A review by riniya
Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood

adventurous challenging dark hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Tropes: 

*Dragon Shifters
*Fae Trials
*Secret Rebellion
*Romantasy
*Enemies to ---?

It is with absolute love that I say this author is evil. She knows exactly what she did to us with this cliffhanger and I am here for it, as well as desperate for book two! She grabbed ahold of me and I am experiencing the most DEVASTATING book hangover i’ve had in a while. 

I will admit that at first, the writing style did take a bit for me to get used to. It did repeat a bit of information, especially in the way that our FMC’s, Selena, powers work. However, I can forgive this because quickly the explanation was left behind and the action came to the forefront. 

I do wish that the rebellion played a bigger role in the story, but with the way that the book sets itself up, i feel like they will make their presence known in the coming installations of the series. 

This is one of the better “Trials” books that I have read in long time. I thought that the trials chosen were unique and offered a tension and “what if” moments that had me on the edge of the seat. 

The villain, Draven, of the story was a pest throughout and I was desperate to love him as well as shove him off a cliff for getting in our FMC’s way, however, he grabbed me by throat, similarly to Selena, and I dont think I want him to let me go.