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Flesh and Fire #2
小胁褨褌谢芯 褍 锌谢芯屑械薪褨
袩褉邪胁写邪 锌褉芯 锌谢邪薪 小械褉懈 胁懈褏芯写懈褌褜 薪邪蟹芯胁薪褨, 褉褍泄薪褍褞褔懈 泻褉懈褏泻褍 写芯胁褨褉褍, 褖芯 胁懈薪懈泻谢邪 屑褨卸 薪械褞 褌邪 袧褨泻褌芯褋芯屑. 小械褉邪 芯褌芯褔械薪邪 褌懈屑懈, 褏褌芯 薪械 写芯胁褨褉褟褦 褩泄, 褨 胁褋械, 褖芯 褍 薪械褩 谢懈褕邪褦褌褜褋褟, 鈥� 褑械 褩褩 芯斜芯胁鈥櫻徯沸拘�.
袙芯薪邪 谐芯褌芯胁邪 薪邪 胁褋械, 褖芯斜 蟹薪懈褖懈褌懈 袣芯谢褨褋邪, 褎邪谢褜褕懈胁芯谐芯 泻芯褉芯谢褟 斜芯谐褨胁, 褨 锌芯泻谢邪褋褌懈 泻褉邪泄 泄芯谐芯 褌懈褉邪薪褨褔薪芯屑褍 锌邪薪褍胁邪薪薪褞 胁 袉谢褨蟹褨褍屑褨, 褌懈屑 褋邪屑懈屑 褍褋褍薪褍胁褕懈 蟹邪谐褉芯蟹褍, 褟泻褍 胁褨薪 褋褌邪薪芯胁懈褌褜 写谢褟 褑邪褉褋褌胁邪 褋屑械褉褌薪懈褏.
袙褌褨屑, 袧褨泻褌芯褋 屑邪褦 褋胁褨泄 锌谢邪薪, 褨 泻芯谢懈 胁芯薪懈 锌芯褔懈薪邪褞褌褜 胁蟹邪褦屑芯写褨褟褌懈, 芯褋褌邪薪薪褦, 褖芯 褩屑 锌芯褌褉褨斜薪芯, 鈥� 褑械 薪械褋褌褉懈屑薪邪, 卸邪谐褍褔邪 锌褉懈褋褌褉邪褋褌褜, 褟泻邪 锌褉芯写芯胁卸褍褦 褋锌邪谢邪褏褍胁邪褌懈 屑褨卸 薪懈屑懈. 小械褉邪 薪械 屑芯卸械 写芯蟹胁芯谢懈褌懈 褋芯斜褨 蟹邪泻芯褏邪褌懈褋褟 胁 卸芯褉褋褌芯泻芯谐芯 袩褉械写胁褨褔薪芯谐芯, 薪械 褌芯写褨, 泻芯谢懈 卸懈褌褌褟, 斜褨谢褜褕械 薪械 锌芯胁鈥櫻徯沸靶叫� 蟹 写芯谢械褞, 褟泻芯褩 胁芯薪邪 薪褨泻芯谢懈 薪械 斜邪卸邪谢邪. 袉 褖芯泄薪芯 小械褉邪 锌芯褔懈薪邪褦 褍褋胁褨写芯屑谢褞胁邪褌懈, 褖芯 褏芯褔械 斜褍褌懈 袛褉褍卸懈薪芯褞 薪械 谢懈褕械 蟹邪 褋褌邪褌褍褋芯屑, 褋懈褌褍邪褑褨褟, 褍 褟泻褨泄 胁芯薪懈 锌械褉械斜褍胁邪褞褌褜, 褋褌邪褦 写械写邪谢褨 薪械斜械蟹锌械褔薪褨褕芯褞.
袧邪锌邪写懈 薪邪 袟械屑谢褨 孝褨薪械泄 褔邪褋褌褨褕邪褞褌褜, 褨 泻芯谢懈 袣芯谢褨褋 胁懈泻谢懈泻邪褦 褩褏 写芯 袛胁芯褉褍, 褋褌邪褦 芯褔械胁懈写薪懈屑 褑褨谢泻芯屑 薪芯胁懈泄 褉懈蟹懈泻. 袞邪褉懈薪泻懈 卸懈褌褌褟 蟹褉芯褋褌邪褞褌褜 胁褋械褉械写懈薪褨 薪械褩, 薪邪斜谢懈卸邪褞褔懈 蟹邪胁械褉褕械薪薪褟 褩褩 袙懈斜褉邪泻褍胁邪薪薪褟. 袉 斜械蟹 谢褞斜芯胁褨 袧褨泻褌芯褋邪 鈥� 械屑芯褑褨褩, 褟泻褍 胁褨薪 薪械 蟹写邪褌械薪 胁褨写褔褍胁邪褌懈, 鈥� 胁芯薪邪 薪械 锌械褉械卸懈胁械 褋胁芯谐芯 袙芯蟹薪械褋褨薪薪褟. 携泻褖芯 胁蟹邪谐邪谢褨 写芯卸懈胁械 写芯 褑褜芯谐芯, 邪 袣芯谢褨褋 薪械 写褨褋褌邪薪械褌褜褋褟 写芯 薪械褩 锌械褉褕懈屑. 袘芯 褔邪褋 蟹斜褨谐邪褦. 携泻 写谢褟 薪械褩, 褌邪泻 褨 写谢褟 泻芯褉芯谢褨胁褋褌胁. 袆写懈薪懈泄, 褏褌芯 屑芯卸械 胁褉褟褌褍胁邪褌懈 小械褉褍, 鈥� 褑械 褌芯泄, 泻芯谐芯 胁芯薪邪 胁褋械 卸懈褌褌褟 锌谢邪薪褍胁邪谢邪 胁斜懈褌懈.
袙芯薪邪 谐芯褌芯胁邪 薪邪 胁褋械, 褖芯斜 蟹薪懈褖懈褌懈 袣芯谢褨褋邪, 褎邪谢褜褕懈胁芯谐芯 泻芯褉芯谢褟 斜芯谐褨胁, 褨 锌芯泻谢邪褋褌懈 泻褉邪泄 泄芯谐芯 褌懈褉邪薪褨褔薪芯屑褍 锌邪薪褍胁邪薪薪褞 胁 袉谢褨蟹褨褍屑褨, 褌懈屑 褋邪屑懈屑 褍褋褍薪褍胁褕懈 蟹邪谐褉芯蟹褍, 褟泻褍 胁褨薪 褋褌邪薪芯胁懈褌褜 写谢褟 褑邪褉褋褌胁邪 褋屑械褉褌薪懈褏.
袙褌褨屑, 袧褨泻褌芯褋 屑邪褦 褋胁褨泄 锌谢邪薪, 褨 泻芯谢懈 胁芯薪懈 锌芯褔懈薪邪褞褌褜 胁蟹邪褦屑芯写褨褟褌懈, 芯褋褌邪薪薪褦, 褖芯 褩屑 锌芯褌褉褨斜薪芯, 鈥� 褑械 薪械褋褌褉懈屑薪邪, 卸邪谐褍褔邪 锌褉懈褋褌褉邪褋褌褜, 褟泻邪 锌褉芯写芯胁卸褍褦 褋锌邪谢邪褏褍胁邪褌懈 屑褨卸 薪懈屑懈. 小械褉邪 薪械 屑芯卸械 写芯蟹胁芯谢懈褌懈 褋芯斜褨 蟹邪泻芯褏邪褌懈褋褟 胁 卸芯褉褋褌芯泻芯谐芯 袩褉械写胁褨褔薪芯谐芯, 薪械 褌芯写褨, 泻芯谢懈 卸懈褌褌褟, 斜褨谢褜褕械 薪械 锌芯胁鈥櫻徯沸靶叫� 蟹 写芯谢械褞, 褟泻芯褩 胁芯薪邪 薪褨泻芯谢懈 薪械 斜邪卸邪谢邪. 袉 褖芯泄薪芯 小械褉邪 锌芯褔懈薪邪褦 褍褋胁褨写芯屑谢褞胁邪褌懈, 褖芯 褏芯褔械 斜褍褌懈 袛褉褍卸懈薪芯褞 薪械 谢懈褕械 蟹邪 褋褌邪褌褍褋芯屑, 褋懈褌褍邪褑褨褟, 褍 褟泻褨泄 胁芯薪懈 锌械褉械斜褍胁邪褞褌褜, 褋褌邪褦 写械写邪谢褨 薪械斜械蟹锌械褔薪褨褕芯褞.
袧邪锌邪写懈 薪邪 袟械屑谢褨 孝褨薪械泄 褔邪褋褌褨褕邪褞褌褜, 褨 泻芯谢懈 袣芯谢褨褋 胁懈泻谢懈泻邪褦 褩褏 写芯 袛胁芯褉褍, 褋褌邪褦 芯褔械胁懈写薪懈屑 褑褨谢泻芯屑 薪芯胁懈泄 褉懈蟹懈泻. 袞邪褉懈薪泻懈 卸懈褌褌褟 蟹褉芯褋褌邪褞褌褜 胁褋械褉械写懈薪褨 薪械褩, 薪邪斜谢懈卸邪褞褔懈 蟹邪胁械褉褕械薪薪褟 褩褩 袙懈斜褉邪泻褍胁邪薪薪褟. 袉 斜械蟹 谢褞斜芯胁褨 袧褨泻褌芯褋邪 鈥� 械屑芯褑褨褩, 褟泻褍 胁褨薪 薪械 蟹写邪褌械薪 胁褨写褔褍胁邪褌懈, 鈥� 胁芯薪邪 薪械 锌械褉械卸懈胁械 褋胁芯谐芯 袙芯蟹薪械褋褨薪薪褟. 携泻褖芯 胁蟹邪谐邪谢褨 写芯卸懈胁械 写芯 褑褜芯谐芯, 邪 袣芯谢褨褋 薪械 写褨褋褌邪薪械褌褜褋褟 写芯 薪械褩 锌械褉褕懈屑. 袘芯 褔邪褋 蟹斜褨谐邪褦. 携泻 写谢褟 薪械褩, 褌邪泻 褨 写谢褟 泻芯褉芯谢褨胁褋褌胁. 袆写懈薪懈泄, 褏褌芯 屑芯卸械 胁褉褟褌褍胁邪褌懈 小械褉褍, 鈥� 褑械 褌芯泄, 泻芯谐芯 胁芯薪邪 胁褋械 卸懈褌褌褟 锌谢邪薪褍胁邪谢邪 胁斜懈褌懈.
736 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2022
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About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
169听books150k听followersHey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my 欧宝娱乐 email.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you鈥檝e heard about her state aren鈥檛 true. When she鈥檚 not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories鈥�.which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor鈥檚 Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON鈥橳 LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor鈥檚 Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you鈥檝e heard about her state aren鈥檛 true. When she鈥檚 not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories鈥�.which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor鈥檚 Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON鈥橳 LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor鈥檚 Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,501 reviews
November 29, 2022
this sequel ascended me.
such is the power of daddy nyktos.
we do not deserve him.
such is the power of daddy nyktos.
we do not deserve him.
August 14, 2024
鉁� Sexy characters
鉁� Smut and sexual tension 馃敟馃敟
鉁� Snark and funny dialogues
鉁� Romance and angst
鉁� World-building
鉁� More drakens 馃悏
鉁咅焼� Pace and plot (where was the plot?)
鉁咅焼� Action (the action scenes were very intense, but there was not that much action overall)
馃啑鉂� Sera鈥檚 unending and repetitive inner monologues
鉂楋笍鉂楋笍颁濒颈蹿蹿丑补苍驳别谤
鉂楋笍鉂楋笍Trigger warnings: death, gore, and mentions of suicide attempt
Listening to the audiobook instead of reading the book made Sera鈥檚 inner monologues feel even longer and more repetitive. I will leave my 4-star rating because it鈥檚 the rating I gave the physical copy of the book, but I would give 3 or 3.5 stars to the audiobook because it felt SO. LONG. 馃槚
This sequel picks up right where A Shadow in the Ember ended, as Sera and Nyktos discover that Sera will most likely die because of the embers she holds inside her. As their time to find a way to remove the embers and save Sera is counted, they also need to navigate the politics of gods and primals, hide Sera鈥檚 ability from everyone, especially Kolis, and try to clear all the miscommunication between them too while they鈥檙e at it.
I absolutely adored the first book, and I fell in love with Sera and Nyktos as much, if not more, than I did with Poppy and Cas, but sadly this sequel was a little bit of a letdown for me. It felt like a filler book and I found the middle part to be so long. It just dragged on and on with repetitive inner monologues and discussions. The book was good overall, but it could have easily been 150 pages shorter and still convey all the relevant information. I don鈥檛 mind slower-paced books as long as I feel important things are happening. Here it was mostly Sera and Nyktos going around in a circle, tiptoeing around each other, and trying to figure out what they felt for each other and how to behave with each other.
Don鈥檛 get me wrong, I am a sucker for angsty romances and I loved the angst between Sera and Nyktos in the first part of the book. Good old miscommunication will do that, but after a while, it became repetitive, and Sera鈥檚 inner monologues about her feelings were always the same. That鈥檚 the reason I can't give this book 5 stars. It started so well with action, angsty moments, and intense conversations, and it ended with a bang and a cliffhanger, but in between, it was mostly Sera and Nyktos beating around the bush. Yes, Sera is strong and brave. Yes, she loves Nyktos. Yes, Nyktos cares for her as much as he can. Yes, she wants to be his consort for real. Yes, he wants her to stay with him too. Problem solved. We don鈥檛 need 400 pages of confused inner monologues and miscommunication to get there.
Even though I was a little annoyed near the end by Sera鈥檚 unending inner talks about her feelings for Nyktos, I still like her as the main character. She is still strong and determined to do whatever it takes to help the mortal realm, and also the Shadowlands because she came to care for the people she met there. The author did a splendid job with her, and I will be happy to read another book with her as the main character, as long as the long inner monologues are toned down a bit.
Sera changed in this book, becoming softer at times, and more assertive at others. She is still self-sacrificing, and it broke my heart to see how she felt like she had to sacrifice herself to help others or she would have no more purpose in life. And every time someone made her feel important because of herself and not because of the embers or because of her purpose, I wanted to hug her. Her despair and vulnerability were more apparent to everyone in this book, making her softer, but still deadly, and the way Nyktos and Nektas were there to support her was amazing. It was heartbreaking to see how she never had a real choice in her life and still didn鈥檛 really have one now, even though she didn鈥檛 feel like she was only a weapon honed to a single purpose anymore鈥� All she鈥檚 ever wanted was to be free to make her own decisions and live her life, and she couldn鈥檛 even get that because of the embers she鈥檚 holding.
The romance could be described as a slow burn when it comes to admitting their feelings and talking about them, but it was not that slow when it came to sex. As in the From Blood and Ash series, there is quite a lot of smut, but contrary to the last 2 books of the FBAA series where it was just ridiculous at times how they couldn鈥檛 refrain from having sex in inappropriate moments, it鈥檚 not as bad in this book. Sera and Nyktos are obviously attracted to each other and there is great sexual chemistry between them, but while they are horny for each other, they can remain levelheaded and don鈥檛 always think about having sex with each other, and I liked that about their couple. I do love good smut, but there is a time and a place for it.
Their romance also has this doomed and tragic quality to it that makes it more gripping and intense, and I have to say that while I love Cas, I feel that Nyktos has more personality and individuality. He has his issues and worries, and it鈥檚 not all about Sera, there are also moments about him and his problems, and he has his character arc. I could go on and on about how much I love him, but I have a character limit to respect so I will simply say that he is perfection and strawberries and chocolate and I want one just like that for Christmas please, and thank you.
I. Love. Nektas.
So. Fucking. Much.
I love his steady, quiet, and reassuring presence, his maturity, his hidden sense of humor, and, let鈥檚 be honest, his powerful Dilf vibe. 馃槄
More seriously though, he was such a big help to Sera in this book, even though he was not always there with her. He seemed to always know what to say, or how to act to make her question herself or to reassure her about her worth and importance.
Also, the baby drakens are so freaking adorable. They killed me. I want a baby draken now.
They provided comic relief and heart-melting moments, and seeing Nyktos and Nektas interact with them was just swoon-worthy (I mean, who doesn鈥檛 like a sexy man with a caring daddy vibe?). I really hope that there will be more of Reaver-butt and Jadis in the next book because I cannot get enough of them.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because of Nektas, Sera, and Nyktos, but I am still a little pissed that I had to read over 600 pages to get to that cliffhanger and I still feel that nothing really happened. This book could have been 400 pages long and still achieve the same thing plot-wise. There were just so many repetitive moments in the middle part and we were running around in circles. Despite that, I am going to read the next book because I need more baby drakens and more daddies Nyktos and Nektas in my life (#dilf 馃槒).
1. A Shadow in the Ember 猸愨瓙猸愨瓙猸�
馃檪
鉁� Smut and sexual tension 馃敟馃敟
鉁� Snark and funny dialogues
鉁� Romance and angst
鉁� World-building
鉁� More drakens 馃悏
鉁咅焼� Pace and plot (where was the plot?)
鉁咅焼� Action (the action scenes were very intense, but there was not that much action overall)
馃啑鉂� Sera鈥檚 unending and repetitive inner monologues
鉂楋笍鉂楋笍颁濒颈蹿蹿丑补苍驳别谤
鉂楋笍鉂楋笍Trigger warnings: death, gore, and mentions of suicide attempt
Listening to the audiobook instead of reading the book made Sera鈥檚 inner monologues feel even longer and more repetitive. I will leave my 4-star rating because it鈥檚 the rating I gave the physical copy of the book, but I would give 3 or 3.5 stars to the audiobook because it felt SO. LONG. 馃槚
But he was Nyktos now. Not Ash. He鈥檇 never be Ash to me again.
This sequel picks up right where A Shadow in the Ember ended, as Sera and Nyktos discover that Sera will most likely die because of the embers she holds inside her. As their time to find a way to remove the embers and save Sera is counted, they also need to navigate the politics of gods and primals, hide Sera鈥檚 ability from everyone, especially Kolis, and try to clear all the miscommunication between them too while they鈥檙e at it.
I absolutely adored the first book, and I fell in love with Sera and Nyktos as much, if not more, than I did with Poppy and Cas, but sadly this sequel was a little bit of a letdown for me. It felt like a filler book and I found the middle part to be so long. It just dragged on and on with repetitive inner monologues and discussions. The book was good overall, but it could have easily been 150 pages shorter and still convey all the relevant information. I don鈥檛 mind slower-paced books as long as I feel important things are happening. Here it was mostly Sera and Nyktos going around in a circle, tiptoeing around each other, and trying to figure out what they felt for each other and how to behave with each other.
鈥淲hat you carry inside you is far too important. They have to be part of the key to ending what Kolis has done. You may value those embers as little as you do your life, but I do not.鈥�
What I carried inside me. The embers were important. Not me. Never me. I backed off, taking several steps.
Did I expect him to say something else? That I mattered? To him? And that he cared for me, even though he couldn鈥檛 love? After what I鈥檇 plotted? I didn鈥檛.
I just wanted it to be different.
Don鈥檛 get me wrong, I am a sucker for angsty romances and I loved the angst between Sera and Nyktos in the first part of the book. Good old miscommunication will do that, but after a while, it became repetitive, and Sera鈥檚 inner monologues about her feelings were always the same. That鈥檚 the reason I can't give this book 5 stars. It started so well with action, angsty moments, and intense conversations, and it ended with a bang and a cliffhanger, but in between, it was mostly Sera and Nyktos beating around the bush. Yes, Sera is strong and brave. Yes, she loves Nyktos. Yes, Nyktos cares for her as much as he can. Yes, she wants to be his consort for real. Yes, he wants her to stay with him too. Problem solved. We don鈥檛 need 400 pages of confused inner monologues and miscommunication to get there.
鈥淚 will gladly suffer anything Kolis dishes out as long as my blood is spilled instead of yours.鈥�
Even though I was a little annoyed near the end by Sera鈥檚 unending inner talks about her feelings for Nyktos, I still like her as the main character. She is still strong and determined to do whatever it takes to help the mortal realm, and also the Shadowlands because she came to care for the people she met there. The author did a splendid job with her, and I will be happy to read another book with her as the main character, as long as the long inner monologues are toned down a bit.
I鈥檇 finally had a taste of being something other than a means to an end, a weapon to be used and then discarded. I鈥檇 had a taste of realness. I鈥檇 finally felt like a fully formed person, not a specter soaked in blood. Not a liar and a monster who could kill without all that much remorse.
Sera changed in this book, becoming softer at times, and more assertive at others. She is still self-sacrificing, and it broke my heart to see how she felt like she had to sacrifice herself to help others or she would have no more purpose in life. And every time someone made her feel important because of herself and not because of the embers or because of her purpose, I wanted to hug her. Her despair and vulnerability were more apparent to everyone in this book, making her softer, but still deadly, and the way Nyktos and Nektas were there to support her was amazing. It was heartbreaking to see how she never had a real choice in her life and still didn鈥檛 really have one now, even though she didn鈥檛 feel like she was only a weapon honed to a single purpose anymore鈥� All she鈥檚 ever wanted was to be free to make her own decisions and live her life, and she couldn鈥檛 even get that because of the embers she鈥檚 holding.
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥�
A sharp dart of desire sliced through me.鈥淭hen drown with me.鈥�
The romance could be described as a slow burn when it comes to admitting their feelings and talking about them, but it was not that slow when it came to sex. As in the From Blood and Ash series, there is quite a lot of smut, but contrary to the last 2 books of the FBAA series where it was just ridiculous at times how they couldn鈥檛 refrain from having sex in inappropriate moments, it鈥檚 not as bad in this book. Sera and Nyktos are obviously attracted to each other and there is great sexual chemistry between them, but while they are horny for each other, they can remain levelheaded and don鈥檛 always think about having sex with each other, and I liked that about their couple. I do love good smut, but there is a time and a place for it.
"What I feel is the closest thing to peace I've ever experienced"
"That one decent and kind bone I have in me belongs to you"
Their romance also has this doomed and tragic quality to it that makes it more gripping and intense, and I have to say that while I love Cas, I feel that Nyktos has more personality and individuality. He has his issues and worries, and it鈥檚 not all about Sera, there are also moments about him and his problems, and he has his character arc. I could go on and on about how much I love him, but I have a character limit to respect so I will simply say that he is perfection and strawberries and chocolate and I want one just like that for Christmas please, and thank you.
鈥淭his is not up for argument.鈥�
鈥淎nd if I want to argue anyway?鈥�
He pinned me with a bland look. 鈥淚f it makes you feel better to do so, then go ahead. I鈥檓 sure it will entertain Nektas.鈥�
鈥淚t will,鈥� the draken confirmed.鈥�
I. Love. Nektas.
So. Fucking. Much.
I love his steady, quiet, and reassuring presence, his maturity, his hidden sense of humor, and, let鈥檚 be honest, his powerful Dilf vibe. 馃槄
More seriously though, he was such a big help to Sera in this book, even though he was not always there with her. He seemed to always know what to say, or how to act to make her question herself or to reassure her about her worth and importance.
Also, the baby drakens are so freaking adorable. They killed me. I want a baby draken now.
They provided comic relief and heart-melting moments, and seeing Nyktos and Nektas interact with them was just swoon-worthy (I mean, who doesn鈥檛 like a sexy man with a caring daddy vibe?). I really hope that there will be more of Reaver-butt and Jadis in the next book because I cannot get enough of them.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because of Nektas, Sera, and Nyktos, but I am still a little pissed that I had to read over 600 pages to get to that cliffhanger and I still feel that nothing really happened. This book could have been 400 pages long and still achieve the same thing plot-wise. There were just so many repetitive moments in the middle part and we were running around in circles. Despite that, I am going to read the next book because I need more baby drakens and more daddies Nyktos and Nektas in my life (#dilf 馃槒).
"I would've loved you if I could have. There would've been no stopping me."馃槶
1. A Shadow in the Ember 猸愨瓙猸愨瓙猸�
馃檪
November 20, 2022
3.5 - 猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍馃挮
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥� A sharp dart of desire sliced through me.
鈥淭hen drown with me.鈥�
A Light in the Flame picks up where we left off in A Shadow in the Ember and despite loving the first book and giving it a 5猸愶笍 rating, I think the series started to lose its magic for me especially after TWOTQ.
Reminder: this review reflects my own reading experience and remember that readers will always have different experiences when it comes to reading a book. Quotes used in this review are out of context.
I had high hopes for ALITF because I immediately fell in love with Sera and Nyktos in ASITE and devoured that book in one sitting.
I think JLA conjured an intriguing fantastical world and that was one of my favorite elements about this series, but there are limits to how much world-building the series would continue to need. It can be overwhelming and hard to digest.
I had different expectations to how Sera and Nyktos's relationship would develop in the sequel but I was hoping the miscommunication between them wouldn't have been as present and that what mainly bothered me. Here it seemed they kept going through the same cycle at times.
The side characters always manage to provide the comic relief needed and it's always such joy to have our baby drakens around. I wish they were around more or played bigger roles in the story.
I did feel for Sera's despair and hopelessness and I loved that Nyktos was there most of the time to support her through this especially when her anxiety attacks strike. Sera's vulnerable side is more transparent not only to the readers but also the characters鈥攁nd the anguish she feels is so acute because this is someone who lived her entire life as a weapon to be honed for one purpose only, and then realize she's not only a weapon but also a vessel whose death is inevitable. It's devastating for someone whose choice is always taken away and not considered. I think some readers might be bothered by Sera's edge softening a bit but for me I'm glad JLA did not shy away from showing that side of Sera and it doesn't take away from her charm as a heroine. It doesn't make her weak or boring.
This is something I truly miss about Poppy.
I'm glad that Sera and Nyktos maintain their individuality because that's the issue I had with Casteel's characterization being almost non-existent in TWOTQ and dependent on Poppy. Sera and Nyktos's arcs were balanced even though there was more focus on Sera's but that makes sense for the plot.
My heart does hurt for both of them. Their love story is somewhat tragic for two individuals who are not even familiar with the concept of love.
I just know that most readers, like me, ate up the spicy scenes between Sera and Nyktos. They were not only hot but also emotional and the tension just makes it more delicious.
鈥淔uck,鈥� Nyktos growled, his breath hot against my cheek. 鈥淵ou will be the death of me.鈥�
Also, my other issue with this book is that it seemed the plot was going in circles sometimes and unlike book one, this was more repetitive. And similar to the world-building issue, I'm trying to word this correctly, but there shouldn't be as many new reveals especially as we're heading towards the end of Flesh and Fire and Blood and Ash series because I'm trying to connect the dots and I'm struggling.
But in terms of which series is faring better, I definitely think Flesh and Fire is winning readers over Blood and Ash. I think it would have been better if the two series were seperate and not interconnected.
On another note, I too wish Nektas smiled whenever my name was mentioned.
.
.
.
It's release day! Let's see if this book will win me over after TWOTQ. I'll be reading it on the weekend but to everyone starting today: happy reading!
.
.
Here for my favorite draken dilf: Nektas 馃悏
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥� A sharp dart of desire sliced through me.
鈥淭hen drown with me.鈥�
A Light in the Flame picks up where we left off in A Shadow in the Ember and despite loving the first book and giving it a 5猸愶笍 rating, I think the series started to lose its magic for me especially after TWOTQ.
Reminder: this review reflects my own reading experience and remember that readers will always have different experiences when it comes to reading a book. Quotes used in this review are out of context.
I had high hopes for ALITF because I immediately fell in love with Sera and Nyktos in ASITE and devoured that book in one sitting.
I think JLA conjured an intriguing fantastical world and that was one of my favorite elements about this series, but there are limits to how much world-building the series would continue to need. It can be overwhelming and hard to digest.
I had different expectations to how Sera and Nyktos's relationship would develop in the sequel but I was hoping the miscommunication between them wouldn't have been as present and that what mainly bothered me. Here it seemed they kept going through the same cycle at times.
The side characters always manage to provide the comic relief needed and it's always such joy to have our baby drakens around. I wish they were around more or played bigger roles in the story.
I did feel for Sera's despair and hopelessness and I loved that Nyktos was there most of the time to support her through this especially when her anxiety attacks strike. Sera's vulnerable side is more transparent not only to the readers but also the characters鈥攁nd the anguish she feels is so acute because this is someone who lived her entire life as a weapon to be honed for one purpose only, and then realize she's not only a weapon but also a vessel whose death is inevitable. It's devastating for someone whose choice is always taken away and not considered. I think some readers might be bothered by Sera's edge softening a bit but for me I'm glad JLA did not shy away from showing that side of Sera and it doesn't take away from her charm as a heroine. It doesn't make her weak or boring.
This is something I truly miss about Poppy.
I'm glad that Sera and Nyktos maintain their individuality because that's the issue I had with Casteel's characterization being almost non-existent in TWOTQ and dependent on Poppy. Sera and Nyktos's arcs were balanced even though there was more focus on Sera's but that makes sense for the plot.
My heart does hurt for both of them. Their love story is somewhat tragic for two individuals who are not even familiar with the concept of love.
I just know that most readers, like me, ate up the spicy scenes between Sera and Nyktos. They were not only hot but also emotional and the tension just makes it more delicious.
鈥淔uck,鈥� Nyktos growled, his breath hot against my cheek. 鈥淵ou will be the death of me.鈥�
Also, my other issue with this book is that it seemed the plot was going in circles sometimes and unlike book one, this was more repetitive. And similar to the world-building issue, I'm trying to word this correctly, but there shouldn't be as many new reveals especially as we're heading towards the end of Flesh and Fire and Blood and Ash series because I'm trying to connect the dots and I'm struggling.
But in terms of which series is faring better, I definitely think Flesh and Fire is winning readers over Blood and Ash. I think it would have been better if the two series were seperate and not interconnected.
On another note, I too wish Nektas smiled whenever my name was mentioned.
.
.
.
It's release day! Let's see if this book will win me over after TWOTQ. I'll be reading it on the weekend but to everyone starting today: happy reading!
.
.
Here for my favorite draken dilf: Nektas 馃悏
November 27, 2022
Conflicting thoughts. Can't really understand do I go in my full rant review mode or praise it?
Keeping it simple -
What I liked
鉁旓笍 Characters- This is a character driven book. The way Sera and Nyktos have matured after the events of the last book, is commendable.
鉁旓笍 Romance- The chemistry between Sera and Nyktos is off the charts. It's so easy to root for them. Romance is one thing that kept me interested and reading, instead of just skimming through this book. Trust me y'all will love it. Also, I admit that they're the superior couple.
鉁旓笍 Writing- Oh wow, how the writing has improved in this one. If I compare it to FBAA, which lets be honest, it was written in a very Wattpad manner. But JLA really is a talented writer. I mean who else can write a 615 page book without a plot and still make people read it?! Sorry
鉁旓笍Ending- I liked the cliffhanger.
What I didn't like
鉂� Lack of Plot- It's non existent. I've started to think JLA just writes for the sake of "getting the bag" because the book has ended and NOTHING happened. Zero.
鉂� Pacing- Being a fast reader, this slowed me down too. There were so many unnecessary details that did not need to be said. It's just so incredibly slow.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
鉂� Too wordy- Reading this felt like reading an unedited draft.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
鉂� Ending- Even though I liked the cliffhanger, the ending as an overall felt underwhelming. It was also a bit predictable.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
Note to the author- Bestie..JLA, my personal advice to you is nurture the talent you have in a good way. Don't just write books for the sake of writing and take time to build on the plot before actually writing. I know you gotta get the bag, but please don't make fans suffer for it. This book could have been done within 300 pages had you been a little less greedy and smarter.
I apologise in advance for the above note to her fans, cause it may sound harsh but it's unfiltered truth. I'm not going to take my words back.
Keeping it simple -
What I liked
鉁旓笍 Characters- This is a character driven book. The way Sera and Nyktos have matured after the events of the last book, is commendable.
鉁旓笍 Romance- The chemistry between Sera and Nyktos is off the charts. It's so easy to root for them. Romance is one thing that kept me interested and reading, instead of just skimming through this book. Trust me y'all will love it. Also, I admit that they're the superior couple.
鉁旓笍 Writing- Oh wow, how the writing has improved in this one. If I compare it to FBAA, which lets be honest, it was written in a very Wattpad manner. But JLA really is a talented writer. I mean who else can write a 615 page book without a plot and still make people read it?! Sorry
鉁旓笍Ending- I liked the cliffhanger.
