Member Reviews

I was so excited to read this part and i absolutely loved it. The plotline gets more interesting and brilliant too. The characters were amazing as they were in the previous parts.
Listening to this audiobook was such an enjoyable experience for me.

Was this review helpful?

This is an intense and satisfying conclusion to the "Flesh and Fire" series. Sera and Nyktos face overwhelming challenges as they battle dark forces and confront their inner demons. Sera's journey is both heartbreaking and empowering, and her relationship with Nyktos deepens in powerful ways. The book expertly ties up loose ends and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. With high stakes, emotional depth, and epic battles, this finale is a must-read for fans of the series.

Was this review helpful?

I have to admit, this latest installment left me feeling underwhelmed, as if the series has lost the magic that originally drew me in. The plot felt slow and, at times, aimless. I kept waiting for something to click, to regain the sense of wonder from earlier books, but it never really happened. It makes me wonder if I’m missing something. I was hoping to see Sera come into her own and experience genuine happiness. Instead, much like the previous installment, we were taken through a lot of trauma processing and violence, only to end with an epilogue that served more as a synopsis connecting the prequel series with Poppy’s story.

There were still moments I appreciated. But overall I was missing the magic of A Shadow in the Ember which was a top read of mine last year. I wanted the series to end on a high note.

I listened to the audiobook (thank you Brilliance Audio). Stina Neilson continued to amaze me. She has 37 hours of story in this book alone. If you have read the rest of the series, you know she is wonderful.

Was this review helpful?

Dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping and confinement from Kolis, Sera must learn to adapt to her new life as the true primal of life and death. But Kolis has his own agenda and allies, none of which include wanting Sera on the throne.

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Narration: 5/5

Tropes:
USA against the world
Prophecy
Pregnancy

Triggers:
PTSD
References to SA
Mùrder

My thoughts:
As narrator, Stina Neilsen can do no wrong. I love how she brings the book to life, and makes the listener feel exactly what the characters do. This book has a lot of characters and I was never confused about who was on page. Listening to this was a lovely way to end this prequel series.

Was this review helpful?

4.25 stars! I truly loves Sera and Ash, and let’s be real, their entire inner circle as well. I also think the baddies in this story are fantastic villains, and it’s very easy to hate them. The book starts off a bit slow, IMO, but when things really get moving (I would say it takes a good 1/3 of the book for this to happen), I started to get really engaged. The story wasn’t without it’s devastation and tragedy, but it also was full of some very sweet moments, some ‘hėll yeah’ moments, not to mention all the absolutely spicy awesomeness we get between Sera and Ash (this book is full of it, and I’m 1000% here for it). And by the time I went get to the last page, the stage is most definitely set for this series and the Blood and Ash series to come together and become something pretty awesome (which I am absolutely looking forward to). It’s not a perfect book, but it was a great book, and I think a good ending for the part of the series that is just Sera and Ash. I think there is definitely room for a novella that will bridge the two series, potentially, but that really depends on what we get then their story continues in the Blood and Ash series, so I will withhold my final opinions on that for now.

Stina Nielsen absolutely slays in the narration, as she has with the prior books in the series. She does a phenomenal job giving each character a unique voice, and I always thoroughly enjoy her narration.

Was this review helpful?

This narrator is always a treat. I loved this book and sera !!!! I honestly can not wait for the conclusion of fbaa. I am so grateful that it is all coming together. I regret ever doubting this author.

Was this review helpful?

Sera is back with Nyktos after getting away from Kolis and her ascension into the primal of life is complete. Being back with everyone she loves is bliss but Sera is now the Queen of Gods and needs to stop Kolis as the true primal of death gets stronger.

JLA and her men!! Nyktos is as usual amazing. I love the parallels in this series with Caseel & Poppy and how everything is coming together for an epic conclusion of the Blood & Ash series soon. The middle of the book did get repetitive and did have pacing issues but overall a good read.

Was this review helpful?

I'm so sorry to see this series end. It was wonderful to see how Poppy parents came into being and where she got her stubbornness, pride and powers from. I normally am not big on prequels but this series was even better then For Blood And Ash for me. I love that it felt like a definitive beginning and ending with no questions left unanswered.

Stina did an incredible job as usual on the narration.

Overall a lovely ending to a brilliant series.

Was this review helpful?

I adore JLA and I am so excited for this next installment. Each books gives you little nibbles of answers and dozens more questions - which just leaves me ravenous for the next story. This one was a big one, and I am absolutely feral for where the story goes next.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Brilliance Audio for the ALC!

