Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals–well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem–staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is.

If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

 

 

Review:

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her Covenant series.  I have read almost everything by Armentrout, but I never read Covenant; which is now a rerelease.  Alexandra (Alex) is a half-blood, born of a pure-blood “Hematoi” mother and a human father. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Alex was schooled at Covenant, until her mother decided to run from Covenant with her daughter, with them hiding for three years.  One day, Alex finds her mother has been killed by daimons, and she escapes; and while on the run, she is saved by the Sentinels, and returned to Covenant.

When her uncle and stepfather want to relegate her to being a servant; it is Aiden (her sentinel friend) who convinces them that Alex has a lot of potential, especially since she managed to kill a couple of daimons while on the run, which impressed him. Aiden offers to teach Alex, volunteering to train her, during the summer, giving her the chance to be allowed to stay in the Covenant; both the uncle & stepfather agree.  

Alex learns from her stepfather that her mother is still alive, but she is now a daimon, which she has a hard time believing that.  In the middle of the night, she leaves the Covenant, to find her mother. She and her friend Caleb are kidnapped by the daimons, and discovers that her mother is now one of the daimon leaders.  In order to save Caleb, Alex will end up killing her mother, who was trying to change her to a daimon.  Aiden and the sentinels manage to find Alex and Caleb, and bring them back to Covenant; as she realizes that the implications of her actions needed to change her ways.  Alex will learn some truths about why her mother left three years ago; as she has more abilities that she never knew, since Seth (Apollyon) has a bond to her.   Alex has slowly fallen for Aiden, but knows that a relationship between pure-blood and half-blood is forbidden. Alex learns more about Seth, but she only cares about Aiden.

Half-Blood is an exciting and different kind of paranormal story line revolving around Pures and Half-Blood, and the enemy, daimons.  I really liked Alex, even though early on she a bit wild; but the last half, she improved a lot.  I liked her and Aiden together, but I wondered where this will go in the next book, since Seth is now a bigger part to the story.  Once again, Jennifer L. Armentrout has me waiting for the next book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread—the unpredictable, unknown, and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates…

 

 

 

Review:

A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 3rd book in her Flesh and Fire series. I am such a big fan of Armentrout, as I have read all of her fantastic fantasy books, with fabulous characters.   The Flesh and Fire series is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series. Refresher: Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon. Nyktos (Ash) saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort; and get to know all the wonderful warriors that guard him.  Sera and Nyktos were so great together, with their chemistry off the wall, and in time, all of his people cared about Sera and her abilities.

A Fire in the Flesh starts off with Sera now held captive by Kolis, with Nyktos trying to rescue Sera, only to lose the fight and he too becomes captive.  Unable to do anything to help Nyktos, Sera finds herself in a cage, with visits from Kolis, as he thinks that she holds Sotoria’s soul inside her; who happens to be his long-lost love.

Sera is a fantastic and amazing heroine, being powerful, strong, courageous, determined and fierce in trying to find Ash to save him.  She openly speaks her mind at any time, not to mention her temper.  Sera must deal with Kolis’s erratic and twisted handling of his court; constantly upsetting Sera.

I love everything JLA writes, but I found this being a slow start, and a bit repetitive. Especially with Kolis and Sera constantly going around with secrets and circles. Kolis was a true villain, and too much time was spent with almost 65% of the book revolving around Kolis, Sera and his court of evil people.  Besides Kolis being the villain, there were a number of other villains that Sera had to deal with, such as Veses, Kyn, Callum to name a few.

It wasn’t until we got to the last third of the book finally changing, with Nyktos coming into the story. I will say that Nyktos and Sera were so wonderful and romantic together. With Sera beginning to get weaker, as the Ascension is rising in her, and she realizes that she is out of time, knowing that she is dying. A desperate Nyktos takes refuses to let Sera die, and attempts to find a way to save her.  Will he succeed and what are the consequences?

What follows is an exciting, emotional, sexy, intense, and romantic adventure, that had a number of reveals giving us clues of what is yet to come.   The last third of the book was wonderful, mind-blowing, and steamy, especially with Sera and Nyktos together. Without giving any information, you will need to read this book to learn some of the reveals that may slightly relate to the Flesh and Fire and Blood and Ash series.

