Just like the first one, I simply could not put this down. Winter and Sydney are both great characters, and the author can certainly craft a plot with enough twists to keep you guessing.

YA contemporary with second chance romance. This was a great sequel! I love Marie Lu’s writing style and strong characterization. The perfect blend of adventure, mystery, emotion, and romance. Also a very interesting and unique character dynamic! A pop star and a spy join forces! I definitely recommend this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and McMillan Children's Publishing Group for supplying me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Stars and Smoke. And I love Marie Lu's writing. So I can say I was happy to get a copy of this book as the follow to the first, since the first leaves off on a small cliffhanger leaving you wanting more.
It's been a year since Syd and Winter parted, neither thinking they would ever be back in each other's lives. But Panacea needs Winter for another mission, and they need Syd to convince him to get on board. Of course their mission doesn't go as planned,. They find themselves being hunted by the very people who are supposed to protect them. And they find themselves fighting their attraction, once again!
Is it a silly notion that people so young would be working for a covert agency like Panacea? Yes. Do I care? No. Because I love these characters and their mission and the way they easily get out of things over and over again. It makes my Mission Impossible loving heart very happy,
Marie Lu truly knows how to write some great action. Every chapter had me wanting to turn the page to the next to see just where this mission lead these characters and how they would keep themselves safe. The pacing was great but I would have appreciated a bit of a slower pace to have some time with the characters. I do understand it would have been hard to do so with how much action happens throughout the story. But Lu's writing is addictive.
With this book, we get a bit deeper into the relationship between Winter and Syd. Their push and pull is undeniable. Their romance impossible. Syd continuously denies her attraction to Winter but Winter knows it's there and he is unabashedly honest about it. The inclusion of a few side characters who have history with these two definitely leant to the intensity of the build between Syd and Winter. I really enjoyed the background we got on Winter's character. His family dynamic is important to the man he's become. We know much about Syd from the first book, which explains how she has developed as a character with not letting anyone get close to her. So it's not surprising when she puts her walls up in regards to her and Winter's relationship. The romance was tense and angsty, perfect for YA readers.
As with book one, we see a lot of political intrigue in this one. Their mission is straight forward, to rescue another Panacea operative. But, of course, nothing goes to plan when an assassination attempt pulls them into a high stakes game where they are running for their lives. And the mission gets impossibly harder when they find out betrayal has become part of it all.
I do see how Lu incorporated another of her series into this one, Warcross. I had no idea that would happen. I have not read that series and had no idea there would be a connection so I'm not sure anything was spoiled by me reading this first.
The ending, while satisfying, still leaves me wanting a third book. I need to see a final ending for these two. Don't get me wrong, there is a conclusion, but I was a little unsatisfied with it. I need redemption! And maybe this might be the plan? I have no idea but if it is I'm sure I will devour that one as I did with this and the first book.
4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

I have been anxiously awaiting this sequel, and it did not disappoint. Sydney and Winter are such good star crossed lovers who aren't the usual teeny bopper age where they don't understand consequence or responsibilities. I loved watching them struggle through this story and the action was great. I kinda hate that feeling of once they make it through an obstacle another one is immediately in their way so this was frustrating in parts, but it felt interesting and I was definitely entertained the whole time.

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 Syndey 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?

Synopsis:
It's been a year since superstar Winter found himself on a dangerous mission with undercover secret agent Sydney Cossette and he hasn't been able to stop thinking about her for a day since then. Luckily, she hasn't been able to stop thinking about him either. When family secrets and nasty rumors have Winter desperate to return to the world of secrets, the opportunity to reunite with Sydney for a mission fortuitously presents itself. A rescue gone wrong, an assassination attempt - and the return of an old flame - puts Winter right back into action . . . and into a country on the brink of chaos. And when a murder accusation has Sydney on the run, suddenly it's not just a life at stake, but all-out war.

Is it the most original or spectacular action romance I have ever read...no. But it is fun and entertaining. Our characters are easy to pull for, their chemistry is hot, and the story flows well. It will be the perfect summer read. I'm glad we get a peek of what a romance between Winter and Sydney could look like. And I look forward to the next book in this series. The pacing is good, I love the support our main characters provide each other, and the side characters carry their weight. I recommend if you want something easy and fun.

