Fireblood

I was so impressed with this novel, I never good quite get a sense of where it was going. It was very hard to predict. I was not disappointed at all in this sequel to frostblood. I enjoyed the first novel and I loved this one even more. The Writing was great and you always had a very descriptive image for where the characters were and what they looked like. You start with Ruby and Arcus who is now the frost king. Things seem to be going well until one evening at a royal ball, Ruby is attacked outside in the garden area, while she is talking with a dignitary Kai. Kai offers her a chance to go to Sudesia to meet the fireblood queen and try to destroy the fire throne or so she thinks. Ruby is soon thrust is to the world of being lied to, manipulated, and she soon finds the truth and sets out to destroy the Minax. You watch ruby struggle with Arcus and their love for each other being tested, as Ruby struggles with another love interest. You get the find more about Ruby’s mother and her heritage throughout the book. It was quite a twist throughout this book.

This book was a really good add on to the first book. It was full of emotion and plot twist and you could never really expect what was coming next. The book started off great with Ruby and Arcus then the plot took an unexpected turn. This book also introduced some new and interesting characters and Ruby’s situation ends up somehow getting worse. I would continue to recommend this series after this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

3.5 stars I was wary going in to this one. I enjoyed but didn't love Frostblood so I was obviously had a few doubts about this next book. Add in the fact the summary led me to believe there was a love triangle to interfere with my ship then I was obviously unhappy. In the first book the romance bothered me some. I didn't feel like the characters had spent enough time together to feel as strongly for one another as they did. In this second book I really believed the passion between Arcus and Ruby far more even thought the spend a lot of the book apart. That pleased me. I think I could feel they had a connection even if distance between them. I think it helped that the time they did spent together there was a fire between them and they obviously cared for one another. Arcus was adorable throughout and even when he was a jealous belly he was still sweet. The third point to this love triangle was newbie Kai. I thought I would hate him on principle but he was actually a good character. Whilst Arvus was reserved (on the outside anyway) Kai was impulsive and flirty and just the opposite of Arcus (obviously because the two in a love triangle are always opposites) but they were similar as well. Both were acting for the best of those around them. They cared for Ruby in their own way and were looking to prevent harm coming to her. Kai wasn't a bad guy and I think once I got past the forced love interest feel I really liked him. The story was still no more standout in YA fantasy but it was enjoyable. I won't reveal the plot but the journey and trials in Sudesia were easy to read even if they lacked originality. I sped through the story and whilst I rolled my eyes at the progression of the whole prophecy and at the reveals which were so obvious I did enjoy myself. I admit to skimming the book at times as the story did feel a bit stale but I will still be checking out the next book if I get a chance because whilst it lacks originality it does kind of suck you in to the story. And Blake is skilled at killer cliffhangers too.

I really enjoy this series. It's fun, the characters are interesting and the plot is intriguing. I listened to this on audiobook and I really love the performer. I admit the 'love triangle' aspect is a little cringy but I can live with it. At some points my heart was pounding and I really felt for Ruby. Cannot wait for Night Blood.