A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Description:
A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice…

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Review:

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 2^nd book in her fantastic Blood and Ash series. I loved the first book in this series, and could not wait to read more about Hawke/Casteel and Poppy; and amazingly I loved this book even more. 

The story begins immediately after the first book ended, with Poppy having learned who Hawke really was, as well as learning the truth of Ascendeds, Vamprys and being the Maiden.  Despite her defiant anger at learning that Hawke is indeed the Dark One, the Prince of Atlantia, she goes with him to escape those who are after her. Casteel (Hawke), Kieran (his bonded guard) and others head to their home, and along the way Poppy will discover the horrific truths of what the Ascendeds were doing. She will also learn more about her surprising newfound powers that she truly does not understand.  The banter between Cas and Poppy was fun to watch, especially as we can see how much both are trying to ignore the strong feelings they have for each other; though Cas already knows how he feels about Poppy, and tells her they will home to Atlantia and they will marry. I loved both Poppy and Cas, as they not only were a great couple, but so much fun to watch them, not to mention over time the sensual sizzling chemistry between them.  Poppy was a fantastic heroine, being strong, feisty, independent, a fierce warrior in her own right; and I loved her many questions, as well as her recognizing that she fully loved Cas.  Hawke (Cas) was equally as wonderful as Poppy, being strong, loyal, and totally in love with Poppy; you can’t help but fall in love with him.  Jennifer has created a super couple and many wonderful secondary characters. 

The Prince (Cas) has his own small army of Wolvens, sworn to protect him, as well as Poppy.  During their time of traveling, Poppy manages to heal some injured people with her powers, with some afraid of her, and others happy to be healed.  Cas, Kieran, and all the wonderful men travelling with them are in awe of what Poppy and do; especially later on when she begins to glow when healing.  No one knows why, neither does Poppy, as some suspect maybe she is an empath (all destroyed many years ago).

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last half of the book was mind-blowing, with intense violence, danger, constant action, heart wrenching and surprising twists.  I loved when Poppy would join to help Cas and his group, as she was so well trained on swords, knives and bows; the fight scenes were awesome. As they get closer to Atlantia, the stakes are higher, as the Ascendeds army are getting close, killing anyone in their way. 

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was another intriguing continuation to this fantastic series, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, passion and fantastic characters.  The romance between Cas and Poppy is great, and the overall story is so well done by Armentrout. As we race to the exciting mindboggling climax, there are some amazing revelations, and of course, a cliffhanger that blows our mind. 

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was also a fun, enjoyable, romantic and intense story line that had a bit of everything. Bravo to Jennifer L. Armentrout, who has once again written such an amazing high fantasy, that kept me glued to my seat, unable to put the book down. If you have not read the first book, Blood and Ash, you need to read that one before you move on to A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.

Review by Barb

Own copy