A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire: A Blood and Ash Novel

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Devoured it!!!

""I need to feel your breath in my lungs. I need to feel your life inside me. I just need you. It’s an ache. This need. Can I have you? All of you?" Jennifer L. Armentrout, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire SPOILER FREE REVIEW OF A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE (may contain spoilers from book 1, read at your own risk) Thank you Blue Box Press, Social Butterfly PR, author Jennifer L. Armentrout for the e-ARC to read and review. I'm not going to lie, it felt like Christmas morning when I opened it on my Kindle! If you're wondering if this could be better than From Blood and Ash, let me tell you, YES! I knew it would be as good as FB&A, but AKOFAF was so much more! AKOFAF continues where book 1 left off, at the dinner table and on bated breath, will Poppy say yes or no? I still love this dark and grim world. The world is bigger and I found it very interesting and eye opening. The contrast between the Kingdom of Solis and the Kingdom of Atlantia is like night and day. Anyways just food for thought & Solis just needs to burn! I’m also happy AKOFAF will have a map, because there is some traveling. I really love Poppy’s growth here. Once she learned the truth in FB&A, she didn’t just dismiss it, she thought and considered it. She had suspicions herself and in AKOFAF she confronts them and the truth devastates her. Instead of cowering or claiming ignorance, she takes action and holds herself accountable. To make matters worse, her gift doesn’t help ease it. A lot of people hate her. She can feel their disgust and hatred towards her. It isn't easy but she keeps her head held high. Poppy also starts asking a whole lot of questions (insert Kieran’s surprised face) you’ll know what I mean soon enough. She’s just amazing and I love her. Okay, Poppy and Cas’s relationship. It was ugly (hello remember that betrayal) and beautiful. Dang did I love watching the romance blossom between these two. There were times I felt like Armentrout was toying with my heartstrings and it made me very nervous. I mean she wouldn’t do that to us, right?! Plus this has some amazing heart to heart conversations between Poppy, Cas and Kieran. You just get to know these characters on a deeper level. Let me also say, PLENTY of memorable SULTRY, HEART MELTING and DELICIOUS HONEYDEW moments to fill you up! This book is everything and then some. You're going to devour it! Took me on a mind blowing emotional journey. It answered a lot of questions (some were heartbreaking and jaw dropping), more obscure hints to speculate and ponder on, questionable new characters, lots of action (on field and err... 2 bodies (3?) depending on how you look at it) twists and that ending was so intense and crazy, it left me wanting more! The ache and need for book 3 is no joke. I’m still recovering. ["

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September 1, 2020 Verified Purchase

Rosaura Guzman

⭐️5/5⭐️

"Spoilers & Thoughts Below!! •Second book following From Blood and Ash. •I absolutely loved this book, could not put it down! I’m just amazed at how well JLA writes, honestly her characters and stories are some of the best. •Poppy is literally one of the best badass female characters I’ve read. Her growth throughout this book was amazing; she never backs down, speaks her mind, and fights for what she believes in. •I can see why some people may find Poppy’s inner turmoil annoying but I thought it was just so realistic and understandable for her situation. Her conflicting emotions and thoughts surrounding Casteel were so well written and heartbreaking. •Casteel aka Hawke is now my new book boyfriend! He is honestly just perfection; love how charming, charismatic, strong, violent, and passionate he is. Also, everything he says is just swoon worthy, absolutely love him. •The Culling is very interesting and I hope we get to see more of that in the future books. Wondering how that’s going to effect Poppy and her abilities. •Loved the explanation regarding Casteel and Kieran’s bond and how fiercely protective Kieran is over him. •Enjoyed that we got to see more of Poppy’s abilities, definitely something more is going on there because the things she is able to do and feel seems more than just her being half Atlantian and from an empath warrior bloodline. •The empath warrior also being called soul eaters was so cool and I’m definitely curious about them. •All the details regarding the other mythical creatures like the wivern, draken, ceeren, and gods was so interesting. Definitely expands the world and characters. •I have some mix feelings about Alastir. I didn’t really trust him at first but after his offer to Poppy I somewhat came around to him, however towards the end of the book I’m back to being somewhat suspicious of him. So don’t really know just yet how I feel about him. •To learn what Casteel experienced while he was being held captive absolutely broke my heart and to know his brother is going through the same thing is just unimaginable. •I have admit I was worried about Shea and that whole history so I definitely shocked to learn what truly happened and again I’m just so heartbroken for Casteel. •Some of my favorite side characters were Delano and Vonetta. Hopefully we get more of them in the future. •There were so many interesting plot points and characters including the dead bones clan, the female guardians, the blood tree, the Skotos mountain and mist. •Poppy and Casteel’s relationship is incredible. The tension and build up between them was amazing and the whole fake marriage trope was hilarious because we all knew they weren’t pretending. I honestly just love how fiercely protective he is of her and doesn’t hold her back. •Favorite quote: “She is more than capable of handling things herself. But that is my future you were walking away with. Guard her well. Your life depends on it.” •Spice level was very hot! All their scenes left me blushing! •The whole heartmates concept has me very intrigued and I just love how much deeper and meaningful that means for a couple. •So the Joining….I was a little skeptical at first but I want and need it to happen now because after that one scene I can totally picture it and wow, definitely hot! •I really enjoyed the development of Kieran and Poppy’s relationship, definitely see them growing closer together in the next book. •So we didn’t get a huge betrayal like the first book, which I expected and feared but the not telling her about the whole promised to another definitely hurt and made me cry. •Their fight in chapter 33 was so heartbreaking but I did love that they were finally really communicating with each other and telling their truths. •The battle in Spessa’s End was very intense and a lot of interesting things occurred and breadcrumbs were laid out. Curious to know if the certain things that were mentioned are in fact true. •Their declaration to each other in chapter 36 was just perfect. They love each other so much that it makes me cry. •I have no words about that ending expect…what!! •Poppy…is she really?? Like what does that mean! •There are so many unanswered questions that I cannot wait for to be revealed but I do have to say I have a bad feeling about Poppy’s brother. •Honestly one of the best books I have read this year and I cannot wait to continue with the series!! ["

