🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: A Light in the Flame

Series: Flesh and Fire #2

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Format: 650 pages, Hardcover

Published: November 15, 2022 by Blue Box Press

ISBN: 9781957568201

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Reviewer: Crystal 

Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book two in her Flesh and Fire series…

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.

Crystal's Thoughts:

Brimming with heart wrenching angst, nail biting action, and steamy romance, Jennifer L. Armentrout's A Light in the Flame kept me glued to the pages from start to finish! 

Sera's secrets are out and now no one trusts her, especially Nyktos. She's still determined to save her people though, even if it takes her own life to do so. Despite her deceptions, Nyktos isn't going to let Sera go so easily. He has a plan, if only he can prevent Sera from continuing on with her reckless ideas. Sera and Nyktos must work together if they want to take down Kolis, but as they do passion builds and tension pulls taut until it eventually snaps. Sera knows she is doomed to heartbreak falling for the powerful Primal, but she could never predict the devastating secrets of his past. As danger mounts and the Primal power of Life inside her pushes her closer to the Culling, time is running out. For Sera. For Nyktos. For the entire realms. 

“Daddy Nyktos is not happy,” Ector murmured.” 

I absolutely adored A Shadow in the Ember, it was one of my favorite reads of 2021. I actually loved Sera and Nyktos' story more than I did the Blood and Ash series with Poppy and Cas, which says a lot. This book picks up right were the last one left off, Armentrout throws readers straight into the action and intrigue of the court of Death. There is a lot going on here as the Flesh and Fire world continuously builds upon itself. Nyktos and Sera slowly grow to trust each other again as their relationship develops from enemies to tentative friends, and then to something more. It's a delicious slow burn. Sera also waffles with the choices she must make in order to stay true to herself. But just when we think some trust is gained more secrets are exposed and my world came crashing down right alongside Sera's! 

“I never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa.” 

There was a point in the story that I had to set my book down because it completely devastated me. I was in tears. Armentrout creates such vivid prose that I couldn't help but be entirely captivated and transported into the world of these characters. Nyktos backstory broke my heart, and I hope that in the end those who have wronged both Nyktos and Sera receive a truly violent death. Speaking of violent, there was plenty of action to be found between the pages along with Armentrout's signature snark and humor to balance out the bitter and bloody moments. With loveable side characters that you can't help but adore just as much Nyktos and Sera. The book ends in a devastating cliffhanger and I am on pins and needles anticipating what happens next. Be aware, this series needs to be read in order. 

All in all, another exceptional read from this absolute Queen of an author, I can't recommend it enough! 

✅ Enemies to Lovers 
✅ Loveable Side Characters 
✅ Slow Burn but Spicy 
✅ Fun Banter Between Characters 
✅ More Drakens 
✅ Superb World-building 
✅ Intense Action 
✅ Well-Paced Plot 
✅ Painful Cliffhanger 

✅Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Reading Order: 

Book #1 A Shadow in the Ember 
Book #2 A Light in the Flame 
Book #3 A Fire in the Flesh (December 12, 2023)