What I didn't like
鉂� Lack of Plot- It's non existent. I've started to think JLA just writes for the sake of "getting the bag" because the book has ended and NOTHING happened. Zero.
鉂� Pacing- Being a fast reader, this slowed me down too. There were so many unnecessary details that did not need to be said. It's just so incredibly slow.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
鉂� Too wordy- Reading this felt like reading an unedited draft.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
鉂� Ending- Even though I liked the cliffhanger, the ending as an overall felt underwhelming. It was also a bit predictable.
鉂孨OTHING HAPPENS
Note to the author- Bestie..JLA, my personal advice to you is nurture the talent you have in a good way. Don't just write books for the sake of writing and take time to build on the plot before actually writing. I know you gotta get the bag, but please don't make fans suffer for it. This book could have been done within 300 pages had you been a little less greedy and smarter.
I apologise in advance for the above note to her fans, cause it may sound harsh but it's unfiltered truth. I'm not going to take my words back.
December 2, 2022
If you see me trying to lure Daddies Nyktos and Nektas into a Joining ceremony no you didn鈥檛.
October 11, 2023
猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍鈭� (2nd reread)
''What I feel is the closest thing to peace I've ever experienced''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- Slight OW drama (not what you think)*
- Mention of attempted su*cide
- Mention of r*pe/assault/abuse
- Violence/d*ath
- Torture
- Mention of loss of loved ones
- Cliffhanger
*Explained in the review
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
Update: JLa answered a bunch of questions for the book club (FB JLA book club) and some theories must be wrong with the answers we got 馃槵 We also now know that book 4 will not the last book in the Flesh and Fire series and despite the fact we will have to deal with another cliffhanger I am super happy these two get more books.
I have over 300 highlights for this book which means this is going to be a long review so buckle up folks:
To be honest I don't even know how to start this review. I truly needed some time to recuperate before I wrote anything about what happens in this book and how I felt while reading it. I was apprehensive going into ASITE after reading TWOTQ (which I was not the biggest fan of), but I was proven wrong time and time again throughout this amazing book.
I also waited over a year for this sequel, and I swear I sometimes hate myself for reading books so fast and not being able to wait longer since I know I KNOW I will have to wait possibly another year or so for the final book.
In my eyes Ash and Sera are superior. Not only to Poppy and Cas but to a lot of fantasy book couples. They have something that just makes them utter perfection and I cannot get enough of their story, their journey, and their eventual love.
If you have read all the FBAA books then you know they get their HEA (kind of, in terms of love) so you know that no matter what happens in these books that they will be in love and have children. Sera will become the primal of life and LOVE somehow saves them. A love that Ash admits he cannot feel, not because of Sera but because he removed his kardia aka the part of himself he would have needed to feel love and the facets of it.
So much happens in this book and yet we are not really close to the figure out why the gods/primals all went to sleep and how Sera ascended.
Theory: Since she is the Primal of life and the embers are really strong as stated a lot in this book, she will possibly be able to grow back Ash's kardia either through their relationship or possibly (likely) through the blood he consumes from her
''That one decent and kind bone I have in me belongs to you''
We get the most beautiful and steamiest smut in this book. It's so obvious how the deal they made ''pleasure for the sake of pleasure'' is definitely not at all about that but something more. I really liked the fact that Ash didn't dwell too much about Sera's betrayal...he truly accepted her reasons why and understood where she was coming from and how desperate she must have been to want to fulfill the plan. He kisses her even though he said it would never happen again, he touches her and cares for her in ways he shouldn't want to, but you cannot help but realise how kind he is despite what he thinks of himself to let something that massive go without truly feeling resentment.
I LOVED Nektas and how absolutely amazing he was with Sera. I saw their friendship and admiration for each other the way I wished Jennifer had kept Kieran and Poppy. The contrast between the two is massive in my eyes.
Something I need to say, and a lot of people might disagree with is how much I love that Sera is not out here wanting to experience and explore sex with others after meeting Ash (TWOTQ I am looking at you). She meets Primals, gods and even sees orgies and Nektas naked but not once did she feel anything. She never felt aroused by any of it and only and truly ever wanted Ash. She views him as if he is the peace and breath she always seeks. Which is how it should be in eyes, especially if their love is depicted as this GRAND and EPIC story. Also, they are either heartmates or soulmates and that in itself should equal to them wanting each other and it being more than enough.
Another thing we find out right before shit hits the fan is that Sera intended to k*ll herself when she took a lot of the sleep aid before she meets Ash in book 1. She never intended to wake up and that reveal spoke volumes to why she was always never in fear of death and the fact Nektas is the only one to know of that confession makes it even more special. I wonder what Ash would have thought or done knowing this information, it would confirm what he has felt and known for so long: She didn't value her life.
HOWEVER, the end of Chapter 28 and Chapter 29 left me in tears. I was screaming (on the inside) and pleading that whatever it was Sera walked in on was NOT at all what she truly believed. Her losing control was heartbreaking and filled me with so much sorrow.
Sera walks in while Veses is on Ash's lap and feeding from his throat. She assumes two things: 1. He lied about everything and has had relations with others and 2. They were having sex. Both are wrong and it takes quite some time for that to be revealed. (Around chapter 39)
Her reaction almost causes the entire building to collapse and forces Ash to protect her since she was entering stasis and that would kill her as she is still a mortal. His reaction after finding her in destruction mode was one of fear and desperation. He was just apologising the entire time because nothing else could be said or done to reverse the damage.
The scene where she tries to get him to explain and frustratingly enough he doesn鈥檛, and you wonder WHY?! You know deep down he would never do anything like that since all you see from him after that scene is how sorry he is and how horrible he feels. How much he cares and how vocal he has become about it. How he told Nektas she was important to him, how he gave his guards and friends an earful about treating her with anything but respect. Honestly everything he did for her should tell us how he feels.
''It means the deal we made? It's over. The only thing between us now are these stupid embers. I want them gone, and then I want to be gone''
Questions:Why Veses was feeding from him and why did he allow it?
Answer: Three years ago, she followed him to the temple where Sera was offered to him for the first time. She witnessed the fact he had a consort and she blackmailed him into doing what she wanted in order for her to not sell the information to Kolis. Ash being absolutely protective of a girl he never knew decided to let her feed from him when she required it.
Question:Why doesn鈥檛 he tell Sera?
Answer: Two reasons. He feels utter shame for what she is doing to him (to me this is basically assault) and because he did not want Sera to feel guilty or sorry about his choice to protect her. He was letting himself be abused in order to protect Seras life and he never wanted her to feel like she wasn鈥檛 worth it.
He never slept with her, there was never anything sexual happening, no kissing, no feeling, no desire, no need or want. Nothing. She was just using him as her personal blood meal and its downright abuse. She abused him and he let it happen so he could protect Sera long before she ever was anything to him. Tbh this is very close to how Cas was used during his imprisonment and if anyone sees this as cheating or Ash betraying Sera needs to get their head checked.
Ash also admits Veses wants Kolis and since he wants nothing to do with her, Ash is the next best thing and the more he denied her the more she wanted to break him, but Veses doesn't really want him, and he NEVER wanted her.
''I also couldn't tell him that I loved him - that I'd been in love with him before I learned of the deal he'd struck with Veses to keep my safe''
During all this Sera comes to finally realize her feelings towards Ash. She鈥檚 in love with him and it scares her, and of course he notices a sweet taste in her emotions one of chocolate and strawberries (which we see Poppy refer to love as this taste as well throughout FBAA) but Ash cannot understand what that emotion is connected to as he has never felt it.
''Rise for the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Light and the Fire, and the Brightest moon''
''Rise for the Consort of the Shadowlands''
The coronation finally happened, and Sera is crowned as the consort and honestly the moment she realises Ash is her husband is one we would all feel. AND they get the imprint like Poppy and Cas have and I cannot wait for that little piece of information to be noted in FBAA 5 (since we know Ash and Sera are awake and Sera is there during that teaser Jla posted not too long ago < check her JLanders FB group this).
''Her death will not come at my hands''
Onto more depressing things. It's revealed that Sera cannot have the embers removed from her since the object that allows that to happen is in the hands of Kolis and that is how he removed his brothers and switched places. They do not have the time nor the resources to search for it and so they are told the second and more likely option is the simplest one.
Ash has to drain her to death in order to get the embers back into himself.
Great right?
Nope.
He refuses and this is the part I have been waiting for:
''I would've loved you if I could have. There would've been no stopping me''
All this brings up the sad realisation from Sera that she will die no matter what, the future she had hoped for is gone and her death remains the only constant. I cried along when Ash cried tears of blood, the sign of a Primals absolutely in grief.
He wishes he never had his kardia removed. He wants to love her and hates himself for being her damnation. Honestly, this entire book is one big painfest. I love them so much, I seriously do. It's nice to know that in the present time (FBAA timeline) these two are together and she ascended, are madly in love and had two children. I know it gets all messed up because of reasons we do not know yet but it's always good to know they will get their happy ending.
''I wish I'd never had my kardia removed''
''I never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa''
Then Sera makes him make the ultimate promise in regard to her end:
''When it comes times'' I whispered, ''can you take me to my lake? I want it to be done there.''
Honestly, I see this moment happening in the next book. There is no other way, and she makes him keep his promise. They go off to her lake for her death and this is the moment he realises he loves her and has possibly loved her for a long time. It will be the most angsty and sad scene if it happens like this, but it also would be such a powerful moment.
Things that happened at the end that I needed to take a minute to gather myself:
ECTOR
IS
DEAD
And to think all the theories as to why he was not listed in the Primal list was because he was a traitor and was suspicious. Nope. He was loyal and amazing, and I hate that his end was so brutal. That Sera could not save him, and we have to forever remember that all he wanted was to protect both of them and he died doing it.
Aios died as well but Sera was able to get to her and bring her back and of course she ascended.
Attes - the traitor. He was the one we should have not trusted and sadly he was playing them all along. He has been Kolis's lapdog for ages and so is his brother Kyn. They attacked and killed and left blood trails everywhere because of what? A false king?
I hope he is playing the long con and he isn't a traitor but let's be fair he might just be stuck and if forced to be at Kolis's side.
Sera accepts Attes's deal to go with him in order to stop the killing and battle. She goes to save them all and of course is chained and finds out the greatest twist of all:
Kolis has known about the embers for ages. He knows she has them and he knows how to get them. He has known all along; he knew when he summoned them to get permission for the coronation. He also revealed that Ash's mother loved Kolis and that's why Eythos hated him. WTF? I thought they had a great love and now I don't know what to think. Also, all of this means everything Ash did to protect Sera was for NOTHING.
The last line makes me want to beg JLa to give us the next book tomorrow
''A silver beast. Bathed in the brightest moonlight. Ash''
Daddy Nyktos is NOT happy, and he is going to go to war to get his wife back.
We get a little easter egg about the Balfour family which as FBAA readers know is Poppy's last name.
Also, the way JLA handled, and portrayed anxiety was spot on for me. I really appreciated the way it was written and never looked down upon as a weakness.
My ultimate theory about WHY all the primals have been replaced with the Ash's close group in the future?
Sera creates a plan where she ascends them all in order to replace the ones that are corrupted or need to be killed. So, either they die willingly, and she ascends them, or they die during a battle, and she brings them back.
We know with Aios and Bele that they ascended and it's def a possibility that they thought this was the only way to control the narrative.
My hopes for book 3?
Ash gets his kardia back or already has it back and is unaware
We get a big love confession
We see Sera ascend to a Primal
We see her pregnant and the twins born
We see why/how/when they went to sleep
We know why the gods turned into primals
And so much more!
''What I feel is the closest thing to peace I've ever experienced''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- Slight OW drama (not what you think)*
- Mention of attempted su*cide
- Mention of r*pe/assault/abuse
- Violence/d*ath
- Torture
- Mention of loss of loved ones
- Cliffhanger
*Explained in the review
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
SPOILERS BELOW 猬囷笍
Update: JLa answered a bunch of questions for the book club (FB JLA book club) and some theories must be wrong with the answers we got 馃槵 We also now know that book 4 will not the last book in the Flesh and Fire series and despite the fact we will have to deal with another cliffhanger I am super happy these two get more books.
I have over 300 highlights for this book which means this is going to be a long review so buckle up folks:
To be honest I don't even know how to start this review. I truly needed some time to recuperate before I wrote anything about what happens in this book and how I felt while reading it. I was apprehensive going into ASITE after reading TWOTQ (which I was not the biggest fan of), but I was proven wrong time and time again throughout this amazing book.
I also waited over a year for this sequel, and I swear I sometimes hate myself for reading books so fast and not being able to wait longer since I know I KNOW I will have to wait possibly another year or so for the final book.
In my eyes Ash and Sera are superior. Not only to Poppy and Cas but to a lot of fantasy book couples. They have something that just makes them utter perfection and I cannot get enough of their story, their journey, and their eventual love.
If you have read all the FBAA books then you know they get their HEA (kind of, in terms of love) so you know that no matter what happens in these books that they will be in love and have children. Sera will become the primal of life and LOVE somehow saves them. A love that Ash admits he cannot feel, not because of Sera but because he removed his kardia aka the part of himself he would have needed to feel love and the facets of it.
So much happens in this book and yet we are not really close to the figure out why the gods/primals all went to sleep and how Sera ascended.
Theory: Since she is the Primal of life and the embers are really strong as stated a lot in this book, she will possibly be able to grow back Ash's kardia either through their relationship or possibly (likely) through the blood he consumes from her
''That one decent and kind bone I have in me belongs to you''
We get the most beautiful and steamiest smut in this book. It's so obvious how the deal they made ''pleasure for the sake of pleasure'' is definitely not at all about that but something more. I really liked the fact that Ash didn't dwell too much about Sera's betrayal...he truly accepted her reasons why and understood where she was coming from and how desperate she must have been to want to fulfill the plan. He kisses her even though he said it would never happen again, he touches her and cares for her in ways he shouldn't want to, but you cannot help but realise how kind he is despite what he thinks of himself to let something that massive go without truly feeling resentment.
I LOVED Nektas and how absolutely amazing he was with Sera. I saw their friendship and admiration for each other the way I wished Jennifer had kept Kieran and Poppy. The contrast between the two is massive in my eyes.
Something I need to say, and a lot of people might disagree with is how much I love that Sera is not out here wanting to experience and explore sex with others after meeting Ash (TWOTQ I am looking at you). She meets Primals, gods and even sees orgies and Nektas naked but not once did she feel anything. She never felt aroused by any of it and only and truly ever wanted Ash. She views him as if he is the peace and breath she always seeks. Which is how it should be in eyes, especially if their love is depicted as this GRAND and EPIC story. Also, they are either heartmates or soulmates and that in itself should equal to them wanting each other and it being more than enough.
Another thing we find out right before shit hits the fan is that Sera intended to k*ll herself when she took a lot of the sleep aid before she meets Ash in book 1. She never intended to wake up and that reveal spoke volumes to why she was always never in fear of death and the fact Nektas is the only one to know of that confession makes it even more special. I wonder what Ash would have thought or done knowing this information, it would confirm what he has felt and known for so long: She didn't value her life.
HOWEVER, the end of Chapter 28 and Chapter 29 left me in tears. I was screaming (on the inside) and pleading that whatever it was Sera walked in on was NOT at all what she truly believed. Her losing control was heartbreaking and filled me with so much sorrow.
Sera walks in while Veses is on Ash's lap and feeding from his throat. She assumes two things: 1. He lied about everything and has had relations with others and 2. They were having sex. Both are wrong and it takes quite some time for that to be revealed. (Around chapter 39)
Her reaction almost causes the entire building to collapse and forces Ash to protect her since she was entering stasis and that would kill her as she is still a mortal. His reaction after finding her in destruction mode was one of fear and desperation. He was just apologising the entire time because nothing else could be said or done to reverse the damage.
The scene where she tries to get him to explain and frustratingly enough he doesn鈥檛, and you wonder WHY?! You know deep down he would never do anything like that since all you see from him after that scene is how sorry he is and how horrible he feels. How much he cares and how vocal he has become about it. How he told Nektas she was important to him, how he gave his guards and friends an earful about treating her with anything but respect. Honestly everything he did for her should tell us how he feels.
''It means the deal we made? It's over. The only thing between us now are these stupid embers. I want them gone, and then I want to be gone''
Questions:Why Veses was feeding from him and why did he allow it?
