Series: Flesh and Fire

BOOK REVIEW: A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutA Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread—the unpredictable, unknown, and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates…

Review:

A Fire in the Flesh was a heart stopping continuation of the Flesh and Fire Series. Death bled from the pages, motives were unknown and the stakes were even higher, making this book impossible to put down. And the way this story tied into the From Blood and Ash Series, especially A Soul of Ash and Blood, oh my heart I am obsessed. If you love romantasy, romance, or any books in this series, this book will make you fall in love with this world all over again!

It was almost like donning the veil of nothingness because I felt nothing. No fear for my life. No fear of failure. That had been trained out of me, but unlike the times my mother had sent me to deliver her messages, I didn’t feel like a monster.
I felt like vengeance and wrath come to life.

Sera was still a force to be reckoned with. Even when she was utterly terrified, she was still so brave with her words and actions. I loved that she was so wise, selfless, and made us laugh when she threw barbs other people’s way. Yet she and Ash were both trapped by Kolis. It was suffocating watching how she was controlled by him. My heart felt like it was being torn apart watching her suffer at his hands. So I cheered her on as she made weapons from what shouldn’t have been a weapon. As she fought back and figured out how to toy with him. I loved that she still had her blood thirsty side and wasn’t afraid to use it. That when she called others out, you could feel the dread coiling within them. She was so cunning. But one of the things I loved the most about Sera was watching her come into her power and having others join her in her fight against Kolis!

Kolis swiped a hand over his chest and looked down at his blood- smeared palm. He tilted his head and lowered his hand. “That was very unwise.”
“It was,” I rasped. “I probably should’ve aimed for the head.”
His gold- flecked silver eyes went flat. Absolutely dead.

You will love how many answers you get. By that third chapter I was screaming with excitement because of how something tied back to the very first book, From Blood and Ash. It’s been in the back of my head since then, and I have kept hoping, and I’m so glad that we got that answer! But also there were three HUGE reveals that I still can’t wrap my head around. The twists were absolutely phenomenal. I still can’t believe it, yet it makes so much sense. And I have so many questions, don’t mind me spiraling over here….I hope you’ll feel the same too! Ohhhh and when a name appeared on the pages, that I never once thought we would see, I gasped out loud! I didn’t expect that either. I can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book! The revelations, hints, and foreshadowing were absolutely perfectly done!

I carefully wiped at my cheeks, my stomach dipping at the red sheen I saw on my palms.
Tears of blood.
Tears of a Primal.
Gods.

But on top of all of the answers we get, this book was extremely emotional. I cried I don’t even know how many times. From torture, sacrifice and love, it was impossible not to have the tears falling down my face. And then later in the book, those tears turned to sobs. This was the most emotional book in the Flesh and Fire Series! This book also made me feel so much hate. It solidified even harder towards Kolis. And each time I didn’t think I could hate him more, he proved me wrong with his disgusting, vile, controlling self. Same with Callum. Yet there were those I wanted to trust, yet I was terrified. Like Attes. He intrigued me and I was pulled into his charismatic self, but I was also weary. I didn’t know where he truly stood, it felt like a dangerous game allowing myself to trust him. And then there was Sotoria’s voice. I have a huge guess about her and I’m terrified that I am correct.

“Love me,” I ordered—begged, really. “Love me.”
“Always,” he rasped.
Tears dampened my lashes. I squeezed my eyes shut against them, not wanting to feel the hopelessness they evoked. I didn’t want a sorrow-filled experience in my dreams.
I wanted to burn.

I also have so many thoughts about Ash. Ash was beautifully seductive, beyond protective and he treated Sera with so much love and respect. Even if he couldn’t love. The way he took care of Sera in this book made me love him even more. And their moments together were extremely sensual and seductive. Yet I don’t want to say much about Ash, because of spoilers. Just know that Ash is book boyfriend worthy and each time I read his story my love for him rivals and also reaches above Cas. Yet when I read a story with Cas, then he rivals and reaches above Ash. It’s beautifully vicious cycle haha.

Death wasn’t silent.
Or peaceful.
It sounded full of feral rage.
I love you, even if I cannot.
Death was a roar of fury and agony, the sound of a soul shattering.
Of a heart breaking.

