Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - A Fire in the Flesh

This book is pretty depressing for the first third or half, and kind of a slog. I appreciate that Armentrout isn't afraid to depict the psychological and physical abuse Kolis puts Sera through, and the effect it has on her, but it doesn't make for the most fun reading, and I missed Ash's and Sera's dynamic a lot (although the dream scenes were definitely a good salve). Everything Sera learns is interesting, though, and her slow realization of her own power and will is captivating. The back half or third of the book picks up a lot, and once Ash was back in the picture I basically breathed a sigh of relief lol. It's obviously inevitable that somehow some way he'll love her, and yet the journey to get there was lovely.

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claragweny's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Of the Flesh and Fire series so far, this was my least favorite because of the first 60%-ish of the book. I think the amount spent on Sera's captivity could have been reduced by quite a bit. I do think the long, agonizing struggle, of what essentially boils down to sexual assault and abuse, really lets us be able to experience Sera's true power and relief when she and Ash are reunited. I just wish that part of the story had been condensed. Oh, but the last 10% of the book? Totally worth it.

Ash is truly the #1 shadow daddy in my rank.

From Blood and Ash spoilers below:
Is it just me or does this book allude to Poppy being Sotoria reborn??

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janeywaneyb's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

A needed part of the story as both series start to really entwine. Sera’s time with Kolis is a little slow but Kolis is well written as I couldn't stand him. I spent every page willing Ash to return. The ending is a little abrupt and very spicy. I love this series so not a bad story could come out of it.

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zg0612's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This book was really good, besides the times when i had figured stuff out before the characters had,

like the whole Star Diamond being in her cage the whole time. That was obvious since day 1.

But i liked how we got to see more of Kolis’s personality and why is the way he is. I now LOVE Rhain. He’s my bff now. Elias is totally gay. I’m just going to call that rn.

And what on earth is giving on w Attes and Lilah??

Attes is the best btw. And i love how he doesn’t give a fuck abt how people interpret him. And his sarcasm?! Chef’s kiss. He’s Awesome.

And i love Ash FINALYY saying ily 🥰🥰.

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kaydie96's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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brysonchristina1's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I absolutely loved the first two books, so much so that I reread them immediately, but this one didn't hit the same.

The first half of the book could have easily been half the length. And it was frustrating that all the romance was shoved into the last 5 chapters or so. I was bored through a lot of this book. Not much happened and I'm not left with wanting for the next book.

I'm also under the impression that JLA makes up the plot as she goes. This book, especially, has so many contradictions to the earlier books and even the FBAA timeline. The surprise at the end,

that Ash only recently had his kardia removed

, didn't feel believable. I didn't get that "oh duh I should have seen that coming" feeling that I get when reading other fantasy plot twists.

I DNF'd the third FBAA book, and I have the feeling I'll DNF this series too.

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