About the Book:
Publisher: Balzer + Bray Publication Date: 4th June, 2019 Paperback: 457 Pages Genre: YA fantasy
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SYNOPSIS
| From acclaimed author Mindee Arnett comes the thrilling conclusion of the stunningly epic, action-packed, and romantic fantasy adventure about a powerful girl possessed of strange magic, the outcast prince she loves, and the kingdom that has torn them apart. Kate and Corwin are on the run, desperate for allies in a new world of war among the kingdoms of Rime. As the book opens, Kate suffers a massive loss, one that will shape the struggle for freedom of all wilders and magic folk—that is, if Kate can learn to control her own power. |
Should You read Shadow & Flame by Mindee Arnett?
“He was no different from any other man. He bled and wept and suffered and loved.”
Disclaimer: You should obviously not read Shadow & Flame if you haven't read Onyx and Ivory, the first book in the duology. This review may contain spoilers.
Shadow & Flame follows Kate Brighton and gang six months after the conclusion of Onyx and Ivory. We get to read dual povs of Kate and prince Corwin as we did in the previous book. I liked Shadow & Flame more than its predecessor because of its pace, action sequences, twists and turns.
The story starts with a rescue operation where Kate ultimately loses her half brother along with other wilders. The rescue operation is not a total failure as she also rescues some wilders. Then we fast forward a year, where we see that a war was fought and the wilders managed to gain a stronghold in an area of Rime. Kate is now called Wilder Queen, along with other monikers. We also see Kate battle hardened and quick to make decisions which ultimately leads her and her friends into great trouble.
“Signe did not cry. Not for anything. But now, she let out a deep, tremulous sob against Dal’s chest.”
Prince Corwin- lest I forget- also went through many upheavals and his character arc has developed throughout the book. I didn’t like him at all in Onyx & Ivory but he seems more relatable now except in some places.
We didn’t get to read more of Dal’s- Corwin’s best friend- dialogues and that was one of the few things I hated.
Overall, I highly recommend this duology because of it’s interesting characters, action filled plot. The romance isn’t central to the story but it’s there. There’s also horses, magic, tragedy and hope.
Thanks to the publisher for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
VERDICT: 
About the Author:
YA Author of THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR, a contemporary fantasy coming March 5, 2013 from Tor Teen (Macmillan) and AVALON, a YA sci-fi thriller coming Winter 2014 from Balzer+Bray (HarperCollins). Represented by the fabulous Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary. Addicted to jumping horses and telling tales of magic, the macabre, and outer space.
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