A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Book 2)
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 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.
In the second installment of the Blood and Ash series, "A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the captivating story of Poppy and Hawke continues. Poppy, the Maiden, is now the Queen of Solis, and she faces the daunting task of uniting the realms and bringing peace to a world torn apart by war.
As Poppy struggles to navigate the treacherous political landscape, she must also contend with the growing darkness within her. The power of the Blood Queen threatens to consume her, and she must find a way to control it before it destroys her and everything she holds dear.
Meanwhile, Hawke, the Dark One, is determined to protect Poppy from the forces that seek to destroy her, even if it means sacrificing his own life. As their bond deepens, Poppy and Hawke must confront their pasts and make choices that will shape the fate of their kingdom, and perhaps even the world.
"A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire" is a thrilling and emotional roller coaster that will keep readers captivated from the first page to the last. Jennifer L. Armentrout masterfully weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Here are some of the key themes explored in "A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire":
- Power and Corruption: The novel explores the corrupting influence of power, and the consequences of wielding it irresponsibly. Poppy struggles to balance her newfound authority with her own moral compass, while Hawke grapples with the dark impulses that threaten to consume him.
- Love and Sacrifice: The relationship between Poppy and Hawke is central to the story, and it is tested by the challenges they face. Both characters are willing to make sacrifices for each other, even if it means putting their own lives at risk.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Both Poppy and Hawke carry the weight of their pasts, and they must find a way to forgive themselves and others in order to move forward. The novel explores the power of redemption, and the possibility of finding healing after trauma.
- The Battle Between Good and Evil: The conflict between Poppy and the forces of darkness is a central theme in the novel. Poppy must find a way to harness her power and use it for good, while Hawke must fight against the darkness that threatens to consume him.
With its complex characters, heart-pounding action, and thought-provoking themes, "A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire" is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance and paranormal fiction.
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