Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Description:
A new romantasy, following a thief whose dramatic encounter with an assassin and a crown bodyguard (who happens to be a royal in disguise) launches her into a world of swirling palace intrigue.

Fox is a thief with morals—she steals from those who can afford it and only a little at that. She has no choice. Fox and her three closest companions entered into indentured servitude to the Lady, a mysterious noble with widespread political power by questionable means, in order to pay off familial debts. While searching for an easy mark in town, Fox helps a royal bodyguard fend off a would-be assassin’s attack on a prince’s life.

But what started off as protecting the prince out of good conscience has now unwittingly embroiled this thief in a vast world of politics, high stakes, and romance. And though Fox longs to be free of her debts, she must decide if love is its own kind of cage.

Review:

Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill is the first book in her new Romantasy series, Souls Burn Brightest. Fox, our heroine, is a 20-year-old, talented thief, who only steals from those who have money. She and her best friend, Wren, are bonded to a wealthy Lady, to pay off their family’s debts. Fox also has the ability to see Aether, giving her energy toward the Aetheric Realm, which is a type of invisible magic.

The land of Carethia, is ruled by the Emperor Eternal, with 4 sons ruling different regions.  The Western Prince arrives at the Western Stronghold to fill the position that has been empty for a while after the death of the last Prince. Fox ends up saving the prince (Nik) from an assassination attempt at the market, since she can see what is happening before anyone else. There is the villain, who is using Aether and Anima to try to overthrow the system, and Fox is the only one who can detect Aether, saving the attempt at the Prince’s life.    

Fox is close to her friends, Wren and a spirit guardian, Luna. With several assassination attempts against Nik, she knows that the magic practitioner will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Fox will assist with the guards in catching the foe.

I really loved the banter between Fox and Nik, who I have begun to slowly become close to each other.  I also adored Wren and Galen. I loved Luna, who was always able to quickly find Fox. As we get closer to the end, Fox will learn some truths about her past; that will change things in the end.

Ember Eternal blended romance, rebellion, danger, chaos, banter, action, secrets and magic. This was a terrific romantasy based on a simmering romance and thriller.  Ember Eternal was so very well written by Chloe Neill.  I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher