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Twin Blades #2
Shadows and Flames
He is blessed with Fire.
She is cursed with Death.
After years apart, a new contract brings Meline and Elián face to face with both each other and a mysterious new enemy, more powerful than these immortal assassins could imagine. While they travel to a new world, the spark between them burns even brighter, and back in their realm, an old foe has been stoking the flames of war.
Shadows and Flames follows two immortals with Goddess-given powers as they rebuild what was broken between them, rescue a dear friend, and shed light on secrets that could break them all over again. It is the second installment of the Twin Blades series.
She is cursed with Death.
After years apart, a new contract brings Meline and Elián face to face with both each other and a mysterious new enemy, more powerful than these immortal assassins could imagine. While they travel to a new world, the spark between them burns even brighter, and back in their realm, an old foe has been stoking the flames of war.
Shadows and Flames follows two immortals with Goddess-given powers as they rebuild what was broken between them, rescue a dear friend, and shed light on secrets that could break them all over again. It is the second installment of the Twin Blades series.
- GenresFantasy
436 pages, ebook
First published August 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Upton
11 books72 followersNoelle Upton is an indie author and lover of fantasy, romance, and dark tales. When she's not writing or reading, Noelle enjoys dancing, chatting with friends over good food, and laughing with her husband. Her two series, Twin Blades and A Light in the Dark, are ongoing.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 23, 2025
I received this book for free as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What is it about?
It is the second installment of the Twin Blades series.
He is blessed with Fire.
She is cursed with Death.
After years apart, a new contract brings Meline and Elián face to face with both each other and a mysterious new enemy, more powerful than these immortal assassins could imagine. While they travel to a new world, the spark between them burns even brighter, and back in their realm, an old foe has been stoking the flames of war.
Shadows and Flames follows two immortals with Goddess-given powers as they rebuild what was broken between them, rescue a dear friend, and shed light on secrets that could break them all over again.
This book takes place when the first book ends. The first few chapters will take a few time jumps but you’re right in the middle of the MMC’s feelings.
The author’s writing is well thought out and honestly a bit different to what I am used to - in a good way!
The story is entertaining, tackling quite a few very important topics. Make sure to read the triggers in case there are topics you don’t want to read about. The author is very respectful with all of the characters and their journeys.
The ending was a bit faster paced as the story is taking another turn now! It ends in a teensy tiny cliffhanger - but the type of cliffhanger that is easier to digest!
I recommend this to anyone wanting to get a refreshing view on all things Romantasy!!
What is it about?
It is the second installment of the Twin Blades series.
He is blessed with Fire.
She is cursed with Death.
After years apart, a new contract brings Meline and Elián face to face with both each other and a mysterious new enemy, more powerful than these immortal assassins could imagine. While they travel to a new world, the spark between them burns even brighter, and back in their realm, an old foe has been stoking the flames of war.
Shadows and Flames follows two immortals with Goddess-given powers as they rebuild what was broken between them, rescue a dear friend, and shed light on secrets that could break them all over again.
This book takes place when the first book ends. The first few chapters will take a few time jumps but you’re right in the middle of the MMC’s feelings.
The author’s writing is well thought out and honestly a bit different to what I am used to - in a good way!
The story is entertaining, tackling quite a few very important topics. Make sure to read the triggers in case there are topics you don’t want to read about. The author is very respectful with all of the characters and their journeys.
The ending was a bit faster paced as the story is taking another turn now! It ends in a teensy tiny cliffhanger - but the type of cliffhanger that is easier to digest!
I recommend this to anyone wanting to get a refreshing view on all things Romantasy!!
January 9, 2026
The writing here continues to be stellar.
I really appreciated that the author wrote the MCs handling their reconciliation in a mature manner. There wasn't any finger pointing. They both apologized and took responsibility for their parts in the split and regretted it. Also, they handled their problems by talking them out.
Something that annoys me immensely...every time there's a romance series that has a separation of the love interests for months or years, when they get back together the FMC always finds out that while she's been heartbroken and celibate, because she's depressed, the MMC has been heartbroken and sleeping around with plenty of people. Why? Can we have the MMC keep it in his pants for once and the FMC sleeping with another person (or people)? *sigh*
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a juicy, jealous, emotional confrontation between the MCs about the issue of him having slept around while they were separated and the FMC abstaining. The FMC was talking to him about it and asking if he had been with anyone else and he didn't say a word. The whole scene was the FMC's inner dialogue and her dialogue to him. He never even mentioned it again, neither did she. What's the point of putting the MMC's scene with another man, the curious question of the FMC, etc., in the story if it will just be a nothing burger and it just fizzles and goes nowhere.
All I wanted through the majority of the book was for Tana and Fenix to finally get together. I love them!
I really appreciated that the author wrote the MCs handling their reconciliation in a mature manner. There wasn't any finger pointing. They both apologized and took responsibility for their parts in the split and regretted it. Also, they handled their problems by talking them out.
