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Darkness and Fire #1
Of Darkness and Fire
Over 100 years ago, Aethion was in the middle of what would be forever known as The Great War. Kingdoms were torn apart, countless innocent lives were lost due to the greed and lust of power by one man - Lachlan Roarke. His band of misfits called themselves The Horde, as they overran and eradicated everything in their path.
He's the reason I lost my mother. The reason I can't sleep at night without nightmares plaguing my mind. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is her. Everything I am today is because of her and the night I was forced to watch her murder.
Now, as the time comes when I must fulfill my destiny as queen of Helia, we find ourselves at the brink of war once again. The Horde is back, although with someone unknown at their helm as leader.
The time for revenge is now, and I'm willing to bet it will be the sweetest thing I've ever tasted. It's my duty to take them down and put this to rest, once and for all. Not only do I owe it to my people, whom I swore to protect, but also to make good on the promise I made myself the night I saw the light fade from my mother's eyes.
I will destroy those who seek to destroy me. I only hope it won't be the last thing I do.
He's the reason I lost my mother. The reason I can't sleep at night without nightmares plaguing my mind. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is her. Everything I am today is because of her and the night I was forced to watch her murder.
Now, as the time comes when I must fulfill my destiny as queen of Helia, we find ourselves at the brink of war once again. The Horde is back, although with someone unknown at their helm as leader.
The time for revenge is now, and I'm willing to bet it will be the sweetest thing I've ever tasted. It's my duty to take them down and put this to rest, once and for all. Not only do I owe it to my people, whom I swore to protect, but also to make good on the promise I made myself the night I saw the light fade from my mother's eyes.
I will destroy those who seek to destroy me. I only hope it won't be the last thing I do.
458 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2022
152 people are currently reading
3916 people want to read
About the author
Amber Palmer
9 books490 followersAmber Palmer is an American romance author specializing in paranormal and contemporary love stories. Born in Arizona and raised in Texas, she’s the proud parent of three mischievous cats and one playful pup. When she’s not devouring spicy romance novels, you can find her curating bookish Spotify playlists or jotting down ideas for her next project. A fierce advocate for mental health, Amber crafts characters who face and heal from deep traumas. She’s unapologetically passionate about all things spicy—both in books and life—and loves gaming with her husband in her downtime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 13, 2022
Eva?! Damien?! Matthew?! Orion?!
Now let me preface that this is not a RH. As a romance smut loving reader I know how that sounded 😅 but these are characters that you will read about in this book that you’ll come to love, hate, rage against, cry for, and ultimately wonder what the hell just happened. I am an ARC reader for this book and when I tell y’all that this is the book that you want to read in 2022 listen to me. The world building and character building that Amber does is so amazing that I feel like I’m there experiencing all these highs and lows right along the main bish is charge Eva. I cannot wait for the second book so I can fall into the world of Helia and the adventures that I know will come based off that ending!
Now let me preface that this is not a RH. As a romance smut loving reader I know how that sounded 😅 but these are characters that you will read about in this book that you’ll come to love, hate, rage against, cry for, and ultimately wonder what the hell just happened. I am an ARC reader for this book and when I tell y’all that this is the book that you want to read in 2022 listen to me. The world building and character building that Amber does is so amazing that I feel like I’m there experiencing all these highs and lows right along the main bish is charge Eva. I cannot wait for the second book so I can fall into the world of Helia and the adventures that I know will come based off that ending!
June 23, 2022
Fae? ✔
Powerful FMC? ✔
Fated mates? ✔
Betrayal? ✔
Why haven't I heard of this book before!? It has everything I need and love in a fantasy romance. I read Of Darkness and fire in a day! I was absolutely hooked from page 1.
I screamed, I felt devasted, I wanted to punch someone in the face. Reading Of Darkness and fire was a rollercoaster emotions.
The romance had the right amount of angts and smut. And that ending.. my poor heart! Why do I love cliffhangers when they hurt me so 😅
Powerful FMC? ✔
Fated mates? ✔
Betrayal? ✔
Why haven't I heard of this book before!? It has everything I need and love in a fantasy romance. I read Of Darkness and fire in a day! I was absolutely hooked from page 1.
I screamed, I felt devasted, I wanted to punch someone in the face. Reading Of Darkness and fire was a rollercoaster emotions.
The romance had the right amount of angts and smut. And that ending.. my poor heart! Why do I love cliffhangers when they hurt me so 😅
January 18, 2022
Of Darkness and Fire
…
Eva is a fiercely strong Fae princess who is next in line for the throne in her kingdom. While she has always held affection for her best friend, Damien, she’s holding on to hope that they both will someday find their true mates. When she starts to cave to her feelings, a mysterious man surrounded by darkness sweeps Eva off her feet. But will his shadows and secrets be too much for this powerful princess? Or will she help bring him into the light?
…
Of Darkness and Fire is book one of a three part series. This book is incredibly well-written and delivers action, suspense, plot twists, and the beginnings of a beautifully fated love story. This book is an intense read from start to finish and ends with a cliff hanger. I highly recommend this first novel from Amber Palmer!
…
Releases February 8th on Amazon!
June 14, 2022
4.5⭐️ This debut novel really surprised me in the best way!! I am obsessed with every single one of these characters! You will either love them or love to hate them. The plot was a little predictable, but the plot twist at the end had me😱😱 I am DYING for the next book. I need to know what happens next. This story was so intriguing from start to finish, the ROMANCE OMG, and the spice was fantastic. I would’ve never guessed this was a debut, I was just blown out of the water. The world building was lacking, but the characters were so well developed. Highly recommend! Spice 3/5
April 3, 2023
This story grabbed my pretty quickly and Eva, Damien, and Matthew are all well developed characters with solid backstories and solid development throughout the book. I loved the play of dark and light (and grey?)
