Shadows and Flames is a re-release of books 1-4 in the Demons of Fire and Night series. As the duo that is C. N. Crawford is one of my favorite writers. I was surprised I had missed this older series and had not already read it before. It was amazing I loved it and C. N. Crawford’s writing style as always flows seamlessly and I was transported into this world and totally happy to be there.
Because this is a 4 book set it sadly (not really hahaha) took me a few sleepless nights to finish. However, I hands down recommend the book hangover.
Our MC Ursula doesn’t have the best life. She has pretty much no money, a job she hates working for her ex-boyfriend (who treats her terribly). Then to ice that cake no memories of her life except for the last 3 years. She has no idea who she was/is or how she lost her memories.
If all of this doesn’t seem difficult enough on Ursula’s 18th birthday a shapeshifting hellhound appears in her kitchen demanding her soul… I mean what the what!?… This is apparently a deal she made before her memory loss.
Desperate to not loose her soul she trusts what appears to be a note she wrote to herself before she made the deal… Her only way out is asking for a trial and not a fun safe kind. As Ursula fights for her life the trial awakens skills and powers she had no idea she possessed throwing Ursula into a world, completely foreign from how she had been living. However, Ursula isn’t exactly feeling like this is for the better.
In what she feels like a shocking twist Ursula can transform into hellhound herself. This gives her a position as a soul collector of those who have pledged themselves to Emerazel, a fire demon Goddess. This really wasn’t what Ursula had in mind think worst nightmare since this started to prevent her own soul from being taken. So being forced to exact that punishment on others to relinquish their souls is a terrifying and emotionally painful task for Ursula. However, she has no choice this is a do or die job!
On Ursula’s first soul collecting mission to say things go poorly is an understatement. The collection trigger a cascading series of dangerous situations leaving Ursula scrambling to rely on powers she can’t fully control. This also forces her to depend on the strengths and skills of both her peers and enemies to finish the job.
I loved the growth arc of our MC who when thrown into a ride or die scenario learns to trust her survival instincts.
I really enjoyed the mystery of what/who Ursula might be because early on it is apparent she is not a normal hellhound. The journey Ramps up as we watch her character develop and grow.
Ursula is strong flawed and a bit broken which I always like. However, Ursula has grit and determination. This makes for very satisfying heroine and I was easily able to become invested in her journey.
Now onto our male MC Bael who is mysterious and has a dark past he would like to leave behind. This is a broken character who presents with cut off wings. Sooooo definitely some baggage there leaving you wanting to unpack that box to see what his story is. This is an MC who absolutely does not want to care about Ursula he would prefer to hate her and walk away but a smoldering current of attraction on both sides leaves that as an unattainable goal.
This is a slow burn and as the story progresses Bael and Ursula find mutual respect for each other that only continues to deepen their attraction.
Now the villains… These are truly despicable characters that you will love to hate, lots of action, so many awesome side characters that completely pull you into this well crafted plot and world building. Oh and did I mention the story is about a civilization on the moon! So cool! Loved that part.
As I continued to progress thru this box set Ursula still doesn't remember her life but-starts getting flashes of memory. In the meantime Dragons have laid waste to New York looking for her. Yes gah Dragons 🤩🙌!
I am pretty mind blown that a world could be created with Gods, vampires, demons, Fae and yet seamlessly move into King Arthur legend/lore. This is so well done it’s hard to believe this is an early series for this writing pair. You can definitely see the evolution and growth in their writing style from then to now but folks this is incredibly well done and a satisfying read.
I also have to say I LOVE the slow burn. I love a natural evolution and I am completely fine with fade to black m. I don’t need the behind closed door details. It is enough for me to know it’s happening.
However, not related to this series if you want spicy, later series definitely provide the heat so have no fear this pair can provide it all. Just keep reading their books!
Now back to this box set. It is a full on journey to forgotten kingdoms, kick butt fighting, dragons, hellhounds and so much more. Who knew so much could be packed into four books.
Also despite the slow burn Bael is so hot. I am so impressed that this series keeps it classy while bringing all the sexy. It was incredibly hard to put the kindle down to do life (dang work n everything else) all I can say is once I started reading. Sleep deprivation for the win.
All in all an awesome series with quirky humor, great characters, desperate times and riveting action. And such a cool world I 💯 % Recommend!