On This Page
Description
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a new novel in her Blood and Ash series...Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance?
A Betrayal...
Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He show more wants her to fight him, and that's one order she's more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.
A Choice....
Casteel Da'Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he's the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she's ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she's far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.
A Secret...
But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.
. show less
Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE is the second book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Blood and Ash series, and what a sequel it is! We learn quite a bit about Atlantia and Casteel's life before he met Poppy. Meanwhile, Poppy must accept her place as an unwelcome intruder. Ms. Armentrout provides enough answers to lingering questions to satiate fans of the series. However, she also introduces new questions and conflicts to pique interest in the next book. It is an impressive balancing act.
What I appreciate the most, however, is that Ms. Armentrout could easily use my least favorite romance trope to illustrate Poppy's and Casteel's relationship - miscommunication. However, like in the first book, she steers away from using it and instead depicts show more their relationship for what it is, new. Poppy and Casteel are essentially strangers, and they are still in the learning phase of getting to know one another. Miscommunication between them is natural and expected, especially given that they haven't had the time to sit and talk for hours on end, as new couples are wont to do. Ms. Armentrout doesn't force their relationship. Instead, she allows it to grow beyond physical attraction into something much richer for its naturalness.
Such attention and care devoted to developing their relationship as realistically as she can is only made possible by the fact that Ms. Armentrout has the time and space to do so, given how many more books there are in the series. For me, this is one of the series' selling points. There is no rush to develop anything, no rush to get answers or resolve conflicts. It is rare these days for any book to take the time and word count to do more than further the plot.
It is even rarer for readers to appreciate that time and attention to detail, as so many readers view descriptions as nothing more than boring info dumps. To me, however, I like the slower pacing and the greater attention to those details. The world Poppy inhabits is more alive, more vivid than it would be without them. The enormity of what Casteel endured at the hands of the Ascended would not be possible to realize without the time Ms. Armentrout took to build each layer of that world so that it became as real as the grass beneath your feet.
As in the first book, Poppy remains an awe-inspiring heroine. It would be so easy for her to hide herself away in the face of all of Casteel's people who disapprove of or are suspicious of her. Instead, she does the exact opposite, proving once again that she is neither afraid of confrontation nor of challenging propriety when necessary to prove her point. She does not hide behind Casteel's rank and his proffered protection, and she does not let anyone fight battles in her stead. She might be afraid, but she is never afraid to act. And she definitely does not spend more time than necessary making decisions. There is no wallowing or brooding. Much like Ms. Armentrout does with her dedication to the proper amount of development of the world and to her characters, Poppy defies popular convention in fantasy heroines.
A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE is the type of sequel that made me loathe for the story to end. If it weren't for the fact that I did not have the third book in the series available to me at the time, I would have done exactly that. Instead, I had to settle for switching my attentions to a different book, all while my mind kept flitting back to the last moments of Ms. Armentrout's book and the revelations they held. I can't wait to dive back into Poppy's world to find out what she has to face next. show less
What I appreciate the most, however, is that Ms. Armentrout could easily use my least favorite romance trope to illustrate Poppy's and Casteel's relationship - miscommunication. However, like in the first book, she steers away from using it and instead depicts show more their relationship for what it is, new. Poppy and Casteel are essentially strangers, and they are still in the learning phase of getting to know one another. Miscommunication between them is natural and expected, especially given that they haven't had the time to sit and talk for hours on end, as new couples are wont to do. Ms. Armentrout doesn't force their relationship. Instead, she allows it to grow beyond physical attraction into something much richer for its naturalness.
Such attention and care devoted to developing their relationship as realistically as she can is only made possible by the fact that Ms. Armentrout has the time and space to do so, given how many more books there are in the series. For me, this is one of the series' selling points. There is no rush to develop anything, no rush to get answers or resolve conflicts. It is rare these days for any book to take the time and word count to do more than further the plot.
It is even rarer for readers to appreciate that time and attention to detail, as so many readers view descriptions as nothing more than boring info dumps. To me, however, I like the slower pacing and the greater attention to those details. The world Poppy inhabits is more alive, more vivid than it would be without them. The enormity of what Casteel endured at the hands of the Ascended would not be possible to realize without the time Ms. Armentrout took to build each layer of that world so that it became as real as the grass beneath your feet.