Jennifer L. Armentrout gives us very good story, a bit too slow early on, but the ending was so very good. I look forward to the final book in this series, Born of Blood and Ash, coming in May, 2024.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he’ll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

 

 

Review:

Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her new Awakening series. Background: Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Calista (Lis), our heroine, was an orphan at a young age, not knowing her parents; she befriends Grady, who becomes her best friend and together they manage to live a hard street life. Lis was born with intuition and mind reading abilities, and as she gets older, she finds a safe and comfortable life as a courtesan (and paramour) of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, Lis grants the Baron with information, such as her intuition and foresight; as well as giving Grady a job as guard.

One night, Lis senses something wrong, and walks out to the forest, only to see a group of men hurting a man, who happens to be a Hyborn, and she helps safe his life, as well as fix his injuries. In a short time, she will meet Thorne again, when he arrives at the Baron home, and she learns he is a Prince. Thorne is immediately enamored by the beautiful Lis, and the banter between them was fun.  Lis is fighting her feelings for Thorne, as she is torn between her intuition that senses danger and facing a possible doomed fate.  I really liked Lis, as she was brave, strong, independent, though I was not a fan of the many spicy smut scenes Lis has with both the Baron and Thorne. I did really like Thorne, especially since he seemed to really care for her; though despite his charismatic attitude, he was also possessive.

The last third of the book was very exciting and intense with Lis’s life very much in danger. There were a number of surprising twists and turns along the way. Fall of Ruin and Wrath was a compelling story, which I look forward to the next book. Fall of Ruin and Wrath was an amazing world building, at times confusing, filled with great characters, mystery; but it was very well written by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

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A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

 

 

 

Review:

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th book in her wonderful Blood and Ash series.  Poppy has now become the Primal of Blood and Bone, the true Primal of Life and Death, with the gods beginning to awaken. But A Soul of Ash and Blood is mostly in Cas’s POV, especially when Poppy is now in stasis completing the culling. At the start, both Cas and Kieran knew something was not right with Poppy; Cas and Kieran are told to let her rest, but they were also told there is a possibility she may not remember them., when she wakes. Nextas gives them advice, when watching over her, Cas needs to talk to her, which brings us very much in the past. 

For most of the book, Cas reminds Poppy about their journey to what she has become, and their wonderful love for each other. I did enjoy the retelling from the past, as well as in the present when Kieran and Cas remembered things, while they talked to the sleeping Poppy.  It brought back such wonderful memories, which was fun to read, but also intriguing; as well as learning some new things.

I loved seeing in the past, with Poppy and Hawke. It was great to spend time again with so many of our favorite characters.  Kieran played a big part, especially when he worried about Cas falling for Poppy; I loved how Delano always followed Poppy and was so loyal to her. It was great to see many of the others; Vikter, Tawny, Emil, Naill, just to name a few.   

What follows is an in depth look in Cas’s POV, with so many memories from when Blood and Ash all started. The cliffhanger at the end left us holding our breath, especially with Cas desperately trying to save Poppy, and the final scene.  I know people are saying they can’t wait for the next book, but in February 2024, JLA is releasing the 6th book, Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium.  My question, when do we get the real book 6?

A Soul of Ash and Blood is a wonderful look into this fabulous series, with us falling in love with Cas and Poppy all over again. There is a cliffhanger, as Poppy’s powers continue to grow to become the Primal of Life and Death.  If you are a fan of high fantasy, you would need to start with the first book, but for all of us who continue to followed JLA, we wait anxiously.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

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A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
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.

 

 

Review:

A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 2nd book in her Flesh and Fire series. I am such a big fan of Armentrout, as she always gives us fantastic fantasy stories, and wonderful lead characters.  The Flesh and Fire series is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series. Refresher: Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon. Nyktos saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. It is here where we meet all of Nyktos’s wonderful warriors that guard him, and when they get back home, we meet many more wonderful secondary characters. A Light in the Flame picks up where A Shadow in Ember left off, with Sera’s true mission was exposed.

Though at first, most of Nyktos’s people resent Sera, but as she realizes Nyktos was never her target, everything begins to change; especially her feelings toward him. Nyktos truly accepts that she was trained to enact her forced plans, but now Sera is free, determined to help defeat the real enemy. Sera had been trained all her life to kill Nyktos, and now she knows that everything she knew was false.  Sera and Nyktos were so great together, with their chemistry off the wall.  Nyktos continues to protect Sera, and slowly all his crew, begin to care for her too. I loved how Sera would not listen to others, when she wanted to train, as well as to help Nyktos; the warriors always gave in, and her wonderful abilities won them all over. 

