A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire Blood and Ash Book 2
Reviews
I HATED THIS BOOK; even though i was intrigued and pleasantly surprised by the first book, this one disappointed me tremendously. I just can't- no energy after A touch of darkness to actually write a coherent review or even rant. JUST DON'T READ THIS. Stick with the first book and think of it as a stand-a-lone
Too many bed scenes that I started to skip them altogether because I wanted to know how to actual story progressed
This book had everything and more than what i was expecting. Was intence and grabbed my attention for the entire journey of this book. The accion was amazingly done intence and made me sprint read and hold my breath, the steaming in this book and slow blurn is so intence and captivating this book is, so well writen and descriptive like i love. I love it and i recomend it
Pretty decent in terms of world building. The end moved wayyyyy too fast. Hawt
THE SMUT🤤🤤 these people are such simps for each other
taylor swift just released red tv as i finished reading this book. today is an emotional day to say the least. will update this review once im mentally stable <3
definitely better then the first book, it has everything but more. More romance, action, angst, comedy. The ending was amazing
2 stars
THIS BOOK WAS CRACK IN MY BONESSSSS. the ending. oh my god
THAT ENDING ????? I FUCKING GASPED
i struggled to finish it.. skipped and skimmed a lot of chapters
i am at a loss for words??? idk. i am overwhelmed and confused. ask me about it later.
2.5 stars It's fun, a bit better paced than the first one. Its just sex with a very mild plot over it. Very easy and addicting to read, but it also needed a heavy edit.
even better than the first!!
** spoiler alert ** This book blew my mind and I didn't think it was possible after the first one! But it really did. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to get used to Hawke being called Cas/Casteel but it wasn't too bad and eventually I did, it helped that his middle name is Hawke and I am really hoping we have more scenes with his mother, where she calls him Hawke. It felt as if you're going through this experience with Poppy because JLA didn't just make her suddenly call him Cas. She struggled to come to terms with it as well. I'm personally not familiar with Atlantian Mythology as I am with Greek or Roman mythology so I am also excited to see how JLA uses it. Everything about it was amazing. Start to finish. The witty banter. The flirting. The stabbing. The fight scenes. Loved. It. All. I hope the next book holds this standard and doesn't loose the small, funny bits that make the book fun and great just because they have become a couple and I hope that there's scenes where Poppy uses her title against him. Since, she is more powerful than him. No doubt, they take power couple to the next level. I keep connect dots in my head as to what is going to happen in the next book, I can't wait to see what happens next! I NEED the next one ASAP! 😭 BIGGEST. CLIFFHANGER. OF. THE. DECADE.
Okay wow this one was really hard for me to get into at first! I thought it would be a little more fast paced in the beginning coming off the ending of the last book but it honestly took even longer for me to show interest in this one BUT it was worth it. Definitely loving Poppy more and more and seeing her get to LIVE made the first half of the book easier to digest I suppose. The end of this one was actually way unexpected, but I just thought it took a little too long to get to the point
A kingdom of flesh and fire started of a bit slow but the plot picked up around halfway through the book.
In this book we got to see more of Atlantia and it's history, as well as meet many new characters. There is also alot of political intrigue in this book that Poppy and Casteel have to resolve along with them figuring out their feelings about each other.
