Review: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2)

Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads 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 as 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.

Review:

Poppy has left her home, to find that everything she believed there was a lie. She’s traveling with Casteel, Prince of Atlantia also known as The Dark One, who has decided that she will be his wife. However, the people that Poppy left behind won’t be forgotten. The Ascended are prepared to start a war to get their Maiden back. Many people want her dead and the Atlantians are beginning to fear her new abilities. Poppy has to fight for her life, while discovering the secrets of her past.

This was a steamy fantasy romance. There was more romance than in the first book, since Poppy and Casteel were together for the entire book. Though there is a lot of romance, there is also incredible world building.

The world in this series is quite detailed, yet there is still so much I don’t know. Throughout this story details of their history or customs that were slowly revealed. Much of that history also applies directly to Poppy’s past, though everything isn’t explained in this story. Since there was so much left in mystery, I can’t wait to read the next book!

Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is a great steamy fantasy romance!

What to read next:

Other books in the series:

• From Blood and Ash
• The Crown of Gilded Bones
• The War of Two Queens

Have you read Kingdom of Flesh and Fire? What did you think of it?