A Shadow in the Ember: Flesh and Fire, Book 1

Jacy

Lore-rich prequel to From Blood and Ash

"A Shadow in the Ember is a prequel for anyone who has read From Blood and Ash, including those who loved it and even those who might have struggled with some of the writing in the original series. It features rich, dense world-building and deep lore that really pays off as the story unfolds. While the first half of the book shares a lot of DNA with From Blood and Ash, such as mistaken identity and a lack of communication, it definitely feels like a more polished and improved version of Armentrout’s work. About halfway through, the story moves to the Shadowlands, and that’s where the book truly takes off. I went from being moderately interested to not being able to put it down. The highlight for me was the relationship between Sera and Ash, particularly the development in the second half. Their connection is electric, and the physical intimacy is where the writing is at its most effective, such as the memorable bathroom scene involving the hair washing. These scenes feel incredibly well-written and serve as the emotional anchor for the story. I also loved the found family aspect provided by the very likable secondary characters who brought humor to the narrative. The Draken children, in particular, were really lovable and added some levity to an otherwise dark world. While the first half can feel repetitive due to long internal monologues and occasional modern dialogue that feels out of place in a fantasy setting, it is worth pushing through for the second half. The story shifts from being driven by miscommunication to a high-stakes, relationship-driven plot with suspenseful moments throughout. This review is based on an ARC provided by BlueBox Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ["

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January 15, 2026 Verified Purchase

Jenny O.

My Roman Empire series-epic Fantasy Romance

"Have I read this book 3 times? Yes. Will I read it again? Also yes. This book is the first in the Flesh and Fire series (often referred to as the "prequel" to From Blood and Ash). The Flesh and Fire series is my Roman Empire--books that I return to again and again because they stir my soul. The characters, the story, the world building... everything about this book and this series has my heart in an iron grip. A grip I am happy not to break. The world building is absolutely exquisite. Set thousands of years before the events of Blood and Ash, we enter the world of mortals, Gods and Primals. A world that is slowly dying. The characters are truly some of the most compelling ones I have ever met on the page. As page-turning as the plot is, the characters are what keep me coming back. Not only are the main characters beautiful in all their strength and vulnerability, the side characters are so well-developed and loveable that I want more of them too. Jennifer Armentrout is a master at writing vulnerable, yet strong female characters, and Seraphena is the best of all of them! Sera is sharp with her tongue , wicked with a blade, and not afraid to get stabby. She's also been forced into a role she never wanted, and out of the role she was born to embrace, by her cold and overbearing mother. She's been called a failure for years, but Sera is anything but a failure. Nyktos is the ultimate shadow daddy. Sexy, mysterious, strong, terrifying, touch her and unalive....oh and he's got shadows and knows how to use them. He is also the Primal of Death--one of the most powerful Primals. He has done and experienced things no one should and keeps everyone at a distance. I'd swoon for this man. The banter is exquisite. The slow burn and yearning is toe curling. The overarching plot keeps me saying "just one more chapter". Roman. Freaking. Empire. Plus there are Drakens! (Dragons that shift into mortal form). A 10 Star read. ["

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February 1, 2026 Verified Purchase

Amanda Braley

A Mesmerizing Dive into Darkness

"Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Jennifer L. Armentrout's "Shadow in the Ember" is a mesmerizing journey that immerses readers in a world where characters, plot, and a forbidden romance are intricately intertwined. The Characters (★★★★☆): "Shadow in the Ember" introduces us to a fresh set of characters that bring a new dimension to the Blood and Ash world. Seraphena, the fierce and determined protagonist, is a captivating figure whose journey from vulnerability to strength is a testament to Armentrout's skill in character development. The enigmatic Primal of Death adds a dark allure to the story, and his complex personality keeps readers guessing. Together, they form a dynamic duo that propels the narrative forward, and their emotional depth makes their connection deeply resonant. The Plot (★★★★☆): Armentrout's storytelling prowess is evident in the rich and intricate plot of "Shadow in the Ember." The book ventures into the realms of darkness and death, unraveling the mysteries and political intrigues of the Ascended world. The plot is laced with tension, action, and surprises, which makes for a gripping read. Armentrout's world-building continues to shine, offering a fresh perspective on her well-established universe. The Romance (★★★★☆): The "non-romance" between Seraphena and the Primal of Death is a central theme that sizzles with tension and allure. Armentrout has a gift for creating chemistry that sparks off the pages, and this pairing is no exception. The intensity and complexities of their relationship make it a compelling focal point of the story. The fighting nature of their attraction adds an extra layer of depth, keeping readers eagerly anticipating every stolen moment. In conclusion, "Shadow in the Ember" presents a captivating exploration of new characters and a forbidden romance within the Blood and Ash world. The characters are richly developed, the plot is engaging, and the romance will be well earned. This book is a must-read for fans of the series who are ready to embrace a new, thrilling adventure in the Blood and Ash universe. ["

