A Kiss of Flame & Fury

Darkstone Academy #2

by Bliss Devlin

In a world filled with magic and political intrigue, my heart dares to defy the rules.I was once just a girl without magic in a world dominated by powerful human mages. My life took an unexpected turn when I was sold into indentured servitude at Darkstone Academy for the Magical Arts, a reform school filled with dangers and dark secrets, far from the only home I've ever known.At the academy, I found unlikely allies in four captivating Lord Tama, a merman whose protection is as fierce as the ocean; Prince Boreas, a dragon whose fire mirrors my own hidden strengths; Prince Gwydion, a Fae whose enigmatic presence stirs something deep within me; and Lord Ilhan, the compassionate son of a renegade duke. As diplomatic hostages, they're each carrying the weight of their realms on their shoulders.As newly awakened mage, I soon find myself in a perilous dance of power and desire. With strict laws forbidding human-supernatural relationships, our connection is not just illicit; it's a spark that could set our worlds ablaze.But there's more at stake than forbidden love. Students at Darkstone Academy are dying, and I'm caught in the heart of a deadly conspiracy. It's no longer just about survival; it's a race to unravel a web of lies that threatens to plunge our worlds into a brutal war.With every step, the path grows darker, and loyalties are tested. In this treacherous game of magic and power, my newfound love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.A Kiss of Flame & Fury is the second installment of a steamy dark academy fantasy romance series with non-stop action and lots of steamy passion. It's intended for adult readers.Content AdvisoryThis series contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, death, bullying, threats of assault and physical violence, references to past assaults, and mentions of child abuse, abuse of power, and domestic violence.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Dark Romance, Why Choose

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2023

About the author

Bliss Devlin works in high tech, likes sushi (and sashimi), and doesn't much care for modern art.

Readers have praised her work as "...a sizzling combination of hot sex and super sweet romance."

She draws inspiration from a childhood spent reading fairy tales, myths, and legends, and an adulthood spent living and traveling overseas. When not writing tales of erotic adventure, she travels, bakes gourmet delights, and hangs out online with an amazing group of smart, funny, sophisticated people.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Geeez. You know what I hate when authors make girls all about crying. I’m a chick and I don’t cry about crappy days and hard work. I’m surprised the FMC doesn’t cry when she breathes air. 🤨 She wasn’t this bad in book 1 but she does tend to be needy. Dnf but will come back it’s just… I’m just not feeling the book. Everything is annoying and FMC is getting on my nerves, predictable as well. To be continued…

[Hannah Putman · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 135 pages. It's not terrible but there was nothing keeping me reading. I kept getting distracted. Everything is very surface level, no deep connections with the other characters, not really any self reflection or thought analysis. Like the storyline, just felt like it could be and needed more to it

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Kiss of Flame & Fury" is the second book in the Darkstone Academy series, and I was very happy the author took some time at the start of the story to make a recap of book one. It's also done in a way it didn't feel forced to me, and as a natural part of the storyline, so it really helped me get into the right mindspace for this series again. I saw some reviews of book one about the use of language in this series, and while I understand what people are saying about it, it doesn't botter me. It fits with the fantasy storyline and the background of some of these characters, and feels like a normal part of the story.

In this second book, the relationships between Jacinthe and her men evolve and I was happy they all know a different tempo, fitting to the characters that are involved. There's more spice, and we get some anwers to questions that were left at the end of book one. I have to admit, this isn't a very surprising plot, and the revelations that come were exactly what I expected to happen. Still, I enjoyed this book, mainly because I like Jacinthe as a character and I'm fascinated with her growing power and how her heart stays kind no matter what happens to her. She's the kind of person you want beside you, and I love watching her fictional life unfold.

I don't know when we might expect the third book in this series, so be aware that this book does end on a cliffhanger.

[Bianca Souza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at 30%

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took over 100 pages for the story to keep going. Way too much time spent on who Jacinthe was having relationships with. It was very irritating considering all the murders going on. It wasnt until the last 50 pages that I truly enjoyed the story. I knew both Rodrigo and Erzabetta were shady. Didn't realize how shady, but lord someone kill those two please. I can't believe who Jacinthe and her mom are! Its insane.

[Katie Dennis 📖 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 60%.

I just can’t get into it as much as the first one. The first 50% is a little bit of new stuff, but mostly had a review of the first book.

I preordered this book when I first finished the first one, and just got to reading it. However, I noticed on my kindle version there was poor editing around 15-20% in where a POV was repeated twice on the same page.

