Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Born of Blood and Ash – From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the breathtaking conclusion to her highly acclaimed Flesh and Fire series.

The Epic Finale of a Fantasy Romance Novel: Born of Blood and Ash

In “Born of Blood and Ash,” the line between love and obsession has never been more blurred. Sera, now free from the malevolent grip of Kolis, finds herself surrounded by those she cherishes most. Yet, despite her newfound freedom, the shadows of her past continue to linger. Haunted by memories of her trials, Sera clings to the hope of a future with Nyktos, the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos, unwavering in his love, accepts every part of Sera, even the monstrous ones she battles within herself.

As Sera and Nyktos prepare to face the ultimate battle for the realms, their bond is tested like never before. Sera must come to terms with her destiny as the Queen of the Gods, but first, she must find the faith within herself. With the fate of Iliseeum and the mortal realm hanging in the balance, they seek the support of the other Courts to stand against Kolis. However, as Sera uncovers the secrets of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the ominous prophecy, it becomes clear that their struggle is part of something much larger—a battle that goes beyond Kolis and his dark desires.

A Battle of Gods and Fate

With the true Primal of Death growing in strength, Sera and Nyktos must prepare for an inevitable battle between the gods. The stakes are higher than ever, and with heartbreaking losses on the horizon, Sera knows she can trust very few, including herself. As they face off against Kolis, the line between justice and vengeance becomes increasingly thin. Can they stop Kolis before he plunges the realms into a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

Also read: Atomic Habits – Transform Your Life One Habit at a Time

Thoughts on the Born of Blood and Ash Novel

This review is spoiler-free, and I want to extend my thanks to Blue Box Press for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review. It’s been a privilege to be part of the JLander Review Team, where I’ve had the chance to read and promote Jennifer L. Armentrout’s upcoming books.

Now, where to begin? My mind is still spinning from the whirlwind that is “Born of Blood and Ash.” While I’m itching to discuss spoilers, I’ll refrain—this is a spoiler-free zone, after all.

To say that this novel left me with a lot of emotions would be an understatement. Overall, it was an excellent read that I thoroughly enjoyed. As the final chapter in Sera and Nyktos’ story, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye. I’ve been a fan of their dynamic since the very first book, and I might even prefer their story over Poppy and Cas’—I know, it’s controversial! Don’t get me wrong, I adore Poppy and Cas, but the chemistry between Sera and Nyktos just hits differently.

A Fresh Spark in the World

I have to admit, after the fifth book in the FBAA series, I was starting to feel a little burnt out. But “Born of Blood and Ash” reignited my passion for this world. So much is revealed in this novel, and it’s fascinating to see how the events of the Flesh and Fire series tie into the FBAA series. It’s like watching puzzle pieces fall into place, and I had a blast picking up on all the references and Easter eggs scattered throughout the story.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, but the highlights for me were Nektas and his relationships with Sera and Nyktos. Nektas has always been one of my favorite characters, and seeing how he interacts with the two of them was incredibly satisfying. And then there’s Reaver and Jadis—I can’t express how much I love these characters. There’s one scene with Reaver early on that broke me, but his loyalty to Sera and Nyktos is beautiful to witness.

Friendships and Feral Love

I also enjoyed the development of friendships between Sera, Nyktos, and the other Gods and Goddesses. There were moments in the book that had me laughing out loud—sometimes due to the absurdity of the situations, other times because of the vivid mental images the scenes provoked. Sera’s ferocity when it comes to protecting her loved ones and destroying her enemies is something I absolutely loved.

I wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally invested in this novel, but I was. It’s made me excited for the final book in the FBAA series—though I’m also anxious and terrified about how it will all end. And those last two chapters? Let’s just say I’m both dreading and eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

A Bit of a Slow Burn in This Fantasy Romance Novel

If I had one critique, it would be that the first 30-50% of the novel was a bit slow. It took me several days to get through the initial half, but once I hit the midpoint, the story picked up and became more engaging. The second half is packed with action, spice, and intrigue, balancing the earlier slower pace. I understand why the beginning focused more on discussions and setting the stage for what’s to come, but I wish it had been a bit more balanced.

Final Thoughts on Born of Blood and Ash

Before I wrap up, I have to say: Kolis? He can kick rocks. Seriously, I wouldn’t mind if he fell into a hole and never came out.

Overall, I enjoyed “Born of Blood and Ash” much more than I expected. While it’s sad to see the Flesh and Fire series come to an end, it’s been a fantastic journey. I loved getting to know Sera, Nyktos, and the other characters, and while I still have some lingering questions, this book provided a satisfying conclusion. I’ll always want more from this world because I love these characters so much, but in the grand scheme of things, this finale did justice to the series. And now, I’m left eagerly awaiting “The Primal of Blood and Bone.”

This novel is truly a must-read for fans of the series, and it leaves you with a mix of emotions as you prepare for what’s next. If you’re into epic fantasy romance, “Born of Blood and Ash” is a novel you won’t want to miss.