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Immortals Descending #5
Flamesworn
For centuries, the god of war has slept. Now, they’re awake, and war
is coming to Arktos.
Ares thought they knew what love was when they obeyed Atreus Akti’s
dying wish and slept under the sands of Arktos for centuries. But when
they awake at last, they find the world has changed. Arktos is on the
cusp of a civil war, but most of the Arkoudai no longer want their
patron deity to lead them into battle. Ares’ family has grown, and
Ares is left adrift. And their former lover has been reborn into
Kataida Akti, who challenges Ares’ concept of love itself.
As the daughter of the Strategos, Kataida Akti has always tried to be
a loyal soldier of Arktos – despite a restlessness and quiet longing
for combat that has plagued her for most of her life. When War comes
to Arktos, she’s eager to prove herself and finally satisfy the
bloodlust that burns like a flame under her skin, but soon learns the
reality of this particular conflict involves far more than a cult who
seeks to take over Arktos. As Ares lends their sword and their
presence to the battle – and Kataida’s bed – Kataida will have to
confront long-buried desires of her own, along with truths that will
shock Arktos to the core.
(Flamesworn is a f/non-binary(genderfluid) fantasy romance, featuring
natural power exchange/biological kink imperative, and a love story
between a dominant, delightfully sadistic lady soldier and a
submissive, cheerfully masochistic god of war.)
is coming to Arktos.
Ares thought they knew what love was when they obeyed Atreus Akti’s
dying wish and slept under the sands of Arktos for centuries. But when
they awake at last, they find the world has changed. Arktos is on the
cusp of a civil war, but most of the Arkoudai no longer want their
patron deity to lead them into battle. Ares’ family has grown, and
Ares is left adrift. And their former lover has been reborn into
Kataida Akti, who challenges Ares’ concept of love itself.
As the daughter of the Strategos, Kataida Akti has always tried to be
a loyal soldier of Arktos – despite a restlessness and quiet longing
for combat that has plagued her for most of her life. When War comes
to Arktos, she’s eager to prove herself and finally satisfy the
bloodlust that burns like a flame under her skin, but soon learns the
reality of this particular conflict involves far more than a cult who
seeks to take over Arktos. As Ares lends their sword and their
presence to the battle – and Kataida’s bed – Kataida will have to
confront long-buried desires of her own, along with truths that will
shock Arktos to the core.
(Flamesworn is a f/non-binary(genderfluid) fantasy romance, featuring
natural power exchange/biological kink imperative, and a love story
between a dominant, delightfully sadistic lady soldier and a
submissive, cheerfully masochistic god of war.)
Unknown Binding
First published February 14, 2024
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Iris Foxglove
27 books186 followersIris Foxglove is the shared pen name of Avon Gale (she/her) and Fae Loxley (he/him). Avon and Fae met in fandom in 2019, and began writing fanfiction together in 2020 during lockdown. They eventually decided to collaborate on original fantasy fiction, and haven't looked back since.
They write queer fantasy with an emphasis on biological imperative, natural power exchange dynamics, complex worldbuilding and unforgettable characters.
You can follow Iris on twitter @irisfoxglove, or sign up for Iris' newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hrhA6z
Iris also has a brand-new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/irisfoxglove
Iris' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
You can also follow the authors individually on Twitter and Facebook:
Avon Gale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avongalewrites
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hz4fv
Fae Loxley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fae_loxley
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/mrxt2fnn
They write queer fantasy with an emphasis on biological imperative, natural power exchange dynamics, complex worldbuilding and unforgettable characters.
You can follow Iris on twitter @irisfoxglove, or sign up for Iris' newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hrhA6z
Iris also has a brand-new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/irisfoxglove
Iris' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
You can also follow the authors individually on Twitter and Facebook:
Avon Gale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avongalewrites
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hz4fv
Fae Loxley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fae_loxley
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/mrxt2fnn
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 9, 2024
4.5 stars
How I have loved this series. I do still have a question or two* (hence the 4.5 stars), but dang, I really loved how this series ended. I'm looking forward to Theron's story! Maybe I'll reread this series while I wait. :)
* Since Flamesworn hasn't been released yet, I don't want to put my questions/niggles even in spoiler tags because it would be really, truly spoilery. At some point, when I've reread the whole series and the book has been out a bit I may edit and add my questions, or if I'm really lucky I just missed something on my initial read and everything will be all cleared up.
