[Skye’s Review]: A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Shadow in the Ember does not disappoint. This prequel series is going to be epic! You can read this book if you haven’t read From Blood and Ash. You won’t be confused at all. If you’ve read From Blood and Ash, then you’ll enjoy seeing little Easter eggs and hints at things that happen in the From Blood and Ash series. Also, for readers of the FBAA series, I encourage you to read this book before The War of Two Queens. This book answers a lot of questions from A Crown of Gilded Bones. 

Sera is such an incredible main character. She’s had a tough life. Growing up, she was told she would save her kingdom by becoming the consort to the Primal of Death. When the day comes for her to become his consort, he tells her he has no need of a consort and flees. All of her training, all of her preparation was for nothing. Now, her family looks upon her with disappointment. She had one purpose, and she failed. Well, Sera isn’t the type to wallow and feel sorry for herself. She helps out her kingdom any way she can. Sometimes it’s by allowing her mother to use her as a personal assassin; other times, she helps rescue women and children from abusive situations. Soon, Sera’s life will change forever. She will meet the Primal of Death again…and this time, he won’t reject her. 

This book is full of things that are known as staples in JLA’s books.

Headstrong, fierce female lead? Check.
Badass, broody, yet secretly a cinnamon roll love interest? Check.
Swoon-worthy, angsty romance? Check.
Intriguing world-building and plot? Check.
Witty banter? Check.
Entertaining side characters? Check.
Drakens (dragons)  and baby drakens? Double check. Okay, this one is specific to this book. It’s not in all of her books, but I had to mention it. The baby dragons are so cute. 

My biggest complaint is the pacing in this book. This book is over 600 pages long. In my opinion, it felt like it took a while for the action to really start. I wasn’t immediately captivated or invested.

A Shadow in the Ember is perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom and Hades and Persephone. Get ready for a slow-burn, angsty romance that will make your heart race! I can’t wait for the sequel! I need to know what happens next!

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder of a baby (not described in detail only mentioned)

Skye

Hi, I’m Skye! I’m a college student by day and a bookstagrammer and book blogger by night. 😉 I’m also fluent in the language of sarcasm, so my kryptonite in any book is great witty banter.

Check out my Instagram account if you want to see my latest book obsessions! Also, feel free to reach out to me on social media if you ever need someone to fangirl with! I love meeting new bookish friends. 🙂