The book is a wonderful fantasy with spicy romance but it isn’t over complicated or so caught up in the world building. I think both fantasy and non-fantasy readers would love it. The world building is solid without pages and pages of descriptions (which is a good thing in my book!)
The ending had me begging for more!
The book is a wonderful fantasy with spicy romance but it isn’t over complicated or so caught up in the world building. I think both fantasy and non-fantasy readers would love it. The world building is solid without pages and pages of descriptions (which is a good thing in my book!)
The ending had me begging for more!
May 19, 2022
characters are lacking
This book is a whirlwind. The pace of the actual story moves too quickly leaving behind details and character development while she painstakingly spends pages and pages on the spicy scenes.
Eva is supposed to be the BA Warrior Princess yet she’s portrayed as weak and easily overcome by emotions or overpowered by her enemies. The actual character does not fit with the description.
This book is a whirlwind. The pace of the actual story moves too quickly leaving behind details and character development while she painstakingly spends pages and pages on the spicy scenes.
Eva is supposed to be the BA Warrior Princess yet she’s portrayed as weak and easily overcome by emotions or overpowered by her enemies. The actual character does not fit with the description.
January 20, 2022
I have no idea how I am going to be able to put all of my feelings about this book into a review but here it goes.
I want to start off by saying that had I not known this was a debut, I never would have thought it was. Everything from the storyline to the character development to the emotion was so beautifully articulated. I genuinely believe that this book is better than some I’ve read from seasoned, well known authors. I was glued from the very first page. The writing allowed me to connect with the characters on a whole other level. I felt what they felt and was able to effortlessly visualize every scene. This story had me captivated. I was constantly reading ahead out of excitement and talking out loud like the characters could actually hear me. I’ve read a lot of books and I rarely am this passionate after reading one. But this?? This deserves ALL the hype.
I am recommending this book to every single human who will listen. Get your copy and dive into the world of Aethion. As you read, you will find yourself transported into the pages where you will grow to fall in love with, or hate (but like, in a good way) the characters within. This story will illicit within you every single emotion there is, sometimes all at once. It will also set a fire within your soul and have you begging for book #2. I speak from experience, as I am currently experiencing ODAF withdrawals. Is there something I can take to like wipe this book from my memory so I can read it again without knowing things? If so, let a homegirl know. I need it. Seriously, read this book. I promise you will not regret it.
I want to start off by saying that had I not known this was a debut, I never would have thought it was. Everything from the storyline to the character development to the emotion was so beautifully articulated. I genuinely believe that this book is better than some I’ve read from seasoned, well known authors. I was glued from the very first page. The writing allowed me to connect with the characters on a whole other level. I felt what they felt and was able to effortlessly visualize every scene. This story had me captivated. I was constantly reading ahead out of excitement and talking out loud like the characters could actually hear me. I’ve read a lot of books and I rarely am this passionate after reading one. But this?? This deserves ALL the hype.
I am recommending this book to every single human who will listen. Get your copy and dive into the world of Aethion. As you read, you will find yourself transported into the pages where you will grow to fall in love with, or hate (but like, in a good way) the characters within. This story will illicit within you every single emotion there is, sometimes all at once. It will also set a fire within your soul and have you begging for book #2. I speak from experience, as I am currently experiencing ODAF withdrawals. Is there something I can take to like wipe this book from my memory so I can read it again without knowing things? If so, let a homegirl know. I need it. Seriously, read this book. I promise you will not regret it.
April 24, 2022
I had the pleasure of working on this novel, and genuinely enjoyed every minute!
Amber does a stellar job of writing a fantasy novel that can easily be enjoyed by fans of every genre. The magic system is well defined and written in a way that makes it easy to understand without being too simple. The protagonist is fantastic, I wrote “OH MY GOD IS THIS ME?!” More times than I can count. There are twists and turns, a good dose of spice, and a cast of fantastic supporting characters that I cannot wait to learn more about. I’m a sucker for a good side character, and I’m definitely crushing on Kalen.
The villain is my favorite character 😂 I can’t give anything away, but the villain has some seriously great lines and 10/10, would be his partner in crime.
This is a super solid debut novel, and I’m excited af for the next book!!!
Amber does a stellar job of writing a fantasy novel that can easily be enjoyed by fans of every genre. The magic system is well defined and written in a way that makes it easy to understand without being too simple. The protagonist is fantastic, I wrote “OH MY GOD IS THIS ME?!” More times than I can count. There are twists and turns, a good dose of spice, and a cast of fantastic supporting characters that I cannot wait to learn more about. I’m a sucker for a good side character, and I’m definitely crushing on Kalen.
The villain is my favorite character 😂 I can’t give anything away, but the villain has some seriously great lines and 10/10, would be his partner in crime.
This is a super solid debut novel, and I’m excited af for the next book!!!
March 22, 2022
I hate not finishing books, but I just could not get through this one. I think the story is worth being told, but it just seemed to move too quick in some parts and much too slow in others. I feel like the main characters lost who they were at the beginning and became completely different people.
February 5, 2023
Read this if you like: ACOTAR, romantasy, morally grey characters, he'd burn the world for her, fae, enemies to lovers, dagger to the throat, BALLS, or the Plated Prisoner series
The clear ACOTAR inspiration took me out of the story quite a bit which is holding me back from a higher rating. I also wish there was more world building and character development in general. I'm excited to continue this series and see where this goes and learn more about Eva.
