This highly anticipated Dark Romantic Fantasy by Author Bree Granado features enemies-to-lovers, touch-her-and-die, found family, fated mates and more in a story that it deliciously addictive and hauntingly beautiful.
As a human raised among fae, Aria has never felt like she truly belongs in the enchanting Court of Flames. Surrounded by the constant barrage of thinly veiled hostility by everyone around her, she’s learned to keep her head down, her lips sealed, and her heart guarded. Even her adoptive father, King Pyrros, who rescued her after her human parents were slaughtered, treats her like an outsider.
But as her twenty-first birthday approaches, the king’s sudden attention to Aria unnerves her more than ever before.
To Harlequin, the charismatic yet ruthless princeof a rival kingdom, The Court of Shadows, Aria would be the perfect pawn to tip the scales of the brewing tension between the courts. He concocts a scheme to kidnap her andleverage her captivity to force Pyrros into submission, giving him no choice but to retreat.
But it’s a deadly miscalculation.
The girl he intended to manipulate is not so easily tamed. As the line between captor and captive begins to blur, her presence ignites conflict in his kingdom, threatening his precarious hold on the throne.
When Aria uncovers long buried truths about her past, her role in the growing conflict between kingdoms is madepainfully clear. Now, she must trust Harlequin –her once-sworn enemy– and work with him to end the war before it destroys the world to which she so desperately wants to belong.
If they can’t bring an end to the war and restore peace across the land, countless lives will be lost, and Aria will have no home, her future will be ruined, and she’ll be left completely alone…forever.
"You will fall instantly for Aria, the damaged but strong-willed orphaned heroine. Then, you’ll be pulled in by Harlequin, the dark fae ruler of her found family’s rival kingdom. You’ll stay up reading past 2am because of the extreme enemies-to-lovers and “touch her and die” storyline. And finally, you’ll become a die-hard fanatic because of the heart-wrenching and incomparable story of survival and redemption. Trust me when I tell you to “Buy it Now!” - Christina Kaye, Award-Winning, Bestselling Author of Presumed Dead
My kiddo’s teacher recommended this book so I snagged it from Amazon once it was out. I so enjoyed it! If you love SJM type of books (especially 2 & 3 of ACOTAR) you will enjoy this too! Has the perfect mix of action, enemy to lovers banter, slow burn, spice, one surprise after another, and oh man that ending! Gimme book 2 now Bree plz and thank yew! 💨🔥😆
I loved this book! This dark fantasy romance had tropes I enjoy: enemies to lovers, touch her and die, he falls first, captor and captive, forced proximity, and it is a slow burn in the sense of how much time has passed in the book but the book itself is a bit more of a medium/fast pace. I also loved that we get the MMC pov right out of the gate, since it usually takes until book 2 or 3 in a fantasy series to see this. This book made me giggle and laugh, made me cry and broke my heart at times, and also made me feel the same anger and rage as the characters.
The storyline is great, with many shocking moments throughout and a phenomenal twist at the end that had my jaw on the floor and now I’m itching for book 2! The FMC learns a lot about herself and her past in the book which bodes well for her character development and growth. The MMC is a broody shadow daddy type we all love, with a soft spot for her and yearning I can’t get enough of. They have great banter, at times being sexy and other times being a bit funny/witty. They had me kicking my feet and giggling so many times throughout the book. Aside from the romance, the battles scenes/fighting are done well, which I love to have in a fantasy series. I feel like the world building and small details are done really well too, which makes the book feel more immersive. There are some moments where the small details stuck out and made me stop for a second and think about how much effort was made into making this a great read! 10/10 recommend this book and I’m desperate for book 2!
There wasn’t really anything I enjoyed about this book so I’ll just stick to the facts.
It had way too many popular tropes and nothing felt complete, instead of focusing and building upon only a few there was so much going on at the same time that the plot wasn’t actually progressing. I wasn’t impressed with the fantasy aspect because it was so random, all of a sudden there’s a magical book with all the answers but then nothing would follow, most of the book felt pointless because a-lot of what happened didn’t matter or make a difference.
The FMC throws herself a pitty party the whole time and doesn’t change in the end.
