Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Page-turning thriller introduces two intrepid teen spies.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
STARS and SMOKE begins with the kidnapping of Winter Young, the most famous pop star in the world and "so beautiful it was hard to believe he was real." But it's not a ransom his kidnappers want. The covert ops organization Panacea Group wants to use Winter's fame. He's about to be invited to perform at a birthday party for the daughter of billionaire Eli Morrison, a notorious trafficker in people, drugs, and weapons. Panacea wants Winter to accept the invitation and help them get a crucial piece of evidence needed to arrest Morrison. When Winter refuses, the agents tell him they can answer a question that's long haunted him. How did his brother die while working with the Peace Corps in Bolivia? Or was it really for the Peace Corps? Winter wants the answer, so he agrees and is teamed up with Sydney Cossette, an agent known as The Jackal. She's tough, relentless, and speaks as many languages as Winter has Grammys. In order to keep close to Winter, she'll go undercover as his new bodyguard. Initially, the two don't seem destined to be a successful match. Sydney thinks Winter's foolish and his fame is only a gimmick. Winter views her with a combination of wariness and awe. But as they work together, neither can deny the attraction (and respect) that's building between them. An attraction that has to be put on hold as they look for evidence that Morrison will be shipping a huge supply of an illegal chemical material that's as lethal as an atomic bomb.
Is It Any Good?
This engaging mix of romance, the world of pop stardom, and a dangerous undercover mission is anchored by two teen spies who are both brave and vulnerable. While Stars and Smoke delivers for readers wanting lots of action and adventure, teens looking for relatable characters will find them in the personal struggles of Winter and Sydney.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Stars and Smoke showed them about the behind the scenes life of a superstar. What would be the best and the worst things about being famous?
For Winter and Sydney, being courageous comes easily. It's learning to work together as a team that's hard for them. Have you ever had to work with teammates who were difficult to get along with?
What makes a good thriller? Is it the story or the characters?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : March 28, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 325
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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