A Fire in the Flesh ended at the perfect stopping spot. While there was no cliffhanger, there was still so much up in the air for what was yet to come. But for me it didn’t matter, because those last few chapters and pages will leave you closing this book with a smile on your face. And your heart will be so happy. Yet it was a rough road to get there. The nervousness and anxiety that this book created was so intense. So those moments here and there that were sprinkled with humor were much appreciated. Add to that foreshadowing, political intrigue, deadly games, bargains with the devil, and sacrifices, well this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more!

“Open your eyes for me, liessa. I need to see them.” His breath danced over my lips. “Please.”

PS Hair ties. Oh, that was perfect!

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Review:
Jen

BOOK REVIEW: A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire #2) by Jennifer L ArmentroutA Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

Review:

A Light in the Flame was a mesmerizing, action packed ride!  As joy and heartache wove together as the story unfolded, this book was impossible to put down. So much was up in the air, feelings and motives were changing and as the world showed us even more with what was going on, this intricately plotted story was phenomenal!  It became an instant favorite and A Light in the Flame will easily sweep romance and fantasy lovers away!

“But what I can tell you is something you already know. What you’ve spent your life preparing to become? What I trained you for? It wasn’t a waste.” Those dark, shining eyes held mine. “You are his weakness.”

The story started off exactly where ASITE ended.  I was so nervous for Sera and Ash, especially with what we learned.  I feared for Sera’s future in many different ways.  But thankfully within those first few pages, we got to see their banter.  It was smile inducing, irresistible, and much needed when it felt like the weight of the world was on their shoulders. Duty and sacrifice swirled together while secrets hung in the darkness. And tension racketed up and down.  At times I didn’t feel like I could breathe because I was so scared with what would take place.  Battles swept through the story.  And betrayal rotted the pages too.  The hurt was so intense, in certain moments, that it felt like our hearts would crack wide open.  But through it all, there was loyalty, friendship and love.  And those moments shined so brightly that they chased the shadows away!

“Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me!” he shouted, the shadows spreading until his flesh was the color of midnight streaked with starlight, and the fingers around my wrists became as hard as shadowstone.

My respect and love for Sera grew even more! Sera was loathed by so many, because of what she had planned to do to Nyktos.  And while I didn’t blame anyone for feeling that way, I hoped that she would prove them wrong about her.  So I loved when Sera would stand her ground and do what was right. I loved that she jumped into the fight time and again. Sera was a true leader! That was also terrifying because we knew that Sera would do what was right, and the consequences including her life be damned. She was good, kind, thoughtful and protected those she cared about fiercely. And her bravery also bled into her honesty about talking about herself. But even fear or hurt would creep up on Sera, and it could be hard to escape. So whether she was slicing others with a sword or her words, I cheered her on every step of the way!

“Do not order me about as if I’m a child.”
“I wouldn’t if you didn’t behave like one.”
I saw red. “You sure as hell didn’t think I was behaving like one when you had me in your bed and your fangs in my throat!”
“Whoa,” Ector murmured.
Fiery, silver eyes locked with mine. “Sera.”

Ash, or I guess I should be calling him Nyktos *cries*, was such a complicated soul. He was willing to sacrifice and give so much to protect Sera. But at the same point, he could break our hearts.  Was he only protecting Sera because of the embers? My heart kept fighting me that that couldn’t be the case.  I hoped it was because of her. And as we learned more, Nyktos splintered my heart. On one side, how could you not love him? When he would share the words for how he felt, it was so easy to melt into a puddle. And maybe I took those moments as more, but I don’t care, I melted. He also listened. And he stood up for her. He was always thinking of her. But at the same time there was pain and hurt. I can’t say why, but my breath caught and there were tears. Yet I kept hoping for the best. Nyktos rendered me an emotional mess with his words and actions, whether it was joy or sorrow. And still, I loved him with my whole heart.

Dampness rushed to my eyes, and I quickly looked away. I had to. Ragged, raw emotion swelled. What he said meant the realm to me, because every word he’d spoken had been about me and my actions. Not what he believed about me. Not what I or the embers could do for him, but what I had chosen to do. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I was more than a destiny I’d never agreed to. More than the embers I carried within me.
I felt like… more.

Sera and Nyktos both wanted to protect the other, no matter the cost. And while they tried to keep their guard up, in regards to feeling deeply about the other, they faltered time and again. So the steamy scenes between them were scorching hot! The passion and what they did to each other *fans face*, it was sensual and erotic! But they were both tested. Whether it was with each other or with others. So I appreciated the lighter moments between them. There was a scene with swords that added so much joy, happiness and heart that I can’t think about it without smiling! But truths we don’t even want to face came out. Revelations were shocking. Trust was broken and earned. It was impossible not to be emotional about it. And through every single step I couldn’t help but think that Sera and Nyktos were the ultimate power couple and I kept cheering for them!

“I know you’re strong and can fight. That you’re brave. Needing me or anyone to look out for you doesn’t mean you’re weak, that you can’t defend yourself, or that you’re afraid. We all need someone to watch over us.”
Heat crawled up my throat. “Do you?”
“Desperately,” he whispered.

As powers grew and others made themselves known, this book kept me in the palm of it’s hand. Shocking events happened that left me desperate to figure out what was truly going on. And as we watched things we thought were right, become shaded in another light, the world we knew twisted on its axis.  My mind was blown! So. Many. Times! There were perilous scenes where we didn’t know who lived and who died. Foreshadowing left me terrified or excited. We saw the creation of things we learned to fear in FBAA.  And we also saw some that we loved!  No names, you have to read it to see them again! And I appreciated yet again laughter during the moments that were intense. Whether it was battles or heart wrenching moments, we desperately needed that lightness. I just have to say Jaden, oh how I loved her antics, and Reaver with what he did for Sera, those two easily stole my heart!

“My instincts work completely fine. Earlier they warned me that you’d be angry with my decision to go out onto the Rise.”
His eyes narrowed into thin, glowing slits. “Have you ever tried, oh, I don’t know? Listening to it? Valuing your life?”
“I’ve never really had the opportunity to do so, now, have I?” I snapped.
Nyktos went completely still, all except his eyes. 

With unthinkable sacrifices, shocking revelations and emotional moments that leave tears falling down our face, A Light in the Flame is a must read! I was so excited while reading this book, but dread kept pooling in my stomach too. And there were plenty of scenes that definitely justified that dread! Unspeakable acts made me want to scream at the injustice.  My blood boiled, and I wanted revenge so dark that it would swallow the other person whole. But at the same time, I felt so much hope for what was to come. The friendship, the caring, the love that flowed throughout these pages was heartwarming and will leave a smile on your face. But be prepared, because the ending of this book, ohhhh it’s a good one. Fans of perilous moments will enjoy! And while it’s a cliffhanger in a way, in another way there’s something to think about. To hope for. And while I do that, I’ll be desperately waiting for the release of the next book!

I would not crack here. I would not break. I would not. I would not. I would not. Not today. My hands steadied. My chest loosened. My heart beat. I breathed.
I was nothing once more.

PS  Someones wish broke me.

I clamped my jaw shut as I slammed my palm against the door, searching for anger. For fury. But all I found was grief. Hurt. Disappointment. In him. In me.

PPS I cried 15 times.  Yes 15 times. This book undid me.

 

Spoiler Quotes: I’ll come back on release day and add these, but put a spoiler tag on them ♥

View Spoiler »

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Releases February 20th 2024

BOOK REVIEW: A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I re-read this before diving into A Light into the Flame and I loved it even more the second time around!

BOOK REVIEW: A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire #1) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutA Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns with book one of the all-new, compelling Flesh and Fire series—set in the beloved Blood and Ash world.

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

Review:

A Shadow in the Ember slowly seeped into my heart and consumed my every waking thought.   I couldn’t stop the laughter from bubbling up at the most inappropriate times, the smile that kept appearing or the tears that kept falling down my face.  This story became an instant favorite and is a must read for all fantasy lovers!  And while there were a few twists I guessed correctly, there were so many others I got wrong.  Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, the air got punched out of me time and again.  This story was epic!  Those who love fantasy, JLA or romance will fall hard for A Shadow in the Ember!

“You’ll do what?” he whispered. “Go for that weapon on your thigh again?”
“Yes.”
“Even though you know you wouldn’t be fast enough to deliver a blow.”
My grip on his shirt tightened. “Yes.”
He chuckled softly, and I felt it from my hips to my breasts. “Shh.”
Had he just shushed me?