As in the first book, Poppy remains an awe-inspiring heroine. It would be so easy for her to hide herself away in the face of all of Casteel's people who disapprove of or are suspicious of her. Instead, she does the exact opposite, proving once again that she is neither afraid of confrontation nor of challenging propriety when necessary to prove her point. She does not hide behind Casteel's rank and his proffered protection, and she does not let anyone fight battles in her stead. She might be afraid, but she is never afraid to act. And she definitely does not spend more time than necessary making decisions. There is no wallowing or brooding. Much like Ms. Armentrout does with her dedication to the proper amount of development of the world and to her characters, Poppy defies popular convention in fantasy heroines.
A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE is the type of sequel that made me loathe for the story to end. If it weren't for the fact that I did not have the third book in the series available to me at the time, I would have done exactly that. Instead, I had to settle for switching my attentions to a different book, all while my mind kept flitting back to the last moments of Ms. Armentrout's book and the revelations they held. I can't wait to dive back into Poppy's world to find out what she has to face next. show less
Couldn't put it down! I love the honesty of the MFC even when she's lying to herself, she admits it. The character grows stronger and matures in this second book and as she does, so does her relationship with Hawk/Casteel. There are lots of moments of introspection that really gives insight to Poppy's personality but also so much action, battle, and close calls that it never feels slow as they travel ever closer to answers, love, and Casteel's home.
This series has dissolved into utter nonsense at this point. Basically nothing is consistent between this book and the last one but honestly it is fucking hilarious.
Firstoff, the dead bones clan wtf? This sounds like the villian out of a childrens movie, or like those skull coconuts from moana not lifethreating, savage killers who are also cannibals. So good. All i can imagine is a bunch of first graders trying to kill casteel and the gang.
Secondly, she has this habit of using the vaguest language in her sex scene’s and to me it’s just really funny because she’s obviously referring to real things and she uses the same few phrases over and over again:
“The tip of my breast”…. Bitch do you mean nipple?
“The sensitive bundle show more of nerves”….. Bitch do you mean clit?
“The turgid peak” ….? Im not even gonna pretend i know wtf that’s supposed to be but it sounds disgusting. Honestly all these do.
And my personal favorite: “The upper swells of my behind”…. Bitch do you mean butt cheeks? Bruh the utter brilliance of this line astounds me. It’s so beautiful. UPPER SWELLS. It’s not just the swells of the behind, no no no NO, its the UPPER swells. I just want to thank Jennifer for putting this line into the universe. But can you imagine if instead she had said “the upper swells of my booty cheeks” I mean THAT would have been epic.
The threesome thing had me DEAD. I mean that was supposed to be some lore thing. Come on now. If you want the main characters to have a threesome you don’t have to be so fucking weird about it. Just fucking do it. Have some balls. But seriously the way the whole thing was discussed was HILARIOUS. Like it’s some BIG SIN to have a fucking threesome. Come on now. Smh. also if there is not a threesome scene in the next book I will be SO disappointed.
I HATE THE HONEYDEW THING ITS SO DISGUSTING (if you know then you know)
via GIPHY
Also I present to you the most confusing sentence in the book: “you can pretend that this isn’t because you don’t have a of need me.” Read it outloud and it sounds like word vomit. Even in context it doesn’t really make sense. show less
Firstoff, the dead bones clan wtf? This sounds like the villian out of a childrens movie, or like those skull coconuts from moana not lifethreating, savage killers who are also cannibals. So good. All i can imagine is a bunch of first graders trying to kill casteel and the gang.
Secondly, she has this habit of using the vaguest language in her sex scene’s and to me it’s just really funny because she’s obviously referring to real things and she uses the same few phrases over and over again:
“The tip of my breast”…. Bitch do you mean nipple?
“The sensitive bundle show more of nerves”….. Bitch do you mean clit?
“The turgid peak” ….? Im not even gonna pretend i know wtf that’s supposed to be but it sounds disgusting. Honestly all these do.
And my personal favorite: “The upper swells of my behind”…. Bitch do you mean butt cheeks? Bruh the utter brilliance of this line astounds me. It’s so beautiful. UPPER SWELLS. It’s not just the swells of the behind, no no no NO, its the UPPER swells. I just want to thank Jennifer for putting this line into the universe. But can you imagine if instead she had said “the upper swells of my booty cheeks” I mean THAT would have been epic.
