between poetic prose and brisk action. The plot is well-crafted, featuring twists and turns that sustain suspense and intrigue.

However, some readers may notice that certain plot elements feel familiar, as they echo common tropes within the fantasy genre. Overall, "Silver and Smoke" is a compelling and magical read that is likely to resonate with fans of YA fantasy. Van Hoang has created a story that offers both adventure and emotional depth, making it a valuable addition to the genre.

This was a very interesting slow burn supernatural mystery.

I find the ideas of ghosts and conjuring fascinating, and so this was right up my alley.

More than anything this is a story about family relationships and friendship but also about trust and boundaries.

For me, this wasn't a quick read, but it was definitely a captivating one. The characters are very well written, and I was really curious to see whether they will be able to achieve their goals. There are also very interesting dynamics between the multiple women in the center of the story. There was ambiguity regarding their motives for seeking out each other's attention, and that has contributed to the overall mystery of the book. It wasn't entirely clear for a while as to who is playing who and who is actually being truthful.

I really appreciated how the author made these women the focus of the book, all of them very different with their individual desires and personalities and yet there was also a sense of camaraderie among them when standing up to a common enemy, such as the patriarchy. Provided, different women had different ideas regarding how one should tackle such a potent system of oppression.

Even the ultimate villain here is portrayed so skillfully in a way that amplifies the underlying factors which contributed to making the person a villain in the first place. This in my opinion is what makes good writing - I found some degree of sympathy for all the characters. And the fact that in the end the villain's actions were explained but not excused is what made the story that much better.

The only thing that could be improved in my opinion is the pace of the plot. It could definitely be a bit faster, at one point it seemed pretty drawn out. For example, there were lots of details regarding the women's work in movie production, and at some point it felt a bit repetitive. I think some of the details could be left out.

I think this book will stay with me for a while. I feel I almost got to know the characters like they were people. Honestly, can very much imagine a movie or a TV show made out of this book.

A fun and dark Hollywood horror fantasy! Richly told and deeply compelling, this was an extremely enjoyable read! Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Supernatural elements to a heartwarming story on friendship and withstanding the entertainment business. Olivia and Issa are both young Vietnamese women trying to land acting roles to become famous nd earn money so they don't have to work in the laundry business. Issa's family are also shamans, and so she has the ability to conjure up spirits and speak to the dead. When Issa and Olivia are trying to land roles, they speak to a spirit named Ava and ask her for advice. Ava was an actress before she left Earth and so the girls really took to her, especially Olivia. Throughout the story, their friendship is tested and Issa becomes slightly jealous of Ava. Each girl gets their own movies and they kind of feel like they're growing apart. But then something bout Ava is revealed and this causes their friendship to kind of go up in flames but also come back stronger than ever. I really enjoyed the friendship aspect of the story. It's the main theme here. They are each other's soulmate.

I did find some parts kind of dragged on and I was a bit bored during some parts as well. I didn't really understand why we encountered Weston more after what they did for Ava. It seemed unnecessary and didn't make sense to me. I enjoyed the ending. I wish we had more info about the clan war. That would have also been interesting to dabble in more. It was very lightly touched upon and felt like such a big thing in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed the book especially at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Silver and Smoke - Review

Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ masterpiece from Ms. Van Hoang. I was eagerly anticipating this read, and it did not disappoint.

Set in 1930s Culver City, California, the story follows two Vietnamese friends, Issa and Olivia Nong, both aspiring actresses in an era where Asians faced harsh discrimination and were often dismissed in the film industry.

Issa, who hails from a family of shamans, strikes a deal with her deceased grandmother, Bà Ngoai. She’s given one year to make herself and Olivia famous or else inherit the family’s shamanic responsibilities. To guide them on this journey, they summon the spirit of the late actress Ava Lin Rang, hoping for some Hollywood wisdom. However, Ava turns out to be far more than they bargained for.

Ms. Hoang’s vivid descriptions masterfully immerse readers in the world of shamanism, summonings, and the supernatural, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.

The pervasive discrimination and racism in the film industry left me heartbroken for Issa and Olivia, as they were typecast and treated as expendable. It wasn’t until Issa began to embrace her own mystical abilities—with the help of a quiet admirer—that she found the strength to believe in herself and shine onscreen.

Issa’s brief chance at love was quickly crushed by the studios, as interracial relationships were illegal at the time. Imagine that—it wasn’t even that long ago. As the story reaches its conclusion, it takes a dark and unexpected turn, which I absolutely loved. Despite the shift, the pacing remained solid, and Ms. Hoang wrapped everything up beautifully.

At its heart, this isn’t a typical love story between a man and a woman, but a story of the deep, sister-like bond between Issa and Olivia. Issa’s love for Olivia and their shared dream is what drives her, even when the price becomes dangerously high.

I highly recommend Silver and Smoke for anyone who loves a blend of historical fiction, strong female characters, fantasy, and the paranormal with a dash of old Hollywood glam.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review.

In *Silver and Smoke*, the allure and dark underbelly of 1930s Hollywood come to life through the eyes of two ambitious Vietnamese women, Issa Bui and Olivia Nong. This spellbinding novel blends elements of magical realism with a poignant exploration of identity, dreams, and the often frightening price of fame.