Poppy and Casteel frustrated me at some points because it took them so long to admit their feelings when it was obvious from the start that they loved each other
As for the end of the book, alot happened and I was shocked for the most part
“There is no side of you that is not as beautiful as the other half. Not a single inch isn’t stunning.” His lashes lifted, and the intensity in his stare held me captive. “That was true the first time I said it to you, and it is still the truth today and tomorrow.” A confession: I fell in love with Casteel ❤️ ______________________ For the 5th time i'm reading this book and it still doesn't get boring... I have waited for this book for MONTHS and finally, it has been released and I have read it. I have not moved my butt from my bed and continued to read this until someone had to drag me out and tell me to eat some food. So let's just say I have been reading this the whole day. And damn, the book is too good to be true. I could've asked for an ARC, but I waited until the release date. Because you know what? Waiting for it makes the book more exciting to read. Have you ever had a day when you just remembered that the book you've pre-ordered is meant to be released today and you just grin foolishly because you got that book in your hand (reading it)? Well, today was one of those days to me. “I’ll try to escape again.” “I figured as much.” “I’m not going to stop fighting you.” “I wouldn’t want you to.” I thought that was weird. “And I’m not going to marry you.” I was a bit annoyed of that marriage between the two of them being a huge deal and all. I know it's a big thing for Cas (aka Hawke) and Poppy but if felt a tiny bit overreacted. It made it feel like Poppy being too dramatic for saying no to Cas. And the whole Poppy being so 'violent' was a bit weird. I mean, sure, she can be violent when she wants to be, but if felt like it was a bit too much. And the reaction from other people when Poppy held a sharp object just felt a bit forced and all. Nothenless, I quite enjoyed reading Poppy and Cas' adorable arguments because you have to realize when they are fighting over something that is unnecessary, it doesn't feel like it was forced. It's just so funny reading that Poppy still wants to have Cas' head chopped off, but we already know their real feelings for each other. And the cover already said they are going to be married. There are two golden rings. Does that ring any bell? Surprisingly, the pace of the book was genuinely good, considering the fact that the first book took ages for things to start to start heating up a bit. The speed of the book was much better and all, but I felt like some bits were squished in and it ended a bit fast. Some scenes that I wasn't sure that it was useful but I'm sure it had a connection. "Which part confuses you the most?" he asked, amber eyes unblinking. "It's the part where you think I would actually marry you." I didn't realize until starting reading the book that this was a duology. Or it's a sequel. I thought it was a series, but then again, the story is what matters the most. Not if it's a duology or a series or a trilogy or others. It starts right off from where Hawke announces that he's going to marry Poppy. I was eager to read on for reasons why he would do that, since his original plan involved trading her to get his brother back. Obviously, they fell in love and things changed, so the conclusion was that they were to marry. Unsurprisingly, Poppy doesn't accept it because she's still wounded by Cas' lies and betrayal. So half of the story is about Poppy being confused (about her feelings) and the rest is the journey to go to Atlantia. It's long, but I like long books because I don't have to stop reading it. I keep going and going but then, JLA had to stop where there were SO MANY questions that I have. I'm pretty sure they would be answered, but just to let you know, I am NOT happy that I was left hanging. We also get a lot from other characters as well, and I truly did love them all. Especially Kieran. He's even more funnier than I gave him credit for. I like him. But I'm still #TeamCasteelDa'Near. “You’re welcome,” I panted. “For saving your life.” Breathing raggedly, he jerked the sword back. A wide, bloody smile broke out across his face. “Would this be an inappropriate time to let you know I’m incredibly turned on by you right now?” “Yes.” My gaze shifted to the guard staggering to his feet behind him. “Highly inappropriate.” Poppy is such a badass character and extremely lovable because she totally has a warm heart. She's brave, bold, and beautiful. Even when there are scars on her face, she's still an amazing character. She cares for those she loves, smiles and teases them and mostly, we'll probably do anything to save them. Oh, and we cannot forget her random questions thrown at Kieran and Cas. She's so curious about everything. I'm surprised she hasn't asked the question, "Keiran, why is the sky blue?" or something very random like that. And that made me lik her more as a character. Hawke, who incredibly, irritatingly, (and really, really adorable) is the prince of Atlantia who, has officially got my heart. He just, matches Poppy so well. Their words are always like a challenge but it still makes me laugh so much. I can't believe I once thought he was evil (ok, he may be a tiny bit evil in some places but he's good guy). I have to say, romance in this book was everything. It was about Cas (maybe I should call him Hawke? Because there's a reason behind that name) and Poppy's marriage and their growing feelings. But at one point, I was jealous. Yup, I got jealous for Poppy because Cas had a lover who presumably he loved deeply. The fact that Poppy and Cas had to do some let's pretend game, the romance felt forced. Because they weren't actually aware of their feelings when it came to one another and then finally, they come to a conclusion which I shouted a thank you at them for declaring that a bit late for me. But, I loved this book. SO MUCH. Let's just say some of the reasons I loved this book was because of Cas' existen. I'm always #TeamCasteelDa'Neer. Oh, and did I mention that there is some small chapters of Cas' (at that time, Hawke's) POV when he met Poppy at the Red Pearl? I still have that to read....