The clear ACOTAR inspiration took me out of the story quite a bit which is holding me back from a higher rating. I also wish there was more world building and character development in general. I'm excited to continue this series and see where this goes and learn more about Eva.
August 31, 2022
She's suppose to be this tough badass princess but literally I couldn't even finish the book she ends up just being whiny and crying all the time and running away from responsibilities and being just all around dumb it was so bad I would not recommend it it doesn't really make sense doesn't really stick to anything
March 11, 2022
There is no other way to express how much I love this story other than to force all my friends to read it. It's that good. All the emotions, all the time, and I love it. My only critique, the main love interest felt a bit insta-love for me, but it didn't make me love them any less.
January 21, 2022
How can I even put into words this book and all its glory! I am an ARC reader for this book and I was not expecting the amazing story that was told about Eva, Damien, and Matthew. No, this is not an RH but a true honest love story with spice that consumes you till your last breath.
Eva is a strong powerful fae princess that has no fear but is lost and looking for her purpose in life. Aethion is her kingdom that she is destined to rule. Damien, a high-ranking soldier is her best friend and is yearning for her love. Does Eva love him too? Could she love him and rule her precious Aethion kingdom? Just when Damien thinks all is falling into place, who is this stranger at the ball. Eva's interests are peaked and have now met Matthew but who is he, and what is his past? Hearts will break, love will consume you, truths will be exposed and powers will prevail.
I am urging everyone to read this book. The characters are very well developed, the storyline is written so well I could not put it down and the love is literally all-consuming. You can feel the passion, the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the determination to keep your true love once it's been found. I could visualize every scene that I was reading which made for a magical experience.
This book is a great read and ends with a cliffhanger but I could not be more excited to see what happens to Eva in the future. Please run now and get this book. You will not be disappointed!!!!!!
Eva is a strong powerful fae princess that has no fear but is lost and looking for her purpose in life. Aethion is her kingdom that she is destined to rule. Damien, a high-ranking soldier is her best friend and is yearning for her love. Does Eva love him too? Could she love him and rule her precious Aethion kingdom? Just when Damien thinks all is falling into place, who is this stranger at the ball. Eva's interests are peaked and have now met Matthew but who is he, and what is his past? Hearts will break, love will consume you, truths will be exposed and powers will prevail.
I am urging everyone to read this book. The characters are very well developed, the storyline is written so well I could not put it down and the love is literally all-consuming. You can feel the passion, the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the determination to keep your true love once it's been found. I could visualize every scene that I was reading which made for a magical experience.
This book is a great read and ends with a cliffhanger but I could not be more excited to see what happens to Eva in the future. Please run now and get this book. You will not be disappointed!!!!!!
February 6, 2022
First off i ARC read Of Darkness and Fire. Not only is this book 🔥 but Amber herself is a true gem. That being said, let’s begin.
Picture this, you’re an heiress after your mother was savagely killed by an enemy uprising fueled by a scorn lovers hate. Your best friend has been pursing your for years, working his way into your bed and your heart. Just as you begin to give into the idea of life with him(though very clearly he will never be your true mate) a dark figure emerges. Cut to Matthew, raised in a family of Hatred and malice. Trained to infiltrate and kill you and those around you. You fall.. and you fall into sweet caring arms of a man who should scare you to death. He takes you captive to protect you but you’re taken back by your best friend and his father. They punish you, the shift begin when Damien’s obsession bleeds through the once beautiful pages of your life long friendship. He’s longing for you but you continue to long for that dark figure who’s won your heart and your soul. He’s your mate if you’d allow yourself a moment to admit it to yourself. But you aren’t afforded that as the enemy attacks pepper your kingdom. While on the battle field your dark figure Emerges again to ensure you’re well being. Interrupted by a violent entrance from your once best friend before you’re transported with Matthew to a place where the two of you can exist together if only for a moment. Love is pledged, the brand is sealed and before the day is up you have admitted the nagging feeling in your heart. You’ve given yourself up to you mate. As you lay in the arms of the man you have come to love and will love until the gods call you home you’re stirred from your calm by a rap at the door. There stands Damien and his father. Their betrayal and possession of you turn into a literal and metaphorical tainted dagger in your side. A dagger laced with dark magic to zap your power and render you dying. Matthew begs for your salvation. Damien obliges as he drags you back to the pits of hell in your own mind. Throwing you in a dungeon where you’re subjected to torture and neglect. The only thing keeping you clinging to life is the connect so strong in your heart it could never sever… so you’d thought before the connect splits like hairs.
The man you’ve come to call home once beautiful head along with his dearest companions rolls inside the floor of the dungeon you’re now forced to call home.
No one is coming to save you.
No one believes the treachery and abuse you’ve been subjected to.
You must survive. You must numb yourself and harden your heart. To marry your once best friend to ensure the survival of your kingdom. But what if I told you securing the survival of your kingdom would sure be it’s undoing.
🌶🌶🌶/5
And I promise you, the story as well as the last chapter will have you on the edge of your seat as things are not always what they seem.