Something that annoys me immensely...every time there's a romance series that has a separation of the love interests for months or years, when they get back together the FMC always finds out that while she's been heartbroken and celibate, because she's depressed, the MMC has been heartbroken and sleeping around with plenty of people. Why? Can we have the MMC keep it in his pants for once and the FMC sleeping with another person (or people)? *sigh*
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a juicy, jealous, emotional confrontation between the MCs about the issue of him having slept around while they were separated and the FMC abstaining. The FMC was talking to him about it and asking if he had been with anyone else and he didn't say a word. The whole scene was the FMC's inner dialogue and her dialogue to him. He never even mentioned it again, neither did she. What's the point of putting the MMC's scene with another man, the curious question of the FMC, etc., in the story if it will just be a nothing burger and it just fizzles and goes nowhere.
All I wanted through the majority of the book was for Tana and Fenix to finally get together. I love them!
August 14, 2025
This fantasy novel is a turn-paged!
When I read it I thought the writing style is fresh but with the twists I like in a fantasy novel.
This is the second book in the Twin Blades series and if you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it.
This book continues after Twin blades (#1) ends and Meline is carrying so much weight on her shoulders, but she’s fierce and strong (Noelle wonderfully writes strong FM). Elián is , as in the first book, fresh air when he appears. This book has amazing side characters that need to be mentioned.
There’s a bit of cliffhanger for the next book and I can’t wait to read it and see how the story goes.
Tropes you can find in this book (some of them could contain spoilers):
- Multiple POV
- Second book of a series
- Strong FMC
- Political intrigue
- Cliffhanger
- LGTBQ representation
- Morally grey MMC
This book has open-door scenes that are incredibly written and very well integrated with the story development. I really like them. Perfect romantasy book!!
My ratings:
4,5/5⭐️2/5🌶️
I’ve received this novella as an ARC and I’d like to thank Noelle Upton for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
When I read it I thought the writing style is fresh but with the twists I like in a fantasy novel.
This is the second book in the Twin Blades series and if you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it.
This book continues after Twin blades (#1) ends and Meline is carrying so much weight on her shoulders, but she’s fierce and strong (Noelle wonderfully writes strong FM). Elián is , as in the first book, fresh air when he appears. This book has amazing side characters that need to be mentioned.
There’s a bit of cliffhanger for the next book and I can’t wait to read it and see how the story goes.
Tropes you can find in this book (some of them could contain spoilers):
- Multiple POV
- Second book of a series
- Strong FMC
- Political intrigue
- Cliffhanger
- LGTBQ representation
- Morally grey MMC
This book has open-door scenes that are incredibly written and very well integrated with the story development. I really like them. Perfect romantasy book!!
My ratings:
4,5/5⭐️2/5🌶️
I’ve received this novella as an ARC and I’d like to thank Noelle Upton for letting me read this book in advance and allow me to give my honest opinion.
August 15, 2025
Absolutely beautiful! I absolutely adore these characters. That being said, this book was an emotional rollercoaster I couldn’t get off, with plot points so seamlessly woven together that I didn’t notice a single flaw. Typically, I have issues with anything over 2 POVs, but this book was so well done and it never felt overwhelming. Anything left unanswered felt deliberate, pulling me toward a satisfying conclusion and leaving me eager for the next book. I was grateful to be gifted an ARC of this book, and all thoughts here are my own.
Read
August 14, 2025Thank you to the author for the ARC!
You know when someone says ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ and it’s really them but they’re trying to be nice and lie to you? Well unfortunately for everyone I mean it. It wasn’t the book, it was me.
To begin with, Shadows and Flames is an excellently written, book. Its structure, its pacing, its characterization, its world, its editing, are all flawless. It really is an incredibly written book. In particular I really enjoyed the world, tone, and characters. The world was an excellently built sort of high dark fantasy world, with all the marks of your average fantasy world, but rearranged to be even more fascinating. Normally I find myself irritated with vampires, but in this instance I was incredibly charmed. Similarly, normally I hate shadow magic and the idea of god-blessed powers (ironic for reasons unimportant), but in this instance, again, I really liked them. Upton did an excellent job of making those things feel correct and natural to the world. So often you read those things in a book and they’re so clearly just there for the aesthetic and nothing else, and in this book, that was not the case.
The plot of this world, because of that, also really worked. While the twists were still surprising, they were surprising in an expected way, the conflict had been foreshadowed, or even just previously talked about, enough so that when it did occur it didn’t feel like an out of nowhere plothole, but a continuation of the conflict of the world. It made sense, it made a lot of sense, and I really liked that.
Which is probably why the tone of the book was similarly excellent. Not only did this book take itself the right amount of serious and comedic, it also felt an appropriate amount of adult for the story the book was trying to tell. People had mature conversations, while still feeling and oftentimes sounding, a bit younger. It was a really good and even balance.
Finally I really enjoyed the character. All four POV characters were really fun to read, they were all distinct with their own issues and opinions and personalities. I really enjoyed all of them.
