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Smoke & Summons
(Numina Trilogy #1)
by
As a human vessel for an ancient spirit, Sandis lives no ordinary life. At the command of her master, she can be transformed against her will into his weapon—a raging monster summoned to do his bidding. Unlike other vessels, Sandis can host extremely powerful spirits, but hosting such creatures can be fatal. To stay alive, she must run. And in a city fueled by smoke and co
...more
Hardcover, 332 pages
Published
February 1st 2019
by 47North
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This book was freaking awesome!!

I got this book as my Kindle First pick for January! You know, it sounded good and all but I had no idea! This world of magic and demons and people in a world together.
Sandis and Rone are the main characters and I loved them!! I even loved Ireth, even though I shouldn’t. I hope he shows back up in the next book! We shall see!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾 ...more

I got this book as my Kindle First pick for January! You know, it sounded good and all but I had no idea! This world of magic and demons and people in a world together.
Sandis and Rone are the main characters and I loved them!! I even loved Ireth, even though I shouldn’t. I hope he shows back up in the next book! We shall see!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾 ...more

$1.99 Kindle sale, May 5, 2019. Pretty good YA fantasy, the start of a new series (the second book has just been published). 3.25 stars. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Smoke & Summons is the start of a new YA fantasy trilogy by Charlie N. Holmberg, with an interesting, rather dark occult concept underlying it. Demons and spirits, called numina, from the ethereal plane are able to be summoned and controlled by those who know the necessary rituals, which include painfully brandi ...more
Smoke & Summons is the start of a new YA fantasy trilogy by Charlie N. Holmberg, with an interesting, rather dark occult concept underlying it. Demons and spirits, called numina, from the ethereal plane are able to be summoned and controlled by those who know the necessary rituals, which include painfully brandi ...more

I received this book well before it's release date in the hopes that I would give it a blurb for the cover. It's wonderful - it's action packed and the characters are empathetic. The unique world of dark wizards and creatures from another astral plane is fascinating. Put this book in your TBR pile, you won't be sorry!
...more

No one's going to read this, why do I write book reviews? None of my friends are on this site, and I doubt people who are on the site look for other people's reviews. Oh well.
I think Charlie builds a decent fantasy world, but this one is a lot weaker than her Paper Magician series. I think this is an attempt to make a darker series but keep her super-wholesome religious characters. It's not that this is a hopepunk or whatever people are calling it, but you can definitely tell that the author is ...more
I think Charlie builds a decent fantasy world, but this one is a lot weaker than her Paper Magician series. I think this is an attempt to make a darker series but keep her super-wholesome religious characters. It's not that this is a hopepunk or whatever people are calling it, but you can definitely tell that the author is ...more

I found the idea of summons and vessels very interesting, but that’s all I found interesting. It very quickly went from “Smoke & Summons” to “Worry & Running.” That’s about all that happens in this book.
The author tells us everything, instead of showing us anything. The characters are shallow and bland. The plot is almost nonexistent. The 300+ pages of chase scenes and worried internal monologues should’ve served as the first 100 pages or so that would lay the ground work for further development ...more
The author tells us everything, instead of showing us anything. The characters are shallow and bland. The plot is almost nonexistent. The 300+ pages of chase scenes and worried internal monologues should’ve served as the first 100 pages or so that would lay the ground work for further development ...more

Aug 17, 2020
Charlie Holmberg
marked it as to-read
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
This entire series is out! The Numina trilogy is the biggest (and, IMO, the best) story I've ever written--I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.
Order the ebook, hardcover, paperback, and audiobook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/324r0ob
Or on Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2Q1IewO ...more

Order the ebook, hardcover, paperback, and audiobook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/324r0ob
Or on Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2Q1IewO ...more

This book bothered me for many reasons... but here are the main ones:
This book is a classic example of weak plot syndrome. Where the plot isn't really good so you fill the pages with chase scene after chase scene. And then, in the calmer spots, you get the woes of young love and the weakness of the main characters. Sandis is a super weak woman and a horrible role model for women (especially young women), IMO. She is the classic damsel in distress and never grows out of it. The only time she sho ...more
This book is a classic example of weak plot syndrome. Where the plot isn't really good so you fill the pages with chase scene after chase scene. And then, in the calmer spots, you get the woes of young love and the weakness of the main characters. Sandis is a super weak woman and a horrible role model for women (especially young women), IMO. She is the classic damsel in distress and never grows out of it. The only time she sho ...more

Jan 29, 2019
Mel (Epic Reading)
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arc-netgalley
Release day and I just received an eARC! Fun!
Really looking forward to this one being a bit odd and very magical.
Really looking forward to this one being a bit odd and very magical.