[Nicole Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll read the third one but only because I have to. I feel like this one needed more tentacles to supplement everything else

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Magical Sequel Full of Twists and Growth

This book was such an enjoyable read, with plenty of magical moments that kept me hooked! It gave me strong Harry Potter vibes but with a unique twist—imagine a school of mages caught in an epic good-versus-evil battle. Book two picks up seamlessly where book one left off, diving straight into the action. Jacintha, Tama, Boreas, Gwydion, and Ilahn are back, facing even bigger stakes as they fight for their freedom and their lives. I loved how secrets were revealed in this installment, especially ones that made me rethink everything from the first book. Jacintha’s growth as she steps into her power was so satisfying to see. Her newfound confidence and mastery over the elements made her journey feel like a natural evolution—she’s like the Avatar, mastering all the elements with an intensity that kept me cheering her on!

Gwydion is still my favorite, but Ilahn? The jury is still out. Tama is great, but Boreas… he’s a bit much for me. That said, the group dynamics kept things interesting, and the surprises surrounding Jacintha’s mom delivered the emotional payoff I was hoping for. The twists added so much depth to the story. I’m so glad the third book is already out because that ending left me desperate for more! This was a solid follow-up, packed with action, character development, and just the right amount of intrigue. If you love magic, elemental powers, and this series is a good read.

[ReverseHaremMuse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Darkstone Academy – 1/5 Stars

I genuinely struggled to get through this series—not just once, but twice. First, I tried reading it. When that failed, I gave the audiobooks a shot once the full series dropped. I did make it further with audio... but honestly, reading it? Near impossible.

The concept had promise. Djinn and Mermen? Yes, please. I was excited for something unique and darkly magical. But what I got felt more like a watered-down young adult novel awkwardly pretending to be an adult paranormal romance. It didn’t work. At all.

The writing was rough—repetitive and juvenile. And let’s talk about the word “friend.” If I had a dollar for every time it was used, I’d have funded a better editor. That word is officially banned. You’ve used up the lifetime quota—for both of us.

The FMC? She’s officially on my “Worst Female Leads of All Time” list. Painfully frustrating and utterly unrelatable.

So yes, I got my refund on the audiobook. And no, I won’t be revisiting this one. Ever.

[stacigracefullylovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was in for a mood read and this did not disappoint. I love the story of her trying to learn all of her powers! I love the relationships that keep building, the friendships and love of course. The spice was pretty good with only a few chapters but I was here for the story! Jacinthe has fire power and it might be a spoiler but she also has air, wood, earth, and water! She is a total bad ass. No wonder her mama hid her. However I also think it would have been good for her mama not to keep things from her. Maybe then Jacinthe would have done things differently. Her soul bonds seem to care for her and they do anything to help save her, cherish her and to help her learn.
I will warn you now be prepared for a cliffhanger of epic proportions. I might have to start book 3 immediately!
The writing was ok. There were some misspelling and grammatical errors but again I was here for the story and it was amazing!!

[IshyaDolphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE this author! She's absolutely divine. I love how she makes these books so interesting and love the writing style. This FMC is developed throughout the series and this is set in the middle ages period style so things move a LOT slower than you would think but I love the characters. This is short and sweet as I don't have much time, but have to say love the world development and how much the characters mesh with one another. If you love romance, slow wooing, slow burn, less spice, soul bonds, and more then this is the book for you. I promise you won't regret it.

Love,
Ishya
P.S. I'm working on sharing my love for reading so this is review #60. I only have 40 more to go and 15 more days. Wish me luck!

[Sherleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 left me with a lot of questions that were answered in this book. You were also able to see the development of the characters and the relationships between each other. The most important development is our MFC and her coming into her powers. The spice in this book is "chef kiss" and the writing as a whole is engaging, couldn't put it down. While I was reading the last chapter I was so into it that when the cliffhanger hit (didn't even notice it was the last page, ebook) I was left with questions and excitement to get in my hands the next installment!!!
Book 3-Needs to get into my hands soon, this is giving me emotional distress LOL.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, i wouldve of enjoyed it more if i was still into the characters and the book however i wasnt so i wasnt as drawn in and didnt feel as many emotions. However overall it was a good book, janiche is so nice and i loved that her mage powrs were finally released, she finally got to do whaf she always wanted to do. A mage healer. It was really nice to see her relationship develop with her soul bonds and i hope they develop further in rhe books to come. There was a big plot twist towards the end of the bokks and i think janiche handled it really well. Its a good book but i wont be continuing with the series.

[Giobbster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Stone Academy

Love this series by Bliss Devlin,honestly a really great read. The main POV Jacintha is a strong,honest hard working person,but underneath is a warrior! From everything she has been put through emotionally, physically its amazing how she has weathered everything that was thrown at her and she has come out stronger. Now Tama,Boreas,ilhan ,Gywdion great group of characters. This series has action and drama with mystery and thrown in amidst all that is romance. I really look towards march for the final book and hopefully more series like this one!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just didn't like Boreas as much as Gwydion or Tama, but I did like that the book jumped right back in from the last one. And I really enjoy that even though we have one man in the harem who is unsure of his feelings/the situation as a whole, he's not using that uncertainty to justify being an asshole to the main character. I really wish other RH authors could learn that we don't always need harem members to be abusive bullies just because they aren't sure of their feelings or don't like their feelings.

