The Smoke Thief (Drakon #1)
By: Shana Abe
Published By: Bantam Books
Publication Date: September 2006
Page Count: 324
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Audience: Adult - Historical Fantasy Romance
The Smoke Thief was a truly magical and wonderful read! Even though this is considered an historical romance novel (and man... is there romance...), I think the argument could be made that it could also be labelled more of a FANTASY romance (did I mention there is romance?...oh yes, I did... silly me.)
You see, even though the story is set in the 1700's, the fantastical element is very central to the plot as it is about a mythical race of creatures known as the Drakon who live high up in the misty hills of Northern England; creatures who can shapeshift between human form, smoke and that of a dragon. The Drakon lead a secretive and somewhat isolated life from the outside world. They have all semblances of melting into the human world, but within their own Drakon community, they are similar to a wolf-pack with an alpha male who ensures the strength and survival of their "tribe" through unchallenged leadership.