3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2019/02/12/...
Smoke & Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg first caught my attention with its synopsis, but I became even more intrigued once I realized what I was looking at on the cover was the head of a fiery demon-like horse. The reason for this striking motif was soon revealed, as the story introduces readers to Sandis, who is no ordinary young woman. For one, she is a vessel, whose body is trained and primed to hold demon-like spirits c ...more
Smoke & Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg first caught my attention with its synopsis, but I became even more intrigued once I realized what I was looking at on the cover was the head of a fiery demon-like horse. The reason for this striking motif was soon revealed, as the story introduces readers to Sandis, who is no ordinary young woman. For one, she is a vessel, whose body is trained and primed to hold demon-like spirits c ...more

None of the magical features of Charlie N. Holmberg’s “Smoke and Summons” overwhelm you, and that’s a good thing. We become aware of the illegal magic practiced and are also informed that there are rare magical artifacts. We are not allowed to see more than that, at least not at this time.
Which is okay, because it allows the story to revolve around Sandis, who is a vessel capable of becoming a temporary home of a demon. Her life is about to abruptly change, which is where the story begins. Her a ...more
Which is okay, because it allows the story to revolve around Sandis, who is a vessel capable of becoming a temporary home of a demon. Her life is about to abruptly change, which is where the story begins. Her a ...more

OoooOOOOOH! I got the chance to read this in advance, and wow! This is a seriously intense adventure with lots of twists and turns and high energy escapes! And creeeeeeepy magic! I would not normally pick up a book like this, and I feel like I should warn squeamish readers that there is, at one point, a lot of blood. Like, a LOT. But I really am gonna need the next one, because that was one heck of a cliffhanger ending!

My journey to love Charlie Holmberg's work is not up to an auspicious start. While not necessarily a bad book, this book continually highlights that the YA genre takes little to no risks with their plot or characters. Granted this is better than one's i've read in recent years but honestly this could have been so so so so much better.
📚
📚
So rundown of my thoughts:
📌Little or no mention of this Numien mythology or whatever the heck their whole game in this is, just stringy basics. This Ireth creatur

Really enjoyed this! Demons can be summoned via a human vessel and used for evil. Sandis that vessel while Rone, a thief with a highly valuable ‘amarinth’ bumps into Sandis as she tries to escape her handler’s clutches. Great story, sweet romance- unfortunately gone wrong for now. Can’t wait to pick up the next in the series!

Well - I am screaming, and I don't usually scream at books. I was screaming at the audiobook then had to ditch it with 20% left to read faster.
I had never heard of this author but was looking for something to listen to on a drive this weekend, and I AM SO SHOCKED, so shocked at how amazing it is.
Rone gets himself into a shitload of trouble when he meets Sandis, who is on the run from quite literally her own personal hell. I love the characters, they are flawed but deep and believeable. Their fri ...more
I had never heard of this author but was looking for something to listen to on a drive this weekend, and I AM SO SHOCKED, so shocked at how amazing it is.
Rone gets himself into a shitload of trouble when he meets Sandis, who is on the run from quite literally her own personal hell. I love the characters, they are flawed but deep and believeable. Their fri ...more

Rereading to get ready for the 3rd book in the series!! WOO HOOO!
**4 1/2 Demon Stars**
update...take back what I said about the author being male...hahaha...sorry. I jumped the gun on that one before reading the authors profile.
I received this book as a First Read from Amazon and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story.
I normally am skeptical about male author's writing about female protagonist s but this author did a wonderful job of capturing true emotions and had me finis ...more
**4 1/2 Demon Stars**
update...take back what I said about the author being male...hahaha...sorry. I jumped the gun on that one before reading the authors profile.
I received this book as a First Read from Amazon and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story.
I normally am skeptical about male author's writing about female protagonist s but this author did a wonderful job of capturing true emotions and had me finis ...more

Loved loved this book. Read it in two nights and it left me bereft and desperate to be back in the world of Sandis and Rone. And what a cliffhanger at the end!
I'm in awe of how Holmberg's worldbuilding and ability to drag you deep into the hearts and emotions of her characters. Absolutely fantastic. ...more
I'm in awe of how Holmberg's worldbuilding and ability to drag you deep into the hearts and emotions of her characters. Absolutely fantastic. ...more

One of the things I really loved about Holmberg's THE PAPER MAGICIAN was that, in addition to brilliant world building, Holmberg had created a really interesting female protagonist that was full of agency and continually striving to live in the world according to her own terms. It also told a complete story, one that could have been read as a standalone, but was enhanced as you moved forward in the series.
I was excited to read SMOKE AND SUMMONS for those reasons. But unfortunately, I was disappo ...more
I was excited to read SMOKE AND SUMMONS for those reasons. But unfortunately, I was disappo ...more