How I have loved this series. I do still have a question or two* (hence the 4.5 stars), but dang, I really loved how this series ended. I'm looking forward to Theron's story! Maybe I'll reread this series while I wait. :)
* Since Flamesworn hasn't been released yet, I don't want to put my questions/niggles even in spoiler tags because it would be really, truly spoilery. At some point, when I've reread the whole series and the book has been out a bit I may edit and add my questions, or if I'm really lucky I just missed something on my initial read and everything will be all cleared up.
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July 19, 2022Kataida Akti, daughter of Strategos Evander Akti of Arktos, is a perfect soldier and a loyal citizen of Arktos. But she's always known that she's been called by something more than just duty to her beloved country, and recently she's begun to have memories that cannot be her own. In an attempt to find what has been calling to her for her whole life, she uncovers a vicious cult determined to use War for their own nefarious means, uncovers a long-lost secret in the sands, and learns exactly why the God of War, Ares, never wants to let her go.
(This title features a f/genderfluid!enby pairing)
(This title features a f/genderfluid!enby pairing)
February 20, 2024
One of the (many) things I love about this series is how the authors take risks with their storytelling. Sticking with stand-alone books might be a safer way to entice readers, but even this series of relatively disconnected love stories between gods and their chosen mortal companions all solidly exist in a detailed, intertwined world. Not only is this particular book the culmination of events put into play in a previous series, but it also puts details in motion that will launch the next series. On top of that, while many of the tales in this world are M/M romances, I also appreciate that Foxglove fits the characters to the story, not the other way around. Kataida and Ares have been on a collision course for many lifetimes, and I was just as excited for their happily ever after as I was for Kataida’s father and Ares’ siblings before them.
The other gods of this series have been scary in their own way, but Ares feels like the first truly dangerous one. Like Greed/Desire, they are a wholly human creation rather than one born from nature. I’d argue that War is not even their full provenance, but rather the seeds of strife and conflict. War is simply what allows them to go to the extremes at which they seem most comfortable, which became an interesting counterpoint to Kataida becoming comfortable over the course of this story with her own extremes. Each of these stories has been about a transition of some sort, but the unexpected (and initially unwanted, on Kataida’s part) romance of this book is swept up in the greater transition of a country thrust from peacetime into war by the greatest enemy of all—one from within.
Though I may have come to this series for the kink, I’ve said more than once that I’ve stayed for the truly amazing character work and worldbuilding. Thus, I was on the verge of tears in nearly every chapter of this story, because seeing so many familiar characters under threat, after growing to love them over so many stories, was so painful. Even Ares wormed their way into my heart quickly, despite how much I wanted to roll my eyes at their initial brashness, once I realized how much the truth of their past would hurt them.
Everything all works out in the end, obviously…that’s the bonus of reading a fantasy story that is also a romance. Foxglove makes us work for that happily ever after this time, though. After problem-solving without war for the earlier books in this series, this author team doesn’t hesitate to show us that they can put their world through the wringer when the story calls for it (with bonus points for even incorporating the biological kink aspect of these books into combat tactics). Though I figured out one plot element early, I found it one of those secrets that I enjoyed watching the characters discover rather than a disappointment in storytelling. On the whole, plenty of facets of this story continued to surprise and delight (and torture) me at every other turn, making this a truly worthwhile finale to a series dedicated to godhood—and the characters strong enough to love them.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
The other gods of this series have been scary in their own way, but Ares feels like the first truly dangerous one. Like Greed/Desire, they are a wholly human creation rather than one born from nature. I’d argue that War is not even their full provenance, but rather the seeds of strife and conflict. War is simply what allows them to go to the extremes at which they seem most comfortable, which became an interesting counterpoint to Kataida becoming comfortable over the course of this story with her own extremes. Each of these stories has been about a transition of some sort, but the unexpected (and initially unwanted, on Kataida’s part) romance of this book is swept up in the greater transition of a country thrust from peacetime into war by the greatest enemy of all—one from within.
Though I may have come to this series for the kink, I’ve said more than once that I’ve stayed for the truly amazing character work and worldbuilding. Thus, I was on the verge of tears in nearly every chapter of this story, because seeing so many familiar characters under threat, after growing to love them over so many stories, was so painful. Even Ares wormed their way into my heart quickly, despite how much I wanted to roll my eyes at their initial brashness, once I realized how much the truth of their past would hurt them.