❤️🩹
This book was such a roller coaster ride of emotions and I loved every bit of it. I can’t even put it into words… I love it so much. Poppy and Casteel 💕
Muchas páginas de relleno
I have a soft spot for possessive, powerful men and a bonus point if they are vampires and an heir to the kingdom. And I know I have a problem like the rest of us that is very attracted to these book boys. But Casteel is in my top tier book boyfriends with their banter, chemistry and relationship. I also love Kieran and how the three of them are with each other. One of the things I loved most about this series so far is that it is not always predictable and that I didn't expect the plot twists. And the end especially had me rereading the sentences to make sure I read it correctly.
Perfect escapism fantasy.
Highlights
Casteel caught my gaze, and his full lips curved. The dimple in his right cheek appeared. And then the left one. “I like that,” Casteel said.
“What?”
“You looking at me.”
I watched him toss the rolled-up pair of breeches into his bag. “I’m not looking at you.”
“My mistake, then,” he murmured, the dimple in his right cheek remained
"Can I…can I just hold you?” he asked, and I’d never heard him sound so uncertain. “There are things I should be doing, and I know we’re not in public, and I know that what we shared doesn’t change anything, but…can I…can we just pretend?”
“I…I didn’t think you’d let me.”
“Should I have not?”
“Yes? No? I don’t know.” Casteel moved then, slipping one arm under me and the other around me. He tugged me close, sealing my back to his chest. “No takebacks now, though.”
These kinda small moments between them just are the best 🥺
I wanted his mouth on mine, kissing away the lies his lips once spoke.
“I saw that. That little grin.” He leaned in, dipping his chin against the side of my neck. “Why are there times you still hide your smiles from me?” His chest rose with a heavy breath as he sat back. “You have a beautiful smile. That and your laugh. And you…you never laughed enough as it was, but when you did…” I closed my eyes. “When you did, it was like the moment the damn mist finally cleared. Like when the first rays of sun break through the clouds after a heavy storm,” he said without an ounce of embarrassment.
“I need to feel your lips on mine.” He planted his hands on the carriage wall, caging me in. “I need to feel your breath in my lungs. I need to feel your life inside me. I just need you. It’s an ache. This need. Can I have you? All of you?”
Casteel spun then, fangs bared and mouth streaked with crimson. The sword he swung at me halted a mere inch from my neck. His breath came out in short, ragged bursts. “You’re welcome,” I panted. “For saving your life.” Breathing raggedly, he jerked the sword back. A wide, bloody smile broke out across his face. “Would this be an inappropriate time to let you know I’m incredibly turned on by you right now?” “Yes.” My gaze shifted to the guard staggering to his feet behind him. “Highly inappropriate.”
I fucking love them lol.
“I know what I see.” He pulled back, his eyes meeting mine. “Every time I look at you, I see a gift I’m not worthy of.” My breath caught as my heart swelled. It wasn’t new—him saying things like that. What was new was me believing them. “You are worthy,” I told him. “Most of the time.” He cracked a grin. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“You’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature,” he murmured.
I love it when he calls her that. 🥺❤️✨
We wouldn’t borrow from tomorrow’s problems. Or even the problems we could very well face in a handful of hours. Because I was about to marry the man I’d fallen in love with. The man I knew felt the same, even if he hadn’t spoken the words. I was happy. I was scared. I was hopeful. I was excited. And all of those emotions were real.