Picture this, you’re an heiress after your mother was savagely killed by an enemy uprising fueled by a scorn lovers hate. Your best friend has been pursing your for years, working his way into your bed and your heart. Just as you begin to give into the idea of life with him(though very clearly he will never be your true mate) a dark figure emerges. Cut to Matthew, raised in a family of Hatred and malice. Trained to infiltrate and kill you and those around you. You fall.. and you fall into sweet caring arms of a man who should scare you to death. He takes you captive to protect you but you’re taken back by your best friend and his father. They punish you, the shift begin when Damien’s obsession bleeds through the once beautiful pages of your life long friendship. He’s longing for you but you continue to long for that dark figure who’s won your heart and your soul. He’s your mate if you’d allow yourself a moment to admit it to yourself. But you aren’t afforded that as the enemy attacks pepper your kingdom. While on the battle field your dark figure Emerges again to ensure you’re well being. Interrupted by a violent entrance from your once best friend before you’re transported with Matthew to a place where the two of you can exist together if only for a moment. Love is pledged, the brand is sealed and before the day is up you have admitted the nagging feeling in your heart. You’ve given yourself up to you mate. As you lay in the arms of the man you have come to love and will love until the gods call you home you’re stirred from your calm by a rap at the door. There stands Damien and his father. Their betrayal and possession of you turn into a literal and metaphorical tainted dagger in your side. A dagger laced with dark magic to zap your power and render you dying. Matthew begs for your salvation. Damien obliges as he drags you back to the pits of hell in your own mind. Throwing you in a dungeon where you’re subjected to torture and neglect. The only thing keeping you clinging to life is the connect so strong in your heart it could never sever… so you’d thought before the connect splits like hairs.
The man you’ve come to call home once beautiful head along with his dearest companions rolls inside the floor of the dungeon you’re now forced to call home.
No one is coming to save you.
No one believes the treachery and abuse you’ve been subjected to.
You must survive. You must numb yourself and harden your heart. To marry your once best friend to ensure the survival of your kingdom. But what if I told you securing the survival of your kingdom would sure be it’s undoing.
🌶🌶🌶/5
And I promise you, the story as well as the last chapter will have you on the edge of your seat as things are not always what they seem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2022
This book was obviously inspired by TOG and ACOTAR. Which is fine, I love those series too.
However this story missed it, for me. The characters were somewhat shallow, the timing was off. Some scenes were incredibly confusing and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was happening. Like you just described him sitting down and her crouching but now he's looking up at her (when he's taller)? That stuff happened repeatedly.
I thought the romance was shallow and found myself uninterested in what was happening as well.
Overall, I thought the story was okay and many people will love it, but it just wasn't quite there for me.
However this story missed it, for me. The characters were somewhat shallow, the timing was off. Some scenes were incredibly confusing and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was happening. Like you just described him sitting down and her crouching but now he's looking up at her (when he's taller)? That stuff happened repeatedly.
I thought the romance was shallow and found myself uninterested in what was happening as well.
Overall, I thought the story was okay and many people will love it, but it just wasn't quite there for me.
January 26, 2022
⚠️trigger warnings⚠️
Kidnapping, Torture, Abuse (emotional, physical, mental, and sexual), Death/dying
Of Darkness and Fire is Amber Palmer’s debut book. However, if I was not told this was her debut I wouldn’t believe it for a heartbeat. Her story and writing is better than some seasoned authors I enjoy. I was brought into her ARC team, and have been in love with this book even before I received my copy. Not only is this book 1 in her upcoming series, but it comes with its own Spotify playlist which makes the reading experience that much better.
Please go check out the cover reveal post for a synopsis of the story!
Let me start off by saying I’ve never been so emotionally attached to a book before. I was ranting the entire time I read. Also I have never had a book that made me cry during a smut scene! What book does that? Words cannot accurately describe how much I am obsessed with this book. It gives me major ACOTAR mixed with ASOIAF vibes.
The character development from start to finish was incredible to read. Not only her characters but the world she created! The visuals and descriptions were immaculate. I was lost in Aethion, and this is a book I wish I could completely forget to read for the first time again.
If dark Fae, magic, betrayals, fated mates, war, royalty, fantasy, enemies to lovers are your kind of thing please run to get this book as soon as it releases! Because I know I will be.
Kidnapping, Torture, Abuse (emotional, physical, mental, and sexual), Death/dying
Of Darkness and Fire is Amber Palmer’s debut book. However, if I was not told this was her debut I wouldn’t believe it for a heartbeat. Her story and writing is better than some seasoned authors I enjoy. I was brought into her ARC team, and have been in love with this book even before I received my copy. Not only is this book 1 in her upcoming series, but it comes with its own Spotify playlist which makes the reading experience that much better.
Please go check out the cover reveal post for a synopsis of the story!
Let me start off by saying I’ve never been so emotionally attached to a book before. I was ranting the entire time I read. Also I have never had a book that made me cry during a smut scene! What book does that? Words cannot accurately describe how much I am obsessed with this book. It gives me major ACOTAR mixed with ASOIAF vibes.
The character development from start to finish was incredible to read. Not only her characters but the world she created! The visuals and descriptions were immaculate. I was lost in Aethion, and this is a book I wish I could completely forget to read for the first time again.
If dark Fae, magic, betrayals, fated mates, war, royalty, fantasy, enemies to lovers are your kind of thing please run to get this book as soon as it releases! Because I know I will be.
March 8, 2022
Such a beautiful, fun, exciting fantasy romance!!! It's not too often we see the lovers to enemies trope and I am so here for it!
Eva was so much fun to follow. She was flawed enough to be relatable while still being a strong MC. I also loved how her strong personality shaped this plot and her relationships. The development of each character ties back to Eva and it was really interesting to see how they each progressed.
Matthew.... oh sweet Matt. Im utter trash for a "kidnap for your own good" trope. And Damien! Ugh!! My heart was really thrown around, but in a good way!