What I did not enjoy however is how they interacted. Nor did I enjoy some of the language of the book. Firstly, I fucking hate the words ‘female’ and ‘male’ especially when referring to people, for example, ‘your female’ ‘your male.’ I hate that. I really really hate that. I hate it enough when we talk about women as being ‘his woman’ because of the paternalistic meaning of such a phrase, but I hate it even more when we introduce what are should be treated as scientific terms, into medieval fantasy to sound… I don’t know… something? It sounds cringy, it sounds edgy, it felt gross. I don’t ever want to have to read the words ‘let’s look for your female’ again. And here’s the thing, it would’ve been more tolerable if it was sparingly used, but it was not. Where woman/women was used 26 times, female was used a whole 36 times, and male was used 78. It was really really tiresome.
Similarly, I hated the romance. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t enjoy straight romances MOST of the time, and I generally find sex scenes somewhat passe, but reading these felt like a new level of just… oh. Hm. Okay. I tried reading through the first few, but after that I had to start skipping. There was something supremely unsexy and unintimate about the way the two main characters had sex, and then how they dealt with it afterwards. I had to read lines from the MC about how the taste of the two of them together felt ‘like home. My salvation.’ There was an odd technicality to the way sex was described, using very descriptive, but unsensual language, that made it feel like I was reading someones technical rundown of what was supposed to be slightly nasty, very possessive sex. There was this great focus on the way the characters felt, but it wasn’t quite how they felt for each other, and how they felt in the act, but the specific things they planned to do to the other. It just… it didn’t work. Where there was detail, it was dry and not hot, it left me cringing and going ‘oh god not more!’
Not just that, but the conversations between the two leads, just… weren’t good. Both of them were excellent characters with intriguing backstories and personalities, and when they were around friends I really loved them together. However, when they were together? They became lesser. They descended into the most obnoxious straight people you know, whose personalities revolve entirely around each other and their imagined future together. Despite them, you know, having friends, and family, and other problems. Now, to the authors credit, perhaps that’s the point, because one side character seems to point this out to one of the main characters, basically saying ‘yeah, I’m leaving after this.’ But at the same time, it felt like the book was still trying to convince us that this was an incredibly romantic couple and the side character was just a bad friend.
In all, these parts of it were bad enough to make me not want to read more from this author despite how good everything else she wrote was. Because, to just be honest, a badly written sex scene makes a novel a LOT worse, and a lot of badly written sex scenes make it near intolerable. Especially when that romance is at the center
You know when someone says ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ and it’s really them but they’re trying to be nice and lie to you? Well unfortunately for everyone I mean it. It wasn’t the book, it was me.
To begin with, Shadows and Flames is an excellently written, book. Its structure, its pacing, its characterization, its world, its editing, are all flawless. It really is an incredibly written book. In particular I really enjoyed the world, tone, and characters. The world was an excellently built sort of high dark fantasy world, with all the marks of your average fantasy world, but rearranged to be even more fascinating. Normally I find myself irritated with vampires, but in this instance I was incredibly charmed. Similarly, normally I hate shadow magic and the idea of god-blessed powers (ironic for reasons unimportant), but in this instance, again, I really liked them. Upton did an excellent job of making those things feel correct and natural to the world. So often you read those things in a book and they’re so clearly just there for the aesthetic and nothing else, and in this book, that was not the case.
The plot of this world, because of that, also really worked. While the twists were still surprising, they were surprising in an expected way, the conflict had been foreshadowed, or even just previously talked about, enough so that when it did occur it didn’t feel like an out of nowhere plothole, but a continuation of the conflict of the world. It made sense, it made a lot of sense, and I really liked that.
Which is probably why the tone of the book was similarly excellent. Not only did this book take itself the right amount of serious and comedic, it also felt an appropriate amount of adult for the story the book was trying to tell. People had mature conversations, while still feeling and oftentimes sounding, a bit younger. It was a really good and even balance.
Finally I really enjoyed the character. All four POV characters were really fun to read, they were all distinct with their own issues and opinions and personalities. I really enjoyed all of them.
What I did not enjoy however is how they interacted. Nor did I enjoy some of the language of the book. Firstly, I fucking hate the words ‘female’ and ‘male’ especially when referring to people, for example, ‘your female’ ‘your male.’ I hate that. I really really hate that. I hate it enough when we talk about women as being ‘his woman’ because of the paternalistic meaning of such a phrase, but I hate it even more when we introduce what are should be treated as scientific terms, into medieval fantasy to sound… I don’t know… something? It sounds cringy, it sounds edgy, it felt gross. I don’t ever want to have to read the words ‘let’s look for your female’ again. And here’s the thing, it would’ve been more tolerable if it was sparingly used, but it was not. Where woman/women was used 26 times, female was used a whole 36 times, and male was used 78. It was really really tiresome.
