Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

A star-crossed fantasy laced with grit and light

Written byRosamund Hodge
Narrated byLisa Larsen
Length12h09m
Release dateSeptember 27, 2016
LanguageEnglish
★★★☆ 3.9 (34 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorRosamund Hodge
NarratorLisa Larsen
Runtime12h09m
PublishedSeptember 27, 2016
Rating★★★☆ 3.9 / 5 (34 ratings)
CategoriesTeen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Rosamund Hodge’s *Bright Smoke, Cold Fire* isn’t your run-of-the-mill YA romance—it’s a high-stakes weave of folklore, fire, and forbidden passion set against the ruins of a world where the dead refuse to stay buried. The story follows Romy and Vasili, rival heirs to Viyara’s alchemical and military dynasties, whose cities have been locked in a generations-old feud. When a masked ball brings them together, sparks fly—but the fog that haunts their world isn’t just a metaphor. Hodge’s prose crackles with tension, blending the macabre charm of *Sabriel* with the doomed romance of *Romeo and Juliet*, all while keeping the plot propulsive enough to make 12 hours feel like a sprint. The audiobook, narrated by Lisa Larsen, amplifies the story’s duality: her voice shifts seamlessly between hushed intensity and fiery conviction, grounding even the most extravagant metaphors in raw emotion.

Tags: young adult fantasy romanceenemies to lovers with necromancyatmospheric YA with dual narrationYA fantasy with star-crossed romanceaudiobook with immersive worldbuilding

Why Listen to Bright Smoke, Cold Fire?

  • Expert narration by Lisa Larsen brings every character and scene to life across 12h09m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.9 stars by 34 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Lisa Larsen’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook. She nails the dual POVs—Romy’s sharp, skeptical pragmatism and Vasili’s brooding intensity—without veering into caricature. Her delivery of the fog’s creeping dread is chilling, a physical presence in the listener’s ear, while the romantic scenes sizzle with a chemistry that feels earned, not forced. My only nitpicks: the worldbuilding occasionally stumbles over its own lore, like a city guard tripping over his own pike, and the finale trades some emotional payoff for spectacle. That said, the production itself is pristine—no muffled lines or abrupt cuts—just a taut, immersive experience where the casting feels intentional and the pacing never drags. If you crave a fantasy that balances heartbreak and hope with a side of necromantic menace, this is your next obsession.

Download: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

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Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Lisa Larsen with a runtime of 12h09m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.