Though the FMC is sometimes so hard headed you want to shake her around, her heart is golden. FMC starts out with some very real misconceptions but is open to learning from them right from the very beginning. She will let herself be led to water, but she won't be forced to drink. She may drown you if you try. Or at least, the MMC will on her behalf.
This story, while remarkably similar to so many others in this stacked genre, manages to feel new and fresh. Subtle twists on well beloved staples of the genre allow you to feel the same cozy feeling you get in a familiar place while keeping it new and interesting with just enough differences.
Potential spoilers in content warnings!! Only look at warnings if you're willing to be spoiled. They're there to prevent someone being harmed from the content of the book.
There aren't many books that have torn my soul out so hard that it caused me to sob uncontrollably but this book can be added to that list.
I had my doubts about how JLA was going to be able to wrap up such a complicated and convoluted story while maintaining the beauty of the relationships in these books. As usual though, she pulled through and it was done beautifully.
My only complaint with the book was just how spice heavy it was. I love spice as much as the next emotionally stunted millennial, but it was so much it almost detracted from the plot. This was the first Flesh and Fire book that I caught myself, like in the Blood and Ash world, actually thinking 'OMG. We're really fucking again?' Past that, I had a fabulous time. Even when sobbing my head off..
Some of the new characters and creatures absolutely stole a bit of the show and I love love love more lore. I don't mind plot holes and unanswered questions as long as the rest of the book is still a good time. This book was a wonderful send off for Sera and Ash, as much as I wish this wasn't goodbye and we got to spend another 8 books with them. It reignited my interest in the next Blood and Ash book, which I haven't really cared about since TWOTQ first came out. Now, I absolutely cannot wait.
I liked the spooky, cozy fall vibes of the first 5 chapters. The rest was awful. Genuinely god awful.
The weird dialogue and the fact that the ghost was literally SA'ing her was bad enough but how the story ended...ugh. I don't mind a horror or twisted ending if it's done well, but this story shouldn't have had any smut in it. I feel gross now.