Answer: Three years ago, she followed him to the temple where Sera was offered to him for the first time. She witnessed the fact he had a consort and she blackmailed him into doing what she wanted in order for her to not sell the information to Kolis. Ash being absolutely protective of a girl he never knew decided to let her feed from him when she required it.
Question:Why doesn鈥檛 he tell Sera?
Answer: Two reasons. He feels utter shame for what she is doing to him (to me this is basically assault) and because he did not want Sera to feel guilty or sorry about his choice to protect her. He was letting himself be abused in order to protect Seras life and he never wanted her to feel like she wasn鈥檛 worth it.
He never slept with her, there was never anything sexual happening, no kissing, no feeling, no desire, no need or want. Nothing. She was just using him as her personal blood meal and its downright abuse. She abused him and he let it happen so he could protect Sera long before she ever was anything to him. Tbh this is very close to how Cas was used during his imprisonment and if anyone sees this as cheating or Ash betraying Sera needs to get their head checked.
Ash also admits Veses wants Kolis and since he wants nothing to do with her, Ash is the next best thing and the more he denied her the more she wanted to break him, but Veses doesn't really want him, and he NEVER wanted her.
''I also couldn't tell him that I loved him - that I'd been in love with him before I learned of the deal he'd struck with Veses to keep my safe''
During all this Sera comes to finally realize her feelings towards Ash. She鈥檚 in love with him and it scares her, and of course he notices a sweet taste in her emotions one of chocolate and strawberries (which we see Poppy refer to love as this taste as well throughout FBAA) but Ash cannot understand what that emotion is connected to as he has never felt it.
''Rise for the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Light and the Fire, and the Brightest moon''
''Rise for the Consort of the Shadowlands''
The coronation finally happened, and Sera is crowned as the consort and honestly the moment she realises Ash is her husband is one we would all feel. AND they get the imprint like Poppy and Cas have and I cannot wait for that little piece of information to be noted in FBAA 5 (since we know Ash and Sera are awake and Sera is there during that teaser Jla posted not too long ago < check her JLanders FB group this).
''Her death will not come at my hands''
Onto more depressing things. It's revealed that Sera cannot have the embers removed from her since the object that allows that to happen is in the hands of Kolis and that is how he removed his brothers and switched places. They do not have the time nor the resources to search for it and so they are told the second and more likely option is the simplest one.
Ash has to drain her to death in order to get the embers back into himself.
Great right?
Nope.
He refuses and this is the part I have been waiting for:
''I would've loved you if I could have. There would've been no stopping me''
All this brings up the sad realisation from Sera that she will die no matter what, the future she had hoped for is gone and her death remains the only constant. I cried along when Ash cried tears of blood, the sign of a Primals absolutely in grief.
He wishes he never had his kardia removed. He wants to love her and hates himself for being her damnation. Honestly, this entire book is one big painfest. I love them so much, I seriously do. It's nice to know that in the present time (FBAA timeline) these two are together and she ascended, are madly in love and had two children. I know it gets all messed up because of reasons we do not know yet but it's always good to know they will get their happy ending.
''I wish I'd never had my kardia removed''
''I never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa''
Then Sera makes him make the ultimate promise in regard to her end:
''When it comes times'' I whispered, ''can you take me to my lake? I want it to be done there.''
Honestly, I see this moment happening in the next book. There is no other way, and she makes him keep his promise. They go off to her lake for her death and this is the moment he realises he loves her and has possibly loved her for a long time. It will be the most angsty and sad scene if it happens like this, but it also would be such a powerful moment.
Things that happened at the end that I needed to take a minute to gather myself:
ECTOR
IS
DEAD
And to think all the theories as to why he was not listed in the Primal list was because he was a traitor and was suspicious. Nope. He was loyal and amazing, and I hate that his end was so brutal. That Sera could not save him, and we have to forever remember that all he wanted was to protect both of them and he died doing it.
Aios died as well but Sera was able to get to her and bring her back and of course she ascended.
Attes - the traitor. He was the one we should have not trusted and sadly he was playing them all along. He has been Kolis's lapdog for ages and so is his brother Kyn. They attacked and killed and left blood trails everywhere because of what? A false king?
I hope he is playing the long con and he isn't a traitor but let's be fair he might just be stuck and if forced to be at Kolis's side.
Sera accepts Attes's deal to go with him in order to stop the killing and battle. She goes to save them all and of course is chained and finds out the greatest twist of all:
Kolis has known about the embers for ages. He knows she has them and he knows how to get them. He has known all along; he knew when he summoned them to get permission for the coronation. He also revealed that Ash's mother loved Kolis and that's why Eythos hated him. WTF? I thought they had a great love and now I don't know what to think. Also, all of this means everything Ash did to protect Sera was for NOTHING.
The last line makes me want to beg JLa to give us the next book tomorrow
''A silver beast. Bathed in the brightest moonlight. Ash''
Daddy Nyktos is NOT happy, and he is going to go to war to get his wife back.
We get a little easter egg about the Balfour family which as FBAA readers know is Poppy's last name.
Also, the way JLA handled, and portrayed anxiety was spot on for me. I really appreciated the way it was written and never looked down upon as a weakness.
My ultimate theory about WHY all the primals have been replaced with the Ash's close group in the future?
Sera creates a plan where she ascends them all in order to replace the ones that are corrupted or need to be killed. So, either they die willingly, and she ascends them, or they die during a battle, and she brings them back.
We know with Aios and Bele that they ascended and it's def a possibility that they thought this was the only way to control the narrative.
My hopes for book 3?
Ash gets his kardia back or already has it back and is unaware
We get a big love confession
We see Sera ascend to a Primal
We see her pregnant and the twins born
We see why/how/when they went to sleep
We know why the gods turned into primals
And so much more!
December 4, 2024
4.5猸愶笍 Nyktos and Sera now own a piece my heart. I cannot get over how INCREDIBLE this book was!!! However I fear that ending deserves jail time because WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!! I鈥檓 unwell.
After the masterpiece that was A Shadow In The Ember, I鈥檓 not gonna lie, I was scared that I was going to be disappointed by this book, and my god that wasn鈥檛 at all the case here. From the angst and tension filled romance, the SPICE, the complexity of the plot, the painful ending, the found family, the character development!!!! I could go on and on! Also the connections the blood and ash have me REELING!!! I will stand by reading blood and ash and flesh and fire in publication order until the day I die!
Nyktos somehow keeps getting better and better??? For a man that claims to be incapable love, his sheer devotion to, and complete utter awe of Sera has my heart MELTING! The epitome of 鈥淚 will burn down the world for her and nothing will stop me鈥�. I don鈥檛 even have words for this man. And his shadows?!!!! Stop. Stop it right now.
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥�
鈥淪peak to her one more time? Look at her? And I will shatter every bone in your cowardly body and then drag you into the Abyss to bury you so deep in the pits that it will take you a hundred years to claw your way out. Do you understand me?鈥�
Hehehehhe
Sera鈥檚 growth in this book made me so happy, she鈥檚 such a strong FMC yet also soft if that makes sense?? I absolutely adore how JLA represents her anxiety and doesn鈥檛 glaze over her past traumas. And how attentive Nyktos is to her when she鈥檚 having her anxiety attacks 馃槶馃槶馃槶馃槶馃槶 stop. I cant.
Also I鈥檓 still traumatized by the scene with Veses in the office. That BITCH.
Love love loved this!!
After the masterpiece that was A Shadow In The Ember, I鈥檓 not gonna lie, I was scared that I was going to be disappointed by this book, and my god that wasn鈥檛 at all the case here. From the angst and tension filled romance, the SPICE, the complexity of the plot, the painful ending, the found family, the character development!!!! I could go on and on! Also the connections the blood and ash have me REELING!!! I will stand by reading blood and ash and flesh and fire in publication order until the day I die!
Nyktos somehow keeps getting better and better??? For a man that claims to be incapable love, his sheer devotion to, and complete utter awe of Sera has my heart MELTING! The epitome of 鈥淚 will burn down the world for her and nothing will stop me鈥�. I don鈥檛 even have words for this man. And his shadows?!!!! Stop. Stop it right now.
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥�
鈥淪peak to her one more time? Look at her? And I will shatter every bone in your cowardly body and then drag you into the Abyss to bury you so deep in the pits that it will take you a hundred years to claw your way out. Do you understand me?鈥�
Hehehehhe
Sera鈥檚 growth in this book made me so happy, she鈥檚 such a strong FMC yet also soft if that makes sense?? I absolutely adore how JLA represents her anxiety and doesn鈥檛 glaze over her past traumas. And how attentive Nyktos is to her when she鈥檚 having her anxiety attacks 馃槶馃槶馃槶馃槶馃槶 stop. I cant.
Also I鈥檓 still traumatized by the scene with Veses in the office. That BITCH.
Love love loved this!!
November 6, 2023
鈥淲hy did you visit my lake if you had this?鈥�
鈥淏ecause it was your lake.鈥�
Spice Meter: 馃尪锔忦煂讹笍馃尪锔�
I'm still freaking out over how freaking awesome this book is. I love this series more and more with each book. I'm starting to think that I might love this just a tad more than the original. Don't fret, I love Poppy and Casteel and their story as much as I've always had, but there's something about Sera and Nyktos that has me in a chokehold.
That applies to the plot as well. The plot is just as good, if not better than the first one. Right where I thought I knew what was happening something else would pop up and blow my mind away. I lost count of how many times I screamed in disbelief into the ether. Not to mention, that ending left me reeling. It is so intense my eyes might as well have popped out of their sockets. Authors need to stop being so cruel. They need to think of our mental stability every once in a while. Also, several subtle hints at Poppy and Casteel's storyline have me all excited for their book as well.
Moreover, Sera and Nyktos will be the death of me. Their character arcs, just like their relationship hit new heights. There's a lot of angst and betrayal between them after Nyktos finds out Sera was sent to kill him, but it doesn't stop their bond from strengthening the more time they spend together. It definitely doesn't stop them from pining for each other and it only makes the sexual tension more intense than before. In short, they were angry and horny and I lived for every single moment. Angstly sexual tension is my cup of tea. All I wanted was to lock them in a room together until they gave in and banged each other's brains out. Not that I actually had to do it, if you know what I mean.
Also, I still love all the secondary characters. In fact, I love them even more than I already did. However, there are only two that still live in my head rent-free. Nektas and Reaver deserve the world and are the most adorable. Nektas is hilarious and amazing, and he is the only one who sees right through Sera's betrayal. Also, I would gladly and shamelessly let him split my back in half any day.
As for adorable baby Reaver, his presence is a blessing from heaven. I love him with all my heart. He's the cutest, sweetest little Draken boy and clearly cares about Sera like she's family. They are so wholesome and pure. I definitely need more of them in the next book.
Bonus Scene - Nyktos's POV
This bonus content from chapters 38 and 39 is the hottest scene in A Shadow in the Ember told from Nyktos's point of view. My favorite thing to read is a smoking hot sex scene from the male love interest's point of view. It's the best gift an author can give to their readers. Especially this scene which was mind-blowing enough from Sera's point of view. It came out of nowhere, took my breath away, and left me wanting. So, reading the bonus scene almost gave me a heart attack. It is fantastic! I'm still dizzy and a little overheated. He even called her Little Helion. How could I survive that unscathed?
鈥淏ecause it was your lake.鈥�
Spice Meter: 馃尪锔忦煂讹笍馃尪锔�
I'm still freaking out over how freaking awesome this book is. I love this series more and more with each book. I'm starting to think that I might love this just a tad more than the original. Don't fret, I love Poppy and Casteel and their story as much as I've always had, but there's something about Sera and Nyktos that has me in a chokehold.
That applies to the plot as well. The plot is just as good, if not better than the first one. Right where I thought I knew what was happening something else would pop up and blow my mind away. I lost count of how many times I screamed in disbelief into the ether. Not to mention, that ending left me reeling. It is so intense my eyes might as well have popped out of their sockets. Authors need to stop being so cruel. They need to think of our mental stability every once in a while. Also, several subtle hints at Poppy and Casteel's storyline have me all excited for their book as well.
Moreover, Sera and Nyktos will be the death of me. Their character arcs, just like their relationship hit new heights. There's a lot of angst and betrayal between them after Nyktos finds out Sera was sent to kill him, but it doesn't stop their bond from strengthening the more time they spend together. It definitely doesn't stop them from pining for each other and it only makes the sexual tension more intense than before. In short, they were angry and horny and I lived for every single moment. Angstly sexual tension is my cup of tea. All I wanted was to lock them in a room together until they gave in and banged each other's brains out. Not that I actually had to do it, if you know what I mean.
Also, I still love all the secondary characters. In fact, I love them even more than I already did. However, there are only two that still live in my head rent-free. Nektas and Reaver deserve the world and are the most adorable. Nektas is hilarious and amazing, and he is the only one who sees right through Sera's betrayal. Also, I would gladly and shamelessly let him split my back in half any day.
As for adorable baby Reaver, his presence is a blessing from heaven. I love him with all my heart. He's the cutest, sweetest little Draken boy and clearly cares about Sera like she's family. They are so wholesome and pure. I definitely need more of them in the next book.
Bonus Scene - Nyktos's POV
This bonus content from chapters 38 and 39 is the hottest scene in A Shadow in the Ember told from Nyktos's point of view. My favorite thing to read is a smoking hot sex scene from the male love interest's point of view. It's the best gift an author can give to their readers. Especially this scene which was mind-blowing enough from Sera's point of view. It came out of nowhere, took my breath away, and left me wanting. So, reading the bonus scene almost gave me a heart attack. It is fantastic! I'm still dizzy and a little overheated. He even called her Little Helion. How could I survive that unscathed?
November 23, 2023
4.5/5 猸�
3/5 馃尪锔�
鈥淒addy Nyktos is not happy,鈥� Ector murmured.鈥�
A devastatingly beautiful story, The EMOTION I felt? I seriously felt every single emotion from Sera throughout this book. I felt devastation, utter heartbreak. GOD damn it. Someone just love this women. Truly just love this women for her. You laugh, you cry, and you want to stab someone. Sera and Nyktos are the best kind of mess. My heart hurt continuously for her and for Nyktos. The chemistry between Sera and Nyktos is off the charts. The spice is perfection. Perfection. PERFECTION.
I AM NOT OKAY. THAT ENDING WAS NOT OKAY. I NEED BOOK THREE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reading Order:
1) From Blood and Ash
2) A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
3) The Crown of Gilded Bones
4) A Shadow in the Ember
5) The War of Two Queens
6) A Light in the Flame
Quotes:
鈥淚 never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa.鈥�
鈥淚 would have loved you if I could have. There would鈥檝e been no stopping me.鈥�
鈥淗eartmates usually only occur between two people whose unions are linked to some great purpose.鈥�
鈥淒addy Nyktos is not happy,鈥� Ector murmured.鈥�
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥� A sharp dart of desire sliced through me. 鈥淭hen drown with me.鈥�
鈥淭he poppies,鈥� I whispered. 鈥淭he poisonous, temperamental poppies that remind you of me.鈥� 鈥淭he powerful, beautiful poppies that also remind me of hope.鈥�
3/5 馃尪锔�
鈥淒addy Nyktos is not happy,鈥� Ector murmured.鈥�
A devastatingly beautiful story, The EMOTION I felt? I seriously felt every single emotion from Sera throughout this book. I felt devastation, utter heartbreak. GOD damn it. Someone just love this women. Truly just love this women for her. You laugh, you cry, and you want to stab someone. Sera and Nyktos are the best kind of mess. My heart hurt continuously for her and for Nyktos. The chemistry between Sera and Nyktos is off the charts. The spice is perfection. Perfection. PERFECTION.
I AM NOT OKAY. THAT ENDING WAS NOT OKAY. I NEED BOOK THREE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reading Order:
1) From Blood and Ash
2) A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
3) The Crown of Gilded Bones
4) A Shadow in the Ember
5) The War of Two Queens
6) A Light in the Flame
Quotes:
鈥淚 never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa.鈥�
鈥淚 would have loved you if I could have. There would鈥檝e been no stopping me.鈥�
鈥淗eartmates usually only occur between two people whose unions are linked to some great purpose.鈥�
鈥淒addy Nyktos is not happy,鈥� Ector murmured.鈥�
鈥淚 can sense your need. Feel it. Taste it. You鈥檙e drowning in it.鈥� His eyes slammed shut. 鈥淚鈥檓 fucking drowning in it.鈥� A sharp dart of desire sliced through me. 鈥淭hen drown with me.鈥�
鈥淭he poppies,鈥� I whispered. 鈥淭he poisonous, temperamental poppies that remind you of me.鈥� 鈥淭he powerful, beautiful poppies that also remind me of hope.鈥�
Want to read
November 15, 2021oh nah baby i am so excited for this. i love nyktos and sera very much.
