Community Reviews
Well, color me surprised.
I think JLA actually listened to feedback after the whole TWOTQ debacle. Spelling and grammar wise, this book seems edited. Sure, there are still a few issues, but nothing like TWOTQ. I don't know what it is, but the Flesh and Fire books are both a million times better than the From Blood and Ash books. Sera and Nyktos are infinitely better than Poppy and Cas (and I think a big reason for that is that Nyktos is actually, you know, a fully developed character, and not a caricature of "I love my wife and that's my only personality trait" -- and while that does it for some people, it doesn't do it for me). Sera is also just a more well-rounded, well-developed character than Poppy. The way JLA represented her anxiety in this book is, in my opinion, pretty well done. Kudos to her for that.
However, I still have a lot of issues with this book. As I say with all the books set in this world, they could be much, much, much shorter. I'd say at least half of this book was filler stuff that could have been edited down or removed. Additionally, like the other books in this series, 90% of the action happens in the last 10% of the book. This is starting to get annoying. Cliffhangers only work, in my opinion, if there's some satisfaction behind them. There has to be some resolution of plot threads in order for me to buy in to another cliffhanger with more plot threads to wait on. I feel like that didn't happen here. I feel like...not a lot of consequence happened in this book until the last 10% besides character development and exposition. Which is fine, I guess. The character development has to happen somewhere. I have a feeling that when I read the third book in this series I'll say that it and this book could have been combined. And by god, if this spin off series goes past three books, it's too much.
So, final verdict: a solid three stars, begrudgingly given. At least half of a star goes directly to Reaver for being adorable.
I think JLA actually listened to feedback after the whole TWOTQ debacle. Spelling and grammar wise, this book seems edited. Sure, there are still a few issues, but nothing like TWOTQ. I don't know what it is, but the Flesh and Fire books are both a million times better than the From Blood and Ash books. Sera and Nyktos are infinitely better than Poppy and Cas (and I think a big reason for that is that Nyktos is actually, you know, a fully developed character, and not a caricature of "I love my wife and that's my only personality trait" -- and while that does it for some people, it doesn't do it for me). Sera is also just a more well-rounded, well-developed character than Poppy. The way JLA represented her anxiety in this book is, in my opinion, pretty well done. Kudos to her for that.
However, I still have a lot of issues with this book. As I say with all the books set in this world, they could be much, much, much shorter. I'd say at least half of this book was filler stuff that could have been edited down or removed. Additionally, like the other books in this series, 90% of the action happens in the last 10% of the book. This is starting to get annoying. Cliffhangers only work, in my opinion, if there's some satisfaction behind them. There has to be some resolution of plot threads in order for me to buy in to another cliffhanger with more plot threads to wait on. I feel like that didn't happen here. I feel like...not a lot of consequence happened in this book until the last 10% besides character development and exposition. Which is fine, I guess. The character development has to happen somewhere. I have a feeling that when I read the third book in this series I'll say that it and this book could have been combined. And by god, if this spin off series goes past three books, it's too much.
So, final verdict: a solid three stars, begrudgingly given. At least half of a star goes directly to Reaver for being adorable.
My favorite part of the Flesh and Fire series is that you’re briefly reunited with characters from Poppy and Casteel’s world in the Blood and Ash series. It’s not enough to make them the same story but just enough to remind you that Nyktos and Sera are the beginning and to satisfy certain questions or curiosities from Poppy and Casteel’s story. I cannot get enough of these books and am (not so patiently) awaiting the next one. I’ve been reading these two series in the recommended order and I’m so glad I did. I’ll continue as each book is released!
From Blood and Ash (B&A #1)
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (B&A #2)
The Crown of Gilded Bones (B&A #3)
A Shadow in the Ember (F&F #1)
The War of Two Queens (B&A #4)
A Light in the Ember (F&F #2)
Upcoming:
A Soul of Ash and Blood (B&A #4.5, 7/18/23)
Visions of Flesh and Blood (B&A #5.5, 10/31/23)
A Fire in the Flesh (F&F #3, 12/12/23)
The Primal of Blood and Bone (#5, Spring 2024)
Title? (B&A #6, no release date as far as I know)
And as far as the Flesh and Fire series go; of course, A Light in the Ember ended on a MAJOR cliff hanger! A teaser that has me anxiously awaiting the story of the creation of the Wolven!
From Blood and Ash (B&A #1)
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (B&A #2)
The Crown of Gilded Bones (B&A #3)
A Shadow in the Ember (F&F #1)
The War of Two Queens (B&A #4)
A Light in the Ember (F&F #2)
Upcoming:
A Soul of Ash and Blood (B&A #4.5, 7/18/23)
Visions of Flesh and Blood (B&A #5.5, 10/31/23)
A Fire in the Flesh (F&F #3, 12/12/23)
The Primal of Blood and Bone (#5, Spring 2024)
Title? (B&A #6, no release date as far as I know)
And as far as the Flesh and Fire series go; of course, A Light in the Ember ended on a MAJOR cliff hanger! A teaser that has me anxiously awaiting the story of the creation of the Wolven!
Slow to start but I was 100% invested by about chapter 15 lol thought I was yelling at Ash and sera Just like I use to yell at Cas!
Can't wait to see what the future books hold!
Can't wait to see what the future books hold!
TENSS ACROSS THE BOARD. I fell in love with this series, the writing is amazing the character development is amazing...THE SPICE....... AMAZING I read this series 3 times back to back.... oops
4.5 ⭐️
Whoa. Just whoa! The dialogue was a little slow in the middle, but necessary. This book shook me. The secrets revealed. The last two pages. The book hangover will be incurable until the next one comes out.
Whoa. Just whoa! The dialogue was a little slow in the middle, but necessary. This book shook me. The secrets revealed. The last two pages. The book hangover will be incurable until the next one comes out.
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