Everything all works out in the end, obviously…that’s the bonus of reading a fantasy story that is also a romance. Foxglove makes us work for that happily ever after this time, though. After problem-solving without war for the earlier books in this series, this author team doesn’t hesitate to show us that they can put their world through the wringer when the story calls for it (with bonus points for even incorporating the biological kink aspect of these books into combat tactics). Though I figured out one plot element early, I found it one of those secrets that I enjoyed watching the characters discover rather than a disappointment in storytelling. On the whole, plenty of facets of this story continued to surprise and delight (and torture) me at every other turn, making this a truly worthwhile finale to a series dedicated to godhood—and the characters strong enough to love them.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
February 28, 2024
My introduction to Iris Foxglove came from Storm Front, the first book in the Immortals Descending series, and I was hooked from the start. Since, I have been eager to dive into each new book, devouring them, leaving myself desperate for yet more. While I have enjoyed each book, I have been consistently excited for this final story. I went in with high hopes and I was not disappointed.
Flamesworn was a fabulous conclusion to the Immortals Descending series. It was a story that had me invested from the first page, rapidly turning the pages to see what came next for the story. I loved watching Ares develop throughout the story and was wearing a huge smile at so much of what happened. Although I adored this story, I will be honest and say it did not make it to the number one spot for the series. This is because I worked some elements of the story out too easily and felt the way the bad guy was handled was too quick. It was not enough to remove my enjoyment of the story – far from it – but it did mean that this one did not push itself to the number one spot. Despite this, I did adore the story and am eager for more of the world.
All in all, another fabulous read from Iris Foxglove. If you have enjoyed the prior books, you are sure to be hooked on this.
Flamesworn was a fabulous conclusion to the Immortals Descending series. It was a story that had me invested from the first page, rapidly turning the pages to see what came next for the story. I loved watching Ares develop throughout the story and was wearing a huge smile at so much of what happened. Although I adored this story, I will be honest and say it did not make it to the number one spot for the series. This is because I worked some elements of the story out too easily and felt the way the bad guy was handled was too quick. It was not enough to remove my enjoyment of the story – far from it – but it did mean that this one did not push itself to the number one spot. Despite this, I did adore the story and am eager for more of the world.
All in all, another fabulous read from Iris Foxglove. If you have enjoyed the prior books, you are sure to be hooked on this.
February 22, 2024
I highly recommend reading this series in order because I think the wait for Ares' story actually makes this all the sweeter. Ares has been sleeping for centuries after they lost what they believed to have been their love. Kataida has always felt out of place and too much. She's scared of her cravings but it's what fuels the fire that brings Ares to her. I loved that Kataida wanted Ares to find out who they truly are. Ares actually sees Kataida and all of her desires. This series is phenomenal but I loved Flamesworn. This one is action packed and doesn't take it's foot off the gas pedal. I really think this one is best going in without any expectations, just the knowledge from the previous stories (and Summer of the Wanderer). It held me in it's grasp and I loved every second!
February 15, 2024
In this story we get memorable characters to inhabit a world full of compelling and vibrant elements— I have thoughts/feelings about biologically imperative kink as a plot device (trope?) and they aren’t always uncomplicated, but I do find it interesting (in good ways!) how the concept plays out in the books in this series. Ares and Katadia are impossible to look away from, as individuals and as a pairing, and their story is gripping from start to finish— well worth a read. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 22, 2024
Loved it!
This book was wonderful. I loved the growth of the characters (especially Ares). And I adored the cameos of all the other characters from the series. I can't wait for the next series!
This book was wonderful. I loved the growth of the characters (especially Ares). And I adored the cameos of all the other characters from the series. I can't wait for the next series!
December 19, 2025
An outstanding end to this series. I thought about skipping this one because it's the only one that's not MM, but I'm so glad I didn't because this book is as masterfully created as the previous ones from this series.
I confess that I kept imagining Kevin Tod Smith's Ares and Lucy Lawless's Xena during the sex scenes. Just because of the vibes of how Xena used to attack Ares while he kept trying to seduce her.
I confess that I kept imagining Kevin Tod Smith's Ares and Lucy Lawless's Xena during the sex scenes. Just because of the vibes of how Xena used to attack Ares while he kept trying to seduce her.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews