Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rating: 5 stars

Summary (Goodreads):

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 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.

Review:


WOW I am in a state of shock! I don't even know what to think after that ending😱

Let me say that I had HIGH expectations going into this sequel, and Jennifer Armentrout did not disappoint. After the ending of the first book and the revelation that Hawke was Prince Casteel, I wasn't sure how Poppy's relationship with him would proceed. For me, I needed Poppy to continue to be her typical bad ass self and not just accept Cas. She absolutely did this and more. She fought Cas every step of the way, but it just added to the angst between these two. They are my absolute favorite couple with their witty banter, the threats of stabbing, and their INSANE chemistry. Although it took a majority of the book for Poppy to accept her feelings and forgive the past, there was no shortage of sexy times😉. Now Cas/Hawke really grew in this book, he wasn't afraid to open up to Poppy even though it took a little convincing. I feel for him so much; his life has not been easy and as a result never feels worthy of Poppy. However, they are able to grow as their own people but also as a couple throughout this book. 

Another pleasant surprise was Kieran-Hawke's best friend. He added so much eye roll and sass to the constant tension between Hawke and Poppy. I can't wait to find out more of his story in the rest of the books. 

I felt this book moved at a very good pace for it being a sequel. There weren't as many action scenes as the first one, but this book was more on character development and world building, so the rest of the series is able to pick up after this one. I loved learning more about Poppy's powers and her bloodline. I have a feeling there are going to be some big revelations about her parents and where she comes from in the next books and I can not wait!!


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