Sera was to be her kingdoms savior.  The rot had been destroying their land, but a deal made before she was born set her on a path to be the consort to the Primal of Death.  She has been trained since birth and knew that she was to seduce, make him fall in love and then end his life.  All to save her kingdom.  My heart ached for how lonely Sera was and for the unfairness of her life and future.  So while she had been trained ruthlessly, the Primal of Death wasn’t all she expected him to be.

If I had a child, or if any descendant of mine had been harmed, I would burn through both realms just so I could flay the skin from the body of the one who’d hurt them.

I loved Sera!  And now I completely understand why Poppy is the way she is…From Blood and Ash takes place in the future, so you’ll definitely want to read the first three books in that series first before jumping into this story.  Sera was also ever so curious and impulsive at times.  She too was a fighter and went up against those, even if there was no chance of her winning.  She was so fearless, maybe even more so then Poppy since Sera felt like there was a time limit on her life.  Sera knew that there was a chance she could die trying to kill the Primal of Death.  So I loved how Sera didn’t hold back; she was fierce, bold, passionate and called it like it was!

His chin dipped, his features sharpening in the silvery light. “I am not them,” he said, low and deadly soft.
Hairs along the nape of my neck rose, and I fought the urge to take a step back. “I guess I’m lucky?”
His gaze flickered over me. “I’m not sure how lucky you are.”

 I am obsessed with the Primal of Death, aka Nyktos!  He was surrounded in shadows and darkness but my gods he made me smile so much and laugh so hard.  He could be endearing, seductive and enraptured my attention.  There was so much more to Nyktos then meets the eye.  But while he was all of those things, he could also be terrifying.  He would kill and do anything to protect those he cared about.  Nyktos was a complex soul that I think many will fall head over heels in love with too.

My blood thrummed as his hand settled around the nape of my neck. Liessa. Something beautiful and powerful… I felt like that now.

 I didn’t think anyone could rival or top my love of Poppy and Hawke, but oh how wrong I was.  Sera and Nyktos’ banter was deliciously addictive!  They connected so easily, and while so much was unknown, their chemistry was instantaneous too.  Their conversations warmed my heart and as their story progressed, their moments together were passionate, seductive and lust inducing.  This book was definitely one of Jennifer’s sexier books.  The scenes between them were erotic and oh so hot!   I was obsessed!  Except Sera was to end Nyktos.  So while my heart loved how their story played out, I also felt like crying because of their unstoppable fate.

“My interest in you is a very real, very potent need.” His fingers skimmed the curve of my jaw and then the line of my throat. They stopped over my wildly beating pulse. “It’s almost as if it’s become its own thing. A tangible entity. I find myself thinking about it at the most inconvenient moments,” he said, his breath dancing over my lips. Against my better judgement, anticipation sank into my muscles, tightening them.

A Shadow in the Ember was an absolute masterpiece!  There were terrifying creatures that nightmares are made of.  Battle scenes that were epic to watch unfold.  The foreshadowing for what was to come in FBAA gave me chills!  And getting to see characters that show up later in the FBAA Series, oh it was brilliant that we got to learn about their past and see who they were!  Guilt, love, secrets, passion, friendship, life and death wove through the pages and I loved every minute of it.  A Shadow in the Ember is one of my top favorite reads from 2021 and is a must for all fantasy lovers!

He didn’t move. “I see I was correct about you striking me as the type to fight even if you knew you wouldn’t succeed.” His chin brushed the top of my head. “It’s exhausting always being right.”
I threw my head back with a shriek. Pain lanced my skull as I connected with some part of his face.
Fates,” he grunted, and a savage smile tore at my mouth.

PS I just have to say a follow through was beyond epic!

A burn started in my core, spreading to my throat as the eather-laced shadows took shape behind him, forming wings.
I was going to die.
I knew that then as I stared into those so-very-still, dead eyes.

PPS  I screamed out loud multiple times.

For a moment, I could only stare at the shimmering blood coursing down the defined lines of his stomach. How was he still standing?
“Nyktos,” I whispered.

PPPS  So many moments left me breathless.

“You,” he said, his thumb moving in a slow swipe over the side of my throat. There was something about the way he said that. “You are trouble.”

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Review:
Jen

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