Stars and Smoke (Stars and Smoke #1)

In this well-paced series opener by Lu (the Skyhunter duology), a secret agent teams up with a pop star to bring down a powerful crime syndicate. Chinese American 19-year-old Winter Young, “the most famous superstar in the world,” never imagined he’d be involved in a covert spy operation, until he’s recruited by espionage organization the Panacea Group—the institution his late older brother belonged to before his death. Winter is soon partnered with 19-year-old operative Sydney Cossette, a white polyglot hiding a fatal lung condition. Their mission: take down crime boss Eli Morrison, who’s suspected of transporting something called “chemical warfare’s answer to the atomic bomb.” Under the guise of attending and performing at Eli’s daughter’s multiday 19th birthday celebration, Winter—with Sydney disguised as his bodyguard—must infiltrate Eli’s inner circle and gather as much information as possible without getting caught. As the mission unfolds, Winter and Sydney contend with their growing romantic feelings toward each other while diving deeper into Eli’s nefarious deeds. Via Winter and Sydney’s deftly cultivated budding romance, brimming with barbed banter and moments of earnest, emotional resonance, Lu crafts a lively action adventure full of espionage, mystery, and starry-eyed glamour. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary. (Mar.)