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October 31, 2023 Verified Purchase

Alex C

Favorite characters of all time!

"I didn’t think it was possible to love a series more than FBAA - until JLA released ASITE. The foreshadowing and ties back to FBAA will have you plotting theories with red string. Not only has JLA written fantastic books, she’s created a world we never want to leave. No other series has made me feel so many emotions as this one, even days and weeks after reading it. As bittersweet and doomed as Sera and Nyktos’ fate seems to be, I don’t want the story to end. JLA has a talent for weaving a story that is so deliciously heartbreaking while also steamy, hilarious, and action-packed. The banter is exquisite. The battle scenes are epic. The politics of the different kingdoms and Courts are intriguing and, at times, enraging. All in all, this is a story that is impossible to put down and will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. Set as a prequel to FBAA, ASITE teaches us the story of the first Maiden, Seraphena. Sera has been raised believing the only way to save her dying kingdom is to kill Nyktos, the Primal of Death. Make him fall in love. Become his weakness. End him. All her life, she has been treated as a means to the end of her kingdom’s suffering. She has been taught how to be a blank canvas in order to conform to be anything the Primal may want. She has been raised to be pliant and unyielding, submissive and passive. She couldn't anticipate that Nyktos would bring out her naturally bold, combative, reckless nature. That he would become enraptured with her. That she would come to enjoy his company - the company of the one she’s meant to kill. That she would come to regret her task. As the other Primals begin to learn who Sera is - and what she represents - Nyktos, Sera, and the Shadowlands are faced with a criss that was prophesied long before now. A prophecy that is bigger than all of them and what Sera planned. They must find a way to protect what matters most - the very realms depend on it. ["

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December 11, 2022 Verified Purchase

K

Amazing

"Wonderfully written, immersive story. Could stand alone or if you’ve read JLA’s From Blood and Ash series it is a great companion/prequel. I’ve read the first 3 and this was a great treat while we wait on book 4. I’m so excited there’s more to come in this series as well! JLA did a great job setting up the series but this book also stands on its own (the B&A series startled me with how books 1&2 ended on such cliffhangers, practically mid-conversation, and I was nervous this one would do the same!) Lovely original characters and creatures, hilarious banter, sexy adult scenes too! Everything I want in a good book. This book is amazing! I love Sera – her strength, her heart, her perseverance! This is definitely a book I’ll be re-reading and not just when the next books come out (I believe this is planned to be a trilogy, and it is in conjunction with my absolute favorite series by JLA From Blood and Ash). I count this book as an extension of that series, so it is also a favorite – and well deserving of that status! There’s a slow burn romance with steam – I will say, I was hoping we’d get more here after some of the pacing in FBAA, but what we get here really fits the story and the characters. Also, it really sets up the relationship for the next book. I loved it! As with FBAA, there’s a diverse world built here – and it is well set up so that you do not have to have read FBAA to understand and feel at home here. This is a prequel series as well, so it makes sense that this is a different world and you don’t encounter redundancies. There’s mythology but a new twist, magical draken (dragon-shifters!) and other fun things to go bump in the night. The cast of characters includes some true gems whom you grow to love. This does end on a cliffhanger so beware! However, the next book is out soon, I believe November 2022. Well worth a read now or putting on the TBR list for a little closer to fall. ["

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October 31, 2021 Verified Purchase