Similarly, I hated the romance. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t enjoy straight romances MOST of the time, and I generally find sex scenes somewhat passe, but reading these felt like a new level of just… oh. Hm. Okay. I tried reading through the first few, but after that I had to start skipping. There was something supremely unsexy and unintimate about the way the two main characters had sex, and then how they dealt with it afterwards. I had to read lines from the MC about how the taste of the two of them together felt ‘like home. My salvation.’ There was an odd technicality to the way sex was described, using very descriptive, but unsensual language, that made it feel like I was reading someones technical rundown of what was supposed to be slightly nasty, very possessive sex. There was this great focus on the way the characters felt, but it wasn’t quite how they felt for each other, and how they felt in the act, but the specific things they planned to do to the other. It just… it didn’t work. Where there was detail, it was dry and not hot, it left me cringing and going ‘oh god not more!’
Not just that, but the conversations between the two leads, just… weren’t good. Both of them were excellent characters with intriguing backstories and personalities, and when they were around friends I really loved them together. However, when they were together? They became lesser. They descended into the most obnoxious straight people you know, whose personalities revolve entirely around each other and their imagined future together. Despite them, you know, having friends, and family, and other problems. Now, to the authors credit, perhaps that’s the point, because one side character seems to point this out to one of the main characters, basically saying ‘yeah, I’m leaving after this.’ But at the same time, it felt like the book was still trying to convince us that this was an incredibly romantic couple and the side character was just a bad friend.
In all, these parts of it were bad enough to make me not want to read more from this author despite how good everything else she wrote was. Because, to just be honest, a badly written sex scene makes a novel a LOT worse, and a lot of badly written sex scenes make it near intolerable. Especially when that romance is at the center
August 26, 2025
Okay, this is how you write a Book 2.
This is part of a series, and I’m telling you right now ... go read Twin Blades first. Don’t come in here thinking you can skip like I did! Book 2 picks up right where Book 1 leaves off, and we are immediately thrown back into the chaos with our favs: Meline and Elian.
We jump straight into the action as they both try to navigate their new, cruel reality. Like in Book 1, grief is front and center here... raw, relentless, and all-consuming. You feel it throughout the story as secrets unravel and relationships get pushed to their limits.
Let me say it again for the people in the back: this is not a romance series. It’s not even romantasy. Yes, love is present and passion is woven through the pages, but that’s not the point. This is a story of political conflict, dark alley assassinations, and high-stakes tension that keeps your blood pressure slightly elevated the whole time.
The pacing is quick, and I was into it.. but I’m gonna be real: it took way too long for Meline to spill her secret. I wanted more emotional unpacking, more of them working through it together. I felt a little robbed of the chance to fully see Elian’s grief and vulnerability, and you know I live for those cracked-open, heart-wrenching moments.
Now, yes, we’ve got a second-chance romance vibe between Meline and Elian, but let’s not overlook the side characters.. because wow. Tana and Tomas absolutely stole the show for me. Tana’s arc, learning to love herself and let go of her insecurities? Beautiful. And Tomas, stepping out from the shadows (literally and emotionally) to form real connections? Ugh. Perfection. Their growth hit just as hard as any romance could and I feel we just got a little taste.. her in Shadow and Flames
The book ends on a mini cliffhanger, but I hope the series continues. That said, I don’t know how much more trauma I can take when it comes to Meline and Elian. I’m begging for them to find even a sliver of peace. I hope that is in their future, But also? Tana and Tomas deserve an epic storyline of their own and I hope that is in my future :)
This is part of a series, and I’m telling you right now ... go read Twin Blades first. Don’t come in here thinking you can skip like I did! Book 2 picks up right where Book 1 leaves off, and we are immediately thrown back into the chaos with our favs: Meline and Elian.
We jump straight into the action as they both try to navigate their new, cruel reality. Like in Book 1, grief is front and center here... raw, relentless, and all-consuming. You feel it throughout the story as secrets unravel and relationships get pushed to their limits.
Let me say it again for the people in the back: this is not a romance series. It’s not even romantasy. Yes, love is present and passion is woven through the pages, but that’s not the point. This is a story of political conflict, dark alley assassinations, and high-stakes tension that keeps your blood pressure slightly elevated the whole time.
The pacing is quick, and I was into it.. but I’m gonna be real: it took way too long for Meline to spill her secret. I wanted more emotional unpacking, more of them working through it together. I felt a little robbed of the chance to fully see Elian’s grief and vulnerability, and you know I live for those cracked-open, heart-wrenching moments.
Now, yes, we’ve got a second-chance romance vibe between Meline and Elian, but let’s not overlook the side characters.. because wow. Tana and Tomas absolutely stole the show for me. Tana’s arc, learning to love herself and let go of her insecurities? Beautiful. And Tomas, stepping out from the shadows (literally and emotionally) to form real connections? Ugh. Perfection. Their growth hit just as hard as any romance could and I feel we just got a little taste.. her in Shadow and Flames
The book ends on a mini cliffhanger, but I hope the series continues. That said, I don’t know how much more trauma I can take when it comes to Meline and Elian. I’m begging for them to find even a sliver of peace. I hope that is in their future, But also? Tana and Tomas deserve an epic storyline of their own and I hope that is in my future :)
August 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and am so thankful that I was able to embark on this journey with Meline and Elian!
