A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

Dec 4

Written By Ally Talley

Blood and Ash #2

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

*Read after the Flesh and Fire series (the prequel series to Blood and Ash)*

TheStory

Not only has Poppy’s entire life been a lie, but now the man she has been developing feelings for is also a lie. Poppy has no idea who she is anymore, nor whom she can trust.

Following Poppy abandoning her life as the Maiden, she is now allied with Prince Casteel Da’Neer, the “Dark One.” The two form a politically motivated marriage - temporarily. Casteel’s motivation is his kingdom while Poppy’s motivation is to find her brother (for which she needs Casteel’s help). While the marriage may be one of convenience, Poppy cannot argue that her feelings for Casteel are growing and her supernatural powers are maturing. But on a journey to Atlantia, new threats emerge.

Poppy confronts her new knowledge of the Ascended and what it could mean for her brother and the world at large, as well as the hidden history of Atlantian kingdom. Upon introduction to the Atlantians, many of them do not necessarily trust Casteel’s belief in her and remain wary that she may just be a tool for the Ascended. The king wants to use her, the Descenters want her dead, and her ability to feel emotion is growing more every day. Which doesn’t help matters when it comes to the acceptance of the Atlantians.

Poppy and Casteel have to work together to both get what they need. But that is easier said than done when no one can be trusted and two kingdoms’ lifetimes of lies begin to unravel.

While Kieran is not necessarily vital to the main plot here, he is vital to the relationship side of the story. So let’s make note of him. Kieran is Casteel’s best friend and adamant defender of Poppy. Throughout this book and the last, he has become a vital part of Casteel and Poppy’s relationship, plans, etc. A significant bond forms between the three of them while they navigate all the turmoil throughout this book.

TheReview

I just love when a sequel starts off right where the prior book ended. We pick up here right where we left off in From Blood and Ash. This sequel is debatably even better than the original. Seriously. And I love the first one so that’s saying something. It was an absolute thrill ride from start to finish.

After the ending of From Blood and Ash, the new enemies to lovers vibe is EVERYTHING! I mean, it’s my favorite trope so, obviously I think that. And we add in a little slow burn… it’s the perfect trope cocktail.

The new side character additions are fantastic. They provide so much entertainment. It’s giving found family. Once again, I laughed out loud right at my book, like a lunatic.

Even in the first half, there were surprises and happenings that made me NEED to keep reading. And they just kept coming throughout the entire book. As soon as it ended, I was picking up the next one in the series (obviously, after writing this review).

JLA’s writing continued to be great in this one. I said last book that the good writing surprised me because I haven’t been a fan of her writing in the past, but this one was just as good as the first in the series. JLA does a fantastic job of mixing action, fantasy, and romance. This book had it all!