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October 7, 2021 Verified Purchase

Ashlee

Even better than the first, and then some!

"This book was everything I could have hoped for and ... more, more, more. There are few things that compare to reading the sequel of a book you adore and realizing that sequel is even better. And if there’s one sequel that fits this distinction, it’s this one. In fact, From Blood and Ash was my favorite book of the year at the time and well ... this book has stolen that title and is now crowned champion. Everything I loved about the first book: the action, THE ROMANCE, the banter, the mythology, the tension, has been turned up tenfold and let’s just say Jennifer L. Armentrout nails it. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire picks up right where From Blood and Ash left off and we are immediately dropped back into the action. Certainly, the first book gives us revelation after revelation during the last quarter or so and left us all reeling with questions and just an innate drive for MORE. Many of those questions and speculations are answered (albeit, some lead to more questions) and we get to do more traveling in this one and learn more about the world of the Atlantians, especially. There’s a number of fascinating new characters introduced and familiar ones (Kieran is a smol cinnamon roll, prove me wrong) that we learn more about, too. Poppy must navigate this new world and choose who to believe while she grapples with her own desire, the changing of her gift and determining who she can trust. If you’re like me and your favorite aspect of the first book was the romance ... well buckle up folks because the romance in this book is fun, flirty and just overall incredible. I can’t say much here without giving spoilers (especially to those who haven’t read the first book) but let’s just say it was my favorite part in this one too. Super steamy, super angsty and definitely a driving force in the plot. The flirty, teasing vibe and depth of it reminded me of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Mist and Fury and I think that’s a fair comparison. In fact, I loved the romance in this book even more than ACOMAF (shocking, I know). Perhaps that’s because there’s more of it, it’s more mature and it’s addressed more but I just loved every little bit of it. And speaking of loving something ... UGH THE BANTER IS SO GOOD. For real, I have always loved the banter in JLA’s books but it really hit the mark here. It’s funny, witty, flirty at times and I just pulled off really well. The timing, the natural discourse, it all works really well. I loved any time Kieran was in a scene because I knew I’d be laughing or smirking at something he says. Seriously, Kieran guys ... he is a whole snack. I loved his character so much and I am glad we got to learn more about him. His teasing of Poppy and interactions with her and Casteel were great. I could read a whole book about Kieran and be happy as a clam (*begs, please*). If you love side characters that will steal your heart, Kieran is your guy. Like the first book, this one ends with a shocking revelation that will leave your head spinning! Again, many questions are answered but we are also left with a few bigger ones. There’s always something more to discover and I love that I never once felt like I knew everything. The tension is intense and really well done throughout! Needless to say, I really feel as though this book is the perfect follow up to From Blood and Ash. If you loved the first book, I think you’ll be more than pleased with this one. Definitely my favorite read of the year and one of my top books of all time, I’d be shocked if something could dethrone it. ["

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September 4, 2020 Verified Purchase

Ana S.

That ending!!