The MMC has a funny side but falls for his “enemy” after only 50 pages and is such a simp it was painful.
I might have enjoyed it more if it was split into two books because the halfway point would have made an amazing cliffhanger ending but instead I got over 400 pages of me just waiting to see when something would happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So it's definitely got some what the c*** is happening here. And holy mackerel, did you just say that? And seriously, yeah, it's got some absolutely wonderful parts, and some absolutely what in the heck. Yes, sight back girl fight back cause she does. But that ending, when is the next book coming out? That is what I need to know. And pretty pretty, please, when you're doing the audio engineering of the next one, take out the swallows from the female narrator and the throat clearing, it's the only things that I kept on hearing throughout the book that took me out of the story. But that's because of my weird brain, not because of anything else.The writing was really well done.
this story sucked me in from the very beginning. Aria, the human growing up in the fae world is treated like shes nothing UNTIL she gets taken to the court of shawdows by Quinn and then everything changes. she finds a family, love, and things about herself that should be impossible.
if you love banter, you'll love aria and quinn's relationship. because wow. the yearning though from both of them. gosh, it was a slowburn romance but sooo good.
the book hits you right in the feels. The fantasy elements are easy to follow which made this scuh an easy and fun read. the characters while mainly serious majority of the time, have these sweet and funny moments which bring more to their character and gave us some lighthearted moments in the story.
i will be reccomending this book to everyone from now on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The only reason I did not give it a 5 star is because there are a few parts that still need to be edited. The good thing is that I know the author is in the process of fixing them.
If you are looking for any of these tropes: ▪️Enemies to Lovers ♥️ ▪️Slow burn 🔥 ▪️Dark Fantasy Romance🖤 ▪️He falls First 😘 ▪️Found Family ▪️Touch her and die 💀
Then this book is ABSOLUTELY for you!! I had the privilege of Beta reading this book and let me tell you not only has the author done an amazing job building a fantasy romance but I love the way she changed the typical human girl finds a Fae world scenario to one where the human girl was raised in the Fae world with a foundation of lies! She draws you in from the very first chapter all the way through to the end where it leaves the story open for a book 2!
DNFd. By page 62 they had already kissed. Not quite lovers yet but idk man there was no yearning or build up just “he’s hot but I hate him but maybe not” it just feels like a rip off Rhysand(a court of thorns and roses) attempt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you were to ask me if I could find another book to read after ACOTAR & FOURTH WING series, then this book is EXACTLY what you are looking for! This book had the dynamic change I was looking for from enemies to lovers, fated mates, action packed and unexpected twists and turns to much MUCH MORE!!! I was on my toes from beginning to end. As you read the book, I could vivdely imagine and understand how the FMC & MMC were through every aspect of the trials that they faced. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end of this book and couldn't put it down except maybe to eat but still read it even then lol.
Just a forwarning that the last two chapters at the end of the book are eye opening. ESPECIALLY with the massive cliffhanger that is given to us!!! *Just a heada up, you better grab some tissues and be ready for that ending*
THIS IS A MUST READ HANDS DOWN.... now I need book 2 like ASAP!!!! 🤣
I just finished A Fate of Shadows and Flames and wow… what a journey. This is everything I want a romantasy to be. The plot was plotting, the twists kept coming, and I was rooting so hard for these characters the entire time. And that ending?? I did not see it coming at all.
But here’s the thing — this book gave me the feelings I have been chasing for TWO YEARS since reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. You know that obsessive, can’t-stop-thinking-about-it, heart-in-your-throat kind of feeling? That. I haven’t felt that in so long, and this one brought it back.
The tension. The angst. The enemies-to-lovers. The touch-her-and-die energy. I was stressed and swooning the whole time and I loved every second.
If you have a chance to listen to the audiobook…do!! it has bonus chapters not at the end, but woven through it that just really enhance the story! I cannot wait to purchase the hardback with sprayed edges when that comes out!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! So I have been looking forward to reading this one since I heard about it, and I finally got to read and *finish* it! Life has been lifing and it took me a hot minute to finish it - but only due to my time. If I had the time, I would have finished this in just a few days.
I loved this book! It was so fast-paced, and it was easy to follow the whole time. I felt all the emotions from giggling, disgust, heartbreak, honestly you name it, I fucking felt it.
