A Shadow in the Ember

Sera is decidedly more petulant and annoying than Poppy, but outside of that they are interchangeable. I was really excited about this book before reading it. I love the Blood and Ash series, but I wanted more contrast between the two storylines. At this point I feel like I'm just being picky, but I'll keep reading this series as the books come out.

Reread for the upcoming release of “A light in the Flame”.I have conflicting feelings regarding this book. I think Jennifer has been growing as an author and this book, as well as [b:The War of Two Queens 57815107 The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash, #4) Jennifer L. Armentrout https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635174962l/57815107.SY75.jpg 90566101] shows that, especially in terms of world building and writing style.However, the story (and banter) felt too similar with [b:From Blood and Ash 52831200 From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1) Jennifer L. Armentrout https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585598504l/52831200.SX50.jpg 78982151] which made it not only very predictable, as not as fun to read as it should have been. The book felt too long and repetitive, and I was bored until close to the 60%-70% mark. After that, the story picks up and we get a lot of action and new information, as well as a cliff-hanger which leaves us wanting the sequel.I did love Nyktos and I'm expectantly waiting for Ash's return. I believe the second book has a lot of potential and I'm patiently waiting for its release.

A Shadow in the Ember is one of my favorite reads of 2023. There is something about Sera and Ash that bring you into their story and keeps you rooting for them both throughout the whole book. Sera is strong, feisty and temperamental, beautiful, and desperately wishes her family would love her – especially her mother. Being the outcast allows her to explore the city on her own, but it comes with a high price: a hefty dose of depression and despair, and the belief that no one really cares for her.

Ash is strong and caring, quiet and passionate, and is constantly drawn to Sera’s spirit and strength. He has been through a lot of horrible things in his lifetime, a lot of them leaving their mark. But Sera seems to see straight through to his center and bring a warmth and peace to him he was unable to achieve before she came into his life.

Together they are a force to be reckoned with. A fiery passionate pairing, both trying and failing to resist each other, which makes the spice oh-so-good each time.

I loved that the book touched on Sera’s depression and emptiness, and mentioned the incident with the sleeping draft. Sera doesn’t seem to value her life and is so unhappy that she doesn’t mind that her outcome in life has always been death. Ash however takes great offense at this and constantly confronts her about her lack of will to live. I love that the book touches on these themes of mental health issues. It is relatable and helps normalize that people have these issues and are still worthy of a good life.

The dynamic between Ash and Sera is amazing, but so is the dynamic between Ash and his friends – Nektas, Ector, Belle, Saion, Aios, Raihn, etc. It is snarky and full of funny quips and pushing each others buttons and I love it.

The angle of Ash being the Primal of Death but working very hard to save people is really interesting. You’d think this was another bad guy who has a soft spot for a beautiful woman, but then you meet him and time and time again he proves how good he is. He cares for his people very much and it quickly becomes obvious we are dealing with a new type of tall dark and handsome – and I am here for it!

The storyline and plot in A Shadow in the Ember was really interesting and kept me hooked the whole time. I cannot wait to find out what happens next in book 2.

Overall, A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer Armentrout was a fantastic book and quickly became one of my favorites for the year. At this point in time writing this review, this is my 3rd time reading it in 2023. Does that say enough?

EDIT: I think my brain has recovered from the info dropping from JLA. I think I prefer this series over Blood and Ash, even though they aren't largely different with similar characters but opposing situations. I just wish that JLA could have been more creative than just recycling Poppy and Casteel to create Sera and Nyktos, even if she swapped some of the characteristics around. But, anyway, with trying to put FBAA in the back of my mind I would give this 4 stars at most. At least, until my mind changes

I feel like my brain has been over-fed information, like I cannot even begin to think why JLA would info drop and leave us on a cliff-hanger like that. I'm far too shocked to even come up with anything but this. I'll give my brain 12 hours to go haywire and then I'll formulate something more understandable.