Can't wait for book 2!!!!
Eva was so much fun to follow. She was flawed enough to be relatable while still being a strong MC. I also loved how her strong personality shaped this plot and her relationships. The development of each character ties back to Eva and it was really interesting to see how they each progressed.
Matthew.... oh sweet Matt. Im utter trash for a "kidnap for your own good" trope. And Damien! Ugh!! My heart was really thrown around, but in a good way!
Can't wait for book 2!!!!
March 13, 2022
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I absolutely loved the characters. This is definitely a binge book. So easy to read and just inhale the chapters--I read it in one sitting and that's saying something because it's a good-sized book. I cannot wait for book 2 because I really cannot wait to see where these characters go next!
Congrats Amber!!
I absolutely loved the characters. This is definitely a binge book. So easy to read and just inhale the chapters--I read it in one sitting and that's saying something because it's a good-sized book. I cannot wait for book 2 because I really cannot wait to see where these characters go next!
Congrats Amber!!
May 23, 2022
For me the book started off as bland and boring like any other fae book.
There was no world building.
Plot was barely there
And the magic system sucked
Eva was likable enough but even after 3 centuries she acts like an emotional goddamned teenager. Yea I get it she has a lot of trauma but still her character feels immature. Even after 3 centuries and being more powerful than her parents she still isn't able to control her powers.
To be honest the thing that pissed me off about this book was that the fae in this book are weak bitches.
If you've read acotar, tog, hell even an Heir comes to rise or these hollow vows you'd think that fae are supposed to be powerful but this book makes them even weaker than mere mortals.
Now for the male mc's
Damien was seriously giving me tamlin vibes and he turned out to be even more malicious.
And Matthew. Yea.... he was also a weak bich.
Why cuz whenever there's a battle going on he jus winnows the fuc outta there with Eva and doesn't give a shit bout his friend or anyone. I mean that's a lot of trust u got there. ok. Buuut then Eva started crying about some rando nymph maid after she left and the ATTACK WAS HOUURS AGO.
So in the book some fae have powers while others don't and the ones with powers are supposed to be more powerful. But the thing is Noone actually uses their powers and half of the times they can't even control their powers. Noone in this book was taught to control their powers and their powers get out of control just because of a little E MO TION AL DAA MAGE.
So now you must be asking why in the fuxicle did this bich give the book 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Yea 'twas cusof
The ENDING bich.
The ending was what redeemed it. I love how the author was just like fuc it we need a good ending. I like how manipulative Orion becomes and how they play out their evil scheme. That's why it was gud enuf for 3 ✨. Still not gonna read the second book tho. Heh.
Also thank u dear person for wasting ur existence on this review I hope it was in the very least enjoyable. Farewell then. 😎
There was no world building.
Plot was barely there
And the magic system sucked
Eva was likable enough but even after 3 centuries she acts like an emotional goddamned teenager. Yea I get it she has a lot of trauma but still her character feels immature. Even after 3 centuries and being more powerful than her parents she still isn't able to control her powers.
To be honest the thing that pissed me off about this book was that the fae in this book are weak bitches.
If you've read acotar, tog, hell even an Heir comes to rise or these hollow vows you'd think that fae are supposed to be powerful but this book makes them even weaker than mere mortals.
Now for the male mc's
Damien was seriously giving me tamlin vibes and he turned out to be even more malicious.
And Matthew. Yea.... he was also a weak bich.
Why cuz whenever there's a battle going on he jus winnows the fuc outta there with Eva and doesn't give a shit bout his friend or anyone. I mean that's a lot of trust u got there. ok. Buuut then Eva started crying about some rando nymph maid after she left and the ATTACK WAS HOUURS AGO.
So in the book some fae have powers while others don't and the ones with powers are supposed to be more powerful. But the thing is Noone actually uses their powers and half of the times they can't even control their powers. Noone in this book was taught to control their powers and their powers get out of control just because of a little E MO TION AL DAA MAGE.
So now you must be asking why in the fuxicle did this bich give the book 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Yea 'twas cusof
The ENDING bich.
The ending was what redeemed it. I love how the author was just like fuc it we need a good ending. I like how manipulative Orion becomes and how they play out their evil scheme. That's why it was gud enuf for 3 ✨. Still not gonna read the second book tho. Heh.
Also thank u dear person for wasting ur existence on this review I hope it was in the very least enjoyable. Farewell then. 😎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
DNF at 65% — grammatical and spelling errors, lack of character development and very rushed. There were literal sentences ripped straight from the ACOTAR series which was super annoying, it honestly felt like an aoc fanfic that got published. The religious references (‘you’ll wash my sins away’) without an explanation of any religion in the book were really jarring and felt colloquial of our world not a fantasy world she’s trying to create. In general the world building needs work, a fancy map does not make up for the complete lack of description of the locations. There was also mention of Mathew being like crazy powerful at one point but there had been no groundwork stated for the heroine to understand that. Some of the romantic / smut scenes had a strange pace and it was hard to understand their connection and what they were feeling. It felt like the author was trying to achieve a slow burn romance then ran out of time and threw up all over the page. Also the quick switches between Mathew being the villain and then fumbling and vulnerable seemed unrealistic and again jarring. The heroine didn’t get a full physical description either so it was hard to picture her.
Disappointing, lots of sloppy mistakes. Do not understand the hype. Glad I got this free.
Disappointing, lots of sloppy mistakes. Do not understand the hype. Glad I got this free.
