A review by silver_lining_in_a_book
Iron & Fire by Ariana Nash

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

“Hold on to me. Don’t look back. I have you.”

“I have you,” a voice rumbled in the closed, quiet place. Those three small words broke him open, laying him bare. And for the first time in a long time, living no longer hurt.

Eroan closed his arms around Lysander, tucking the prince beneath his chin, so close Lysander’s trembling became his own. If he could have shared the burden, he would have, but now, all he could do was hold him and hope that was enough.

How can a person love two flawed fictional mythical creatures so much? There were times in this novel when I just wanted to reach in and pluck out the two main characters and let them live happily somewhere safe together forever. The pain they endure is boundless and the internal turmoil both of them face is so heartbreaking to witness.

I loved how the world expanded in this instalment. I did not enjoy the very explicit abuse, but it played its part in the development of the two characters individually and the relationship between them. Similarly to the first novel, please be aware of the trigger warnings going into this - it is not less dark.