This review may contain spoilers for book 1, From Blood and Ash. To read my review for From Blood and Ash click here.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire begins exactly where From Blood and Ash left off. In addition to the added tension of marriage, Prince Casteel and Poppy find themselves at odds time and again as they seek to overcome the secrets and betrayals between them. Anyone that was disappointed by the slow burn in book one will find all their [wet] dreams coming true in this installment. The fire between Casteel and Poppy does not fizzle out as could be expected from a sequel. If anything, it burns hotter and brighter than it in the first book. The constant insecurities from both sides were both frustrating and satisfyingly realistic. While their relationship is not without its faults, I adored the journey and was glad for the turn it takes around the middle of the book.
Armentrout manages to continue to develop the individual characters in addition to their relationships with others. I particularly enjoyed the depth of Kieran’s character and the other wolven. The amount of world building is extreme and caused the story to slow at times, but it always felt relevant. I often felt I had as many questions as Poppy and was grateful they were answered within the dialogue. The near constant threat of enemies both near and far was thrilling and kept me turning pages even when the momentum slowed.
As always with Armentrout’s work, I found myself reaching the end too soon. I don’t know how many books she has planned for this series, but I have a feeling I could read it for a long time. I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next chapter.
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.