He was the first thing I’d ever truly chosen for myself.
Synopsis: 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 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.
Let’s make a deal that we don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems today.
Review: Just like From Blood and Ash, I fell in love with this book immediately. I tore through this book in just a day, and I think that it’s somehow even better than the first book (and that was a five star read for me too!). Let’s jump right in, I’ll try to be as spoiler free as possible!
Let’s start with characters! I thought that Poppy’s growth in this book was incredible! She really is starting to figure out who she is as a person (as well as her heritage and how important she is….but that’s a different conversation). She is getting stronger and more sure of herself, and I really like to see that in her. It’ really nice to see a strong female character that still has insecurities and things that she’s working through. Basically, she feels REAL. I love her.
Next we have Casteel. I really love how this character has flourished in book 2 as well. We get to start seeing him as he really is, instead of as the various masks that he wears. I also love the dynamic between him and Poppy. They’re definitely charged and ready to go. I love his sarcastic, witty humor. Again, it’s nice to see this suave, bad boy (Rhysand vibes, much?) that is flawed, hurt, and REAL. JLA has such a gift at giving us characters that feel fully fleshed out and like real people. I can’t commend her enough for this.
Plot-wise! There were just a couple a moments that felt slower than the rest of the book, but because it moved as quick as it did, I still wasn’t mad about this. The plot overall, feels really well paced, and even though it’s a pretty long book (over 600 pages) it didn’t feel like it. I’m really intrigued at where this storyline is going, and I cant wait to read more!
What did you think of Kingdom of Flesh and Fire?
All Booked Up At The Moment 