"OH. MY. FREAKING. GOD. Yes, it is shouty capital letters. How is it possible that Armentrout can wreck and fix my poor little reader heart more than once in one single year like it's nothing? I cannot even begin to tell you guys how amazing the second installment of the Blood and Ash series is. I'm going to try to put into words how this masterpiece managed to steal my heart once again, but beware there might be a lot of just fangirling over the story. I received an EARC by Armentrout in exchange for an honest review. Dear God. That ending guys, that freaking ending. I obviously cannot tell you how it ends because I would ruin the story for you, but let me tell you. You ain't ready for what's coming. Also this is as good time as any to let you know that there will be spoilers from book one, From Blood and Ash. This should be as far as you should read if you have not read the first book. Go read it and then come back to read me ramble about how amazing book two is. AKOFAF picks up right where From Blood and Ash left off. Hawke broke Poppy's and our hearts by revealing his true identity and all but informed Poppy that they are to marry. If you remember our dear Hawke turned out to be The Dark One. The prince of Atlantia, future king and he plans to ransom Poppy to get his brother Malik (the one he considers to be the real next king of Atlantia) back. Whether or not you believe that is what he is actually going to do is up to you, but let me tell you something, I never believed he was. I know a lot of you are probably mad at him for playing with our little Penellaphe's heart, but I knew (or at least suspected) Hawke wasn't just a regular guard. I had a feeling we were dealing with the prince from early on in From Blood and Ash. So I wasn't totally shocked at the revelation, I was shocked that he planned to use Poppy to get his brother back and then switching the plans to marry her for a way more elaborate plan to get the kingdom back, I thought our homeboy really cared for our Poppy. Which he does (care for her I mean), don't get too judgy just yet. There are a lot of convoluted reasons as to why he does what he does, but you will understand pretty early on in this story that all he had plan has gone out the window. His feelings for Poppy are much more than either of them expected (I mean we did, but that is the magic of the story when characters don't know what the other is thinking), but Poppy is not about to let everything else go. I mean no one would, he LIED to her and KIDNAPPED her and made her believe his feelings for her were pure and with no strings attached other than being reciprocated. Although he has apologize for lying to her he still lets her believe that the only reason they would marry and stay together for a while is to get his brother and kingdom back. I think the main reason why he did that is because he know she needed to come to terms with the fact that everyone in her life (including him) had lied to her. Now Poppy has to decide if she can trust Casteel enough to get what she wants (freedom), get her brother back and actually survive. She is trying really hard to remember that he is using her every time he talks to her because he sounds like he cares and she believes that to be a lie. There is this thing he likes to do with her that melted my heart every time and just made me want to scream at them for being so stupid with their own feelings. He likes to "pretend." He offers Poppy a way out for them to be... friendly with each other by pretending. He pretends that he is still just regular old Hawke and she is just Poppy, no "former Maiden," no future talks, no lies, no kidnapping, no stabbing. Just them giving in to each others feelings of lust, need and love. Because there is so much love between them. This way he can be close to her and show her how he really feels because even though he presented himself with another name to her, he is still the same person she first met. She just needs to come to terms with the fact that he is and has been the Dark One all along. So much happens in this book you guys, and I'm so thankful with Armentrout because even though it is a massive book, it didn't feel like it. She took her time explaining the world to us. It was so easy to follow along, nothing was rushed. Everything happened when it needed to happen. Nothing felt forced, everything just flowed perfectly. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is a masterpiece through and through. There is not a single word I would change. This is truly the most perfect story I have read all year. Armentrout keeps things fresh and unexpected. The most epic story with so many reveals and explanations still to come that I cannot wait to see what happens next with our lovely characters. ["

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September 4, 2020 Verified Purchase

Krista

This book takes a good series and elevates it to AMAZING

"A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is something special. It takes all my favorite parts of high fantasy and marries them with a killer love story and an undeniably amazing character arc. This book took a good series and elevated it to AH-MAZING. I have to admit - I was not a fan of Hawke at the end of From Blood and Ash. He did some things that I thought were pretty bad. Worse than his deeds was that, through them, he took away any amount of power that Poppy had begun to feel that she had. And I really hate when men make women feel powerless and defeated. Jennifer Armentrout had a tall mountain to climb if I was to get to a point where I started looking at Hawke as a real hero. And here’s another reason why A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is so special - not only do I now see Hawke as a hero, but his incredible growth as a character and in his interactions with Poppy have made this one of the best books I’ve read this year. The plot of AKOFAF is a little too complex and WAY too spoilery to go into a lot of detail, but I can say that it picks up right where book 1 left off. Hawke is taking Poppy back to his home so he can marry her. She is not feeling good about this for several reasons - first, she has very conflicting feelings about Hawke. Second, his people HATE her people, and by extension... HER. This animosity comes in to play over and over through the course of the book, putting Poppy into several difficult positions. Poppy’s powers, which we saw a little of in book 1, continue to grow and change. I loved this part of the book. You can just feel that they’re the key to everything, but you have no idea what. That anticipation was absolutely delicious. Poppy’s growth is pretty incredible too. Through her travels with Hawke and his people, she is discovering herself and who she is without the shroud of the Maiden stifling her. She’s finding strength and surety where she never knew she had it. Every revelation about how she’d been lied to her whole life, and every moment alone with Hawke brings her more and more out of her shell. The romance level is amped up tenfold in A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, and I AM HERE FOR IT. Romantic Hawke is so much sexier than cocky Hawke. And I think Poppy agrees with me. War is coming. The Ascended and the Atlantians can no longer co-exist. We see a few skirmishes in this book, but I get the feeling that book 3 will blow them out of the water. HUGE revelations were made, but there’s still so many more yet to come. I’m so excited to see what is next. ["

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September 2, 2020 Verified Purchase