Ali R

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Ali is Currently Reading

Ali R is currently reading

Shadow of Flame (Dragonsworn)

by Caitlyn McFarland (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: fantasy-fairy-tales-supernatural, favorites, currently-reading

Reading for the 2nd time

read in May 2024

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Ali R said: " "Shadow of Flame" is the second book in the Dragonsworn series that promises more adventures and romance while providing a closer look at how the war between Owain and Rhys has influenced dragon politics. This is especially evident since recently hea "Shadow of Flame" is the second book in the Dragonsworn series that promises more adventures and romance while providing a closer look at how the war between Owain and Rhys has influenced dragon politics. This is especially evident since recently heartsworn Kai finally gets to see the Dragon King in his royal element.

Something I appreciate about this series is that even though it centers around ancient mate-bonding magic AKA heartswearing, it does not trespass into insta-love territory for the two main characters as could be expected. Instead, Rhys and Kai's romance develops in a wonderful slow burn, allowing both characters to discover more about each other, learn to trust one another, and forgive each other of their mistakes if necessary.

While (view spoiler) newfound relationship does fall into more of a love-at-first-sight category, it provides an interesting contrast to the caution and careful pacing of Rhys and Kai's relationship. (view spoiler) are depicted as one of the fortunate couples who found love with each other in addition to being heartsworn. From the first novel, I somehow became super invested in their romance, thus I enjoyed seeing more of them in the second book. What I adored most was glimpsing the little moments between the couple that showed how their bond had strengthened over several weeks. When a shocking conflict in the series threatens to shake things up between these two, I admit I was pretty devasted.

One of my other favorite characters, Cadoc, returns in this sequel as well. Things aren't easy for him, however, as he goes out on his own personal quest, for his horrific ordeal from the last book has left mental and physical scars that still haunt him. Readers will also discover who Cadoc has carried a torch for all these centuries (as was hinted at in "Soul of Smoke,") but of course, it's a sad kind of forbidden love story filled with secret pining and heartache. All things considered, my own heart really went out to Cadoc in this one. What I missed the most was seeing him happy and interacting with his Vee/family. I just hope he gets his happy ending in the last novel.

I would say I enjoyed this book probably even more than the first one. Since I was already familiar with the characters and their world, I could just jump right into it. The overall pacing kept me engaged, yet it was the final chapters that were incredibly hard for me to put down. There's so much excitement, shocking reveals, and twists to uncover! And with such a cliffhanger of an ending, I'm already reaching for my Kindle to start the third installment. ...more "

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— 12 hours, 35 min ago

12 hours, 32 min ago · see review

Ali R is currently reading

Otherworldly

by Dwain Worrell

bookshelves: 2026-reading-list, amazon-first-reads, currently-reading

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— Jul 14, 2026 11:54AM

Jul 11, 2026 08:57AM

Ali’s Notes & Highlights

Book cover for The Haunting of Paynes Hollow

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong

16 notes & 120 highlights

My father’s suicide, which is how Dad chose to deal with the fact that I’d caught him burying Austin Vandergriff.

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