I am a big Jennifer L Armentrout fan and this series has been nothing short of addicting. I absolutely loved Born of Blood and Ash! It was a great next installment in this world and I have just loved every bit of this story and these characters!

Was this review helpful?

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout brings us the exciting conclusion to the Flesh and Fire romantasy series narrated by Stina Nielsen. Battles, surprises and swoons await you.

Sera is free from Kolis, but her time as his captive haunt her. Reunited with Nyktos, she must accept her role as Queen of the Gods and convinced the courts to join forces with her and Ash.

Sera discovers much more is at stake and wonders how much the Fates and the prophecy have played a role in what is to come. Armentrout of course pulled me in with antics in the high court, unexpected surprises and the characters themselves.

The overall arc delivered answers and clarified some of the events that occured. The author is a masterful storyteller and hooked me. I was worried I wouldn’t remember details, but as soon as I began to listen I was once again beside Sera & Ash. I loved the court, the bickering and the shenanigans. Sera is clever and Ash ever supportive.

The battle scenes were fantastic and while I felt the ending fell a little flat for me, I was overall pleased with the outcome. If you love mythology, prophecy plots, and strong romances with plenty of steam and unexpected spice, you’ll want to dive into this series. I highly recommend listening.

Stina Nielsen narrates and has really become the voice of these characters. Listening enhanced my overall enjoyment of the series & romance. I loved the tone and playfulness Nielsen brought to the characters as much as the badass moments.

Was this review helpful?

I can hardly believe that one of my most anticipated releases of the year is finally in my hands! I feel incredibly fortunate to have received an early copy, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and Jennifer L. Armentrout for giving a small account like mine the chance to shine.

I don’t want to spoil anything because we’ve all been eagerly waiting for this incredible conclusion, and I’m terrified of revealing even the tiniest detail that could ruin it for anyone. Just know that this book is everything I hoped for and more, and it’s absolutely worth the wait!

Was this review helpful?

This series is everything and more! JLA is a mastermind in how she weaves her stories, and I’m not sure anyone can do it better. This book was an amazing series conclusion and I hate that it’s over. I love this author’s books and will continue to read any she releases. I love this series!

Was this review helpful?

Throughout these four books, Sera and Ash have captivated me like no other. I cried with them, laughed with them, mourned with them. And ached for all that’s yet to come, the loss they’ve yet to face. But I also felt so much joy experiencing their love for each other and their found family. Oh how every single moment featuring Jadis and Reaver warmed my heart so much 🥹.

So much comes together in this final book. The choices they make in the future make so much more sense. We see truly mortally grey characters and what the wrath of an incredibly powerful being looks like, no matter the intentions. The thought provoking exploration of the decision to go to war and the far reaching consequences featured heavily throughout the book as the characters decide how to handle Kolis after all the horror he’s already wrought. The story is action packed, keeping you on your toes with unexpected curveballs and heart pounding battles. I absolutely loved how Sera’s condition was handled and she fought no matter what. Themes of trauma and recovery are also explored with care and honesty.

Sacrifices were made, goodbyes had to be said, but these characters will stay with me for a long time. And I cannot wait to see them again in the next FBAA!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC it was perfect and the narrator of this series is awesome she did amazing job doing all these voices.

I think this would have been my favorite book in the whole series if it wasn’t dragged out a bit and repetitive in some places. I’m pretty sure it would have been a 5-star read, but it’s still a solid 4 stars, and I enjoyed every second. Ash and Sera are one of my favorite couples ever, and they will always have a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see them again in the last book of the *B&A* series. I’m sure they’ll make an appearance.

Attes! He stole my heart in this book—he absolutely wrecked me, and I think he’s my favorite character in the entire series.

This series has so much information, prophecies, and interconnected details with the other series. I need to know how JLA’s mind works, how did she come up with these plots and connect them together like this?

I can’t wait for *The Primal of Blood and Bone*! Can we just release it right now?

<b> I rose, not as the true Primal of Life but as a Primal of devastating ruin and wrath.

“You are who I fell in love with, Sera. Every part of you. Not just the easy stuff but the complicated, messy aspects, too. I love each part of you equally. You will always be what I cherish most, liessa.” Clasping my cheeks, he kissed the top of my head. “Nothing will ever change that.”

“Sotoria could’ve killed two Primals if she had the chance.”

</b>

Was this review helpful?

One helluva ride!!