From the very first page, the vibrant and atmospheric setting pulls you into a world where the glamour of the MGM back lot contrasts sharply with the harsh realities faced by Asian women in the film industry. Issa, driven by an unshakeable belief in her destiny, is determined to break through the barriers that keep her and Olivia from realizing their Hollywood dreams. With the blood of shamans flowing in her veins, Issa’s journey becomes not just a quest for fame but a powerful exploration of her heritage and the legacies of her ancestors.

The relationship between Issa and Olivia feels genuine and layered, echoing the complexity of sisterhood. Their bond is tested as they navigate the treacherous waters of ambition, and the introduction of Bà Ngoại, Issa’s formidable grandmother, adds a fascinating supernatural twist. Bà Ngoại’s presence, both intimidating and protective, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and expectations that come with cultural heritage.

Ava Lin Rang, the spectral mentor from the silent film era, brings a captivating depth to the story. Her guidance illuminates the struggles and triumphs of Issa and Olivia, while also highlighting the darker side of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. As Issa begins to harness her own magical powers, the novel deftly raises questions about authenticity and the cost of success.

*Silver and Smoke* is a beautifully crafted narrative that intertwines personal ambition with cultural identity. The author skillfully blends humor, magic, and a touch of darkness, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read. As Issa and Olivia chase their dreams, readers are left to ponder: what are we willing to sacrifice for fame, and what does it truly mean to succeed? This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever dared to dream big in a world that often feels stacked against them.

This was a perfect fall read, with its vintage vibes from the 1930s and the chilling atmosphere that come from the mystic art of shamanism. I had a wonderful time following the girls who worked so hard to make their dreams come true!

Racism is so prevalent in the film industry that their talents are overlooked cuz their appearances take precedence, and they struggle to earn even minor roles at the start. But with the help of the summoned ghost, they're able to finally get smaller roles and are still treated as nobodies. And it was so painful and also rewarding to see them give their all and still have hopes that they'd become stars if they keep trying. And they do see some changes in the way people start to treat them as they showcase their talents. The willpower and strong beliefs of our FMCs shines throughout the novel, and I liked their character growth towards the end.

I always love stories that have some amount of paranormal elements in them, and this tackled that aspect very well. With Issa belonging to a family of shamans, we're introduced to a world of seance and summonings, and a dabble into the darker side at times. The last part of the novel took a sinister turn that I saw coming but was still shocked at everything that happened within those few chapters. And I was satisfied with the way everything ended, and how their friendship lasted after going through such arduous times. And I'm glad that Issa and Olivia finally had their dreams come true, and also found out how precious their bond is. Will definitely recommend this if you're looking for something both eerie and also fun at the same time.

Thanks NetGalley for the digital Arc!

Moody, atmospheric, and totally captivating. It's definitely speculative fiction, but I love that "Silver and Smoke" dabbles a bit in historical as well. Having spent some time in Los Angeles, I was delighted to read about the Hollywood scene during that particular time period. I also really enjoyed reading about the Vietnamese experience, which I happen to know very little about. The voice and authenticity of Issa pulled me right in and kept me reading late! That being said, it was the magical realism that kept me turning pages: nothing like a good "ghost" story! Overall, this story does great work bringing new perspectives/backdrops/characters to a beloved genre, and Van Hoang executes flawlessly.

I loved the subtle tension hanging over the story from the start of Silver and Smoke by Van Hoang. Just enough to leave you feeling unsettled the entire time you're reading.

We follow two best friends, Issa and Olivia, in their journey to become movie stars in Hollywood's Golden Era. Given their Vietnamese background, they have a hard time breaking into the business until they seek help from Issa's gang leader grandmother. Who happens to be dead. But Issa comes from a long line of shamans who can easily summon spirits, and grandma has met a fellow spirit in the afterlife who was a famous actress and agrees to help the girls. For a price.

There's just enough 'is this a good idea?' suspense hanging over the characters as the story progresses to keep you turning pages. I enjoyed the dynamics between the two girls as they figure out their changing relationship amid the differences in their success levels. Along with the poignant commentary on not only being women in Hollywood but also immediately labelled as 'exotic.' I only wish we had more time with the climax of the plot and the ending. It felt too rushed after all the buildup, and I wanted to see more of how the characters' stories played out in the future.

Ok - this was another five star read from this author! I absolutely loved this book. The plot was fascinating and from an era that I have always been very interested in. I loved the supernatural aspect that blended perfectly with the struggles of the real world.

I also loved that this was a struggle between two friends and their relationship more than anything. It would have been so easy to just write another romance where the struggle is between the couple - but by making it the two best friends, it was so much more interesting!

Overall, a great stand alone read that I feel like anyone would enjoy - and you don’t have to commit to a 8-9 book series to get your fantasy and action!

It's a great book. Unique and captivating story. Kudos to the author, Van Hoang. I want to read more of her books. I wish I could get an ARC Physical book copy,'cause I just read it on Epub online.

The novel skillfully explores the price of fame and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams, all while maintaining an enchanting and immersive narrative. A truly spellbinding read that’s as imaginative as it is poignant.