July 17, 2024
Nyktos is the shadow daddy Rhys tried to be but failed. I said what I said 馃攼
January 2, 2023
5 stars 馃宠
i鈥檓 loving all the people saying they won鈥檛 read JLA books again after TWOTQ because it means i can continue to gatekeep this masterpiece of a series 馃珎
my one qualm with fantasy-romance novels is the lack of romance and the amount of info dumping. this series tho鈥HE ROMANCE IS SHINING 馃ぉ
nyk and sera are the cutest things i鈥檝e ever seen鈥�
i just adore their dynamic. the whole lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, PERFECTION馃槱
nyk is so caring and protective over sera. i just love the way he expresses his jealousy and anger when someone hurts her. i get butterflies when his shadows appear 馃ス馃槱馃槏馃サ
plus, the smut was so much hotter in this book. i love how our inexperienced lil primal started getting confident鈥�
please the scene where he made her cum with his shadows while he hid in her room 馃
馃挮 SPOILERS 馃挮
i can鈥檛 even begin to express how upset i was when it was revealed that nyk removed his kardia (the part of his soul that allows him to love). this means he can鈥檛 love sera like she loves him 馃槶 i understand why he removed it but god it hurt so bad to realize he couldn鈥檛 return sera鈥檚 feelings
please, when sera realized she was in love with nyk, i was in tears 馃槶 and oh my god when he sensed her love but didn鈥檛 know what it meant鈥�
the way he can鈥檛 love sera but WISHES he could鈥�
pure. torture.
also that ending?! I don鈥檛 know what to think anymore 馃槶 the fact that kolis knew the whole time that sera had the embers of life and all their planning was for nothing. i really don鈥檛 know how sera is going to escape kolis
maybe kolis will choose to let her go because he realizes it would be like killing sotoria (the love of his life that jumped off a cliff because she was scared oh him)???
after that last chapter, i鈥檓 a kolis sympathizer
y鈥檃ll鈥 honestly think i can change him 馃槍
that man is foine 馃馃徎
also, I WAS SO PISSED THAT ALLES BETRAYED THEM!!! i was starting to vibe with his flirtatious and he goes and kidnaps sera and turns her over to kolis 馃馃徎鈥嶁檧锔�
all i know is i don鈥檛 know how im gonna wait a whole year for book 3 馃槶
flesh and fire
鈫� #1 a shadow in the ember 鈥� 5 stars
鈫� #2 a light in the flame 鈥� 5 stars
i鈥檓 loving all the people saying they won鈥檛 read JLA books again after TWOTQ because it means i can continue to gatekeep this masterpiece of a series 馃珎
my one qualm with fantasy-romance novels is the lack of romance and the amount of info dumping. this series tho鈥HE ROMANCE IS SHINING 馃ぉ
nyk and sera are the cutest things i鈥檝e ever seen鈥�
鈥淓ither way, I will not play the I-don鈥檛-want-you-but-no-one-else-can-have-you game. With you or anyone.鈥�
鈥淭here is no one else, Sera.鈥�
i just adore their dynamic. the whole lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, PERFECTION馃槱
nyk is so caring and protective over sera. i just love the way he expresses his jealousy and anger when someone hurts her. i get butterflies when his shadows appear 馃ス馃槱馃槏馃サ
plus, the smut was so much hotter in this book. i love how our inexperienced lil primal started getting confident鈥�
鈥淚n case you don鈥檛 know what that means, go fuck yourself.鈥�
Nyktos chuckled. 鈥淚f you behave, maybe I鈥檒l fuck you instead.鈥�
please the scene where he made her cum with his shadows while he hid in her room 馃
馃挮 SPOILERS 馃挮
i can鈥檛 even begin to express how upset i was when it was revealed that nyk removed his kardia (the part of his soul that allows him to love). this means he can鈥檛 love sera like she loves him 馃槶 i understand why he removed it but god it hurt so bad to realize he couldn鈥檛 return sera鈥檚 feelings
please, when sera realized she was in love with nyk, i was in tears 馃槶 and oh my god when he sensed her love but didn鈥檛 know what it meant鈥�
鈥淚鈥 taste sweetness.鈥� His brows pinched. 鈥淚t reminds me of chocolate and strawberries.鈥�
鈥淎nd you don鈥檛 know what that is?鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛,鈥� Ash said, frowning.
Gods.
My heart cracked a little as I quickly looked away. He didn鈥檛 know what he tasted because he didn鈥檛 know what love tasted like. Or felt like.
the way he can鈥檛 love sera but WISHES he could鈥�
pure. torture.
also that ending?! I don鈥檛 know what to think anymore 馃槶 the fact that kolis knew the whole time that sera had the embers of life and all their planning was for nothing. i really don鈥檛 know how sera is going to escape kolis
maybe kolis will choose to let her go because he realizes it would be like killing sotoria (the love of his life that jumped off a cliff because she was scared oh him)???
after that last chapter, i鈥檓 a kolis sympathizer
y鈥檃ll鈥 honestly think i can change him 馃槍
that man is foine 馃馃徎
also, I WAS SO PISSED THAT ALLES BETRAYED THEM!!! i was starting to vibe with his flirtatious and he goes and kidnaps sera and turns her over to kolis 馃馃徎鈥嶁檧锔�
all i know is i don鈥檛 know how im gonna wait a whole year for book 3 馃槶
flesh and fire
鈫� #1 a shadow in the ember 鈥� 5 stars
鈫� #2 a light in the flame 鈥� 5 stars
March 6, 2025
4猸愶笍
Sigh...I am not okay. Don't mind me I'm just going to take 3-5 business days to process this. Words are failing me as I begin to write this review.
Let's just start with the characters. The love I have for Sera and Nyktos is unmatched. Their characters are so deep and complex and I just feel like...I know them. I have grown so attached to this universe and everyone in it. I wasn't the biggest fan of Nyktos' personality in this book, though. I felt like he was more disconnected and not like the same character from the first book. Of course his feelings and caring nature for those around him was amazing; it just didn't feel the same. I also found myself a bit annoyed at times with Sera's character. While I do find her personality and character to be refreshing and badass, sometimes it was just a bit much.
Now onto the plot. It was so engaging and these books never fail to have me on the edge of my seat. They're so immersive and I mean that in so many ways. The setting and placement of the story has always been beautiful, and the story progression moved along nicely. However, I did feel that we were going in circles at times. While I'm ranting this book the same as the others, this wasn't highly favored. That being said, this book wasn't bad by ANY means!
Overall, even as I read the rest of this universe, this is still up there as one of my favorite fantasy series. It's thrilling and spicy, yet so sad and gets you in your feelings. I will never not recommend this series! I am so glad I am reading this in the recommended order, as I definitely think it's the most immersive and you definitely get more out of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Sera and Nyktos...I've missed you <33
Sigh...I am not okay. Don't mind me I'm just going to take 3-5 business days to process this. Words are failing me as I begin to write this review.
Let's just start with the characters. The love I have for Sera and Nyktos is unmatched. Their characters are so deep and complex and I just feel like...I know them. I have grown so attached to this universe and everyone in it. I wasn't the biggest fan of Nyktos' personality in this book, though. I felt like he was more disconnected and not like the same character from the first book. Of course his feelings and caring nature for those around him was amazing; it just didn't feel the same. I also found myself a bit annoyed at times with Sera's character. While I do find her personality and character to be refreshing and badass, sometimes it was just a bit much.
Now onto the plot. It was so engaging and these books never fail to have me on the edge of my seat. They're so immersive and I mean that in so many ways. The setting and placement of the story has always been beautiful, and the story progression moved along nicely. However, I did feel that we were going in circles at times. While I'm ranting this book the same as the others, this wasn't highly favored. That being said, this book wasn't bad by ANY means!
Overall, even as I read the rest of this universe, this is still up there as one of my favorite fantasy series. It's thrilling and spicy, yet so sad and gets you in your feelings. I will never not recommend this series! I am so glad I am reading this in the recommended order, as I definitely think it's the most immersive and you definitely get more out of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Sera and Nyktos...I've missed you <33
November 16, 2022
A Light in the Flame
猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍
The way I can't even write a coherent review right now because I've been blown away. I'm literally shocked. I think waiting for the next book will be the death of me. Please I'm going to be in constant distress until I get the third book in my hands. The way my heart dropped and I almost started crying when I scrolled to read the next chapter and read 'Author's Note'. Fuck my life馃榾.
Before release:
THE ANTICIPATION IS SLOWLY KILLING ME INSIDE AND I AM GOING INSANE. WHEN THIS BOOK FINALLY COMES OUT I WILL GO FERAL, YOU WILL NOT SEE ME DO ANYTHING ELSE BUT READ THIS BOOK.
猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍猸愶笍
The way I can't even write a coherent review right now because I've been blown away. I'm literally shocked. I think waiting for the next book will be the death of me. Please I'm going to be in constant distress until I get the third book in my hands. The way my heart dropped and I almost started crying when I scrolled to read the next chapter and read 'Author's Note'. Fuck my life馃榾.
Before release:
THE ANTICIPATION IS SLOWLY KILLING ME INSIDE AND I AM GOING INSANE. WHEN THIS BOOK FINALLY COMES OUT I WILL GO FERAL, YOU WILL NOT SEE ME DO ANYTHING ELSE BUT READ THIS BOOK.
November 20, 2022
3.5 鉁�
鈥滒潤� 饾櫂饾櫀饾櫍 饾櫒饾櫄饾櫍饾櫒饾櫄 饾櫘饾櫎饾櫔饾櫑 饾櫍饾櫄饾櫄饾櫃. 饾檨饾櫄饾櫄饾櫋 饾櫈饾櫓. 饾檹饾櫀饾櫒饾櫓饾櫄 饾櫈饾櫓. 饾檾饾櫎饾櫔鈥欚潤ю潤� 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫈饾櫍 饾櫈饾櫓.鈥� 饾槒饾槳饾槾 饾槮饾樅饾槮饾槾 饾槾饾槶饾槩饾槷饾槷饾槮饾槬 饾槾饾槱饾樁饾樀. 鈥滒潤勨€欚潤� 饾櫅饾櫔饾櫂饾櫊饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫈饾櫍 饾櫈饾櫓.鈥� 饾槇 饾槾饾槱饾槩饾槼饾槺 饾槬饾槩饾槼饾樀 饾槹饾槯 饾槬饾槮饾槾饾槳饾槼饾槮 饾槾饾槶饾槳饾槫饾槮饾槬 饾樀饾槱饾槼饾槹饾樁饾槰饾槱 饾槷饾槮.
鈥滒潤忦潤濔潤氿潤� 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍 饾櫖饾櫈饾櫓饾櫇 饾櫌饾櫄.鈥�
Welllllll I finally finished this. This book was so incredibly angsty. The journey Sera and Nyktos have to go on is a slow burn and full of so much tension I slammed the book closed more than once.
ALITF takes place right after the heartbreaking events of book 1. In terms of plot, there isn鈥檛 much of any really. This felt completely character driven to me. Sera is battling her own demons, grief, and self-loathing. She is also attempting to make amends for her actions of book 1. There are so many reveals and questions answered in this one which I really appreciated because I feel like JLA has just dragged us along for several books.
While I didn鈥檛 feel like there was a lot of plot, and can say whole heartedly that Sera and Nyktos are the superior couple. I am obsessed with their banter and tension. Sera is so fcking strong and Nyktos is everything.
But I still think it was boring for like 75% of the book. It鈥檚 the same conversation over and over and over again. NOTHING HAPPENS.
鈥滒潤� 饾櫂饾櫀饾櫍 饾櫒饾櫄饾櫍饾櫒饾櫄 饾櫘饾櫎饾櫔饾櫑 饾櫍饾櫄饾櫄饾櫃. 饾檨饾櫄饾櫄饾櫋 饾櫈饾櫓. 饾檹饾櫀饾櫒饾櫓饾櫄 饾櫈饾櫓. 饾檾饾櫎饾櫔鈥欚潤ю潤� 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫈饾櫍 饾櫈饾櫓.鈥� 饾槒饾槳饾槾 饾槮饾樅饾槮饾槾 饾槾饾槶饾槩饾槷饾槷饾槮饾槬 饾槾饾槱饾樁饾樀. 鈥滒潤勨€欚潤� 饾櫅饾櫔饾櫂饾櫊饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍饾櫈饾櫍饾櫆 饾櫈饾櫍 饾櫈饾櫓.鈥� 饾槇 饾槾饾槱饾槩饾槼饾槺 饾槬饾槩饾槼饾樀 饾槹饾槯 饾槬饾槮饾槾饾槳饾槼饾槮 饾槾饾槶饾槳饾槫饾槮饾槬 饾樀饾槱饾槼饾槹饾樁饾槰饾槱 饾槷饾槮.
鈥滒潤忦潤濔潤氿潤� 饾櫃饾櫑饾櫎饾櫖饾櫍 饾櫖饾櫈饾櫓饾櫇 饾櫌饾櫄.鈥�
Welllllll I finally finished this. This book was so incredibly angsty. The journey Sera and Nyktos have to go on is a slow burn and full of so much tension I slammed the book closed more than once.
ALITF takes place right after the heartbreaking events of book 1. In terms of plot, there isn鈥檛 much of any really. This felt completely character driven to me. Sera is battling her own demons, grief, and self-loathing. She is also attempting to make amends for her actions of book 1. There are so many reveals and questions answered in this one which I really appreciated because I feel like JLA has just dragged us along for several books.
While I didn鈥檛 feel like there was a lot of plot, and can say whole heartedly that Sera and Nyktos are the superior couple. I am obsessed with their banter and tension. Sera is so fcking strong and Nyktos is everything.
But I still think it was boring for like 75% of the book. It鈥檚 the same conversation over and over and over again. NOTHING HAPPENS.
December 12, 2022
鈿滒潗旔潗忦潗凁潗€饾悡饾悇 饾悎鈿� 鈥淩ise.鈥� Ash鈥檚 voice was deeper, louder. A powerful thunder. 鈥淩ise for the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Light and the Fire, and the Brightest Moon.鈥� He said, and my eyes cut to him as my breath caught.
My title. I had forgotten about that amidst everything.
What he said sounded almost part prophecy. Magical. And completely beautiful. Flecks of essence swirled through his eyes as he lifted his chin. 鈥淩ise for the Consort of the Shadowlands.鈥�
Are you fu#king kidding me with this ending right now?! 饾悥饾悡饾悈 饾悏饾悑饾悁?! 饾悥饾悋饾悁饾悡 饾悡饾悋饾悇 饾悁饾悅饾悡饾悢饾悁饾悑 饾悓饾悗饾悡饾悋饾悇饾悜饾悈饾悢#饾悐饾悎饾悕饾悊 饾悢饾悕饾悋饾悗饾悑饾悩 饾悋饾悇饾悑饾悑?!! 饾悡饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾悳饾惈饾悽饾惁饾悽饾惂饾悮饾惀. 饾悎饾惀饾惀饾悶饾悹饾悮饾惀. 饾悎饾惂饾惉饾悮饾惂饾悶. 饾悢饾惂饾悺饾悶饾悮饾惀饾惌饾悺饾惒. 饾悥饾悺饾悮饾惌饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈 饾悮饾悵饾悾饾悶饾悳饾惌饾悽饾惎饾悶饾惉 饾惒饾惃饾惍 饾惏饾悮饾惂饾惌 饾惌饾惃 饾惍饾惉饾悶, 饾悰饾惍饾惌 饾惌饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾惂饾惃饾惌 饾惈饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惌. Okay so, I'm still feeling a little off kilter since my hiatus ended, so I'll try my best to express my love for this book properly. But I know this won't be one of signature review full of long detailed paragraphs of everything that i adored in this book. It will be more of a generalization of how I feel and less of a descriptive review of this amazing story.
