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Born of Blood and Ash (Flesh and Fire #4)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the thrilling conclusion to her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

Review:

Born of Blood and Ash was a beautiful conclusion to the Flesh and Fire Series!  With emotional moments, heart wrenching horror, a beautiful found family, and love that perseveres against all odds, this book kept me on the edge of my seat!  It easily became a top favorite with epic battle scenes, moments that had me whispering I can’t stop crying, and watching those be given options that would never be a choice.  This book held me in the palm of its hand and I loved every minute of it!

There was no struggle or resistance when I silenced my thoughts and tensed my muscles. I became something I was far better suited for than being a Queen.
A fighter.
A warrior.

Before starting, know that parts from the previous book were laced into this story.  It wasn’t info dumps, but instead it was beautifully done with little mentions or moments that helped jog our memory.  I re-read the previous books before jumping into this one, and I definitely didn’t need to but I still loved doing it!

What else did he make you do?

Sera was haunted and tortured by what Kolis did to her.  It was emotionally gutting and soul shattering watching the past haunt Sera.  So make sure you have lots of tissues, because there were countless moments that you’ll feel deep in your heart.   I was so grateful that she was back home, surrounded by those she loved.  And as the story unfolded, we got to watch Sera’s new powers unfold.  They were phenomenal.  I loved seeing some of those elements trickle down to Poppy, and I loved even more watching her do something Poppy always did that made me laugh!  

Ash nodded, cupping my cheek with his other hand. “Together.”
I turned my head and kissed his palm. “Always.”

But one of my favorite things about Sera was watching her face trials that were all consuming.  The moments she would rise above and be found worthy of those around her, had me cheering for her.  She was a true queen!  And I loved that we got to see that impatience and bravery we love pop up time and again!  Sera will always be one of my favorite heroines!

I felt no fear, even as the essence strained against my skin. I looked up at a Primal of Death: beautiful, terrifying, and mine.

And Ash will always be the ultimate book boyfriend.  When they were together, I loved watching them play around and tease one another.  They made me laugh and smile so much.  And their steamy moments were intoxicating!  But they also had these quieter moments that will just hit you so hard.  When Ash brushed Sera’s hair I melted into a pile of goo.  They’re so real, and it felt like a movie was playing in my head while reading this book!

My mouth dropped open. “You two bet again on how long it would take before Ash and I started arguing?”
“More like Saion is stealing money from his cousin again,” Bele retorted.
“Oh, my gods.” I pinched my brow, briefly closing my eyes. “Why are you all still bowing?”
“You haven’t given them permission to rise,” Ash commented.
“For fuck’s sake,” I snapped.
“Language,” Ash whispered as he passed me, stepping onto the dais. He placed Jadis in one of the chairs at the table. “There are younglings present.”

The found family in this story was one of my favorites!  We got to see so many of those we loved, and Reaver and Jadis were some of my top favorites!  Oh boy did they  make me cry!  Attes was right up there too, I loved him with my whole heart.  And Aios stole the show at times!  But another element that blew my mind was that truths became known that linked this series to another, Fall of Ruin and Wrath.  I was screaming!  How it pieced together, and what’s to come, I can’t wait!  Also it felt like there was some possible foreshadowing for the final FBAA book, eeps.  Time will tell!

Closing my eyes, I grasped the front of his tunic. “Be careful.”
“Always.” His mouth found mine once more.

With the prophecy, losses that were gutting, new found powers, unfathomable atrocities, secrets revealed, and ties into FBAA and Fall of Ruin and Wrath, Born of Blood and Ash was unparalleled and outstanding!  I found myself cheering them on, filled with anger that boiled me alive, chills that I felt down to the bone  and moments that had me crying and sobbing all the tears.  And while I guessed one of the twists, there were some others I didn’t even see coming.  That final one, my mind is still blown and I was staring at a wall piecing it all together.  So yes, I can’t recommend this series and book enough!  If you love romantasy, found family, epic battles, and characters that make you feel everything then you need this book in  your life!

PS I cried 14 times

 

Other Favorite Quotes:

“If you’re looking for the Fate,” Rhain said, lifting a short glass to his lips and taking a sip, “he vanished the moment Nyktos reached you.”
“Well, that’s probably for the best.” I glanced at Ash. His attention was fixed on me. “By the way, he now thinks I’m the calm one out of the two of us.”
Rhain choked.

 

“Ash?” I whispered against his lips, my pulse thumping erratically.
He lifted his head. Our eyes locked. There was a sudden wildness in his silvery gaze. My breath stalled a little.

 

“Liessa?”
“Yes?” I breathed, staring at the open doors of the balcony beyond the pitcher and empty glasses on the table.
He lifted my gown, running his rough, calloused palm up my thigh as he used his knee to spread my legs. “I’m going to fuck my Queen.”
Oh, gods.

 

I rocked forward, lowering my head and squeezing my eyes shut. It did nothing to stop the rush of raw emotion. My cheeks dampened. I sucked in a metallic- coated breath, opening my eyes. A teardrop fell from my cheek and splattered off my hand.
Red.
It was red.

 

His were wide, and the bright silver pupils had dilated until no color was visible.
“I didn’t see this,” he rasped. “This was not a thread.”

 

A dark shadow glided through the churning clouds over the field. My grip on the sword firmed. The pulse of death continued to flare from the battlefield below.

 

The edges of my vision turned silver and gold, snapping my head back. “I am done with this!” A scream of rage erupted from deep within me, releasing the Primal essence—unleashing my will as I summoned the fallen gods and dragons. “All of this.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*