You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

3.69 AVERAGE

challenging dark emotional 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: Yes
dark emotional

didn’t know what I was getting into

I need the second book, NOW. This was an amazing take on fantasy novels that include alphas and omegas. Although alpha is alpha, he was willing to be kind and patient with a woman who didn’t know what she was getting into. And because it’s Lilith Vincent writing, you know it includes a lot of spice and also some twists.

Fantasy isn’t always my favorite, but I love me some omegaverse vibes, and Lilith Vincent, my dark and taboo dirty talking queen (here writing as Chloe Chastaine) I knew would bring some heat and dramatic tension to this story! And, well, there’s a lot to like here. For a first fantasy outing for CC/LV and as a start of a series that requires substantial world and character building, The Flame King’s Captive is an intriguing start.

If you love slow-burn fantasy, I think you’ll really love this one. For me, what I struggle with in fantasy played out a bit here- and also perhaps my unfair expectations. Dense world building and low steam had me finding parts of this story slow and prolonged- even though it was more my own anticipation at play. I wanted a high steam, dark and mesmerizing LV story, and I had to keep reminding myself that his is a CHLOE story- that’s a ME issue LOL, but one that played out none the less. The story, th hero, and the steam were not quite what I was hoping to see in this fantasy world, but one that makes perfect sense both for the genre and the story…I am not kidding when I say SLOW BURN- and this book was long. Well-written, well developed, but don’t read this if you’re just after the LV naughty.

Zabriel is certainly a captivating hero, even if he wasn’t quite as alpha and dark as I anticipated. But I loved the nuances and layers Chloe brings to him, and I loved the tension he had with Isabelle. There’s an understanding between them that really is endearing- and I obviously loved his protective nature. Isabelle at times was frustrating - though with a complicated and painful past, her mistrust, lack of confidence, and resistance certainly are understandable. I’m hopefully we see her grow and evolve, especially as she explores her relationship with Zabriel.


Expect a big cliffie. I only really felt like I was getting bought in towards the end of this epic tale- and with two more books to go, I’ll be going along for the ride. Book 1 for fantasy series are usually my achilles, so now that we have the foundation, I’m excited to dive deeper into these characters and this world. <3.5 stars>
_coco_or's profile picture

_coco_or's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 19%

Dnf as it felt too insta-lovey which I wasn't in the mood for and the fmc and mmc felt very bland. Plus the fmc character felt too young in her interaction with the mmc.
adventurous dark funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Wow!

The books caught my attention from the get go. It's a scary and exciting journey for the FMC Isavelle. She's had a rough time with life, suffering abuse at the hands of the Brethren. Zavriel is protective and obsessive, but in such a good way. Ends on a cliffhanger. Slow burn that is worth the wait.

so usually when i read abo i imagine theres somewhat of a leaning into the whole role of how theyre supposed to act but this was honestly just too much for me

this is very much a damsel in distress and knight in shining armor sort of thing and you wait and wait for her to gain a modicum of self esteem besides the validation she gets from this man but anyway. it doesnt happen.
areadz's profile picture

areadz's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

20% in and I just couldn’t get into it. Clunky and it didn’t pull me in. 
adventurous emotional