Sera was an awesome heroine, strong, fierce, powerful, determined, a warrior, with amazing abilities and courage.  Soon she realizes that she loves Nyktos, even though he is unable to love, but she will also be protective of him.  Nyktos was also great, as we couldn’t help fall in love with him; especially how he protects Sera, as well of all in his realm.  They were so great together, both succumbing to their true feelings.

I enjoyed all the wonderful characters in Shadowlands, as they were lots of fun, and totally opening up and accepting Sera.  I loved Nektas, who was great with Sera, always offering advice.  But most of all I adored both Jadis and Reaver (Nektas’ baby drakens). I really loved how Sera would use her powers to bring back to life two important women, whom both would then ascend. As we get closer to the end, thinking all was well, the coronation happens, and Sera is crowned Consort.

There were many villains in this book, that had me hating them, and as we raced to the end, we learn how despicable many of them were.  Kolis, the King of the Gods (the false Primal of Life), was evil, especially when the truths are revealed about his knowledge of the past, changing the game.  Attes, who turned into a traitor, showing his true side. Veses, who blackmailed Nyktos, causing Sera to think he was having affair with her, but later she will learn the real truth.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, emotional, sexy, intense, and romantic adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last third of the book was mind-blowing, with heart wrenching, emotional and many surprising twists. Jennifer L. Armentrout once again gives us another intriguing story, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion and fantastic characters. Of course, as the norm for JLA, we are left open, with a cliffhanger at the end.  Now we have to wait to see Sera and Nyktos again. If you have not read the Blood and Ash series, I suggest you read that series, then start Flesh and Fire series.

Reviewed by Barb

Owned copy

 

 

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The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

 

 

Review:

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 4th book in her fantastic Blood and Ash series. When we last left off, in The Crown of Gilded Bones, Cas is now a prisoner, being tortured by the evil Blood Queen, and her handmaidens and a powerful Revenant. Poppy, our amazing heroine, is determined to find a way to rescue Cas, with help from Kieran, the Wolvens, Drakens, and the Primal of Life guards. But in order to take back control of the territories that are part of the Blood Crown, Poppy must convince all the Atlantians, including her father-in-law (Valyn) to join forces, as they make their way to Carsononia, and the war to destroy the Blood Crown. I did like how Valyn was supportive to Poppy.  Poppy wanted to prove to the mortals in those Blood Crown lands that she wanted peace, and was not The Harbinger.

Poppy’s powers continue to increase, as she nears the culling; something Reaver (Draken) explains more about. I loved Reaver, not to mention Kieran and the fantastic wolvens loyal to their Queen, Poppy; the secondary characters were all awesome, Vonetta, Delano, Emil, Naill, Hisa, Tawny, just to name a few. 

For at least more than half way through this book, we only saw through Cas’s POV during his imprisonment, and the things they did to him to try and force Poppy to rescue him.  I love their heartmate dreams between them, that was great, as his devotion to Poppy was awesome. It was also interesting to see Malik, learn more about Millicent, and who she really was.  I also got a kick out of Kieran and Reaver’s bickering between them.  Fun. 

What follows is an intense, exciting and wild almost last half of the book, especially once Cas was freed and back with Poppy, Kieran and their wonderful team. The mind-blowing action in the last ¼ of the book was heart-wrenching, with lots of violence, danger, deaths that had me holding my breath, unable to put the book down.  Isbeth (Blood Queen) was truly evil, and the twist she threw at them was a surprise, but Poppy was as equally as strong as she was, which led to an amazing twist.  To say too much more would be spoilers and I do not want to spoil anything for you.   I so look forward to how the next book will have Poppy and Cas, and Sera and Nykos.   Should be amazing.

I will note that the terrible reactions from people (are they really fans?) crucifying JLA for the Joining, was very disrespectful.  JLA created her story line, how she saw it fit. It was her creativity, her characters, her story; however, she imagined it to be. 

The War of Two Queens was another intriguing continuation to this fantastic series, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, passion and fantastic characters.    As we race to the exciting heartbreaking, shocking, mindboggling climax, there are some amazing revelations.  The War of Two Queens was very well written by JLA, and also a romantic and intense story line that had a bit of everything.  I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.   

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot. 

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

 

 

Review:

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 1st book in her new Flesh and Fire series. I am such a big fan of Armentrout, as she always gives us fantastic fantasy stories, and wonderful lead characters.   A Shadow of the Ember is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series.

Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor (made by the Primal of Death) all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon, and help her country survive by weakening the current Primal, and killing him.  When she comes face to face with becoming his consort, to her shock he refuses and leaves; her family treats her badly, blaming her for the failure to join with the Primal. Sera is lonely, and keeps herself private, continuing to train as a warrior. Along the way, she meets Ash, and a slow build romance begins, with both feeling the intense attraction to each other. 

When her evil brother takes over the throne, he is determined to destroy Sera, and it is Ash who comes to her rescue.  The caveat, Ash is Nyktos, the Primal of Death, who originally (3 years ago) refused her to become his consort, which he felt he did not need.   Nyktos saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. It is here where we meet all of Nyktos’s wonderful warriors that guard him, and when they get back home, we meet many more wonderful secondary characters. 

Nyktos was wonderful with Sera, patient, kind and their chemistry was off the wall; very steamy, as well as emotional. The longer she spends time with him, Sera realizes she is having strong feelings for him, worried that she would not be able to do what is expected of her, when the time came. I loved Nytos and Sera together, and prayed things would work out between them.  Sera was a great heroine, totally outspoken, fierce, a warrior, and loyal;  Nyktos was also great, and we couldn’t help fall in love with him; especially how he protects and takes care of all in his realm.  Sera and Nyktos were so good together, with the banter and sexual tension between them.  I also loved seeing more of the Drakens (Nektas and his two adorable tiny drakens), as well as the fabulous secondary characters that helped make this such a fantastic read.

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last third of the book was mind-blowing, with heart wrenching, emotional and many surprising twists; with me unable to put the book down. A Shadow in the Ember was another intriguing story, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion and fantastic characters. Jennifer L. Armentrout has once again written such an amazing high fantasy, with two wonderful heroes, destined to be together.  From start to finish, Armentrout kept me glued to my kindle, with this wonderful world she has created.  I cannot wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us.  If you have not read the Blood and Ash series, you need to start with that, then read A Shadow in the Ember

Reviewed by Barb

Owned copy

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Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
When Angels Fall

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.

 

 

Review:

Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 3rd book in her terrific The Harbinger series. Refresher: Trinity Marrow is a trueborn (half human/half angel); she has spent all of her life protected and trained by Wardens. In the last book, Zayne, our hero, steps up to be her Warden protector and a true strong bond and love between them develops. War is on the horizon, as the Harbinger (Gabriel) is on target to destroy humanity, the world and Trinity.

At the end of the previous book, Trin lost her love, Zayne, and is desperate to find a way to bring him back. He is now a fallen angel, and doesn’t even know her anymore, or any of his friends; making him a danger to them all. Though she has her friends (wardens and demons, and peanut), Trin is determined to use every avenue to find a way to get Zayne back, since her chances of defeating the Harbinger is slim.  Trin manages to find powerful entities/witches to help her restore Zayne, using the Sword of Michael and a spell to use along with the sword. Will this work and bring back Zayne to her or will she end up killing him?

I love Trinity, as she was a fantastic heroine, strong, savvy, and fun; despite her eyesight issues, she manages to rise above it and successfully fight her enemies.  Zayne before his fall, worked hard training Trin on how to sense those attacking her out of her sight. Trinity and Zayne were great together, with their bantering, as well as their sizzling chemistry. 

What follows is a wild exciting intense action-packed adventure, with a number of surprising twists. It was a wild action-packed last half of the book, as Trin, Zayne and friends’ team up with their demon friends (Roth, Layla, Cayman) to try and stop Gabriel.  The best part is the surprise added element to the team, when they bring help in the form of LUCIFER.  I got a kick out of Lucifer, as he was a blast; crazy dangerous, as well as funny. As I said previously, Armentrout gives us so many wonderful secondary characters, besides Roth, Layla, Cayman, especially Peanut, Dez, Nicholai, Jada, and Michael, etc. To say too much more, would be spoilers, as there are many surprises, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone.

Grace and Glory is a fantastic and satisfying finale to this series, which was fast paced and exciting, as I just could not put the book down. From start to finish, Armentrout kept me glued to my kindle, with the tense, exciting, action filled, passionate, romantic adventure, with a sensational couple. Grace and Glory was so very well written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, as well as being a fantastic ending to Trinity and Zayne’s story.  Thank you, Jennifer for giving us this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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