First and foremost, I want to say that the multiple POVs was so refreshing. Not being stuck in one persons head for the entire storyline made the book that much more enjoyable. I love getting POVs from both the FMC and the MMC so we can feel even more connected to them while be able to understand their character development and why they make the decisions that they do. I also love the POVs from secondary MMCs and FMCs because they add a depth to the storyline and occasionally a much needed comedic relief (hey Tomas and your unwavering confidence hahaha)
I think our main characters have a lot to work through and are trying to navigate it in the best way that they know how. Is it perfect? no. Is it real, though? yes. Meline is a strong female character who carries a lot of burdens on her shoulders- some of which, is standard guilt for things she doesn't have any control over. I love how Elian is always there for her, but he is also his own person. He will challenge her (or try to haha) when he thinks she needs it.
I think the fact that this is a trilogy is perfect. It does not feel like Noelle is simply trying to extend the story for the sake of writing more books. The ending of this book does not end on a crazy cliffhanger, however, I find myself wanting to finish the story of Meline and Elian not just because I like them as characters, but also because there is still more to tell! I am glad that book 3 is going to address the council, as that was a main part of book 1 and was basically completely abandoned in book 2. It brings us back full circle and ensures that there are no plot holes or questions still remaining. I think Noelle set it up so that book 3 is completely action packed and fast paced- even more so than this book!
Overall, definitely worth the read for any fantasy/romantasy lovers out there and I can't wait for the next installment!
First and foremost, I want to say that the multiple POVs was so refreshing. Not being stuck in one persons head for the entire storyline made the book that much more enjoyable. I love getting POVs from both the FMC and the MMC so we can feel even more connected to them while be able to understand their character development and why they make the decisions that they do. I also love the POVs from secondary MMCs and FMCs because they add a depth to the storyline and occasionally a much needed comedic relief (hey Tomas and your unwavering confidence hahaha)
I think our main characters have a lot to work through and are trying to navigate it in the best way that they know how. Is it perfect? no. Is it real, though? yes. Meline is a strong female character who carries a lot of burdens on her shoulders- some of which, is standard guilt for things she doesn't have any control over. I love how Elian is always there for her, but he is also his own person. He will challenge her (or try to haha) when he thinks she needs it.
I think the fact that this is a trilogy is perfect. It does not feel like Noelle is simply trying to extend the story for the sake of writing more books. The ending of this book does not end on a crazy cliffhanger, however, I find myself wanting to finish the story of Meline and Elian not just because I like them as characters, but also because there is still more to tell! I am glad that book 3 is going to address the council, as that was a main part of book 1 and was basically completely abandoned in book 2. It brings us back full circle and ensures that there are no plot holes or questions still remaining. I think Noelle set it up so that book 3 is completely action packed and fast paced- even more so than this book!
Overall, definitely worth the read for any fantasy/romantasy lovers out there and I can't wait for the next installment!
January 9, 2026
The writing here continues to be stellar.
I really appreciated that the author wrote the MCs handling their reconciliation in a mature manner. There wasn't any finger pointing. They both apologized and took responsibility for their parts in the split and regretted it. Also, they handled their problems by talking them out.
Something that annoys me immensely...every time there's a romance series that has a separation of the love interests for months or years, when they get back together the FMC always finds out that while she's been heartbroken and celibate, because she's depressed, the MMC has been heartbroken and sleeping around with plenty of people. Why? Can we have the MMC keep it in his pants for once and the FMC sleeping with another person (or people)? *sigh*
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a juicy, jealous, emotional confrontation between the MCs about the issue of him having slept around while they were separated and the FMC abstaining. The FMC was talking to him about it and asking if he had been with anyone else and he didn't say a word. The whole scene was the FMC's inner dialogue and her dialogue to him. He never even mentioned it again, neither did she. What's the point of putting the MMC's scene with another man, the curious question of the FMC, etc., in the story if it will just be a nothing burger and it just fizzles and goes nowhere.
All I wanted through the majority of the book was for Tana and Fenix to finally get together. I love them!
I really appreciated that the author wrote the MCs handling their reconciliation in a mature manner. There wasn't any finger pointing. They both apologized and took responsibility for their parts in the split and regretted it. Also, they handled their problems by talking them out.
Something that annoys me immensely...every time there's a romance series that has a separation of the love interests for months or years, when they get back together the FMC always finds out that while she's been heartbroken and celibate, because she's depressed, the MMC has been heartbroken and sleeping around with plenty of people. Why? Can we have the MMC keep it in his pants for once and the FMC sleeping with another person (or people)? *sigh*
I also think there was a missed opportunity for a juicy, jealous, emotional confrontation between the MCs about the issue of him having slept around while they were separated and the FMC abstaining. The FMC was talking to him about it and asking if he had been with anyone else and he didn't say a word. The whole scene was the FMC's inner dialogue and her dialogue to him. He never even mentioned it again, neither did she. What's the point of putting the MMC's scene with another man, the curious question of the FMC, etc., in the story if it will just be a nothing burger and it just fizzles and goes nowhere.
All I wanted through the majority of the book was for Tana and Fenix to finally get together. I love them!