February 9, 2022
I had a constant whiplash of emotions from begining to end. Do I like this character? Oh I love this one. Wait no HATE. well maybe? Oh no.. this one. This one I LOVE. I was transformed into Eva with everything going on. Feeling everything as I went. Just when I thought I had it figured out. It tore my heart out in the most wonderful way. I love Eva. She is a brutal fighter and I know we haven't even seen half of what she is capable of. I am ready for REVENGE. This is a darker NA fantasy romance and I was captivated by Amber Palmers' masterpiece the whole way through. I could not put it down. There was a perfect blend of past and current timelines that made all the world building easy to follow. So so good, I can not wait for MORE of this story!!
February 10, 2022
5 stars well earned
This book was excellent! I loved Eva and her boys!
The character development was amazing and the plot was epic! Looking forward to more of Amber Palmer’s work!
This book was excellent! I loved Eva and her boys!
The character development was amazing and the plot was epic! Looking forward to more of Amber Palmer’s work!
May 10, 2022
it’s ok
I couldn’t really get through the first two chapters then skimmed them read some more then finally gave up and read the last 4 pages and honestly even with the smutty stuff it just feels extremely rushed and I guess I’m used to the “far world” being curated first then action but this felt like I barely knew any of the characters or developed any sort of connection with them.
I couldn’t really get through the first two chapters then skimmed them read some more then finally gave up and read the last 4 pages and honestly even with the smutty stuff it just feels extremely rushed and I guess I’m used to the “far world” being curated first then action but this felt like I barely knew any of the characters or developed any sort of connection with them.
June 11, 2022
Any potentially interesting story can be butchered by bad storytelling.
The anachronistic idioms were enraging.
The anachronistic idioms were enraging.
July 3, 2022
I already adore one book Matthew but this one stole my heart like *that* 😭😭😭
Amber Palmer and her debut novel is something magnificent. I have so much love and appreciation for people who just put their first work out there and it's this good! ❤️
🌙 SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK BELOW 🌙
I kinda fell in love with this book from the get-go. I enjoyed how we got thrown into the story and one relationship immediately and skipped some boredom that can happen at the beginning of books. Evalyne seemed like a really strong character but with the added dash of sass and that's very much my style. Damien and his obvious love for Evalyne took me by surprise and I adored him from the start and their childhood friends to lovers. Well, then the red flags started but I'm getting ahead of myself. 👀
Then the dark, mysterious Matthew comes in and I'm like Damien, who? and he is like a mix of a splash of Azriel and a bunch of Rhysand from ACOTAR and a whole lot of Casteel from FBAA (Matthew loves his woman a bit violent). And then Evalyne is kinda like Aelin and I'm in love.
I kept guessing the main surprises in the story but I was still shocked when the plot twists happen and the book ends in such a horrible place for the too and I feel sad about Evalyne's suffering. Matthew'S best friend was so fun and I can't wait for his POVs in the second book!
Now the smut. This book had some senseless profanity but I like my books adult so I was ok with it being there, just maybe a tad too much. Also with modern language dirty talk, it felt out of place a little? There was quite a lot of smut in this book! Explicit smut with some fade to black, which I felt a little disappointed about but I still have to praise the inclusion of this amount of smut but it was just a tiny bit unpolished but I have hopes for the second book! 🔥
Matthew and Evalyne's story started with a kidnapping which wasn't introduced and explained well in my opinion, Evalyne's actions were hard to believe in this instance. They also moved quite fast and it felt a little insta lovey but it's excused with them being mates and the working of mates in this world. Still, a little more growth/slow burn would be appreciated. Also, just more world-building was needed. I can imagine some people wouldn't understand the book 100% if this was their first fantasy or if they haven't read ACOTAR.
What I found interesting was Damien's and also Luca's characters arcs and I wonder how it will play out! Hated how blinded Evalyne and the reader gets by Damien and it just felt like something that could happen in the real life. I loathe him for what's happening at the end but I wonder if he is in Orion's thrall.
I'm expecting a little bit of a problem with Ren. Matthew mentioned they did some dirty in the past and I imagine Evalyne's mate jealousy might come out and I'm excited. I'm also intrigued as to where she is.
Overall, a great debut and good fantasy. Might need some polishing but I have an ARC of the second one and I'm expecting a lot of goodness to come out of that!
3.5 stars✨
Amber Palmer and her debut novel is something magnificent. I have so much love and appreciation for people who just put their first work out there and it's this good! ❤️
🌙 SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK BELOW 🌙
I kinda fell in love with this book from the get-go. I enjoyed how we got thrown into the story and one relationship immediately and skipped some boredom that can happen at the beginning of books. Evalyne seemed like a really strong character but with the added dash of sass and that's very much my style. Damien and his obvious love for Evalyne took me by surprise and I adored him from the start and their childhood friends to lovers. Well, then the red flags started but I'm getting ahead of myself. 👀
Then the dark, mysterious Matthew comes in and I'm like Damien, who? and he is like a mix of a splash of Azriel and a bunch of Rhysand from ACOTAR and a whole lot of Casteel from FBAA (Matthew loves his woman a bit violent). And then Evalyne is kinda like Aelin and I'm in love.
I kept guessing the main surprises in the story but I was still shocked when the plot twists happen and the book ends in such a horrible place for the too and I feel sad about Evalyne's suffering. Matthew'S best friend was so fun and I can't wait for his POVs in the second book!