This book absolutely wrecked me in the most fulfilling way possible. I mean God, it had everything i wanted more of and yet I'm still finding myself wanting more. Like so much more i might overdose on it. This series is becoming a dangerous obsession- nope scratch that. It has become a living, breathing entity consuming every in it's path. 饾悇饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾惌饾悺饾惃饾惍饾悹饾悺饾惌, 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾悶饾惁饾惃饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂, 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾悵饾惈饾悶饾悮饾惁 饾悽 饾悺饾悮饾惎饾悶 饾悰饾悶饾惀饾惃饾惂饾悹饾惉 饾惌饾惃 饾悽饾惌. 饾悎饾惈饾惈饾悶饾惎饾惃饾悳饾悮饾悰饾惀饾惒 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惍饾惂饾悳饾惃饾惂饾悵饾悽饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾悮饾惀饾惀饾惒 饾惉饾惃.
鈥淚 want a future. I want to live. I want to experience a life where I have control of my future. I want us,鈥� I whispered. 鈥淏ut I need a future where we defeat Kolis and the Rot goes away. Where those in Iliseeum and in the mortal realm are safe. That鈥檚 what鈥檚 important. The only thing that matters.鈥�
鈥淣o, it is not the only damn thing that matters, Sera.鈥� His eyes flashed. 鈥淵ou. Not the godsdamn embers. Not the fucking realms. You matter.鈥�
鈰樷赌⑩嫏---------鈥⑩猹烩赌�---------鈰樷赌⑩嫏
These characters names are like a chorus in my mind that won't stop. 饾悞饾悶饾惈饾悮. 饾悁饾惉饾悺. 饾悕饾悶饾悿饾惌饾悮饾惉. 饾悜饾悶饾悮饾惎饾悶饾惈. 饾悏饾悮饾悵饾悽饾惉. 饾悇饾悳饾惌饾惃饾惈. 饾悜饾悺饾悮饾悽饾惂. 饾悂饾悶饾惀饾悶. 饾悞饾悮饾悽饾惃饾惂. 饾悁饾悽饾惃饾惉. (饾悑饾悮饾悽饾惀饾悮饾悺. 饾悜饾悺饾悮饾悺饾悮饾惈. 饾悡饾悺饾悶饾惃饾惂.) Over and over. Like this wasn't enough to drive me through a wall, add the knowledge that I have to wait until Autumn 2023 to get the next part of this story. I'm done for. That thought alone is simply unbearable.
And while I'm writing this review I'm feeling quite conflicted about everything. 饾悂饾悶饾悳饾悮饾惍饾惉饾悶 饾惌饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾惌饾悺饾悶 饾悷饾悽饾惈饾惉饾惌 饾悰饾惃饾惃饾悿 饾惌饾悺饾悮饾惌 饾悽 饾惌饾惈饾惍饾惀饾惒 饾悶饾惂饾悾饾惃饾惒饾悶饾悵 饾悵饾悶饾惎饾惃饾惍饾惈饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾惉饾悽饾惂饾悳饾悶 饾惁饾惒 饾悺饾悽饾悮饾惌饾惍饾惉 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惂饾惃饾惏 饾悽 饾悷饾悶饾悶饾惀 饾悮饾悰饾悮饾惂饾悵饾惃饾惂饾悶饾悵 饾悰饾惒 饾悽饾惌. 饾悎'饾惁 饾惉饾惍饾惈饾惈饾惃饾惍饾惂饾悵饾悶饾悵 饾悰饾惒 饾悮 饾悰饾悽饾惓饾悮饾惈饾惈饾悶 饾悿饾悮饾惀饾悶饾悽饾悵饾惃饾惉饾悳饾惃饾惄饾悶 饾惃饾悷 饾悶饾惁饾惃饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉 饾惌饾悺饾悮饾惌 饾悎 饾悺饾悮饾惎饾悶 饾惂饾惃 饾悽饾悵饾悶饾悮 饾悺饾惃饾惏 饾惌饾惃 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惂 饾悰饾悶饾悹饾悽饾惂 饾惌饾惃 饾悵饾悶饾悳饾悽饾惄饾悺饾悶饾惈. The only thing I know for sure is that I'm heartbroken.
鈥淭hen you should lift your sword.鈥�
The only thing that lifted was one corner of his lip. 鈥淎nd if I don鈥檛?鈥�
鈥淵ou will find yourself in grave need of a feeding.鈥�
His eyes became a fire of Primal essence. 鈥淵ou do realize that most men would take their soon-to-be Consort holding a sword to their throat in front of their guards as a great offense.鈥�
鈥淲hich is one of the reasons I find most men to be easily offended. But you鈥檙e not like most men, are you?鈥�
鈥淚 suppose not since most would send their wives to their chambers for such an act.鈥�
鈥淪oon-to-be wife,鈥� I corrected softly. 鈥淎nd if you order me to return to my chambers, my grip on this sword may slip an inch.鈥�
鈥淎ccidentally, of course.鈥�
Aware that we鈥檇 gained quite an audience, I smiled tightly. 鈥淚ntentionally.鈥�
鈰樷赌⑩嫏---------鈥⑩猹烩赌�---------鈰樷赌⑩嫏
The world building, the characters, the lore, the plot, the pace, the banter, the smut, the angst, Dear Lord The Spice. 饾悋饾悶饾惀饾惀 饾悮饾惌 饾惃饾惂饾悶 饾惄饾惃饾悽饾惂饾惌 饾悽 饾惄饾惈饾悮饾惒饾悶饾悵 饾悷饾惃饾惈 饾惁饾悶饾惈饾悳饾惒 饾悳饾悮饾惍饾惉饾悶 饾悽 饾惂饾悶饾悶饾悵饾悶饾悵 饾悮 饾惁饾悽饾惂饾惍饾惌饾悶 饾惌饾惃 饾悳饾悮饾惌饾悳饾悺 饾惁饾惒 饾悰饾惈饾悶饾悮饾惌饾悺 饾悮饾悷饾惌饾悶饾惈 饾惈饾悶饾悮饾悵饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悮饾惀饾惀 饾惃饾悷 饾惌饾悺饾惃饾惉饾悶 饾惉饾悶饾惐饾惒, 饾悵饾悽饾惈饾惌饾惒, 饾悷饾悽饾惀饾惌饾悺饾惒, 饾惏饾悽饾悳饾悿饾悶饾悵 饾惉饾悳饾悶饾惂饾悶饾惉. Honestly everything was just perfection to me. A beautiful, magnificent, wonderful piece of art.
We had a lot of new revelations and twists, more adventure and characters from other courts. 饾悁 饾悕饾悶饾惏 饾悆饾悶饾惉饾惌饾悽饾惂饾惒 饾惃饾悷 饾悂饾惀饾惃饾惃饾悵 饾悁饾惂饾悵 饾悁饾惉饾悺. Some new allies and of course new enemies. The story was as Compelling as the first if not more. There were even more 饾悘饾惈饾悽饾惁饾悮饾惀饾惉, 饾悘饾惈饾惃饾惄饾悺饾悶饾悳饾悽饾悶饾惉, 饾悊饾惃饾悵饾惉, 饾悈饾悶饾悮饾惈, 饾悜饾悮饾悹饾悶, 饾悘饾悮饾悽饾惂, 饾悞饾悮饾悳饾惈饾悽饾悷饾悽饾悳饾悶饾惉, 饾悈饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惌饾悽饾惂饾悹, 饾悆饾惍饾惌饾惒, 饾悆饾悶饾惉饾悽饾惈饾悶, 饾悑饾惃饾惎饾悶, 饾悈饾惈饾悽饾悶饾惂饾悵饾惉饾悺饾悽饾惄 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惀饾悮饾惉饾惌饾惀饾惒 饾悁 饾悕饾悶饾惏 饾悜饾悶饾悳饾悿饾惃饾惂饾悽饾惂饾悹.
Now even tho i hate you for putting me through this hellish waiting cycle again, you 饾悏饾悑饾悁 fu#king earned every praise you received and will continue to receive in the future. So a big ass thank you for this gift of a series.
鈥淩age, pure and primal, set fire to my blood as my chin dipped, and a voice among my thoughts whispered: mine, becoming a chorus of many screaming, 鈥滒潗岎潗潗ю潗�!鈥�
His stolen power. It was mine. His pain. It would be mine. Vengeance. Retribution. Blood. Mine. All of it would be mine.
And I knew what that voice was as my grip on the blade steadied. Who it was. It was not the source of the embers. It was a spirit. Ghosts of many lives. A soul. I met Kolis鈥檚 stare, and while it was my lips that curved, it was Sotoria who smiled as I paid the price.鈥�
闭触滨调鈥�---------鈰樷嫏---------------鈥⑩猞曕繀猞栤鈥�---------------鈰樷嫏---------鈥滨触摆
I have to say when I found out 饾悁饾悞饾悎饾悡饾悇 was getting released first, i hated the additional wait with the passion of a thousand suns. All the while i was screaming and crying to have 饾悡饾悥饾悗饾悡饾悙 like right the Fu#k then. But when i finished it, Oh Fu#king Hell, i was practically begging to all the deities i do not believe in, for more of 饾悓饾惒 饾悂饾悶饾悮饾惍饾惌饾悽饾悷饾惍饾惀, 饾悘饾惃饾惏饾悶饾惈饾悷饾惍饾惀 饾悙饾惍饾悶饾悶饾惂 饾悞饾悶饾惈饾悮, 饾悆饾悮饾悵饾悵饾惒 饾悕饾惒饾悿饾惌饾惃饾惉 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惃饾悷 饾悳饾惃饾惍饾惈饾惉饾悶, 饾悘饾悮饾惄饾悮 饾悕饾悶饾悿饾惌饾悮饾惉, 饾悂饾悮饾悰饾惒 饾悏饾悮饾悵饾悶 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悜饾悶饾悮饾惎饾悶饾惈-饾悂饾惍饾惌饾惌. Talk about whiplash.
And now here i am again, torn between wanting 饾悁饾悑饾悎饾悡饾悈 to get released first but also wanting 饾悈饾悂饾悁饾悁 #饾煋 before this one. The truth is, i will only be happy with both of them in my hands. I'm to greedy to be satisfied with anything else. Until then...
My title. I had forgotten about that amidst everything.
What he said sounded almost part prophecy. Magical. And completely beautiful. Flecks of essence swirled through his eyes as he lifted his chin. 鈥淩ise for the Consort of the Shadowlands.鈥�
Are you fu#king kidding me with this ending right now?! 饾悥饾悡饾悈 饾悏饾悑饾悁?! 饾悥饾悋饾悁饾悡 饾悡饾悋饾悇 饾悁饾悅饾悡饾悢饾悁饾悑 饾悓饾悗饾悡饾悋饾悇饾悜饾悈饾悢#饾悐饾悎饾悕饾悊 饾悢饾悕饾悋饾悗饾悑饾悩 饾悋饾悇饾悑饾悑?!! 饾悡饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾悳饾惈饾悽饾惁饾悽饾惂饾悮饾惀. 饾悎饾惀饾惀饾悶饾悹饾悮饾惀. 饾悎饾惂饾惉饾悮饾惂饾悶. 饾悢饾惂饾悺饾悶饾悮饾惀饾惌饾悺饾惒. 饾悥饾悺饾悮饾惌饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈 饾悮饾悵饾悾饾悶饾悳饾惌饾悽饾惎饾悶饾惉 饾惒饾惃饾惍 饾惏饾悮饾惂饾惌 饾惌饾惃 饾惍饾惉饾悶, 饾悰饾惍饾惌 饾惌饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾惂饾惃饾惌 饾惈饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惌. Okay so, I'm still feeling a little off kilter since my hiatus ended, so I'll try my best to express my love for this book properly. But I know this won't be one of signature review full of long detailed paragraphs of everything that i adored in this book. It will be more of a generalization of how I feel and less of a descriptive review of this amazing story.
This book absolutely wrecked me in the most fulfilling way possible. I mean God, it had everything i wanted more of and yet I'm still finding myself wanting more. Like so much more i might overdose on it. This series is becoming a dangerous obsession- nope scratch that. It has become a living, breathing entity consuming every in it's path. 饾悇饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾惌饾悺饾惃饾惍饾悹饾悺饾惌, 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾悶饾惁饾惃饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂, 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾悵饾惈饾悶饾悮饾惁 饾悽 饾悺饾悮饾惎饾悶 饾悰饾悶饾惀饾惃饾惂饾悹饾惉 饾惌饾惃 饾悽饾惌. 饾悎饾惈饾惈饾悶饾惎饾惃饾悳饾悮饾悰饾惀饾惒 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惍饾惂饾悳饾惃饾惂饾悵饾悽饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾悮饾惀饾惀饾惒 饾惉饾惃.
鈥淚 want a future. I want to live. I want to experience a life where I have control of my future. I want us,鈥� I whispered. 鈥淏ut I need a future where we defeat Kolis and the Rot goes away. Where those in Iliseeum and in the mortal realm are safe. That鈥檚 what鈥檚 important. The only thing that matters.鈥�
鈥淣o, it is not the only damn thing that matters, Sera.鈥� His eyes flashed. 鈥淵ou. Not the godsdamn embers. Not the fucking realms. You matter.鈥�
鈰樷赌⑩嫏---------鈥⑩猹烩赌�---------鈰樷赌⑩嫏
These characters names are like a chorus in my mind that won't stop. 饾悞饾悶饾惈饾悮. 饾悁饾惉饾悺. 饾悕饾悶饾悿饾惌饾悮饾惉. 饾悜饾悶饾悮饾惎饾悶饾惈. 饾悏饾悮饾悵饾悽饾惉. 饾悇饾悳饾惌饾惃饾惈. 饾悜饾悺饾悮饾悽饾惂. 饾悂饾悶饾惀饾悶. 饾悞饾悮饾悽饾惃饾惂. 饾悁饾悽饾惃饾惉. (饾悑饾悮饾悽饾惀饾悮饾悺. 饾悜饾悺饾悮饾悺饾悮饾惈. 饾悡饾悺饾悶饾惃饾惂.) Over and over. Like this wasn't enough to drive me through a wall, add the knowledge that I have to wait until Autumn 2023 to get the next part of this story. I'm done for. That thought alone is simply unbearable.
And while I'm writing this review I'm feeling quite conflicted about everything. 饾悂饾悶饾悳饾悮饾惍饾惉饾悶 饾惌饾悺饾悽饾惉 饾悽饾惉 饾惌饾悺饾悶 饾悷饾悽饾惈饾惉饾惌 饾悰饾惃饾惃饾悿 饾惌饾悺饾悮饾惌 饾悽 饾惌饾惈饾惍饾惀饾惒 饾悶饾惂饾悾饾惃饾惒饾悶饾悵 饾悵饾悶饾惎饾惃饾惍饾惈饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾惉饾悽饾惂饾悳饾悶 饾惁饾惒 饾悺饾悽饾悮饾惌饾惍饾惉 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惂饾惃饾惏 饾悽 饾悷饾悶饾悶饾惀 饾悮饾悰饾悮饾惂饾悵饾惃饾惂饾悶饾悵 饾悰饾惒 饾悽饾惌. 饾悎'饾惁 饾惉饾惍饾惈饾惈饾惃饾惍饾惂饾悵饾悶饾悵 饾悰饾惒 饾悮 饾悰饾悽饾惓饾悮饾惈饾惈饾悶 饾悿饾悮饾惀饾悶饾悽饾悵饾惃饾惉饾悳饾惃饾惄饾悶 饾惃饾悷 饾悶饾惁饾惃饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉 饾惌饾悺饾悮饾惌 饾悎 饾悺饾悮饾惎饾悶 饾惂饾惃 饾悽饾悵饾悶饾悮 饾悺饾惃饾惏 饾惌饾惃 饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惂 饾悰饾悶饾悹饾悽饾惂 饾惌饾惃 饾悵饾悶饾悳饾悽饾惄饾悺饾悶饾惈. The only thing I know for sure is that I'm heartbroken.