Aria - such a strong willed female who just took her hits with strides, and kept going. She truly seemed like she had no one on her side for over half the book and it was just so nice to see her do HER! (chapter 17, FULL BODY CHILLS Aria you stunning woman)
Quin - You had me in the first half angry and upset because WTF are you doing. The broodyness came off strong and you could not open yourself up at all and it was irritating, but seeing the charatcer growth through the book, it was so refreshing!
Niall - ohhhhh my Nial. I was low-key mad at you, too, in the beginning. How are you just letting Aria down like that? But like Quin you proved yourself and I fell in love with you in the process!
All in all - don't wait to read this book - move it to the top of your TBR and read it because it is more than worth it!
This was just so bad… I’m sorry but it just feels like an ACOTAR self insertion fan fiction. I mean I’m not a big fan of ACOTAR either, but at least it’s not as poorly written as this one.
It feels like a checklist of bad tropes, everything is rushed (where is the slow burn, the anticipation, he falls for her already on page 40 and they kiss on page 60 something) no build up of emotion, he feels like he is bipolar and not dangerous (he switches emotion so fast I sometimes didn’t even know what actually happened 🙃) it seems like the reader is just supposed to know he’s dangerous because he is the „Shadow Prince“ with no real stakes or whatsoever. I stopped reading after page 100 or so, sorry, maybe there where some good twists… but I did not feel the characters, I didn’t think it was sexy or anything (come on, the red pants part 🙄) and I neither thought it was funny or cute or that there was tension between them.
And nothing is subtle, everything is spoon fed and speeded out. I know that’s part of some of those fantasy tropes, but at least we don’t get it from both sides already in the first few pages. That’s what keeps the reader guessing. If we know all of this already it’s just like watching a bad soap opera 🙃
This book definitely fell short for me. The world building is so minimal you can’t see the world in your mind. I’m talking 2 or 3 sentences to describe a palace or creature. The character building is the same. There is no depth, no mystery. The FMC is described as “stubborn” but immediately caves to every single request or gentle command. Time is passing at breakneck speed, in the first few chapters we pass over 2 weeks in a blink. Then two months. During this time there are conversations taking place between her captor or supposed enemy and her that we are not privy to(they end up discussing their hopes and dreams for the future, we are not able to know how they got there or what they are, but it happened). We only know that she is “playing dress up” with her ladies maid (which she was granted during her captivity with no explanation) and she becomes besties with her captor’s sister. There is no plot, no banter, no angst. There is nothing slow burn about this love story either. He is immediately obsessed with her and she is all about him.
I am seeing this compared to SJM, there is just no way. We need more of EVERYTHING in order to keep this going. I got 6 chapters in and had to DNF.
I LOVED every second of A Fate of Shadows and Flames! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The premise—a human girl thrust into a dangerous fae world. Is raised as a princess, and then gets kidnapped by the very enemy who murdered her parents—was everything I wanted and more.
The tension between the characters was off the charts. One bed? Check. Banter? Off the charts. And don’t even get me started on the morally grey male main character—he had me swooning and questioning my morals right alongside the heroine. Their chemistry was electric, the spice was chef’s kiss, and the mutual jealousy had me grinning like a fool.
This story was packed with twists and turns, heartbreak just when you think things are finally okay, and a betrayal that left me stunned. The cliffhanger? Brutal in the best way. I’m desperate for the next book already.
If you love fae fantasy with heat, angst, and emotionally-charged storytelling, this is a must-read. Bree Granado just made it onto my auto-buy list!
I had to DNF around 40% in. I feel like this book is just about tropes upon tropes upon tropes (one bed, FMC commenting on sight being beautiful and MMC agrees while looking at her) and it’s over kill. While I usually eat those up, they need to be spaced out, earned and have more substance to them other than chucking a bunch of tropes into a story just-because. The romance was way too insta love-y for me. The main characters kiss almost immediately and then the MMC does this irritating back and forth nonsense that gave me whiplash, it wasn’t enjoyable nor exciting for me. This was a big nope for me, and I knew about 10 pages in but did try to progress on I just couldn’t do it any longer. Way too many books in my TBR to read and time is precious.
