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.
I bought book this sequel to From Blood and Ash before I finished book 1. From Blood and Ash sucked me in with a vengeance. Kingdom of Flesh and Fire picked up immediately where From Blood and Ash ends. Like, in the same scene. We spend book 2 rebuilding the trust that was shattered at the end of From Blood and Ash, and I do like the slow burn of the rebuilding and blooming friendship. I could have done without the long talks about Atlantia’s history and their bloodlines and deities – that was super confusing.
This book carries on the questionable writing, as well. The odd sentences that I have to read a few times to make sense, the awkward dialog that my inner editor wants to rip apart, and the repetition and info-dumps… and yet I couldn’t put this book down. How does that happen?
The story. The sexual tension. The impending moment when the Ascended come for Poppy. The banter between Casteel, Poppy, and Kieran. Oh, my sweet Kieran.
So, overall, because I couldn’t put this book down, Kingdom of Flesh and Fire gets a 5 out of 5 from this nerd.
Beatrice B. Morgan 