Genres: Romantic Fantasy, New Adult, NA Fantasy | Release Date: 30 September 2023 | Series: Flames Like Darkness | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 338 | Indie Authors | Review
“Life was red in the fae lands. The same as winter was onyx. Death.”
Belle Manuel & Angelina J. Steffort
Overview:
I am so very grateful to indie authors Belle Manuel and Angelina J. Steffort, for giving me an ARC of Flames Like Darkness! I completely devoured this tale, because I couldn’t put it down once I started. This NA romantic fantasy is such a bewitching and unique story, I’m already aching for book two! But let’s give you an overview before I share my happiness boosts…
Calla Dryei is expected to become the next ruler of Breeda, but has spent much of her time escaping the palace to dance amongst commoners in the Forsaken slums. She never expected a case of mistaken identity would see her kidnapped by Griffyn Darkriver, a Shadow assassin who is also half-fae. When Calla makes a bargain with him, her life debt is sealed. And the fae always collect. But can Griffyn save Calla from dark secrets that would mean her death? Why is it a bad thing that Calla, like her father, wants peace between humans and fae? Powerful magic is about to combust, and the consequences will be dire…
Happiness Boost:
Flames Like Darkness is a *glorious* romantic fantasy, and I’m absolutely living for Calla and Griffyn’s damaged souls! Belle and Angelina have created a feisty, complicated enemies to lovers tale with this duo, and I couldn’t be happier. For an assassin who should’ve ‘fixed’ his mistake and moved on, Griffyn is actually the morally grey Robin Hood I didn’t know I’ve been searching for all these years. You have no idea how much I want to reach in and tell him he’s a better half-fae than he realises. If I could have a 10,000 page book full of Griffyn’s journey, it still wouldn’t be enough!
Listen, when I’m told there’s magic, fae, and moments that will crack my heart open? I’m not even hesitating at this point, I’m diving right in because we all know it’s going to be *epic*. And oh my goodness glitterbugs, does Flames Like Darkness deliver! Belle and Angelina take a bow, because you’ve absolutely packed this romantasy with delicious moments! I wish I could say more about exactly what these authors have created, but I don’t want to give away spoilers. However, I *can* promise you that you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t add this to your TBR!
This may be a random happiness boost, and I’m very okay with admitting that before I say it… But can we talk about the idea of the Three-Eyed Hyena (basically the God of Death and Darkness’ pet)? I may not say it often enough, but I am a big fan of Tamora Pierce’s writing, so when I read about this hyena I was transported to The Emperor Mage for a moment. I can’t put it into words really, but the sense of home and welcome this gave me? Pure joy. Honestly, I’m over the moon with every single thing in Flames Like Darkness!
Downside:
No downside! I love, love, LOVE this book. I will be getting everything in this series as it comes out, even if it somehow turns into a 50 book saga. That’s how much I love it!
Final Thoughts:
Flames Like Darkness by indie authors Belle Manuel and Angelina J. Steffort is a romantasy full of magic, shadows and the ultimate betrayal. I love this beautiful story and could probably even talk about it while underwater. I promise it will keep you turning pages long after midnight! If you love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on the link below to pre-order this amazing book! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order Flames Like Darkness via this link: Amazon