Now the smut. This book had some senseless profanity but I like my books adult so I was ok with it being there, just maybe a tad too much. Also with modern language dirty talk, it felt out of place a little? There was quite a lot of smut in this book! Explicit smut with some fade to black, which I felt a little disappointed about but I still have to praise the inclusion of this amount of smut but it was just a tiny bit unpolished but I have hopes for the second book! 🔥
Matthew and Evalyne's story started with a kidnapping which wasn't introduced and explained well in my opinion, Evalyne's actions were hard to believe in this instance. They also moved quite fast and it felt a little insta lovey but it's excused with them being mates and the working of mates in this world. Still, a little more growth/slow burn would be appreciated. Also, just more world-building was needed. I can imagine some people wouldn't understand the book 100% if this was their first fantasy or if they haven't read ACOTAR.
What I found interesting was Damien's and also Luca's characters arcs and I wonder how it will play out! Hated how blinded Evalyne and the reader gets by Damien and it just felt like something that could happen in the real life. I loathe him for what's happening at the end but I wonder if he is in Orion's thrall.
I'm expecting a little bit of a problem with Ren. Matthew mentioned they did some dirty in the past and I imagine Evalyne's mate jealousy might come out and I'm excited. I'm also intrigued as to where she is.
Overall, a great debut and good fantasy. Might need some polishing but I have an ARC of the second one and I'm expecting a lot of goodness to come out of that!
3.5 stars✨
January 27, 2022
Cliff hangers are for the birds! Ahhh! I have so much rage right now it’s not even funny. I need the next one like now!
Alright. Alright. Reining it in now. I don’t even know where to begin. From the beginning of the book, I was immediately thrown in and fascinated. I found myself loving every character I’m introduced to. Then a little farther in, I’m feeling skeptical about the majority of them. Then a little bit more, I’m like I KNEW IT towards stuff I predicted. By the end though, I’m ready to go to war.
I will only speak about Eva because if I speak about anyone else directly then I’m going to spoil a lot. Eva is strong. She is fierce. She has been broken down in the past but completely grew herself up. She has her walls up from the beginning which I don’t blame her. She will go to war for her family and what she loves. I feel like she deserves the world.
The twists and turns to me were in my mind before they happened but they were so good that I felt several different emotions when reading them. I went from in love to sad, sad to happy, happy to burn it down. I was seriously all over the place. Which is how I know that I loved this book.
I had a prior slump to this book and when I finally just cut out all distractions, I went from 18% to 77% within a short period of time. Then when I woke up today, I went from 77% to 100% within no time. Amber does an amazing job of keeping you interested. Making you feel all warm and fuzzy and then cuts you with a dagger (you’ll understand when you read it). She mesmerized me with the whole back story, the location, and the characters. I love it so much! You just really need to read it, honestly.
Alright. Alright. Reining it in now. I don’t even know where to begin. From the beginning of the book, I was immediately thrown in and fascinated. I found myself loving every character I’m introduced to. Then a little farther in, I’m feeling skeptical about the majority of them. Then a little bit more, I’m like I KNEW IT towards stuff I predicted. By the end though, I’m ready to go to war.
I will only speak about Eva because if I speak about anyone else directly then I’m going to spoil a lot. Eva is strong. She is fierce. She has been broken down in the past but completely grew herself up. She has her walls up from the beginning which I don’t blame her. She will go to war for her family and what she loves. I feel like she deserves the world.
The twists and turns to me were in my mind before they happened but they were so good that I felt several different emotions when reading them. I went from in love to sad, sad to happy, happy to burn it down. I was seriously all over the place. Which is how I know that I loved this book.
I had a prior slump to this book and when I finally just cut out all distractions, I went from 18% to 77% within a short period of time. Then when I woke up today, I went from 77% to 100% within no time. Amber does an amazing job of keeping you interested. Making you feel all warm and fuzzy and then cuts you with a dagger (you’ll understand when you read it). She mesmerized me with the whole back story, the location, and the characters. I love it so much! You just really need to read it, honestly.
June 16, 2022
What an adventure! What a debut. I do not know where to start. 🤩
Of Darkness and Fire is a breathtaking fantasy spectacle. You get everything you need for such a feast, a heroine to sympathize with, a morally gray companion, betrayal, trickster, a villain, world building and romance.
Eva is a princess who would do anything for her people and kingdom Helia. She not only sits in the palace and admires great dresses, no, she trains and fights side by side with the soldiers for peace. As an elemental, she is praised with a rare and powerful gift. Together with her best friend Damien and his blood Oath bonded friend Luka they try to investigate the Horde attacks on the neighboring kingdom of Angoria. Eva has to realize that not everyone and everything is as it seems.
She is merciless, strong, beautiful but also fragile. Especially at the end of the book I cried for you and your fate. This ending is really mean. I'm so glad I can jump straight into Of Truth and Traitors.
"Fuck you, Fuck all of you. I swear on all the ogds and stars in the sky....By the time I'm done killing you, there will be nothing that remains. I will destroy you to the point where death will feel like mercy!"
Throughout the story of ODAF we meet various characters, some surprise us and some I really couldn't stand by the end of the book.
Just because you've gone trough something, it doesn't mean you can use it as an excuse to be a dick.
I can only say that Amber Palmer can easily keep up with fantasy greats with her book and I'm excited to see what else she will enchant us with!
Read if you like:
- High Fantasy
- steamy and spicy romance 🌶️😏
- forced proximity
- soulshattering betrayel
- found family
- fated mates
Of Darkness and Fire is a breathtaking fantasy spectacle. You get everything you need for such a feast, a heroine to sympathize with, a morally gray companion, betrayal, trickster, a villain, world building and romance.