鈥淭hen you should lift your sword.鈥�
The only thing that lifted was one corner of his lip. 鈥淎nd if I don鈥檛?鈥�
鈥淵ou will find yourself in grave need of a feeding.鈥�
His eyes became a fire of Primal essence. 鈥淵ou do realize that most men would take their soon-to-be Consort holding a sword to their throat in front of their guards as a great offense.鈥�
鈥淲hich is one of the reasons I find most men to be easily offended. But you鈥檙e not like most men, are you?鈥�
鈥淚 suppose not since most would send their wives to their chambers for such an act.鈥�
鈥淪oon-to-be wife,鈥� I corrected softly. 鈥淎nd if you order me to return to my chambers, my grip on this sword may slip an inch.鈥�
鈥淎ccidentally, of course.鈥�
Aware that we鈥檇 gained quite an audience, I smiled tightly. 鈥淚ntentionally.鈥�
鈰樷赌⑩嫏---------鈥⑩猹烩赌�---------鈰樷赌⑩嫏
The world building, the characters, the lore, the plot, the pace, the banter, the smut, the angst, Dear Lord The Spice. 饾悋饾悶饾惀饾惀 饾悮饾惌 饾惃饾惂饾悶 饾惄饾惃饾悽饾惂饾惌 饾悽 饾惄饾惈饾悮饾惒饾悶饾悵 饾悷饾惃饾惈 饾惁饾悶饾惈饾悳饾惒 饾悳饾悮饾惍饾惉饾悶 饾悽 饾惂饾悶饾悶饾悵饾悶饾悵 饾悮 饾惁饾悽饾惂饾惍饾惌饾悶 饾惌饾惃 饾悳饾悮饾惌饾悳饾悺 饾惁饾惒 饾悰饾惈饾悶饾悮饾惌饾悺 饾悮饾悷饾惌饾悶饾惈 饾惈饾悶饾悮饾悵饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悮饾惀饾惀 饾惃饾悷 饾惌饾悺饾惃饾惉饾悶 饾惉饾悶饾惐饾惒, 饾悵饾悽饾惈饾惌饾惒, 饾悷饾悽饾惀饾惌饾悺饾惒, 饾惏饾悽饾悳饾悿饾悶饾悵 饾惉饾悳饾悶饾惂饾悶饾惉. Honestly everything was just perfection to me. A beautiful, magnificent, wonderful piece of art.
We had a lot of new revelations and twists, more adventure and characters from other courts. 饾悁 饾悕饾悶饾惏 饾悆饾悶饾惉饾惌饾悽饾惂饾惒 饾惃饾悷 饾悂饾惀饾惃饾惃饾悵 饾悁饾惂饾悵 饾悁饾惉饾悺. Some new allies and of course new enemies. The story was as Compelling as the first if not more. There were even more 饾悘饾惈饾悽饾惁饾悮饾惀饾惉, 饾悘饾惈饾惃饾惄饾悺饾悶饾悳饾悽饾悶饾惉, 饾悊饾惃饾悵饾惉, 饾悈饾悶饾悮饾惈, 饾悜饾悮饾悹饾悶, 饾悘饾悮饾悽饾惂, 饾悞饾悮饾悳饾惈饾悽饾悷饾悽饾悳饾悶饾惉, 饾悈饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惌饾悽饾惂饾悹, 饾悆饾惍饾惌饾惒, 饾悆饾悶饾惉饾悽饾惈饾悶, 饾悑饾惃饾惎饾悶, 饾悈饾惈饾悽饾悶饾惂饾悵饾惉饾悺饾悽饾惄 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惀饾悮饾惉饾惌饾惀饾惒 饾悁 饾悕饾悶饾惏 饾悜饾悶饾悳饾悿饾惃饾惂饾悽饾惂饾悹.
Now even tho i hate you for putting me through this hellish waiting cycle again, you 饾悏饾悑饾悁 fu#king earned every praise you received and will continue to receive in the future. So a big ass thank you for this gift of a series.
鈥淩age, pure and primal, set fire to my blood as my chin dipped, and a voice among my thoughts whispered: mine, becoming a chorus of many screaming, 鈥滒潗岎潗潗ю潗�!鈥�
His stolen power. It was mine. His pain. It would be mine. Vengeance. Retribution. Blood. Mine. All of it would be mine.
And I knew what that voice was as my grip on the blade steadied. Who it was. It was not the source of the embers. It was a spirit. Ghosts of many lives. A soul. I met Kolis鈥檚 stare, and while it was my lips that curved, it was Sotoria who smiled as I paid the price.鈥�
闭触滨调鈥�---------鈰樷嫏---------------鈥⑩猞曕繀猞栤鈥�---------------鈰樷嫏---------鈥滨触摆
I have to say when I found out 饾悁饾悞饾悎饾悡饾悇 was getting released first, i hated the additional wait with the passion of a thousand suns. All the while i was screaming and crying to have 饾悡饾悥饾悗饾悡饾悙 like right the Fu#k then. But when i finished it, Oh Fu#king Hell, i was practically begging to all the deities i do not believe in, for more of 饾悓饾惒 饾悂饾悶饾悮饾惍饾惌饾悽饾悷饾惍饾惀, 饾悘饾惃饾惏饾悶饾惈饾悷饾惍饾惀 饾悙饾惍饾悶饾悶饾惂 饾悞饾悶饾惈饾悮, 饾悆饾悮饾悵饾悵饾惒 饾悕饾惒饾悿饾惌饾惃饾惉 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾惃饾悷 饾悳饾惃饾惍饾惈饾惉饾悶, 饾悘饾悮饾惄饾悮 饾悕饾悶饾悿饾惌饾悮饾惉, 饾悂饾悮饾悰饾惒 饾悏饾悮饾悵饾悶 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悜饾悶饾悮饾惎饾悶饾惈-饾悂饾惍饾惌饾惌. Talk about whiplash.
And now here i am again, torn between wanting 饾悁饾悑饾悎饾悡饾悈 to get released first but also wanting 饾悈饾悂饾悁饾悁 #饾煋 before this one. The truth is, i will only be happy with both of them in my hands. I'm to greedy to be satisfied with anything else. Until then...
August 14, 2024
nyktos is now my book crush 馃槍 (and I totally didn鈥檛 search up for images and his wiki how page)
鈯� 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ {.鈰� 鄣鈾≯� 鈰�.} 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ 鈯�
鈥淗e felt鈥ods, my head fell back. He felt like we were made for each other.鈥�
馃槏馃槏 not me swooning
鈯� 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ {.鈰� 鄣鈾≯� 鈰�.} 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ 鈯�
character growth : sera showed massive character growth in this book and I am so ecstatic for her. and not to mention that she really resembles my bestie - sera (hi sera, if you see this somehow, even without a gr acc, I am talking about you 馃挀)
chemistry : okay I mainly picked up another JLA book after a year of hiatus because I wanted to read about the characters. The leads always have sizzling hot chemistry, and being able to see that in this book with Nyktos and Sera is something I will die for.
4 stars 馃専
ps: i might do a reread on sat for book 1鈥�. their first encounter was fireworks 馃巼
sooo... I admit I am gatekeeping this book as my favorite book boyfriend is the mmc 馃槡
鈥淲hy did you visit my lake if you had this?鈥�
Nyktos was quiet for so long that I looked at him. He was still staring at the pool. 鈥淏ecause it was your lake.鈥�
I am swooning <3
I think I am going to add quotes every other time I am on goodreads because nyktos is just god-perfect.
鈯� 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ {.鈰� 鄣鈾≯� 鈰�.} 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ 鈯�
鈥淗e felt鈥ods, my head fell back. He felt like we were made for each other.鈥�
馃槏馃槏 not me swooning
鈯� 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ {.鈰� 鄣鈾≯� 鈰�.} 鈹€鈹€鈹€鈹€ 鈯�
character growth : sera showed massive character growth in this book and I am so ecstatic for her. and not to mention that she really resembles my bestie - sera (hi sera, if you see this somehow, even without a gr acc, I am talking about you 馃挀)
chemistry : okay I mainly picked up another JLA book after a year of hiatus because I wanted to read about the characters. The leads always have sizzling hot chemistry, and being able to see that in this book with Nyktos and Sera is something I will die for.
4 stars 馃専
ps: i might do a reread on sat for book 1鈥�. their first encounter was fireworks 馃巼
sooo... I admit I am gatekeeping this book as my favorite book boyfriend is the mmc 馃槡
鈥淲hy did you visit my lake if you had this?鈥�
Nyktos was quiet for so long that I looked at him. He was still staring at the pool. 鈥淏ecause it was your lake.鈥�
I am swooning <3
I think I am going to add quotes every other time I am on goodreads because nyktos is just god-perfect.
May 24, 2024
sera is mommy
look. it could have been shorter.
i absolutely love this series. I'm so inlove with it, but I've come to realise many things could be cut out because i do lose focus with all the rambling JLA calls her writing. i love JLA, don't get me wrong, i love her and how she writes these high fantasy worlds and how she wrote sera and nyktos and poppy and casteel. i love her worlds, they are literally perfect and there's nothing about the plot i could pick out because it is perfect. her writing is good too- like when sera relaised she was in love it was... perfectly written unlike some other books I've read where its just out of nowhere.
JLA also just knows how to write MEN. some mmc's give off boy vibes but like nyktos is ALL man. ugh i love it.a anyways back to her too long ramblings- it's a problem because i end up losing focus and also forgetting important parts of the book. girly needs a new editor.
one of my fave parts is the drakens. sera caring for jadis and reaver is so heart warming. and the fact we see reaver in FBAA brings tears to my eyes. i also love the characters, despite there being too many with slightly similar names and personalities not distinctive enough.
but overall vibes as always were chefs kiss and the ending had me gagged because like literally what will happen now? i thought i wouldn't want to read the next book but really i think i just forgot how much i love this world, characters and series.
look. it could have been shorter.
i absolutely love this series. I'm so inlove with it, but I've come to realise many things could be cut out because i do lose focus with all the rambling JLA calls her writing. i love JLA, don't get me wrong, i love her and how she writes these high fantasy worlds and how she wrote sera and nyktos and poppy and casteel. i love her worlds, they are literally perfect and there's nothing about the plot i could pick out because it is perfect. her writing is good too- like when sera relaised she was in love it was... perfectly written unlike some other books I've read where its just out of nowhere.
JLA also just knows how to write MEN. some mmc's give off boy vibes but like nyktos is ALL man. ugh i love it.a anyways back to her too long ramblings- it's a problem because i end up losing focus and also forgetting important parts of the book. girly needs a new editor.
one of my fave parts is the drakens. sera caring for jadis and reaver is so heart warming. and the fact we see reaver in FBAA brings tears to my eyes. i also love the characters, despite there being too many with slightly similar names and personalities not distinctive enough.
but overall vibes as always were chefs kiss and the ending had me gagged because like literally what will happen now? i thought i wouldn't want to read the next book but really i think i just forgot how much i love this world, characters and series.
December 22, 2022
Genres: Fantasy/Romance
If you love this series, you might just want to scroll on by. There isn't any love here.
This wasn't just a one star reading experience for me but it was also a DNF....and I returned it to Audible. This was not for me. For being a long book N-O-T-H-I-N-G happens. Around half way they actually leave their compound and go somewhere. So I thought, "Finally! Something is going to happen." But no....back to the compound for more sex and more talking and more benign dialogue. I wanted some story but I wasn't finding any. So around the 15th or 16th hour mark, I reluctantly gave up. The decision to give up on a book usually torments me a little and more often than not, I go back and finish it...but I'm not feeling that need with this book.
If you love this series, you might just want to scroll on by. There isn't any love here.
This wasn't just a one star reading experience for me but it was also a DNF....and I returned it to Audible. This was not for me. For being a long book N-O-T-H-I-N-G happens. Around half way they actually leave their compound and go somewhere. So I thought, "Finally! Something is going to happen." But no....back to the compound for more sex and more talking and more benign dialogue. I wanted some story but I wasn't finding any. So around the 15th or 16th hour mark, I reluctantly gave up. The decision to give up on a book usually torments me a little and more often than not, I go back and finish it...but I'm not feeling that need with this book.
November 19, 2022
鈥淚 never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa.鈥�
I believe in Nyktos and Sera supremacy 馃ズ馃挅馃槱馃挊馃ス
March 18, 2025
4.5 stars
Fuuuuuuuuck. Part of the ending was expected. You knew one of them would be taken, most likely her. And then when Kolis said he just wanted her power, I was hopeful that she wouldn't be kidnapped for long because he obviously would plan to kill her, but then she fucking ruined it and now he knows who she is. So who knows what will happen now.
And what does that ending mean? Was Ash there? Or was that in her head? Does he shift to a wolf? Or that just represents him somehow?
And dude. Poor Ector. I thought we were going to get a Poppy moment and Sera was that gonna blast everyone with her power and bring them back and then fuck up the attacking army for balance.
And Ash better get his whatever back so he can love her. Stop dicking around and fix it and go get your woman.
Fuuuuuuuuck. Part of the ending was expected. You knew one of them would be taken, most likely her. And then when Kolis said he just wanted her power, I was hopeful that she wouldn't be kidnapped for long because he obviously would plan to kill her, but then she fucking ruined it and now he knows who she is. So who knows what will happen now.
And what does that ending mean? Was Ash there? Or was that in her head? Does he shift to a wolf? Or that just represents him somehow?
And dude. Poor Ector. I thought we were going to get a Poppy moment and Sera was that gonna blast everyone with her power and bring them back and then fuck up the attacking army for balance.
And Ash better get his whatever back so he can love her. Stop dicking around and fix it and go get your woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
鈥淚 would鈥檝e loved you if I could have. There would鈥檝e been no stopping me.鈥�
this was so tragic. watching sera fall in love with him knowing he could never love her back hurt. if he doesn鈥檛 get his kardia back somehow i鈥檒l be devastated.
鈥淚 never wanted to love. Not until you.鈥�
this series has the most likeable characters. i even liked them when i was mad at them (ash 馃檮) because they鈥檙e all just so <333 i love nyktos鈥檚 whole court, especially the draken. jadis and reaver are adorable and nektas has my entire heart.
despite this book not being objectively great, i loved it. still pissed that jla KIDNAPPED sera though. how am i supposed to wait a year for the sequel???
this was so tragic. watching sera fall in love with him knowing he could never love her back hurt. if he doesn鈥檛 get his kardia back somehow i鈥檒l be devastated.
鈥淚 never wanted to love. Not until you.鈥�
this series has the most likeable characters. i even liked them when i was mad at them (ash 馃檮) because they鈥檙e all just so <333 i love nyktos鈥檚 whole court, especially the draken. jadis and reaver are adorable and nektas has my entire heart.
despite this book not being objectively great, i loved it. still pissed that jla KIDNAPPED sera though. how am i supposed to wait a year for the sequel???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2022
We are back with Daddy Nyktos in the second book in the Flesh and Fire Series! I really loved the first book so much, I thought the characters and the lore was exciting and intriguing and I couldn't wait to read this next book and see what happens next. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a let down for me. The first few chapters are really good, fast paced and exciting even but then it basically turns into the doldrums and NOTHING happens for the next 50 percent of the book! It was so boring, repetitive and slow, which lead to another problem. I know what I am getting with JLA. The writing isn't the best, so I am prepared for that going in and just accept that fact, and try to focus on the plot and world building except when nothing is happening the the cringy writing is impossible to ignore and becomes almost unbearably difficult to read. There was no plot to be found and instead was replaced by hormones. This is becoming quite the trend lately with fantasy romance I have noticed and as much as I love the romance I need plot to invest.
It does pick up about 60 percent of the way in and finally we feel like we get back on track and the story starts to move in the right direction. Nyktos and Sera seemed to also lose a bit of their edge they had in the first book but I did love all the draken content and that cliffhanger ending was well done. I will continue the series but I am really hoping that the third book picks up the pace.
It does pick up about 60 percent of the way in and finally we feel like we get back on track and the story starts to move in the right direction. Nyktos and Sera seemed to also lose a bit of their edge they had in the first book but I did love all the draken content and that cliffhanger ending was well done. I will continue the series but I am really hoping that the third book picks up the pace.
Want to read
April 27, 2022I better see the creation of the first wolven in this book
June 21, 2023
Esta escritora siempre se las arregla para hacer unos finales 茅picos, pero esta vez no se lleva a las cinco estrellas, ya que es un final predecible y hay muy poca acci贸n en pr谩cticamente todo el libro.
Eso s铆, me encanta la relaci贸n de Nyktos y Sera 馃挀. En este libro vemos muchas 馃尪锔忦煂讹笍鉂わ笍鈥嶐煍�, cosa que me gusta, pero a la vez se me ha hecho un poco pesado, ya que parec铆a que no iba a ocurrir nada m谩s.