[Comemariposas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find the book repetitive and full of filler. It's 100% clear who is committing the attacks, but they seem like Dora the Explorer repeating everything, as more attacks arise.

I finished this second book hoping for a great plot development, but it feels empty. I think this saga should really be a duology, it feels forced.

I still think the plot is original, but the negatives outweigh the positives. Sadly, I will not be continuing with the saga.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Kiss of Flame and Fury, the second book of the Darkstone Academy series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I enjoyed the storyline and the characters, but by the time I reached the end of the book, I lost interest in continuing. Not sure why, possibly because the story felt like it wasn't going anywhere.

[CeCe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series, reverse harem. Darkstone academy. World of humans, dragons, fae, mermen, etc. Strong heroine with hidden powers and background. Political prisoners, lost princesses, mystery, Jacinthe, Tama, Boreas, Gwydion, Ilhan.

[Patricia Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

potential but holy grammar and spelling

The concept is there and the character building is somewhat there. This is the 2nd book and I can’t get over all the spelling and grammatical errors. I want to send the edits over so that this book can be cleaned up.

It’s meh for me.

[Emeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨ Plot? Still amazing.
✨ World-building? On point.
✨ Writing? Still feels like Wattpad vibes, even in the spicy scenes 😬
✨ And if I read “Friend X” one more time, I'm going to scream.

Loved the story, but the writing keeps it from being a favorite.

[Alice Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Jumped straight back in from the last! The ending has got me wanting more! Can't wait for the 3rd book

[Mark Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as much as the first one!

I can’t wait for the next book to come out! I’m so glued to this series!! I don’t want it to end!

[bluetyfloreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Chekeria Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was Book 2 and it was great. I usually don’t read coming of age books, being that I’m 34, and I like relatable characters to my age but this was a good read

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This style of writing is just not it for me and that’s that.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story and I like the characters. The end is equally expected as it is surprising. I can’t wait to start the next book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

This one seems to drag just a little bit. Yes the events that happened help the story line but I found myself getting a little bored with it.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezed through this one fast. Excited for the next book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it good? Questionable

Is it entertaining enough to keep reading? Yes

[Amanda Crossland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story, had all the feels!

I really enjoyed this second book. I’m glad I reread the first one, I enjoy the series much better when I’m fully up to date on who is who as it only mentions snippets of who side characters.
That ending for my anxiety going. Knowing what was to come from a surprise bad guys point of view. Waiting for the inevitable to arrive and destroy their whole world.
Boreas is the Dragon in the group, known as a Wind walker. He assists Jacinthe in exhausting her of energy by “courting” in bed. He is so protective of his friends, and doesn’t abide by bullying. Which is how he met Jacinthe. She would her way into his heart by not shying away from getting to know him. Hes also generous, outgoing, loyal and doesn’t hold grudges. He donates his energy to save her on multiple occasions when she’s hurt from assassination attempts on students.
Gwydion holds a special place in my heart. He had it rough trying to connect to others at Darkstone academy until Jacinthe came around. She brightened his life with her naïveté. He was the one that knew she had magic but it was blocked. He was able to save her after she was stabbed in the first book. The sword cut into her tattoo that her mother gave her when she was a baby and broke the sealing sigil that blocked her powers. In the end he removed the sealing sigil as others had seen she had magic and boy did tjay wreak havoc on her life. Trying to limit the flow was very diifficult until Gwydion created a special bracelet with a gifts from the guys that helped her control the flow of her magic. That was a game changer and he finally realized how happy he finally was even though he could never give her the pleasure that Boreas and Tama gave her.
Ilhan, feels like he’s on the outside but we got to see him warm up to Jacinthe after teaching her in healing arts. We finally got to see some of his point of views and it completed opened up his characters. He is uncomfortable with being in the soul bond and doesn’t know how to feel. He can feel all her strong feeling, especially her lust. Jacinthe feels embarrassed and assures him that there is no expectations. He seems to truly see her as someone he can call a friend. He protects Jacinthe and the guys when the Castilians of the academy calls him into their office and asks very personal questions about what he knows about her personal relationships. I like him.
Tomas, didn’t have much of a presence in this book, not like the first one. I missed his character, he was loyal to his new friends, and did what he could to enrich their lives. He was also generous and is one of Jacinthe soul bonded.
Jacinthe finds out that she’s the granddaughter of the Dominas. Her mother is alive, and is being propositioned into marriage so the Castilian can black mail her grandmother into stepping down and him taking her ruling place. Jacinthe rightly refuses and both siblings explain the torture that will happen by morning if she doesn’t come to her senses. By this time all the guys have also been arrested. I’m hoping that couple of professors she spoke to about communicating magically off the island without the Castilians knowledge. That maybe the only thing that saves her and her new family and friends.
Can’t wait for the next one! This is a quick summary of the first and second book.