Synopsis:
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.
Favorite Lines:
“He was the first thing I’d ever truly chosen for myself.”
“Let’s make a deal that we won’t borrow tomorrow’s problems today.”
“‘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.'”
My Opinion:
Guyyyyyyyyyys. It has been a MINUTE since a book made me feel this hard. This is on par with Sarah J. Maas in terms of emotions. It is too early to tell if the plot will be as complicated. I am so, so happy that I started reading this series and I am so, so sad that the next one won’t be out until 2021.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, is the second book in the Blood and Ash series. It follows Poppy as she tries to adjust to a life where she isn’t slave destined to sit in her room and be controlled until she is given to the Gods. Poppy and Hawke/Casteel are traveling to his home of Atlantia to be married in hopes that it will serve them both in being reunited with their brothers and prevent a full-scale war.
In this book we see a lot of romance, action, and self-growth from Poppy. I literally could not put this book down and read it all in a 24-hour period. I literally felt my heart clench and hurt multiple times throughout this book. I am so happy with how it turned out but also so mad that were left on such a big cliff hanger. I won’t spoil anything but lets just say there is so much that needs to still happen and hopefully this series will be more than just a trilogy because I need it in my life longer.
Summary:
Overall, I will be counting down the days until the next book comes out in 2021. The cliff hanger just made it clear that there is SO much more to come and I can’t wait. I hope you all enjoy this book and this series as much as I have. Happy reading!!!
Likely Story 