Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu

Marie Lu has followed Stars and Smoke with a thrilling sequel showcasing superstar Winter Young and secret agent Sydney Cossette. It has been a year since the pair were on a secret mission in London, but Winter knows that he cannot turn down another assignment from Panacea especially with Sydney acting as his bodyguard. The pair are sent to Singapore to extract another agent, Sydney’s ex known as the Arsonist, who is in danger. And Winter brings along an old girlfriend too, so expect fireworks!

Icon and Inferno starts off slowly with an emphasis on relationships. Someone is writing a book revealing Winter’s life and secrets. Who in the family would do that and has Gavi Ginsburg, his old flame, leaked information? Jealousy simmers when Winter finds out that the Arsonist is Sydney’s ex-boyfriend and Sydney is not very happy about Winter and Gavi.

The story is an engrossing balance of romance and suspense, which will grip readers who enjoy both genres. Sydney’s loyalty to Panacea and the good of her country is admirable, and it is easy to relate to the problems that Winter faces as a world celebrity. They make a wonderful team.

The action really ramps up with car chases, bullets flying and sinister figures attempting an assassination when Winter and Sydney start on their mission in Singapore. And so does the slow-burning romance between the pair.

This is an admirable second book in the series with deep development of the characters of Sydney and Winter. And the fabulous action will keep readers glued to the page. I hope to see the duo again in the future.

Themes: Musicians, Spies, Thriller, Romance, Singapore.

Pat Pledger