The fourth books starts where the previous book left us and OMG. Sera and Ash have been through so much in the previous books. It was nice to see how the couple work on things in this book.
The author did a very good job with revealing some important things and ending this series on a high note. This series is epic. I absolutely loved it!!
I ended up listening to the audiobook and it’s fantastic! Stina Nielsen does a wonderful job portraying Sera, Ash and many of the other characters. Stina has a wide range of emotions and tones as well.

Was this review helpful?

Sera and Nyktos’ story has been so captivating that the finale for them had to be just as riveting. And WOW, JLA delivered. From the absolute devastating ending of the last book, there were so many loose ends to tie. How is Sera post-ascension? What happened with Nyktos? What about the (imaginary, at this point…) babies?!? This book was an absolute powerhouse, navigating the trauma that Sera faced over the last few books while also FACING A WAR. I mean, we’ve all met Kolis, we know what is coming. This book was absolutely engaging and captivating and EVERYTHING from page one all the way to the end. I loved every second. It was such a perfect tie up to Nyktos and Sera until we see them again in the Blood and Ash world. I am counting down the days till Poppy and Sera meet. I cannot wait. Sera was such a dimensional character in this book and I was blown away by it. She was a primal god. She was a friend. She was a partner. She was a person overcoming trauma. She was a person struggling with identity. It was so refreshing to read a heroine that was so strong and amazing but who also had weak moments and really embodied that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. She’s fantastic. And everything that she is, Nyktos was the same and more. It was so great to read a character that has always been strong and powerful and dynamic but who struggled at times and didn’t know how to assist or how to support. Watching him and Sera build their relationship through this book was just perfect to see play out. These two were really just a masterclass in relationship goals.

Was this review helpful?

Jennifer L Armentrout has done it again!!!

In this thrilling conclusion to the Flesh and Fire series, Sera and Nyktos face a battle between gods, love, and vengeance. As the realms hang in the balance, Sera’s bloodline holds the key to their fate. Prepare for an epic finale! 🔥📚

Was this review helpful?

CW/TW DISCLAIMER: I think it’s very important to read her trigger warnings fully and thoroughly prior to reading this book. I found them thorough, and was very glad that they were provided both in print and audio format.

I will spoiler free be reviewing both the book and audiobook narration itself.

I can’t believe it’s time to type my review for the final book in Flesh and Fire. As I sit here beginning it, I am still not ready to let the series go. However I will say with utmost confidence and gratitude that Jen truly left it all on the page. I can’t imagine what more she could have given us, truly I see why she said it needed this length because she gave her all. We finally see more of the nesting, loving deepening by the second romance between Sera and Nyktos come to a full and stunningly beautiful fruition. We are given so many answers to many a theory and we weren’t rushed through how the journey got us there. As always I keep it spoiler free so I can’t say much but I will say that it is a JLANDERS mega fans delight. There’s easter eggs, and tied up strings, and breadcrumbs we’ve followed finally taking us to our destination. It’s plot galore without feeling heavy or dragging. The pacing was exactly what felt right with a story of this magnitude. There’s revenge, and valor, and pain and triumph. BOBAA is full and beautiful, and worthy of its predecessors. This is a careful readers dream and I cannot wait to watch the excitement unfold when this book hits the fandom like a freight train. It will still all your sleep, and secure Nyktos’s place forever in your heart if he didn’t live there already. Get ready readers, this will be the explosive heart stopping ride you’ve been waiting for!

Audiobook Narration: Stina Nielson is BACK and she’s just as powerful as ever. I personally love her narration for both Flesh and Fire and Blood & Ash and it’s wholeheartedly because she has truly mastered the art of being able to narrate any gender, and any accent. She’s got incredible range and emotion and she brought it back yet again. For anyone who struggles to keep all the many characters deciphered I cannot recommend the audiobooks more because she has distinct voices for absolutely everyone no matter how small their role is. It’s also really helpful with pronunciation of course. I cannot recommend this series with audiobook enough it truly brings these already vibrant characters even more to life and allows you to lean into the story with her keeping clear who is speaking with such strong distinction.

Thank you so much to Jennifer L Armentrout and Brilliance Audio for giving me the Advanced Listening Copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. It’s been an absolute pleasure ARC reading this entire series with you! Thank you Kendyl for the opportunities you have given me!

Thank you to Jennifer L Armentrout and Blue Box Press for giving me the physical ARC and PR box, my views are entirely my own. It’s been such an honor to contribute to support and ARC read these worlds thanks to you all, and especially Jillian Stein.

Was this review helpful?