International superstar Winter Young is back a year after he went undercover with Sydney Cossette and Panacea. This time, new team players are involved: Winter’s ex Gavi and Sydney’s ex, someone known only as The Arsonist. Winter and Sydney not only have to navigate their feelings for each other and with their exes, but they also have to figure out who is on the right side–and which side they want to be on. With more twists and turns than the previous book, Smoke and Stars, this one will keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats until the very end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good action packed thriller.

A really solid book 2 that I liked a little bit better than the first book! However I have NO clue why they're saying it can be read as a standalone because while the plot isn't a direct followup, you miss 100% of the context of everything if you skipped Stars & Smoke?

Anyways, this one was really good! I loved the tension between Winter & Sydney, loved that the stakes were higher, and of course loved all of the action. I said it with S&S but these would be such good movies. Also loved the nods to a certain other series Marie Lu wrote!

My biggest gripe is that there's not a lot of character development--they kind of stay the same in this one, don't learn much, and repeat a lot of the same stuff from book 1. The ending also wasn't satisfying to me (but it did make sense for the story!).

Definitely recommend these books if you want a fast-paced action romance!

I enjoy Marie Lu’s writing style and her stories. It always amazes me that what she writes is labeled as YA or New Adult because, for this reader, the stories can be enjoyed by late teens and adults alike, to me that is a true writer’s gift.

This is the 2nd book in the Stars and Smoke series. I did not read the first book; and my feeling is that these can be stand alone books. There is enough information in this 2nd book that you get a feel for what may have happened in the first story in regard to the main characters, Sydney and Winter.

This is an entertaining and interesting tale about a secret government agency that employs/trains late teens/early twenties people to help them carry out missions for national security. This is definitely a “spy” action story and at the same time, a romance of sorts. It certainly captured my attention. I liked the alternating points of view of Sydney and Winter too. This story is fresh and exciting.

Sydney and Winter are working together again. This time there are exes, rescues, and assassination plots. This sequel to Stars and Smoke takes these characters on another adventure together filled with twists and mistrust. Readers of the first book will definitely want to see where this book goes, but this could also be read as a standalone. There are a few mentions of the first book, but mostly this is a separate mission. That being said, fans of Marie Lu will also be excited to see mention of Warcross and Emika Chen. This was a wild ride, and while the ending was a bit rushed, it ends with resolution while also leaving the door open for future missions.

I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced ebook and audiobook copies of this title from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a really fun sequel! I like the characters, and it was nice to revisit them. I don’t expect a third book, but I would love one. The narrator was great; she really brought the story alive. I had both book and audio and kept returning to the audio version.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an electronic Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

I was so excited to be able to read Icon and Inferno, the sequel to Stars and Smoke. The second book takes place a year after the events of Stars and Smoke. Korean pop superstar Winter Young is back to his musician life and trying to put his adventure with super spy Sydney Cossette behind him. Sydney is also back to her spying way. But they can't forget about each other and the connection they shared.

Sydney is forced to draft Winter again when an undercover agent called the Arsonist has failed to report on time - they fear he has been compromised and the next place he is to make contact is during the Warcross games (a welcome callback to the Warcross series). It doesn't help that he is also Sydney's ex.

Marie Lu always writes compelling plots and characters, and this is no exception. It's always fun to delve into one of the worlds that she has created, I really enjoyed this one and liked the continuation of Sydney and Winter's story. I hope that this series continues!

This was such a fun sequel! I had such a great time with this story, which never seemed to slow down. It hard to put down because I needed to know what would happen!

I thought the characters had great growth as well. It made this sequel completely worth the read on it's own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced copy!

I have been a Marie Lu fan for a long time, so I was super excited to read this one! Icon and Inferno is the sequel to Stars and Smoke, which I really enjoyed reading last year. And this second installment did not disappoint! I loved being able to follow Winter and Sydney on their next mission. It was especially fun to see characters from one of Marie Lu's previous series, Warcross (but reading the previous series is not needed to understand this book). Filled with action and romance, this will appeal to all Marie Lu fans and anyone who is looking for an exciting read.