September 24, 2025
Thank you for the ARC copy! 4.5 star review
Finally got around to reading the first book and then this one... oh my GODDDDDDDDDD. Ms. Upton, why did you leave me with this cliffhanger?????
This book picks up a couple of months after book #1, and we get our first look into Elian's mind (yay, multi-POV!). Upton did a great job expressing how our two main characters (and their friends) navigated their mental health after the events of last book. I loved how Elian and Meline were eventually brought back together in a similar way to how they first met.
Shadow and Flame took a little longer for me to get through in comparison to Twin Blade (5 vs 1 day, lol), due to different, more emotionally-charged plot points. While this book heavily focused on internal/emotional plot points in the first half of the book, it was nicely balance by the expansion of our found family and our experience of the story through different narrators.
On Meline and El's quest to rescue Meline's friend, they experience quite a few unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think they have completed their tasks and are on to their next happy moments in life, Upton hits us with another turn of events that will now lead us into book 3 (P.S., I need it now).
Finally got around to reading the first book and then this one... oh my GODDDDDDDDDD. Ms. Upton, why did you leave me with this cliffhanger?????
This book picks up a couple of months after book #1, and we get our first look into Elian's mind (yay, multi-POV!). Upton did a great job expressing how our two main characters (and their friends) navigated their mental health after the events of last book. I loved how Elian and Meline were eventually brought back together in a similar way to how they first met.
Shadow and Flame took a little longer for me to get through in comparison to Twin Blade (5 vs 1 day, lol), due to different, more emotionally-charged plot points. While this book heavily focused on internal/emotional plot points in the first half of the book, it was nicely balance by the expansion of our found family and our experience of the story through different narrators.
On Meline and El's quest to rescue Meline's friend, they experience quite a few unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think they have completed their tasks and are on to their next happy moments in life, Upton hits us with another turn of events that will now lead us into book 3 (P.S., I need it now).
August 15, 2025
I'm so thrilled I got to receive an ARC for the next book in this series!!
Meline and Elián are back for more adventure and they're bringing friends!!! Not gonna lie, I needed a somewhat HEA after Twin Blades and I definitely got that with some added growth. But Noelle...girl...WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER??? AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
My only critique was that it was a lot more world building than what I'm use too, but the map helped immensely as I couldn't remember where was what. Also, I wish a pronunciation list was included like in book 1, but hopefully that can be added in later? But seriously though my favorite part of this book was the multi-POV from different characters in book 2. It really did round out the story for me with different perspectives.
I CANNOT wait for what book 3 has in store and best believe I'm going to have those notifications on to when it will be released.
Meline and Elián are back for more adventure and they're bringing friends!!! Not gonna lie, I needed a somewhat HEA after Twin Blades and I definitely got that with some added growth. But Noelle...girl...WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER??? AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
My only critique was that it was a lot more world building than what I'm use too, but the map helped immensely as I couldn't remember where was what. Also, I wish a pronunciation list was included like in book 1, but hopefully that can be added in later? But seriously though my favorite part of this book was the multi-POV from different characters in book 2. It really did round out the story for me with different perspectives.
I CANNOT wait for what book 3 has in store and best believe I'm going to have those notifications on to when it will be released.
August 26, 2025
What a journey...and we're just getting started.
Okay, so I can accept this ending even though I know book 3 is about to go down! This was such an emotional book that really focuses on Elian and Meline, lots of angst up front, then curiosity and resolve, then tentative content (because well). The emotional evolution stood out and I found myself just as invested in Meline's inner journey as I was with the external components of the book. Oh how I love Meline! She acts like an Aries?
There is a huge surprise in the last third of the book that I'm glad did not derail the progress made - I think I would have been devastated! The additional POVs were a great add, and I hope they make their way into book 3 for obvious reasons. Cannot wait to see what happens with The Shadows...Elian and Meline are always getting into something.
Okay, so I can accept this ending even though I know book 3 is about to go down! This was such an emotional book that really focuses on Elian and Meline, lots of angst up front, then curiosity and resolve, then tentative content (because well). The emotional evolution stood out and I found myself just as invested in Meline's inner journey as I was with the external components of the book. Oh how I love Meline! She acts like an Aries?
There is a huge surprise in the last third of the book that I'm glad did not derail the progress made - I think I would have been devastated! The additional POVs were a great add, and I hope they make their way into book 3 for obvious reasons. Cannot wait to see what happens with The Shadows...Elian and Meline are always getting into something.
August 29, 2025
I keep doing this to myself, starting an unfinished series! 😩
I love this one, tho.
Enemies to lovers, to enemies, to lovers. Meline and Elián's love sends us on a roller-coaster but it's worth the ride. Elián asserting his dominance and claiming his girl? Not allowing her to continue to run away from him? From them?! 🫠🙂↕️🙂↕️👏🏽👏🏽
The grief she carried for so long without him, the time missed due to lack of communication broke my heart but timing is everything! ✨️
I'm glad she had Tana and he had Tomás and Noruh to help them through those hard days.
