Book: A City of Smoke and Demons (The Daughters of Lilith) by Km Schumacher
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4/5
A City of Smoke and Demons
By: K.M. Schumacher
A City of Smoke and Demons delivers gothic, gritty romantasy vibes in Victorian London. The stark class divide in the slums, layered with paranoia around death-witch magic, creates a tense, moody atmosphere. The oppression is palpable, and it’s easy to feel for Analise, our FMC—you just want her to finally breathe and live in peace.
Death witches are outlawed and executed on sight, so Analise keeps her head down to avoid the authorities. That plan unravels when she’s paired with a man who just so happens to be a former one-night stand. Cue forced proximity, world-saving stakes, and Ezra—our MMC and former witch-hunter—who’s wrestling his own inner demons.
A good chunk of the book is Analise and Ezra stuck together, needling each other and trying (and failing) not to fall. Their attraction is undeniable, but Analise’s trust issues keep the romance on a slow simmer. There are sweet moments (Ezra cooking for her? Instant melt 🥰) and plenty of sharp banter. Once the spice hits, it’s worth the wait. Schumacher builds tension with lots of starts and stops that leave you hanging in the best way.
The magic system stands out with a science-leaning twist. There are elements of alchemy that shape how magic is used and explained, and the Devil-touched followers haunting our leads add an eerie, cultish edge. Between the clever worldbuilding and the ever-present sense of dread, the horror notes land beautifully.
If you’re craving an enemies-to-lovers romantasy in a grimy, gaslit setting, this one’s for you. I’m definitely looking forward to book two.
Thank you to K.M. Schumacher and Haus of Fables for the ARC. All opinions are my own.