Genres: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy Romance | Release Date: 1 November 2025 | Series: The Daughters of Lilith | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 374 | Indie Author | Review
“Have you come to shake the heavens, Daughter of Lilith?”
K. M. Schumacher
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to K. M. Schumacher, for letting me read an e-ARC of A City of Smoke and Demons! This gaslamp fantasy is the first book in The Daughters of Lilith duology, and is such a wonderfully dark paranormal romance—so if you love delving into tales of ghosts and shattered souls? This is the story you’ve been needing in your life! But before I fangirl too much, let’s give you an overview…
As a death witch, Analise has always known that she must keep her powers a secret. If she doesn’t? There’s every chance that she won’t be heard from ever again. Death witches must be registered, and many have fled the regime that would witness their end. But everything changes when Analise is given a message by a ghost, sharing a mystery that desperately needs to be solved. As Analise begins to unravel the secret at the heart of it all, she soon comes to the attention of Ezra, a former Unseen who now fights for a gangster. Tasked with finding a death witch for the Church, Analise has just become Ezra’s prey. But as the mystery deepens, can Ezra and Analise find a way to work with each other? Can they save a city shrouded in smog and death? Or will their emotions prove the downfall of everyone?
Happiness Boost:
A City of Smoke and Demons is a brilliantly crafted gaslamp fantasy, focusing on a heroine who has been dealt the unluckiest of hands. I absolutely adore the fact that Analise is imperfect, that we get to witness her struggle with who she is and her role in society. This paranormal romance is a blueprint for how to create a tragic heroine with a backbone; death and an alcohol dependency are just two of the things Analise must contend with, but she does it. And I’m telling you right now, you cannot read a story by this author without witnessing the empowerment of women. Of course I’m a huge fan of that!
Can we talk about Ezra? Kate’s crafted an adorable cinnamon roll hero, with all sorts of inner demons wreaking havoc in his life. And even though he uses his fists in a fighting ring, Ezra is a marshmallow at heart. He’s been shattered by what he’s witnessed in his former life, making Ezra the perfect counterpart to Analise. Honestly I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and save him from hurting anymore. And add to that the fact that Ezra’s determined to save everyone, at his own expense? I swear we need to form a circle of protection around him! Please and thank you.
Within A City of Smoke and Demons, we’re warned to never get comfortable. We’re told, time and time again, that things will get worse before they get better. And I can promise you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat, muttering to yourself, by the end of this instalment! This paranormal romance claws at the heart with its intricate storyline, found family and forced proximity. I’m so in love with Analise and Ezra’s tale, I could talk about it for years.
Downside:
I have no downsides whatsoever!
Final Thoughts:
A City of Smoke and Demons by K. M. Schumacher is a paranormal gaslamp fantasy romance, brimming with broken souls and devastating secrets. I love absolutely everything about it, and I’m desperate for book two! Who can concentrate on anything else when there’s a story *this* good?! Trust me when I tell you if you like any part of this review, you’re going to need this book like you need air. And if you can’t trust Dr Annie, who can you trust?? Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on the link below to get yourself a copy of this beautiful tale! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order A City of Smoke and Demons via this link: Amazon
