Reviews

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

readbykaylinn's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars. I am devastated that this was not another 5 star read for me within the series. I am in love with every aspect of FBAA. The first 50% of A Shadow in the Ember felt like a copy and paste of FBAA. Which wouldn't be a bad thing considering how much I love FBAA but I came into it expecting original relationships/content. The first 50% of this book put me in a reading slump because of how long it is and how long it took to pick up. After 50% in, it changes pace and gives a lot of new and intriguing information but, I felt I should not of had to wait that long for it to get good. I will of course still read A Light in the Flame (after War of Two Queens). I did like the end a lot though! Glad I finished this right after A Light in the Flame came out so I don't have to wait. So overall, glad I pushed through.

SOOOO excited to continue though, don't get me wrong.

kait_kosub's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really good first book into the prequel series! It has me invested and rooting for the main couple right away. Im very excited for the next one and have it preordered!

I will say that I hate that the couple aren't together/ on bad terms at the end of the book. Especially over something that could have been prevented. I wish that Sera just talked to Nyktos about how she was orginally going to try and defeat him but fell in love and changed her mind. I think that if she was honest he would have been understanding and forgive her but the way he found out was public and embarrassing so I understand why he doesn't trust her and is upset.

lindsayernest22's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

wisery's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The big picture plot is interesting, but the characters are played out and the specific scenes are trite. I feel like I have read this story about these people many times before. The prose is well-written enough that the story didn’t drag too much, but I don’t feel like I need the sequel(s).

zinidervishi's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

vettechmama3's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I am doing the alternate reading with B&A and F&F intertwined. And so far, this has been my absolute favorite! If you adore Casteel and Poppy, then you will love Ash and Sera 😍 Once again, the banter is top tier, chefs kiss 💋  Sera is a badass mfc with wit, beauty, and strength. She does seem to become soft and slightly whiny in the middle/end, which I wish hadn't happened. Ash is rightfully confusing near the 70% mark but something about him gets me all hot and bothered 🥵 And the sexual tension and lead up is well worth it. Jumping right into the next and am so excited to see what is to come for the couples of both series 👑🩸

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, and Sexual content

Moderate: Death of parent

Minor: Confinement, Alcohol, and Animal death

remember_me19's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

yasmeexn's review against another edition

4.0

(tbh I forgot to review this I was so busy)

The From Blood and Ash series is my all time favorite fantasy series, so when the prequel series was announced I was so excited. A Shadow in the Ember follows Seraphena, a maiden who is to be Nyktos's consort and kill him for the sake of the kingdom. We meet the Primal Nyktos in this book, and if you were a fan of Casteel then you'll love Nyktos. There were a lot of parallels to From Blood and Ash and the mc's, but nonetheless it was so good. The world-building was the same as always--perfect--and we were introduced to some new characters and concepts. Cant wait for the second book!

lindseyt92's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I liked the main character way more than the one in the first series!

jgligs's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75