Review: Touching Smoke by Airicka Phoenix

Title: Touching Smoke (Touch book 1)
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: July 31st 2012
Publishers: Self-published
Available from: Amazon
Source: Author


“What am I?”

“Mine… always!”

This summer… their love will annihilate the world! 

For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN, being haunted was just another day in the life of a gypsy, like being on the run had always been a closely guarded secret her mother would have happily taken to the grave… if her past hadn’t caught up with them. 

But when Fallon is stalked by fire-throwing demons, nearly killed by rebel mutants and finds a soul mate she can never have, even her normally unusual life is thrown into a tangled web of love, lies and betrayal.

As worlds collide, secrets unfold and blood is spilt, Fallon comes to several unsettling revelations: she’s not entirely human, her creator has a bounty on her head and the only one who can save her is the one person she has to keep at arm’s length or risk destroying the world for.

******

Fallon isn't your average 16 year old. Her and her mother are constantly moving, never staying in one place too long. She has lived like this for as long as she can remember. Her world changes forever when she's attacked by fire-wielding demons and saved by a gorgeous blue-eyed stranger. Isaiah has spent his life protecting her from afar, now their lives have collided. What follows is a life altering realisation that she is not what she believes. 

I was pleasantly surprised by Touching Smoke. I really enjoyed the reading the blurb, so I was more than happy to read it. I am so glad I did. It stands out from the crowd of your usual YA paranormal, having it's own addictive qualities. Strong female heroine? Check. Uber-gorgeous love interest? Check. Mysterious origins? Check. Page turner that will keep you reading into the wee hours? Check. So what exactly makes it stand out? Well I'm glad you asked. Airicka Phoenix has created a world all her own, with our leads on the run from the man who helped create them. They're not like us, and the quest to find out who and what they are is an exciting ride.There's something wild in Fallon that makes her stronger, faster and lusting for blood. Her journey of discovery is heartbreaking and intense. Her life is one lie after another and full of betrayals she never saw coming. 

Isaiah's life has been just as tragic, his one goal being her protector. He is fierce in his protectiveness, always making sure she's safe no matter the harm to himself. There's a connection between them that  is undeniable and incredibly strong. But is any of what they feel real? Or does it lead back to their creator and what he has planned. Once you find out you'll be just as shocked as they are, but you never do learn what exactly it is. Fallon and Isaiah go out of their way to protect each other, with Fallon finding out just how far she is willing to go to defend him. She's kind of awesome in her fury. I loved reading about each revelation as they were learning it. I hate when books are so easily predictable and Touching Smoke is not one of them. There are so many twists and turns to keep you stuck to the pages. 

Touching Smoke is unique and engaging, with an action-packed story line. You're sucked in straight away and spit out at the end, having gone on a roller coaster ride of sheer awesomeness, leaving you breathless and slightly bewildered that's it over . I hate having to wait for the next book is a series, this is going to be a long one. Get yourself a copy now!

4/5