Hoping we never have to see the Folk again but I just have a feeling they're coming back! 🤦🏾♀️
I'm worried about the Well and Tomás! Do they make it in time?! 🥺🤞🏽🙏🏽
Here's to being upset that I can't jump into book 3 right neow! lol
It will be worth the wait tho!
I love this one, tho.
Enemies to lovers, to enemies, to lovers. Meline and Elián's love sends us on a roller-coaster but it's worth the ride. Elián asserting his dominance and claiming his girl? Not allowing her to continue to run away from him? From them?! 🫠🙂↕️🙂↕️👏🏽👏🏽
The grief she carried for so long without him, the time missed due to lack of communication broke my heart but timing is everything! ✨️
I'm glad she had Tana and he had Tomás and Noruh to help them through those hard days.
Hoping we never have to see the Folk again but I just have a feeling they're coming back! 🤦🏾♀️
I'm worried about the Well and Tomás! Do they make it in time?! 🥺🤞🏽🙏🏽
Here's to being upset that I can't jump into book 3 right neow! lol
It will be worth the wait tho!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Wow this Took a Turn
This story has really evolved from the first book. Here you can expect to an adventure in a much more cozy package. Lots of emotional displays, grief, reconnection, turmoil, new realms, there is a lot to unpack here! If you go into the story expecting the same vibes as the first book you'll be disappointed. There's still the action and bloodshed but I would say the romance and journey takes center stage here. There's quite a few secrets and surprises along the way with two that feel very heavy for the plot and lore but are not explored to fruition. The clear focus here is the journey of loss, love, and relationship between the characters. I enjoyed the ride I just wasn't expecting it like this.
This story has really evolved from the first book. Here you can expect to an adventure in a much more cozy package. Lots of emotional displays, grief, reconnection, turmoil, new realms, there is a lot to unpack here! If you go into the story expecting the same vibes as the first book you'll be disappointed. There's still the action and bloodshed but I would say the romance and journey takes center stage here. There's quite a few secrets and surprises along the way with two that feel very heavy for the plot and lore but are not explored to fruition. The clear focus here is the journey of loss, love, and relationship between the characters. I enjoyed the ride I just wasn't expecting it like this.
August 24, 2025
I needed this sequel so badly!
I'm actually super glad that I first read this author once book 2 came along because it'd have driven me mad waiting too long for Shadow and Flames after having read Twin Blades. This instalment was even better, if that's even possible. We basically get more Meline and Elian, more worldbuilding, and more head-spinning plot points. Pretty much goodies all around.
Upton's writing speaks to me in a way that makes me fully immerse in the story, like I'm in there, experiencing it as one of the characters. Pure magic.
Highly recommend to romantasy lovers in need of a new obsession!
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion .*
I'm actually super glad that I first read this author once book 2 came along because it'd have driven me mad waiting too long for Shadow and Flames after having read Twin Blades. This instalment was even better, if that's even possible. We basically get more Meline and Elian, more worldbuilding, and more head-spinning plot points. Pretty much goodies all around.
Upton's writing speaks to me in a way that makes me fully immerse in the story, like I'm in there, experiencing it as one of the characters. Pure magic.
Highly recommend to romantasy lovers in need of a new obsession!
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion .*
August 29, 2025
Em and El will forever be on my list of favorite couples.
This book takes place 3 years after book 1. Meline and Elian haven’t seen each other for that amount of time and once they reunite it’s filled with not only longing but also a willingness to love and choose each other this time around; understanding that they both need each other. Of course there’s spice but there’s so much emotion. I found myself literally crying at some scenes. 3 years apart is a long time and the author did a wonderful job of recollecting what happened during that time without making the story feel like it’s a recap. Noelle Upton somehow manages to catch us up on what’s been happening while also introducing new elements and new characters without things getting too messy or complicated. Honestly, kudos to her for the level of dedication that takes.
I absolutely cannot wait to see what’s next for these characters.
*definitely check the tw for this one*
This book takes place 3 years after book 1. Meline and Elian haven’t seen each other for that amount of time and once they reunite it’s filled with not only longing but also a willingness to love and choose each other this time around; understanding that they both need each other. Of course there’s spice but there’s so much emotion. I found myself literally crying at some scenes. 3 years apart is a long time and the author did a wonderful job of recollecting what happened during that time without making the story feel like it’s a recap. Noelle Upton somehow manages to catch us up on what’s been happening while also introducing new elements and new characters without things getting too messy or complicated. Honestly, kudos to her for the level of dedication that takes.
I absolutely cannot wait to see what’s next for these characters.
*definitely check the tw for this one*
August 15, 2025
"𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆."
Elian's search and Meline's grief was heartbreaking! Meline and Elian were separated for so long! How could you do that Noelle?!
I thought sensitive topics (check the TWs) were handled beautifully and with respect. I always love the way Noelle writes. Her characters are diverse, complicated, spicy, and the connections (whether relationship, friendships, family) are felt deeply.
Elian's search and Meline's grief was heartbreaking! Meline and Elian were separated for so long! How could you do that Noelle?!
