A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE by Jennifer L. Armentrout
While I keep my reviews spoiler free, this is a sequel, which means it will contain spoilers for FROM BLOOD AND ASH. Proceed with caution!
You know what’s better than enemies-to-lovers? Lovers-to-enemies. The betrayal. The tension. The confusion. UNMATCHED. And that is exactly what you get in this stunning second novel in the BLOOD AND ASH series.
I really thought I couldn’t fall in love with Hawke any more than I did in FROM BLOOD AND ASH. I was wrong. Because Prince Casteel? Sign my marriage certificate and set me to the sea: I’m hook, line, and sinker for this man. And this fascinates me to no end, because I normally would not be interested in a character who lies to our heroine for 90% of the first book. But here? Jennifer weaves a perfect plot where I fully understand (1) how Casteel really feels about Poppy; (2) the sense of honor that led him to make the choices he did; and (3) his courage to do a complete 180 from his original plan to save not only his brother but Poppy too. I believe with every ounce of me that this man would do anything for those he loves. And when his circle grows by one, he makes it work. And THAT, my friends, is an honorable man.
Okay: let’s talk plot. I would say that in comparison to the first book, this is a little slower in action and plot development (because it makes room for more romance and I will NEVER complain about that). So don’t expect action-packed moments with every turn of the page. But there is a LOT that keeps this story progressing: Poppy is reconciling her beliefs with the truth, reeling from the loss of Viktor, and fearful for the future. I loved being inside Poppy’s head as she navigated how different her world looks now and I must say… I am incredibly pleased with the direction this book took.
The romance? Top-notch. The steamy scenes were open-door in the most satisfying way possible. Once again, Casteel — you ARE the scale. Thank you for existing. Also: can we talk about how Jennifer Armentrout always emphasizes body positivity and features heroines with real bodies? Poppy is beautiful and curvy and everything we should want to see represented in our heroines. Thank you for that. Love to see it. Also — hi Kieran. Thank you for joining us.
Lastly, THE TWISTS AND TURNS. I thought I had this story all figured out. I really did. But JLA, you’re tricky — in the best way possible. I was blown away with this book from the first page to the very last.
I’m now in the worst book hangover of my life and have reread this book three times now. I will not apologize. If it wasn’t clear already: I highly recommend this series for all fantasy romance lovers.