The threesome thing had me DEAD. I mean that was supposed to be some lore thing. Come on now. If you want the main characters to have a threesome you don’t have to be so fucking weird about it. Just fucking do it. Have some balls. But seriously the way the whole thing was discussed was HILARIOUS. Like it’s some BIG SIN to have a fucking threesome. Come on now. Smh. also if there is not a threesome scene in the next book I will be SO disappointed.
I HATE THE HONEYDEW THING ITS SO DISGUSTING (if you know then you know)
via GIPHY
Also I present to you the most confusing sentence in the book: “you can pretend that this isn’t because you don’t have a of need me.” Read it outloud and it sounds like word vomit. Even in context it doesn’t really make sense. show less
This series has dissolved into utter nonsense at this point. Basically nothing is consistent between this book and the last one but honestly it is fucking hilarious.
Firstoff, the dead bones clan wtf? This sounds like the villian out of a childrens movie, or like those skull coconuts from moana not lifethreating, savage killers who are also cannibals. So good. All i can imagine is a bunch of first graders trying to kill casteel and the gang.
Secondly, she has this habit of using the vaguest language in her sex scene’s and to me it’s just really funny because she’s obviously referring to real things and she uses the same few phrases over and over again:
“The tip of my breast”…. Bitch do you mean nipple?
“The sensitive bundle show more of nerves”….. Bitch do you mean clit?
“The turgid peak” ….? Im not even gonna pretend i know wtf that’s supposed to be but it sounds disgusting. Honestly all these do.
And my personal favorite: “The upper swells of my behind”…. Bitch do you mean butt cheeks? Bruh the utter brilliance of this line astounds me. It’s so beautiful. UPPER SWELLS. It’s not just the swells of the behind, no no no NO, its the UPPER swells. I just want to thank Jennifer for putting this line into the universe. But can you imagine if instead she had said “the upper swells of my booty cheeks” I mean THAT would have been epic.
The threesome thing had me DEAD. I mean that was supposed to be some lore thing. Come on now. If you want the main characters to have a threesome you don’t have to be so fucking weird about it. Just fucking do it. Have some balls. But seriously the way the whole thing was discussed was HILARIOUS. Like it’s some BIG SIN to have a fucking threesome. Come on now. Smh. also if there is not a threesome scene in the next book I will be SO disappointed.
I HATE THE HONEYDEW THING ITS SO DISGUSTING (if you know then you know)
via GIPHY
Also I present to you the most confusing sentence in the book: “you can pretend that this isn’t because you don’t have a of need me.” Read it outloud and it sounds like word vomit. Even in context it doesn’t really make sense. show less
Firstoff, the dead bones clan wtf? This sounds like the villian out of a childrens movie, or like those skull coconuts from moana not lifethreating, savage killers who are also cannibals. So good. All i can imagine is a bunch of first graders trying to kill casteel and the gang.
Secondly, she has this habit of using the vaguest language in her sex scene’s and to me it’s just really funny because she’s obviously referring to real things and she uses the same few phrases over and over again:
“The tip of my breast”…. Bitch do you mean nipple?
“The sensitive bundle show more of nerves”….. Bitch do you mean clit?
“The turgid peak” ….? Im not even gonna pretend i know wtf that’s supposed to be but it sounds disgusting. Honestly all these do.
And my personal favorite: “The upper swells of my behind”…. Bitch do you mean butt cheeks? Bruh the utter brilliance of this line astounds me. It’s so beautiful. UPPER SWELLS. It’s not just the swells of the behind, no no no NO, its the UPPER swells. I just want to thank Jennifer for putting this line into the universe. But can you imagine if instead she had said “the upper swells of my booty cheeks” I mean THAT would have been epic.
The threesome thing had me DEAD. I mean that was supposed to be some lore thing. Come on now. If you want the main characters to have a threesome you don’t have to be so fucking weird about it. Just fucking do it. Have some balls. But seriously the way the whole thing was discussed was HILARIOUS. Like it’s some BIG SIN to have a fucking threesome. Come on now. Smh. also if there is not a threesome scene in the next book I will be SO disappointed.
I HATE THE HONEYDEW THING ITS SO DISGUSTING (if you know then you know)
via GIPHY
Also I present to you the most confusing sentence in the book: “you can pretend that this isn’t because you don’t have a of need me.” Read it outloud and it sounds like word vomit. Even in context it doesn’t really make sense. show less
Poppy, Hawke and Kieran are all back with a new cast of characters in tow. There is playful banter and some serious moments... and don’t forget the steam. This is New Adult, not YA, so it’s very hot and steamy. But don’t worry, Poppy hasn’t lost her sass or her strength...
