Immortal Flame: Immortal Origins Akadian's POV

Chronicles of the Immortal Trials #1.5

by Taryn Knightly

"If only she could see herself the way I do. Then, she would see what she truly is; beautiful ferocity made flesh. In five hundred years, I've never seen anything as terrifyingly dangerous as her smile. A smile I know will be the end of me. But as long as it's the last thing I ever see, I'll embrace my undoing..."

Akadian has spent half a millennium hating what he is, what he was made for, but found routine as a prince of the empire. His life has never been his, and he's grown to not think about it. Until one day a servant pledges her name to the Immortal Trials; a deadly competition in which the winner gains a place in the kingdom of the gods. Setting them both on a course of fate that could change everything...

COMING 2026...

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 1, 2026

About the author

Taryn Knightly was born and raised in Colorado but has spent much of her life traveling and moving around. She's been a fan of reading since she could pick up a book. Her favorite genre is fantasy, though she dabbles all over and loves sinking her teeth into a good mystery thriller. She met the love of her life in Washington and now spends her time letting her sense of adventure fuel her creativity. IMMORTAL ORIGINS is her debut dark fantasy and the first installment in the Chronicles of the Immortal Trials. Welcome and happy reading!

Reviews

[Gwen Brophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really wish this had been available when I first read Immortal Origins last year, because as I said in my review of that book, the handful of Akadian POVs that we got in that helped tremendously with connecting to him, because he was pretty inscrutable and hard to get a handle on otherwise.

These chapters made me love him even more! It was so helpful to get to see that he has been in a cage just as much as Ambrose, and that he's hated it for as long as he's existed. It wasn't a slow awakening because he met Ambrose, but two people who have the same beliefs coming together.

This is a great complement to that book. The only reason that I'm giving it four and not five stars is that this really isn't a novella but more a series of alternative POVs placed in chronological order. Do not get me wrong: I am VERY glad to have read this, and it absolutely improves/flushes out IO, but it's not a standalone book, and if you go into this thinking you can read this alone without having read IO, you'll be totally lost.

[Lars van Roon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 3 months after reading Immortal Origins. The book shows the perspective of Akadian in the story of book 1 ''Immortal Origins''. I enjoyed reading this and it was a nice touch to see how this character thinks and feels. You also get some insights that are not discussed in book 1. It is easy to read and the story is engaging.

I feel like this book is a really good addition to read in a tandem read, and adds a lot of value to the story. I will reread this together with book 1 before the release of book 2. This will be easy because every chapter tells you exactly when to read it to follow the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni Heywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the alternative POV from Akadian. I reread immortal origins before reading immortal flame. I didn’t know about the tandem read until afterwards. I had a lot of questions at the end of origins but some of the things have been answered but I still got ALOT of questions. Parts make more sense now though. That little bonus chapter at the end. Things are about to get very interesting. Can’t wait for book 2. I want to see where their journey lead. But I also want to get to know Magnus and lily more. It would be interesting to see how Ambrose’s training continues from here. I can’t wait

I recieved this as an arc through the author and book sirens which I am very thankful for and I’m leaving this review voluntarily x

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Immortal Flame” is a powerful, character-driven addition to The Chronicles of The Immortal Trials, offering a deeper look into Akadian, the brooding fire prince. Told from his perspective, this novella adds emotional depth and reshapes how you see both the character and the world of Almuria.

The world-building remains strong, with a rigid class system and a fascinating magic structure based on elemental mana and social classification. The Immortal Trials continue to deliver high-stakes tension, blending danger with political intrigue.

What truly stands out is the dynamic between Akadian and Ambrose. Their forbidden, slow-burn connection brings heart and intensity to the story, layered with themes of fate, power, and rebellion.

Although this short but impactful story was provided as an ARC, I am pleased to leave this review voluntarily. “Immortal Flame” feels essential rather than optional—perfect for readers who love elemental magic, morally gray characters, and high-stakes fantasy romance.

[Alizabeth P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I absolutely loved getting to see things from Akadian’s POV and being in his head. We got to see things explained that weren't in IO, which I really enjoyed.

The way he has it down bad for Ambrose and his thoughts about her throughout are chefs' kisses💋 I could not get enough of it!

I will say if you haven't read IO in a while, I would highly recommend doing this as a tandem read. I feel if you don't and jump right into IF without really remembering IO that well, you won't get the full experience. This is why I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5. It's not really a novella because I personally don't recommend reading it on its own it's more like a book of a bunch of bonus chapters.

[Gabby Wortley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this alternate POV for Akadian!
You get an amazing glimpse into how his mind works and what he is truly going through. You can see the love and obsession he has for Ambrose with every step he takes through the whole book that you don’t get to see by just reading Immortal Origins. I read this copy Tandem and it was truly the best way I felt to read it for me without losing the plot! I highly recommend reading this book if you want more of Akadian and trust me I think everyone does that man truly magnificent!

[Jessica Ungar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Immortal Flame: Immortal Origins Akadian’s POV. This is book 1.5 in the Chronicles of the Immortal Trials series. This book is meant to be read in tandem with book one “Immortal Origins”. I gave this book 4.5 stars. Akadian’s POV adds a depth to the overall storyline and gives insight to some topics that are not discussed in depth in book 1. If you like broody, touch her and die, morally grey men, and no one matters but her, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[IzaBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. The yearn was everything I hoped for. I loved seeing the scenes again from Alkadin's POV. I'm a sucker for dual POV books and this was exactly what I needed. I'm impatiently awaiting Immortal Flame and Immortal Secrets offical release so I can share my love of this series to everyone I've been hyping it up to. Taryn Knighly once again proves she deserves a seat with the best romantasy authors.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alicia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aghhh I loved his POV!!

Going back into this world was fantastic! I just kept melting at his inner monologue and how much he feels for her.

When they go into the woods and they meet the brotherhood had my blood boiling all over again!!!!!!! I don’t think I’ll have any other reaction to that part.

This is meant to be read in tandem with book one and I will absolutely do that in the future. Can’t wait for the next installment!!!

[Mindy Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance Reader: I loved getting to better understand Akadian’s POV after finishing Immortal Origins, Immortal Flame added another level of depth to his character. I would recommend a tandem read with both books 1 and 1.5 and the author labeled each chapter so that it would be very easy to do. I can’t wait for book 2 to find out what happens now!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and this point of view the groveling is 1000% this man has it bad. I feel like this point of view helped me understand the character better. Has a few typos and had a couple of times it said the wrong gender or words out of order but, can’t wait for book 2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Casandra Shaffer]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I flew through this read for Akadian's POV and LOVED every second - his internal banter was perfection. The mental turmoil - lots of questions answered, more arose.

Makes me even more excited for Immortal Secrets in August.

Thanks so much Taryn for another great read!