This is a spectacular YA spy thriller. Marie Lu crafts such magnificent characters with Winter and Sydney. Their chemistry and their longing is so addictive to read. I am desperate for more in this setting. This series surprised me with the depth of its world building; it’s a very layered secret society. Overall, this is a deeply thought provoking YA spy thriller that I highly recommend. Marie Lu is such a talented writer that I am so excited to read more from!

5 stars

I loved Stars and Smoke and was so to hear there was going to be a sequel. I love Sydney and Winter’s relationship so much and how it was continued in this book. I also loved the story and plot twists. I don’t think Marie Lu knows how to write a bad book because everything I’ve read by her is perfection.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

Another fun adventure with Syd and Winter and what can go wrong when you a mission, exes, danger and jealousy. Lu always writes such great character driven stories and with this duology it is perfect style for the pacing of the book.

Thank the stars, Sydney and Winter are back.

You all read Stars and Smoke (you didn’t? Stop now and do so) so you know we needed back into their story and Marie Lu found the perfect mission. London. Winter hasn’t been able to get Sydney out of his head since their last mission and this time the stakes are even higher - ahem, the President of the UNITED STATES.

But nothing ever goes as it’s planned and car chases, secret agents, songs no one was supposed to hear and relationships tested and I was hooked. Need a third one pretty please, this story is not over.

Thank you Netgalley, Maire Lu and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of 'Icon and Inferno' in exchange for an honest review.

I had the first book in this series on my TBR for a while. Now having read 'Icon and Inferno' I am upset I didn't read 'Stars and Smoke' earlier. This BOOK IS SO GOOD. First off the cover of 'Icon and Inferno' is beautiful and the title made me wants to read it on the spot. Second this is a YA book,however I didn't feel like it pandered to a younger audience. When they talked about the spy tech and gadgets, it could have been cheesy or juvenile but it wasn't! Those were some of my favorite part of the book. And it wasn't the same spy tech we have seen in movies since James Bond in the 60's. Even if it was something as simply as a hologram on a phone or an AI mirror, it was well done. On top of that we get the will they won't they romance. You get it all, spies, romance, thrills and suspense. What else could you ask for?

You didn't need to read 'Stars and Smoke' to read 'Icon and Inferno 'but I would recommend it. Everything you need to know it explained to you and characters are reintroduced to you in Icon and Inferno but they do keep mentioned Winter and Sydney's mission in the last book. So while you are waiting for 'Icon and Inferno' to drop on June 11,2024, RUN and go read 'Stars and Smoke'. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I love Marie Lus novels and this one was no different. The continuing story of Sydney and Winter was a tion packed and tender all at the same time. You could enjoy this as a stand alone but having read the first one made this one even better. I loved the balance of characters and how human they were with their emotions of just wanting to be loved. Well done and 5 stars!!!!!

This was so much fun. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the first book, but as soon as I started reading this it all came back to me. I really like how Marie Lu doesn't ease you into the story with reminders of what already happened. You're just dropped in and bam! it goes 0-60 and the rest of the book is an adrenaline rush.

It's very clear to me, as a BTS Army, that Winter is based on various members of BTS. He felt so familiar and it made me instantly connect with him and be on his side. It's like, yes, obviously, any member of BTS -- I mean Winter -- could easily live a double life as an international pop star and also a spy. And obviously they'd be great at it.

Sydney is a great partner for Winter. She challenges him and doesn't let him get away with anything. And their chemistry is off the charts. They're both very charismatic and pop off the page. The secondary characters were good too and added a lot of drama, but I'm here for Winter and Sydney.

The political stakes are raised even higher in this one, and of course not everything about their mission is as it seems.

I really hope we get more books in this series. I will continue to happily devour them as soon as I can get my hands on them.

The audiobook was fantastic. The narrator did a great job conveying the tension and high stakes and I listened to it in one sitting and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The voices were great and believable and distinct.

Highly recommend, especially in audio format.

*Thanks to Netgalley, Roaring Book Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing an early copy for review.