This is a LONG book... a long and fantastic book. Unfortunately, I was also reading it at a time when I had a lot going on and couldn’t binge the book like I intended. But maybe even more realistically contributing to the speed at which I read was the fact that I just simply didn’t want it to end. I knew that if I read it quickly, it was just that much longer I would have to wait for the next installment. And knowing JLA, I was absolutely certain this book show more would end on some sort of big cliffhanger that would leave me in a book hangover for days (or longer).
Well, I’m here to tell you - I was NOT wrong. No matter how long I savored this book (and I did savor it), I’m still left sitting here waiting months for the next release. show less
This is a LONG book... a long and fantastic book. Unfortunately, I was also reading it at a time when I had a lot going on and couldn’t binge the book like I intended. But maybe even more realistically contributing to the speed at which I read was the fact that I just simply didn’t want it to end. I knew that if I read it quickly, it was just that much longer I would have to wait for the next installment. And knowing JLA, I was absolutely certain this book show more would end on some sort of big cliffhanger that would leave me in a book hangover for days (or longer).
Well, I’m here to tell you - I was NOT wrong. No matter how long I savored this book (and I did savor it), I’m still left sitting here waiting months for the next release. show less
“You probably think that was excessive,” he said, dropping the crumpled, blood-stained napkin onto his plate. “It wasn’t. No one speaks of you or to you like that and lives.”
Ugh, this book! I absolutely loved it. All things I did not get out of book one, I had in book two. Loved the banter and conversations between Poppy and Cas. Additionally, we got a very involved look into the development of their relationship. Plus, I love that Poppy did not just let Cas off the hook for everything from FBAA. Cannot say enough about the character development in this book.
Ugh, this book! I absolutely loved it. All things I did not get out of book one, I had in book two. Loved the banter and conversations between Poppy and Cas. Additionally, we got a very involved look into the development of their relationship. Plus, I love that Poppy did not just let Cas off the hook for everything from FBAA. Cannot say enough about the character development in this book.
I can't wait for the third book in this series, but this review is about the second book, so here goes. Poppy has been betrayed by Hawke, the man she was falling in love with who is now revealed as the Dark One. Everything she thought she knew is different, and she's having a hard time coping.
I just finished this author's Wicked series (different genre) but one thing I've noticed is how very good Ms. Armentrout is at plot twists. I never know what's coming in her books and yet, she resolves everything very satisfactorily. The same happens here along with great characters, incredible chemistry, unique settings and pretty good writing. The first part of the book is a little slow but I forgave her because it ends up with such a bang. April show more can't come soon enough. show less
I just finished this author's Wicked series (different genre) but one thing I've noticed is how very good Ms. Armentrout is at plot twists. I never know what's coming in her books and yet, she resolves everything very satisfactorily. The same happens here along with great characters, incredible chemistry, unique settings and pretty good writing. The first part of the book is a little slow but I forgave her because it ends up with such a bang. April show more can't come soon enough. show less
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
books featured on the book struggles twt
97 works; 2 members
Vampire Romance
70 works; 1 member
Books - Armentrout, Jennifer L: Blood and Ash
8 works; 1 member
Author Information
167+ Works 59,821 Members
Jennifer L. Armentrout was born on June 11, 1980. She writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. Her works include the Covenant series, the Lux series, and The Dark Elements series. She also writes adult and new adult romance under the name J. Lynn. (Bowker Author Biography)
Some Editions
Series
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- Original title
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- Original publication date
- 2020-09-01
- Quotations
- I don’t want to pretend,” I whispered. “I’m Poppy and you’re Casteel, and this is real.
Let’s make a deal that we don’t borrow tomorrow’s problems today.
He was the first thing I’d ever truly chosen for myself.
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.
I fell for you when you were Hawke, and I kept falling for you when you became Casteel.
But even so, sometimes, the heartbreak that comes with loving someone is worth it, even if loving that person means eventually saying goodbye to them. (show all 7)
The world, no matter how big, is often smaller than we realize. - Canonical DDC/MDS
- 813.6
- Canonical LCC
- PS3612.Y5467
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 3,703
- Popularity
- 4,316
- Reviews
- 50
- Rating
- (4.30)
- Languages
- 12 — Czech, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Turkish, Portuguese (Portugal)
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 31
- ASINs
- 9