If you are a fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s bestselling series From Blood and Ash, you might be wondering if her latest book, A Shadow in the Ember, is related to it. The answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect. A Shadow in the Ember is not a sequel or a spin-off, but a prequel that takes place thousands of years before the events of From Blood and Ash. It is the first book in a new series called Flesh and Fire, which will explore the origins of the Primals, the Ascended, and the Atlantians.
Contents
What is A Shadow in the Ember about?
A Shadow in the Ember follows the story of Seraphena Mierel, a princess of Lasania who was born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a sign that she is a Maiden chosen by the Fates to be the consort of the Primal of Death. However, Sera’s true destiny is a secret that only a few know: she is not a Maiden, but an assassin with one mission – to kill the Primal of Death and save her kingdom from a deadly plague called 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 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.
A Shadow in the Ember is set in the same world as From Blood and Ash, but in a different time period and location. It reveals the history and mythology behind some of the key elements and characters of From Blood and Ash, such as:
- The Primals: The Primals are powerful beings who are connected to the elements and realms. They are worshipped by some as gods, feared by others as tyrants, and coveted by many as mates. There are six Primals: Nyktos (Death), Selene (Life), Solis (Sun), Lunus (Moon), Thalassa (Sea), and Gaia (Earth). Each Primal has a consort who shares their power and bond.
- The Ascended: The Ascended are humans who have undergone a ritual called the Ascension, which grants them immortality, enhanced strength, speed, and senses, and an insatiable thirst for blood. They claim to be chosen by the gods and rule over most of the lands with an iron fist. They also hunt down and kill any Atlantians or Descenters they find.
- The Atlantians: The Atlantians are humans who have inherited some of the Primal blood and power through their ancestry. They have different abilities depending on which Primal they are descended from, such as shapeshifting, healing, or controlling elements. They are hated and feared by the Ascended, who waged a war against them that resulted in their near-extinction.
- The Descenters: The Descenters are humans who oppose the Ascended and their regime. They believe that the Ascended are corrupted by their bloodlust and that the true heir to the throne is Prince Casteel Da’Neer of Atlantia, also known as the Dark One. They are hunted down and executed by the Ascended for their treason.
Why should you read A Shadow in the Ember?
If you enjoyed From Blood and Ash, you will love A Shadow in the Ember for many reasons:
- It is written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, who is known for her captivating storytelling, engaging characters, steamy romance, and thrilling action.
- It expands on the world-building and lore of From Blood and Ash, giving you more insight into the Primals, their consorts, their powers, their relationships, and their conflicts.
- It introduces new characters that you will fall in love with or hate with a passion, such as Sera, Nyktos, Queen Calliphe, King Erosion, Lord Malec, Lady Rissa, Lord Zephyrion, Lady Eira, Lord Kieranisus (Kieran), Lady Nastia (Tawny), Lord Rylanisus (Rylan), Lord Zarekisus (Zarek), Lady Alana (Alana), Lord Eirikisus (Eirik), Lady Lysandra (Lyra), Lord Thanasisus (Than), Lady Ophelia (Ophie), Lord Iliasus (Ilias), Lady Isadora (Isa), and many more.
- It sets the stage for the upcoming books in the Flesh and Fire series, which will continue to explore the past and the future of the Primals and their consorts, as well as their connection to the Blood and Ash series.
Where can you get A Shadow in the Ember?
A Shadow in the Ember is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. You can order it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, or your local bookstore. You can also check out the Goodreads page for more information, reviews, and ratings.
Conclusion
A Shadow in the Ember is a must-read for fans of From Blood and Ash, as well as anyone who loves fantasy, romance, and adventure. It is a prequel that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the Blood and Ash series, as well as make you eager for more. Don’t miss this epic journey into the world of the Primals and their consorts, where nothing is as it seems and everything is at stake.