I thought sensitive topics (check the TWs) were handled beautifully and with respect. I always love the way Noelle writes. Her characters are diverse, complicated, spicy, and the connections (whether relationship, friendships, family) are felt deeply.
August 15, 2025
Fans of Immortal Dark will love this story of the vampire queen and guard who fell in love with her. Book 2 of the romantasy series finds the lovers yearning for the love they lost. We follow them and their diverse group while they take an assignment that sends them into more danger. This gave me sexy and emotional Aladdin vibes.
-multi dual POV’s
-queer representation
-Strong FMC
-second chance romance
ARC received by author for a review
-multi dual POV’s
-queer representation
-Strong FMC
-second chance romance
ARC received by author for a review
August 15, 2025
I was able to read this book a few weeks before it was published. Y'all look out: if you start this series, you will have a hard time putting it down until you finish! Meline and Elian have the kind of slow burn romance I love to see! Meline is a badass protagonist, and she's one of those rare romantasy women who ISN'T a teenager/hundreds of years younger than her love interest. In my opinion, S&F is even better than TB.
August 20, 2025
This book was so good!! Something I really enjoyed were the multiple point of views. This is not easy to pull off and this author really made sure each character was their own person. I never questioned who's point of view I was in. If I forgot to read it, I was able to tell instantly, there was no mistaking it. It really drove him the 5 star for me.
July 31, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.. A Fantasy Romace with Mates.. There are multiple POVs and full of action filled mysteries and spice scenes. I absolutely love that Noelle Upton writes strong willed FMCs...
August 13, 2025
A beautifully complex world with incredible characters whose journey back to each other is full of action and adventure. Loved the journey. Loved the romance. The spice was DELICIOUS. Loved the cliffhanger. Excited for the next chapter of the story.
August 15, 2025
you will not be disappointed!
After reading Twin Blades, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Shadows & Flames! It’s so good that I couldn’t put it down! Again the spice is just right without overtaking the story! Definitely adding Noelle Upton to my top list of authors!
After reading Twin Blades, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Shadows & Flames! It’s so good that I couldn’t put it down! Again the spice is just right without overtaking the story! Definitely adding Noelle Upton to my top list of authors!
July 26, 2025
beta read for this and I ate it up and now I’m arc reading for it so once I’m done with that, I will come back and post my full length review (hold me to it pls & ty)
January 22, 2026
I always dislike the healing trauma arcs but GIMMIE the next book
September 30, 2025
Noelle has given us this incredible sequel to Twin Blades, and I STILL think about this book daily despite having read it well over a month ago.
NOTE: Please, please review trigger warnings, as there are several difficult topics covered in this book.
The book initially starts immediately following Twin Blades, but the first couple of chapters give us some time jumps, and Meline and Elian have been apart for a few years when we really get into the story. They are each trying to move forward in their lives without the other. Elian is the ultimate 'sad boi' and my heart just shattered during his chapters; it was an excellent representation of depression and trying not to give up on life.
S&F covers four different POVs, with both Meline and Elian with the bulk of the chapters. Having the multiple POVs really gives a wonderful insight into the story, and more 'outsider' viewpoints of their situation and everything they are going through.
Despite their long separation, El and Em end up finding one another after both Elian & Tomas, and Meline & Tana take contracts for the same person. They end up travelling together as a group while competing for the completion of the contract, and their travels are fraught with many perils. They do work well together as a group, but the tension between El and Em is palpable, and I had my heart in my throat multiple times.
Eventually, they do reunite... and it's just as incredible as in TB. The spice is spicing, the banter is bantering, and my loins were on fire!
An incredible page-turner, you don't want to miss this series. There will be more coming, so the story doesn't end with S&F, but run and snag yourself a copy and dive right in. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Thank you so so much to Noelle for the beta read and eARC! My opinions are my own.
NOTE: Please, please review trigger warnings, as there are several difficult topics covered in this book.
The book initially starts immediately following Twin Blades, but the first couple of chapters give us some time jumps, and Meline and Elian have been apart for a few years when we really get into the story. They are each trying to move forward in their lives without the other. Elian is the ultimate 'sad boi' and my heart just shattered during his chapters; it was an excellent representation of depression and trying not to give up on life.
S&F covers four different POVs, with both Meline and Elian with the bulk of the chapters. Having the multiple POVs really gives a wonderful insight into the story, and more 'outsider' viewpoints of their situation and everything they are going through.
Despite their long separation, El and Em end up finding one another after both Elian & Tomas, and Meline & Tana take contracts for the same person. They end up travelling together as a group while competing for the completion of the contract, and their travels are fraught with many perils. They do work well together as a group, but the tension between El and Em is palpable, and I had my heart in my throat multiple times.
Eventually, they do reunite... and it's just as incredible as in TB. The spice is spicing, the banter is bantering, and my loins were on fire!
An incredible page-turner, you don't want to miss this series. There will be more coming, so the story doesn't end with S&F, but run and snag yourself a copy and dive right in. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Thank you so so much to Noelle for the beta read and eARC! My opinions are my own.
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