As I immersed myself in the narrative, I was captivated by the intense story of Aria and Harlequin. Their forbidden love and the dark secrets they concealed created a compelling tension. Aria’s past was intricately woven into the conflict between the fae kingdoms, further enhancing the intrigue. The relatable themes of enemies-to-lovers and found family resonated deeply, drawing me into their world of shadows and flames. Bree Granado’s meticulous and engaging writing transported me to their realm, allowing me to experience their journey through darkness and desire alongside them.
Im all for fantasy but this was stupid. The FMC couldn't make up her mind about whether or not she loved the MMC. Spoiler she does. I made it 300 pages in before I said im done with this crap. Insta love in a fantasy book? Come on now. Where's the world building? There wasn't any! There were so many tropes thrown in im not sure what was going on half the time. I thought this book was going to be good & let me tell you, not worth the time. The concept of this book could've been great, if there was more world building to the story. Everything was literally rushed and for what? If this is supposed to be a series, then why rush everything in the first book? I don't understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If i could give this book 8 stars I would! That’s how good this was!!I enjoyed every page of this but that ending… and Niall!! Is it bad that I just want to 😭?!? Because why Bree!! So much happened and I don’t know how to feel about it, I don’t know how to process it. That’s how GOOD and gut wrenching it was. It was funny and beautiful and it left me speechless. thank you Bree for breaking my heart with this!! 💔😭 looking forward to the next book.
Look, I didn't particularly like or dislike this book, and if it hadn't have been for William Madison, I'd have probably DNF'd at "PTSD-ish." However, I soldiered on until Niall was killed. You should be ashamed Bree Granado and should've killed him off the first time. He didn't "serve his purpose." That was a cop-out. Anyway, the story was pretty ok. I liked the tropes, and Harlequin (great name btw) was hilarious. Too bad Aria was his fated mate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a fun and fast paced read!!! It was giving Acotar meets Once Upon a Time vibes. I did feel like they fell really fast but as the story unravelled it slowed a bit and I was guessing a bit more (without spoiling haha) The plot was really good and fun!!! All the usual tropes made an appearance but there were GREAT TWISTS in the end!!! Can’t wait for book 2!!!!!!
I really wanted to give this one 5 ⭐️ but there were a few errors that need to be edited a bit and I also was expecting more of that banter between the main characters in the beginning. But other than that this book was amazing! The twists were unexpected. I laughed, felt the frustration, and even cried 🥲 My mouth even fell open at the ending…and now I just need book 2.
I found this book thanks to TikTok, and I'm so glad I did! The world building and character development was addictive. There was everything I wanted in a good Fantasy Romance forbidden love, secrets, dragons, a powerful FMC, and a magic system. Can't wait for the next book.
Highly anticipated? By who? This reads like a teenager trying to write what they deem "good" fantasy... and it's awful. Even if you can get past the writing, the characters are flat and rip offs that have no substance of their own. The plot/twists are beyond obvious. It feels like the author threw every trope at the wall to see what would stick... none of it does.
Just.....wow. I cannot even comprehend how I am feeling after this book and the fact there is not another one ready for me to read yet is devastating. it give you everything and more when you read. The ending....I can't even process right now but I will be looking forward to the next book.
Well firstly respectfully Bree... f you 😂😂 this was brilliant and I am utterly livid that I have to wait for another book. The audiobook took this book to the next level and if 6 stars was a choice, I would give it that. I really, really want the next one but yesterday because howre you gonna end a book like that!?!?!
This one I can’t quite give a 5 star, it’s really close. I really enjoyed this book and I am waiting for the next. But something is missing. I feel like some parts I was told how to feel rather than feeling it myself if that makes sense. I was shocked at times and I’d recommend reading this book for sure. Excited for the next!
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bree at a book signing near where I live. She’s so sweet and genuine. I love this book, Great story, dark romance and the twists & turns it took! I so look forward to book 2!
I really loved this book!!! She is half fae but does not know it. Her family was killed because they wanted her powers. She ended up falling in love with her mate. You so need to read this book!!! It does leave off on a cliffhanger. I am excited for book 2 to come out!!!