The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe

This is magical and mesmerizing tale about the Drakon, a race of people who can shape shift into a smoke or dragon form. They live in their shire far into the European hills, away from outsiders. Everyone from their race are not allowed to live outside the shire in order to protect their secret. But every once in a while someone will fake their death and escape to the outside world. When Rue turns 17 she comes into her powers and becomes the alpha female. As such she would be required to marry the alpha male Christoff. She has been in love with him for years, but she refuses to have him this way, so she flees, faking a drowning to keep the tribe from looking for her. But 7 years later, the tribe hears of someone who turns to smoke and steals jewels, and they know that one of their own are in London, so they set up a trap to catch their smoke thief.

As usual Shana Abe draws you in and fascinates with this unusual tale of love and magic. I enjoyed it a great deal. The only reason I can't give it a 5 is because the ending felt a little forced. I wasn't completely convinced that Rue was ok with going back to the shire. In fact I am sure she didn't want to, she just wanted to be with Christoff. I am looking forward to reading more about the Drakon!