Eva is a princess who would do anything for her people and kingdom Helia. She not only sits in the palace and admires great dresses, no, she trains and fights side by side with the soldiers for peace. As an elemental, she is praised with a rare and powerful gift. Together with her best friend Damien and his blood Oath bonded friend Luka they try to investigate the Horde attacks on the neighboring kingdom of Angoria. Eva has to realize that not everyone and everything is as it seems.
She is merciless, strong, beautiful but also fragile. Especially at the end of the book I cried for you and your fate. This ending is really mean. I'm so glad I can jump straight into Of Truth and Traitors.
"Fuck you, Fuck all of you. I swear on all the ogds and stars in the sky....By the time I'm done killing you, there will be nothing that remains. I will destroy you to the point where death will feel like mercy!"
Throughout the story of ODAF we meet various characters, some surprise us and some I really couldn't stand by the end of the book.
Just because you've gone trough something, it doesn't mean you can use it as an excuse to be a dick.
I can only say that Amber Palmer can easily keep up with fantasy greats with her book and I'm excited to see what else she will enchant us with!
Read if you like:
- High Fantasy
- steamy and spicy romance 🌶️😏
- forced proximity
- soulshattering betrayel
- found family
- fated mates
April 7, 2023
This book had everything I want to read in a fantasy book. Strong and powerful characters, suspense, adventure, plots and twists, enemies to lovers and fated mates.. and the end made me wanted to read the next book in the series as soon as possible!!
The characters were well developed. Eva, the main character, despite her tragic past she finds the strength to continue to rule her kingdom. She is a very relatable character..
However what can I tell about the male characters.. the emotions they evoked as I read this story… Damien, a skilled warrior and also a gifted healer, Luka with bright red hair and golden eyes…and…and… I really can’t say more.. you should really read this book just to meet those dark and mysterious men..
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers!!
The characters were well developed. Eva, the main character, despite her tragic past she finds the strength to continue to rule her kingdom. She is a very relatable character..
However what can I tell about the male characters.. the emotions they evoked as I read this story… Damien, a skilled warrior and also a gifted healer, Luka with bright red hair and golden eyes…and…and… I really can’t say more.. you should really read this book just to meet those dark and mysterious men..
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers!!
July 20, 2022
This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. It is just genuinely so so bad. I only finished it because I have a reading goal to make.
The writing is truly atrocious. There is ZERO character development, and it’s SO rushed. The plot holes are too many to count, and the inconsistencies are ridiculous.
The MC’s narration is all about how she’s so incredibly powerful and such a hardcore independent woman, but she’s CONSTANTLY easily overpowered, captured, beaten up etc. The character’s self-view is completely different than the way she’s portrayed, there is no flow or any kind of consistency.
Her “lover” is also supposed to be have this unparalleled power and strength, and he is constantly beaten and over powered as well.
There are so many things about this book that don’t make sense, and the overall feel is so cheesy, and honestly, just really bad.
The idea for this book could have been great, it had so much potential, but the execution was awful.
This entire book feels like a horrible wattpad experience.
Please do not waste your time on this one.
The writing is truly atrocious. There is ZERO character development, and it’s SO rushed. The plot holes are too many to count, and the inconsistencies are ridiculous.
The MC’s narration is all about how she’s so incredibly powerful and such a hardcore independent woman, but she’s CONSTANTLY easily overpowered, captured, beaten up etc. The character’s self-view is completely different than the way she’s portrayed, there is no flow or any kind of consistency.
Her “lover” is also supposed to be have this unparalleled power and strength, and he is constantly beaten and over powered as well.
There are so many things about this book that don’t make sense, and the overall feel is so cheesy, and honestly, just really bad.
The idea for this book could have been great, it had so much potential, but the execution was awful.
This entire book feels like a horrible wattpad experience.
Please do not waste your time on this one.
February 25, 2023
3 ~3.25
I almost dnf this book at 23%. But I pushed on and finally finished it. Though i might have skipped some pages.
The author has all the themes right. The fated mates ,powerful Fmc, a little bit of spice. So I was surprised when this book did not work for me. I have some questions.
How did the princess just vanish and didnt care about the kingdom. Also for all the power shes supposed to have she sure does seem a bit weak at best. I was not feeling the chemistry between Matt and Eva. It felt forced and too quick.
The beginning also annoyed me as it was so abrupt. The first scene seemed like something I would generally read in the middle of the book. Also the author successfully included my biggest pet peeve that is making the first love interest turn bad just because the heroine is supposed to end up with her mate. She wrote Damien so well ,we even get his pov and see his love. I dont understand why he had to turn so overbearing. And the many povs was also not something I cared for in the first book where one or two strong charachters should establish a story.
But these are just my opinions. If you are into fated mates ,this might be the book for you.
I almost dnf this book at 23%. But I pushed on and finally finished it. Though i might have skipped some pages.
The author has all the themes right. The fated mates ,powerful Fmc, a little bit of spice. So I was surprised when this book did not work for me. I have some questions.
How did the princess just vanish and didnt care about the kingdom. Also for all the power shes supposed to have she sure does seem a bit weak at best. I was not feeling the chemistry between Matt and Eva. It felt forced and too quick.
The beginning also annoyed me as it was so abrupt. The first scene seemed like something I would generally read in the middle of the book. Also the author successfully included my biggest pet peeve that is making the first love interest turn bad just because the heroine is supposed to end up with her mate. She wrote Damien so well ,we even get his pov and see his love. I dont understand why he had to turn so overbearing. And the many povs was also not something I cared for in the first book where one or two strong charachters should establish a story.
But these are just my opinions. If you are into fated mates ,this might be the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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