Title: A Light in the Flame

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pub. Date: November 15, 2022

Pages: 608

Pub: Blue Box Press

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Goodreads

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

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.

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to Jen and her team for letting me be a part of the JLanders Review Team and allowing me to read A Light in the Flame early in exchange for an honest review. I’ve been a fan of the Blood and Ash series since the beginning and absolutely loved A Shadow in the Ember and all the story we’re getting in the Flesh and Fire series. This second installment was fantastic and I’m dying to know what happens next!

If you’re interested – you can check out my spoiler free review for A Shadow in the Ember, here. You can also check out my reviews for From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones and The War of Two Queens.

Now, maybe I should have done a quick re-read of A Shadow in the Ember before diving into this second book in the Flesh and Fire series – but I was entirely too impatient. Fret not! Even though it had been over a year, I had no trouble recalling the events of book one once I got started with A Light in the Flame. Everything came rushing back – well, at least all the big important things. I really had no trouble just picking it up and diving in. I think that you’d be okay just diving in, but going back and doing a re-read of another fantastic book is never a bad thing! I’m planning on listening to the audios for ASITE and ALITF once it’s out on Tuesday.

Now, I love Poppy and Cas, but there is something about Ash and Sera that just makes me melt and go feral at the same time. I love them and the supporting cast so much. And I love that it becomes so much clearer how everything across the two series interconnects. Especially after reading The War of Two Queens.

I wanted to inhale this book, and probably would have if I didn’t work full time. But I surprised myself by taking my time and just enjoying being back with Sera, Ash and all the drama. And oh my god was there drama. Every time I picked up this book I went through the gauntlet of emotions – always thoroughly enjoying myself – but nevertheless feeling all the feelings. There’s a lot that happens in this book – the characters go through a lot. They grow and change as things are revealed and uncovered. Tensions are high, drama is rampant and overall it’s just a good read.

The chemistry between Sera and Ash is so good (not surprising) and I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship in this book. I like that we still get to see them growing as individuals and as a duo – and how things aren’t always easy or straight forward. That they have to learn acceptance for themselves and for each other. It’s interesting how things seem so easy between the two of them, but at the same time, so difficult. The way they play each other, entice and goad each other – it’s so much fun and omfg I know it’s bad to be jealous of fictional characters, but…👀

Also, 10/10 for Nektas. His character was great and I love him so much. He was fantastic in this book and the way he just meddles…you’ll know what I mean when you read it. Jadis and Reaver are also so adorable – though Reaver would probably hate that description – but I love that they had slightly bigger roles in this book. I love their relationship with Sera.

I will say that roughly the second half of this book is more chaotic and things are just constantly happening – things are revealed and I loved every minute of it. Even the moments were my heart wanted to pound out of my chest, or I wanted to grab characters and shake them violently to knock sense into them. Sera is definitely a wild card, and without spoiling anything – there are moments she gives Poppy a run for her money.

And don’t even get me started on the ending because this book is only just now coming out, and what do you mean I have to wait for book three to find any kind of closure? Like, it’s been weeks and I’m still not over it. Like could I have guessed that’s how Jen was going to end this book? Hell no. But at the same time, I kind of love the drama and the tension of it all. Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment, or I’m just giddy with anticipation to see how it’s all going to come to a head. Give me drama and trauma and I will sit here impatiently for the next book with anticipation and then greedily inhale it.

I could go on and on about every reason I loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I would undoubtedly start spilling spoilers, so I’m going to cut myself off here. If you loved A Shadow in the Ember, you’re absolutely going to love this second book. The stakes are higher, the drama more intense and the story is just very good. You’ll get sucked in by the characters, the plot – all of it. And you’ll be left desperate to find out what happens next. I know that I say each new book is my few favorite, but honestly, this one really might be. As much as I love the Blood and Ash series, something about the Flesh and Fire series just hits so much harder and I honestly enjoy it a lot more. I can’t wait to see what Jen has in store for both series set in this world she’s created. Because regardless I’m trash for the world and all of the characters.

And I’m just going to be sitting here, impatiently and anxiously waiting for book 3 of Flesh and Fire because omfg the ending.

I definitely recommend picking up this book – Ash and Sera are fantastic, the plot is captivating and you’re in for a wild but fun ride with a great cast of characters.