He took my hand, and I wondered if he could feel it trembling. He could. Casteel folded both hands around mine, steadying my hand. “Penellaphe Balfour?” He stared up at me, and there was no teasing glint to his eyes, no smirk to his lips. No mask. Just him. Casteel Hawkethrone Da’Neer. “Will you do me the honor of allowing me to one day become worthy of you? Will you marry me? Today?” “Yes. I will give you the honor of becoming my husband, because you’re already worthy of me.” Casteel’s eyes closed as he shuddered. “I will marry you.” I dipped down, kissing his forehead. “Today.”
Casteel let go of my hands and stretched up, cupping my cheeks. He leaned in, pressing his forehead to mine, and I swore I felt his hands tremble. “Always,” he whispered in the breath we shared. “Your heart was always safe with me. It always will be. There is nothing I will protect more fiercely or with more devotion, Poppy. Trust in that—in what you feel from me. In me.”
“Do you feel that?” he asked. “What does it feel like?” “Like…it reminds me of chocolate and berries.” I blinked back tears. “Berries—strawberries? I’ve felt that from Vikter—from Ian and my parents. But I’ve never felt it like this—like it’s more decadent somehow.” And I thought I knew what it was. It was the emotion behind the long looks and the seeking touches. The feeling behind the way his arm always tightened around me when we rode together and why he was always messing with my hair. It was the emotion that drove him to draw that line he wouldn’t cross with me. It was why he wouldn’t use compulsion, and it was what allowed him to want to protect me but demanded that he allow me to protect myself. It was how when he was with me, he didn’t think of his kingdom, his brother, or the time he’d been a captive. And it was one of many things forbidden to me as the Maiden. It was love.
“Your heart, Poppy? It is a gift I do not deserve.” He placed his hands on my knees as he lifted his gaze to mine. “But it is one I will protect until my dying breath.(...)"
I thought about my future. Who I used to be, who I was becoming, and who I wanted to be. And it was strange how revelations felt like they happened all of a sudden, but in reality, it took many small, almost indiscernible moments over the course of weeks, months, and years. Bottom line, I knew I didn’t want to be someone who hid anymore, whether behind a veil, to others, or to myself.
“I don’t know what you want from me.” “Everything,” he bit out between clenched teeth. “I want everything.”
He didn’t have pieces of me. He had my whole heart, and he had from the moment he allowed me to protect myself, from the moment he stood beside me instead of in front of me.
I fell in love with him when he was Hawke, and I kept falling once I learned that he was Casteel.
I loved him. I was in love with him, even though that love had been built on a foundation of lies. I loved him even though there was so much I didn’t know about him. I loved him even though I knew I was a willing pawn to him.
I cried. I cried until my head ached. I cried until there was nothing left in me, and I was just a hollow vessel, and then…then I pulled myself together. Because I was no longer a captive. I was no longer the Maiden.
This hurt me so badly omg
“I don’t want to pretend,” I whispered. “I’m Poppy and you’re Casteel, and this is real.”
*big scream*
What existed between Casteel and I was neither right nor wrong. It was messy and complicated, and maybe I’d regret this later as I gave him more and more pieces of me, but I wanted him. And I was so done denying myself anything.
I sank under the water, eyes closed. Bubbling, swishing liquid danced over my face and through my hair. What did I want? Him. I wanted his hands on me, washing away all the reasons why I shouldn’t. I wanted to feel his skin against mine, crowding out the world around us. I wanted the touch of his lips, chasing away any logical protests before they could form. I wanted his mouth on mine, kissing away the lies his lips once spoke. I wanted his hands on me, soothing away the sting of guilt and the feeling that I was betraying myself. I wanted to feel him inside me so I couldn’t feel anything but him. I wanted to be so completely devoured by him that there was no room for the fear that he would become a scar upon my sure-to-be-broken heart.
We stood there for several moments, and at any time, if either of us turned our heads just the slightest, our lips would have met. And I… I thought I would be lost. Or maybe found.