A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer Armentrout
Reviewed by Susie Rivera, Adult Services Specialist
Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy
Suggested age: Adults
What is this book about? Seraphina Mierel has lived her whole life as the Maiden, chosen to be the consort of the mysterious Nyktos, the Primal of Death. Soon, we find out that her real purpose is to become the Consort, gain Nyktos' favor, and then kill him. Her people believe that this is the only way to stop the strange rot that has plagued the land. But, when Sera finally meets the Primal of Death, she finds it hard to kill a man that she begins to have feelings for.
My review: This is the first book in Jennifer Armentrout's Flesh and Fire series. It is a prequel series to the main Blood and Ash series, made popular on BookTok. There are several books in each series. Armentrout recommends publication order for reading them, which would place this one right after book three of Blood and Ash. I've read most books by now, and I think this one could be read either as a stand-alone or as a part of the larger series. The main characters are mentioned in Blood and Ash, and there are key historical events that happen in this book that make the other series make sense. But, you could read this one on your own, or the whole four-book series by itself. Armentrout does a great job with worldbuilding and aside from the romance plot, which is amazing, she includes quite a bit of action and political drama. As a whole, this would be a good recommendation for fans of Sarsh J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, or Carissa Broadbent.
Three words that describe this book: Steamy, compelling, epic
Give this a try if you like: A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, One Dark Window
Rating: 5/5
