literary gluttony

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

There’s something endlessly comforting about stepping back into Jennifer L. Armentrout’s fantasy universe. It’s like sliding into a favorite chair in a beloved bookshop: the setting familiar, the air buzzing with stories, and the promise of adventure waiting at every turn. A Shadow in the Ember delivered that exact sensation. I loved being back in this world—its sweeping mythology, its tangled politics, its gods and monsters lurking at the edges of every chapter.

What really hooked me, though, were the characters. They’re the kind of figures that make you fall quickly—sharp, witty, achingly human even in their divine or otherworldly roles. The relationships, whether tender or tension-filled, had me turning pages eagerly. Armentrout knows how to craft people who feel real, and it’s easy to lose yourself in their struggles, hopes, and the inevitable sparks of romance.

But as much as I enjoyed being back in this realm, I couldn’t shake the sense of déjà vu. The plot felt eerily familiar, echoing the Blood and Ash series so closely that at times it was less “new story” and more “alternate remix.” Certain beats played out in ways that made me glance over my shoulder at Poppy and Casteel, wondering if I’d read this dance before. For me, that lack of distinction dulled the edges of the story’s potential—it was entertaining, yes, but not groundbreaking.

That said, Armentrout’s signature style still makes this a page-turner. The dialogue crackles, the romance smolders, and the lore has enough teeth to keep you intrigued. If you’re already a fan of her work, this book will give you exactly what you expect: comfort, drama, heat, and characters that are impossible not to root for. If you’re looking for something that boldly sets itself apart from the rest of the series, though, you might come away wishing for a little more originality.

Devour or Nibble?

Nibble. This installment is undeniably tasty—a guilty-pleasure treat that satisfies while you’re in it—but it doesn’t linger long on the palate once you’ve finished.