I started this with a lot of hope. The premise sounded awesome. It sounded like a Soul Eater thing but with mystical were-beasties. That is not what you get, but the premise is still interesting. That's the only good thing about the book.
Sardis -- the MC, Sardis, was written like a 10 year old trapped in an 18 year old body. Given the circumstances, it was completely and utterly unbelievable. Like, achingly so. This is a woman who lost both parents young, who worked at a factory for years, who's ...more
Sardis -- the MC, Sardis, was written like a 10 year old trapped in an 18 year old body. Given the circumstances, it was completely and utterly unbelievable. Like, achingly so. This is a woman who lost both parents young, who worked at a factory for years, who's ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Meh.
This was a kindle first reads for January. Maybe this will appeal to a much more juvenile audience than myself?
Because this is classic YA paranormal schmaltz -- Girl (with exemplary powers even for her 'kind') can be possessed and used as a tool whether she likes it or not, girl miraculously ESCAPES and (right away!) meets a boy (with exemplary powers of his own), they -- this will shock you, i know! -- fall in love in two days, (view spoiler) , spend time doubti ...more
This was a kindle first reads for January. Maybe this will appeal to a much more juvenile audience than myself?
Because this is classic YA paranormal schmaltz -- Girl (with exemplary powers even for her 'kind') can be possessed and used as a tool whether she likes it or not, girl miraculously ESCAPES and (right away!) meets a boy (with exemplary powers of his own), they -- this will shock you, i know! -- fall in love in two days, (view spoiler) , spend time doubti ...more

Fair warning, this novella series is best read as a three-part novel.
In the horrible city of Dresberg there's a secret society of summoners. They use vessels, people with special abilities, specially prepared and trained, to summon numina from the astral plane into our world for their own use. Sandis is a vessel for Kazen, a truly evil old man that keeps his vessels as slaves. Sandis is also an extremely powerful vessel, being able to contain a powerful numina of fire called Ireth. Uniquely Sand ...more
In the horrible city of Dresberg there's a secret society of summoners. They use vessels, people with special abilities, specially prepared and trained, to summon numina from the astral plane into our world for their own use. Sandis is a vessel for Kazen, a truly evil old man that keeps his vessels as slaves. Sandis is also an extremely powerful vessel, being able to contain a powerful numina of fire called Ireth. Uniquely Sand ...more

Charlie N. Holmberg writes just the type of books that I like, so I knew going into this one that there was a high chance of me loving it–and I’m happy to say that wound up being the case.
Smoke & Summons has some fantastic world-building. This book takes place in a city that was built on the ruins of an ancient city. There are artifacts and old magics left over from this old civilization, but most people don’t pay attention to that, they just go about living their lives. The place is crowded and ...more
Smoke & Summons has some fantastic world-building. This book takes place in a city that was built on the ruins of an ancient city. There are artifacts and old magics left over from this old civilization, but most people don’t pay attention to that, they just go about living their lives. The place is crowded and ...more

4.5 Stars
SMOKE AND SUMMONS is a fantasy with both sharp and soft edges. There is plenty of grit as these characters traverse the poor conditions of their world, as well as the dangers many face among different groups, like the mob, the corrupt police, and the demon-summoning grafters. Throw in characters who are easy to cheer on, a little romance, and a desperate fight for survival and you definitely have a perfect read for fantasy and dystopian YA readers.
The author did a marvelous job of immer ...more
SMOKE AND SUMMONS is a fantasy with both sharp and soft edges. There is plenty of grit as these characters traverse the poor conditions of their world, as well as the dangers many face among different groups, like the mob, the corrupt police, and the demon-summoning grafters. Throw in characters who are easy to cheer on, a little romance, and a desperate fight for survival and you definitely have a perfect read for fantasy and dystopian YA readers.
The author did a marvelous job of immer ...more

A sinful creation and a cunning thief come together in this fantastical tale that is perfect for An Ember in the Ashes fans with vibes of Aladdin.
I loooooved this! This was an action packed, fantasy thrill ride that did not let me up for air! I was at the edge of my seat trying to keep track of everything and make sure that my main characters were safe! I know that this needs more story for sure because this book seemed to only be the beginning. The writing and the amount of detail was stunning ...more
I loooooved this! This was an action packed, fantasy thrill ride that did not let me up for air! I was at the edge of my seat trying to keep track of everything and make sure that my main characters were safe! I know that this needs more story for sure because this book seemed to only be the beginning. The writing and the amount of detail was stunning ...more

Charlie Holmberg is my go to for light, happy, interesting fantasy with a little romance and action. This story was despair, filth, poverty, betrayal, and unrelenting sadness.
That is not what I wanted.
That is not what I wanted.

My full review is on my blog:
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com... ...more
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com... ...more

Wow. I feel like each time I read a new book by Charlie Holmberg it becomes my new favorite book! And this one is no exception. I read this as an ARC and it blew me away. With such a busy schedule it normally takes me a couple weeks to read a book; this one took two days because I couldn't put it down! The story line was amazing, the two main characters, Sandis and Rone are very well developed and relatable and the plot is action packed. I still can't believe the imagination Charlie has; I've re
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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YA Buddy Readers'...: Smoke & Summons (Numina Trilogy #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg - Starting July 7th 2020 | 16 | 8 | Jul 11, 2020 02:09AM | |
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Holmberg - Smoke and Summons [Apr 26, 2020] | 12 | 24 | May 02, 2020 07:26PM | |
Around the Year i...: Smoke and Summons, by Charlie N. Holmberg | 1 | 10 | Apr 27, 2019 07:55PM |
Charlie N. Holmberg is an award-winning, best-selling, and internationally published author of fantasy and romantic fiction. She was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters, who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
Amazon: amzn ...more
Amazon: amzn ...more
Other books in the series
Numina Trilogy
(3 books)
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