Aunque van sucediendo cosas, no es pr谩cticamente hasta las 煤ltimas 100 p谩ginas que ocurre toda la historia鈥� adem谩s, lo que ocurre lo he ido prediciendo a la hora que iba avanzando la historia, as铆 que me ha sorprendido m谩s bien poco.
A煤n as铆 como os digo, la autora crea unos finales 茅picos y con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo sus historias, as铆 que estoy deseando que salga el siguiente.
En resumen, me ha faltado acci贸n, aunque por otro lado me ha gustado bastante la historia as铆 que tengo sentimientos encontrados, por una parte me ha gustado pero por la otra se me ha quedado flojo y pesado con tanta escena sexual.
鈿狅笍鈥硷笍鈿狅笍Spoiler a partir de aqu铆鈿狅笍鈥硷笍鈿狅笍
No soporto que Nyktos no hable claro y le cuente toda la verdad a Sera, cuando ella se sincera con 茅l diciendo que quiere ser su consorte, 茅l sigue ocult谩ndole algo s煤per importante como es el pacto con Veses 馃槪, aunque sea por verg眉enza, creo que tendr铆a que haberlo comentado.
Y al final me ha sorprendido eso de De sangre y cenizas, y lo de ser el primer gen de la vida y la muerte, eso no me lo esperaba, as铆 que ha sido un punto bueno porque habido muchas cosas que me ven铆a venir como al final que la rapta Kolis鈥�
Esperaba que cuando se va al mundo humano, a ver a su hermana, suceder谩 algo m谩s sin embargo, queda esa parte muy floja, luego est谩 la parte de la coronaci贸n que tambi茅n se queda corta y falta de acci贸n.
Luego est谩, lo de que Kolis los reuniera para dar su visto bueno sobre la coronaci贸n, s铆 que tiene todo el sentido al final pero la verdad tambi茅n esperaba algo m谩s鈥�
No lo s茅, es como que habido muy poca acci贸n durante el libro. Aunque debo confesar que me ha encantado la parte en que ella revive al draken 鉂わ笍鈥嶐煩�. Amo a Sera.
Eso s铆, me encanta la relaci贸n de Nyktos y Sera 馃挀. En este libro vemos muchas 馃尪锔忦煂讹笍鉂わ笍鈥嶐煍�, cosa que me gusta, pero a la vez se me ha hecho un poco pesado, ya que parec铆a que no iba a ocurrir nada m谩s.
Aunque van sucediendo cosas, no es pr谩cticamente hasta las 煤ltimas 100 p谩ginas que ocurre toda la historia鈥� adem谩s, lo que ocurre lo he ido prediciendo a la hora que iba avanzando la historia, as铆 que me ha sorprendido m谩s bien poco.
A煤n as铆 como os digo, la autora crea unos finales 茅picos y con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo sus historias, as铆 que estoy deseando que salga el siguiente.
En resumen, me ha faltado acci贸n, aunque por otro lado me ha gustado bastante la historia as铆 que tengo sentimientos encontrados, por una parte me ha gustado pero por la otra se me ha quedado flojo y pesado con tanta escena sexual.
鈿狅笍鈥硷笍鈿狅笍Spoiler a partir de aqu铆鈿狅笍鈥硷笍鈿狅笍
No soporto que Nyktos no hable claro y le cuente toda la verdad a Sera, cuando ella se sincera con 茅l diciendo que quiere ser su consorte, 茅l sigue ocult谩ndole algo s煤per importante como es el pacto con Veses 馃槪, aunque sea por verg眉enza, creo que tendr铆a que haberlo comentado.
Y al final me ha sorprendido eso de De sangre y cenizas, y lo de ser el primer gen de la vida y la muerte, eso no me lo esperaba, as铆 que ha sido un punto bueno porque habido muchas cosas que me ven铆a venir como al final que la rapta Kolis鈥�
Esperaba que cuando se va al mundo humano, a ver a su hermana, suceder谩 algo m谩s sin embargo, queda esa parte muy floja, luego est谩 la parte de la coronaci贸n que tambi茅n se queda corta y falta de acci贸n.
Luego est谩, lo de que Kolis los reuniera para dar su visto bueno sobre la coronaci贸n, s铆 que tiene todo el sentido al final pero la verdad tambi茅n esperaba algo m谩s鈥�
No lo s茅, es como que habido muy poca acci贸n durante el libro. Aunque debo confesar que me ha encantado la parte en que ella revive al draken 鉂わ笍鈥嶐煩�. Amo a Sera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2022
Nothing happens. I made it to 50% before I gave up and even that was a struggle.
UPDATE: After sitting on it overnight, I've decided to make a little bit of a longer review.
I've been a fan of JLA for a long time. Long before FBAA was released. I've always thought that her writing was fun and engaging and that didn't change when she released FBAA. I immediately fell in love with the world and characters. However, it felt like it lost its magic more and more with each book and I fell more and more out of love with the story and her writing. When she announced this spin-off series, I was excited because I felt like it was a chance to get it right and maybe change my mind. The first book was pretty good and I had already committed so much time to the world that I felt comfortable continuing the story after I finished that one. Then A War of Two Queens came out and I was DISAPPOINTED, but I stuck with it and decided that I would still give this book a chance. However, I don't think I will be continuing with any of the books in this series or the original FBAA series. Here's why....
- The characters- I loved Sera and Nyktos in the first book. They made me forget all about my dislike for Poppy and Casteel after the third book. However, much like FBAA, the characters went downhill in this installment. Sera fell into the same trap as Poppy did. They are dumb and they do dumb things, but everyone around them thinks they're brave. JLA's big weakness is writing realistic badass female characters and Sera is a carbon copy of Poppy in almost every way, right down to her "stabby" behavior and her ridiculous amounts of questions (more on that later). As for Nyktos, I still enjoy him. He's fine, but he's the book boyfriend that I needed him to be. He's just meh. And that's sad because there's so much potential.
-Story- I'm convinced that JLA doesn't plot her books out before she writes because her books are all over the place and the only way that things move forwards is through her FMC's questions. There was a lot of info dumps in this book (much like FBAA) and it was a chore to get through them. I'm a fast reader and it took me FOREVER to get through the 50 percent that I read because I was so bored. Nothing happened. I'm not being dramatic when I say that. There was little action scenes and the ones that were present were about two pages long and nothing came from them. This could have changed in the final half of the book, but I'll never know because I refuse to subject myself to that (I did read the final chapter because I needed to know what happened and I don't think I missed anything lol)
-Writing- I want to preface this by saying that I don't think that JLA is a bad writer. I'm not hating on her, but she NEEDS a good editor. There's a lot of grammatical errors (please note: I am not an expert on this and I know that this review could also use a good edit :)) and it definitely takes the reader out of the story when these errors occur. JLA also suffers from the tell not show syndrome and it drives me crazy. If I have to read another wall of dialogue explaining something that could have been shown in a much better way, I might cry.
I won't be continuing the books and that makes me sad because I wanted to love this.
As I side note: for those saying this is the best smut they've ever read, I implore you to read other books because there is much better smut out there.
UPDATE: After sitting on it overnight, I've decided to make a little bit of a longer review.
I've been a fan of JLA for a long time. Long before FBAA was released. I've always thought that her writing was fun and engaging and that didn't change when she released FBAA. I immediately fell in love with the world and characters. However, it felt like it lost its magic more and more with each book and I fell more and more out of love with the story and her writing. When she announced this spin-off series, I was excited because I felt like it was a chance to get it right and maybe change my mind. The first book was pretty good and I had already committed so much time to the world that I felt comfortable continuing the story after I finished that one. Then A War of Two Queens came out and I was DISAPPOINTED, but I stuck with it and decided that I would still give this book a chance. However, I don't think I will be continuing with any of the books in this series or the original FBAA series. Here's why....
- The characters- I loved Sera and Nyktos in the first book. They made me forget all about my dislike for Poppy and Casteel after the third book. However, much like FBAA, the characters went downhill in this installment. Sera fell into the same trap as Poppy did. They are dumb and they do dumb things, but everyone around them thinks they're brave. JLA's big weakness is writing realistic badass female characters and Sera is a carbon copy of Poppy in almost every way, right down to her "stabby" behavior and her ridiculous amounts of questions (more on that later). As for Nyktos, I still enjoy him. He's fine, but he's the book boyfriend that I needed him to be. He's just meh. And that's sad because there's so much potential.
-Story- I'm convinced that JLA doesn't plot her books out before she writes because her books are all over the place and the only way that things move forwards is through her FMC's questions. There was a lot of info dumps in this book (much like FBAA) and it was a chore to get through them. I'm a fast reader and it took me FOREVER to get through the 50 percent that I read because I was so bored. Nothing happened. I'm not being dramatic when I say that. There was little action scenes and the ones that were present were about two pages long and nothing came from them. This could have changed in the final half of the book, but I'll never know because I refuse to subject myself to that (I did read the final chapter because I needed to know what happened and I don't think I missed anything lol)
-Writing- I want to preface this by saying that I don't think that JLA is a bad writer. I'm not hating on her, but she NEEDS a good editor. There's a lot of grammatical errors (please note: I am not an expert on this and I know that this review could also use a good edit :)) and it definitely takes the reader out of the story when these errors occur. JLA also suffers from the tell not show syndrome and it drives me crazy. If I have to read another wall of dialogue explaining something that could have been shown in a much better way, I might cry.
I won't be continuing the books and that makes me sad because I wanted to love this.
As I side note: for those saying this is the best smut they've ever read, I implore you to read other books because there is much better smut out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
I AM NOT OKAY. THAT ENDING WAS NOT OKAY. I NEED BOOK THREE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
In case the capital letters weren't enough to persuade you that I loved this book, let me assure you that I LOVED this book. It had everything I could have possibly asked for in a sequel: romance, suspense, danger, magic, hurt comfort, angst-filled sword fighting, and so, SO much more. The author's depiction of anxiety felt realistic, and I am beyond grateful that Sera--a badass--can deal with it without ever being treated as weak. It is crucial that mental health disorders are reflected in books, especially when they are handled in a way that doesn't take over the entire story. Casual representation of anxiety is lacking in most fantasy (especially romance), and so to see it done so well here made this book even more special.
In case the capital letters weren't enough to persuade you that I loved this book, let me assure you that I LOVED this book. It had everything I could have possibly asked for in a sequel: romance, suspense, danger, magic, hurt comfort, angst-filled sword fighting, and so, SO much more. The author's depiction of anxiety felt realistic, and I am beyond grateful that Sera--a badass--can deal with it without ever being treated as weak. It is crucial that mental health disorders are reflected in books, especially when they are handled in a way that doesn't take over the entire story. Casual representation of anxiety is lacking in most fantasy (especially romance), and so to see it done so well here made this book even more special.
November 21, 2022
chicos yo estoy a nada de denunciar a jennifer armentrout como me vas a dejar el libro as铆 mujer por dios te pido UN D脥A DE PAZ
solo quiero dejar este paralelo entre poppycas/seranyktos porque me DESTRUYO completamente
the 鈥媍rown of gilded bones:
"And I knew why I could be like this with Casteel. It was further proof of what I felt so deeply when I opened my senses to him now. I was drowning in the taste of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Love."
a light in the flame:
"Those thick lashes of his lifted as his gaze roamed over my face. Seconds ticked by. 鈥淲hat are you thinking about?鈥�
I stiffened. Oh, gods, I鈥檇 likely been projecting. 鈥淲hat do you feel?鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know.鈥� He sounded confounded, curious. 鈥�I鈥 taste sweetness.鈥� His brows pinched. 鈥�It reminds me of chocolate and strawberries.鈥�
solo quiero dejar este paralelo entre poppycas/seranyktos porque me DESTRUYO completamente
the 鈥媍rown of gilded bones:
"And I knew why I could be like this with Casteel. It was further proof of what I felt so deeply when I opened my senses to him now. I was drowning in the taste of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Love."
a light in the flame:
"Those thick lashes of his lifted as his gaze roamed over my face. Seconds ticked by. 鈥淲hat are you thinking about?鈥�
I stiffened. Oh, gods, I鈥檇 likely been projecting. 鈥淲hat do you feel?鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know.鈥� He sounded confounded, curious. 鈥�I鈥 taste sweetness.鈥� His brows pinched. 鈥�It reminds me of chocolate and strawberries.鈥�
November 27, 2022
Wow, so the author is basically just determined to completely butcher every book series she has? Ok
鈥epetitive, boring dialogue where nothing happens
鈥o tension, no chemistry, no buildup between characters
鈥ince when did sera become such a door mat?
鈥othing revealed, yet again have to wait for the third book which I鈥檓 not going to bother with at this point
Why does this author insist on dragging out her series? There was no need for this book to be over 600 pages. Just like there was no need for a 4th FBAA book (which completely ruined the series). Just wrap everything up quicker, Jesus
I wouldn鈥檛 recommend, but you do you.
鈥epetitive, boring dialogue where nothing happens
鈥o tension, no chemistry, no buildup between characters
鈥ince when did sera become such a door mat?
鈥othing revealed, yet again have to wait for the third book which I鈥檓 not going to bother with at this point
Why does this author insist on dragging out her series? There was no need for this book to be over 600 pages. Just like there was no need for a 4th FBAA book (which completely ruined the series). Just wrap everything up quicker, Jesus
I wouldn鈥檛 recommend, but you do you.
October 28, 2023
鈥� 3.5 stars
while i still love seranyktos in this book so much and the romance really shines in this series so far, i just needed more pain, heartbreak and angst. 馃寶听couldn鈥檛 we have more painful scenes of Sera loving Nyktos, but him not able to love her back bc of his kardia scenes?! i鈥檓 a masochist and just want to feel hurt what can i say.馃鈥嶁檧锔徧�
A Light in the Flame made me obsessed with Jadis and Reaver!! ik they are kids and basically baby drakkens, but i ship them so much. 馃槶听Jadis being a little menace and chasing Reaver around, while he is so grumpy and annoyed at her, but still secretly cares a lot about her? 馃槶馃槶馃槶听i love them. 馃ズ馃憠馃憟听their scenes were so cute in this book and it makes my heart hurt for Reaver and Nektas, knowing that Jadis is missing in the FBAA series. i need Jadis and Reaver to get together!!!
鈹嶁攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹伮烩€⒙� 芦鈥⒙攣鈹�
FLESH AND FIRE SERIES
#1 A Shadow in the Ember 鈥撎�3.5 stars
#2 A Light in the Flame 鈥� 3.5 stars
#3 A Fire in the Flesh 鈥� tbr
#4 Born of Blood and Ash 鈥� tbr
鈹曗攣禄鈥⒙� 芦鈥⒙攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲敊
鈥滶ven if you had your kardia, Ash, there was no guarantee you鈥檇 love me鈥撯€�
鈥漎es, there is.鈥� His eyes were wide and wild as he caught my wrists. 鈥淚 would鈥檝e loved you if I could have. There would鈥檝e been no stopping me.鈥�
while i still love seranyktos in this book so much and the romance really shines in this series so far, i just needed more pain, heartbreak and angst. 馃寶听couldn鈥檛 we have more painful scenes of Sera loving Nyktos, but him not able to love her back bc of his kardia scenes?! i鈥檓 a masochist and just want to feel hurt what can i say.馃鈥嶁檧锔徧�
A Light in the Flame made me obsessed with Jadis and Reaver!! ik they are kids and basically baby drakkens, but i ship them so much. 馃槶听Jadis being a little menace and chasing Reaver around, while he is so grumpy and annoyed at her, but still secretly cares a lot about her? 馃槶馃槶馃槶听i love them. 馃ズ馃憠馃憟听their scenes were so cute in this book and it makes my heart hurt for Reaver and Nektas, knowing that Jadis is missing in the FBAA series. i need Jadis and Reaver to get together!!!
鈹嶁攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹伮烩€⒙� 芦鈥⒙攣鈹�
FLESH AND FIRE SERIES
#1 A Shadow in the Ember 鈥撎�3.5 stars
#2 A Light in the Flame 鈥� 3.5 stars
#3 A Fire in the Flesh 鈥� tbr
#4 Born of Blood and Ash 鈥� tbr
鈹曗攣禄鈥⒙� 芦鈥⒙攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲攣鈹佲敊
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