What do you think?
Rate this book
Flame and Thorns #2
Throne of Ice and Blood
After the Atonement Trials, Selena is trying to navigate her new life outside the Seelie Court. The world is very different from what she imagined, but her mission remains the same. Using every skill she has, she is going to help the secret resistance take down the Iceheart Dynasty.
But that path yet again sets her on a collision course with Draven Ryat. While the rebellion plots a daring scheme, important people start turning up dead. Draven is tasked with solving the murders. Selena is trying to help the killer. If either one of them fails, they will face dire consequences.
When blood stains the ice and dangerous secrets are brought to light, Selena must decide if she is willing to doom Draven in order to achieve her own goals. After everything that has happened between them, their relationship is already complicated. But now, with their very lives on the line, their tangled feelings for each other might destroy them both.
But that path yet again sets her on a collision course with Draven Ryat. While the rebellion plots a daring scheme, important people start turning up dead. Draven is tasked with solving the murders. Selena is trying to help the killer. If either one of them fails, they will face dire consequences.
When blood stains the ice and dangerous secrets are brought to light, Selena must decide if she is willing to doom Draven in order to achieve her own goals. After everything that has happened between them, their relationship is already complicated. But now, with their very lives on the line, their tangled feelings for each other might destroy them both.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2025
8935 people are currently reading
32671 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
29 books2,324 followersMarion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,543 reviews
February 25, 2025
So disappointed in this book. The last 15% was the only good thing about it. Serena is so poorly written. Her inner thoughts and lack of growth were extremely frustrating. She spent both books complaining about using her powers and continuously made bad decision after bad decision. No plan or thought went into anything she did, she just bumbled through things and hoped for the best. Draven got some extra character work in this one but not enough to make this a higher rating. I enjoyed book #1, gave it 4 stars but this is just a 2 star.
The use of Mabona’s Tits was so excessive. We get it, it’s like oh my god. But it was too much. It felt like the story did not progress until the last 15%. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the 3rd book.
The use of Mabona’s Tits was so excessive. We get it, it’s like oh my god. But it was too much. It felt like the story did not progress until the last 15%. I don’t think I’ll be picking up the 3rd book.
February 25, 2025
It was predictable and I’ll probably read the next one
Did Not Finish
February 24, 2025DNF at 30%
I cannot stand Selena.
I cannot stand Selena.
March 15, 2026
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 2.5 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ Mini-review because I just can't
ㅤ At this point, I am not even going to try to pretend I am going to write any type of review for this series. Instead, I will just present you with a list of facts about this book, disguised as thoughts from my side (as if I were capable of still having thoughts), and let you draw your own opinion based on them.
ㅤ This gets 0.5 more than the first book just because it had a way more entertaining ending.
ㅤ ㅤ “Because you’re my mate!” 😱😱😱
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ These people transform into dragons in what can only be described as a very Disney-poof manner. I am not exaggerating. A cloud of colourful smoke — apparently color-coded depending on the dragon race — suddenly appears, and then poof: they are either a dragon or a human.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't think I've ever met a main character who refuses to use her brain more than this character right here. It was fascinating to watch her literally refuse to prove an ounce of intelligence; all while she is praised for being incredibly smart. Are we for real?...
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ "Lightning crackles through my veins/body/spine" appears 19 different times. Each time she is around her man.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ This guy "slants his mouth" over hers 12 different times with some small variations. I was almost inclined to take a bite out of my Kindle in sheer exasperation.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ There are 14 different instances when he wraps his hand around her throat. Don't get me wrong, I am a girl who definitely enjoys her own fair share of choking; but this was just ridiculous.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ These two fuck more than they talk. Some of these scenes were alright, but I cringed more than a few times, which definitely ruined the entire reading experience for me.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ There isn't a single plot twist in this book that you are not going to already see coming. There is literally NOTHING that can surprise you in this book, yet I kept reading for the fun of it all. I love being proved right.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ ⊹ Selena — I beg her to have at least the slightest character development...at least try.....
ㅤ ⊹ Draven — He is ok. Sure, I would not touch him even with a pole, but he is alright.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Still no.
ㅤ But this is like one of those really bad soap operas that you just want to keep watching to see how much more absurd it can get. I am definitely continuing this.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆11-March-2026┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ of course, I am going to continue this series even though I disliked the first book. I read THE ENTIRE Shatter Me and Zodiac Academy and hated them both. 4 more books mean nothing to me if I can have rants about them.
There is still a little hope in me that this might get better 🥲
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ Mini-review because I just can't
ㅤ At this point, I am not even going to try to pretend I am going to write any type of review for this series. Instead, I will just present you with a list of facts about this book, disguised as thoughts from my side (as if I were capable of still having thoughts), and let you draw your own opinion based on them.
ㅤ This gets 0.5 more than the first book just because it had a way more entertaining ending.
ㅤ ㅤ “Because you’re my mate!” 😱😱😱
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ These people transform into dragons in what can only be described as a very Disney-poof manner. I am not exaggerating. A cloud of colourful smoke — apparently color-coded depending on the dragon race — suddenly appears, and then poof: they are either a dragon or a human.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I don't think I've ever met a main character who refuses to use her brain more than this character right here. It was fascinating to watch her literally refuse to prove an ounce of intelligence; all while she is praised for being incredibly smart. Are we for real?...
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ "Lightning crackles through my veins/body/spine" appears 19 different times. Each time she is around her man.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ This guy "slants his mouth" over hers 12 different times with some small variations. I was almost inclined to take a bite out of my Kindle in sheer exasperation.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ There are 14 different instances when he wraps his hand around her throat. Don't get me wrong, I am a girl who definitely enjoys her own fair share of choking; but this was just ridiculous.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ These two fuck more than they talk. Some of these scenes were alright, but I cringed more than a few times, which definitely ruined the entire reading experience for me.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ There isn't a single plot twist in this book that you are not going to already see coming. There is literally NOTHING that can surprise you in this book, yet I kept reading for the fun of it all. I love being proved right.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ ⊹ Selena — I beg her to have at least the slightest character development...at least try.....
ㅤ ⊹ Draven — He is ok. Sure, I would not touch him even with a pole, but he is alright.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Still no.
ㅤ But this is like one of those really bad soap operas that you just want to keep watching to see how much more absurd it can get. I am definitely continuing this.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆11-March-2026┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ of course, I am going to continue this series even though I disliked the first book. I read THE ENTIRE Shatter Me and Zodiac Academy and hated them both. 4 more books mean nothing to me if I can have rants about them.
There is still a little hope in me that this might get better 🥲
February 26, 2025
Is Selena dumb? Yes. Did a lot of things just happen to work out a bit too conveniently throughout the story? Also yes. But Draven is daddy and the last 25% of the book where questions were answered and truths were shared just made it worth it.
August 4, 2025
“I kneel for nothing and no one.” His golden eyes burn like flames, searing right through my soul. “But for you… For you, I would kneel.”
I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think some of the stuff I noticed in book one would be fixed, but it was, and now a lot of things that happened there are making sense.
Like the fact that . And here I thought he was just a jerk.
There was a twist I didn't see coming, but it happened near the end of the book, as most of the other twists did, they should've been more spread out. But when I tell you I was shocked by some of those revelations...I feel so bad for doubting the story now.
I was wondering why
Which reminds me, Draven .
I guess the one thing that's really good about this series is how it actually leaves me with things to think about. Maybe it's not a difficult puzzle to solve, but Blackwood knows how to hook her readers.
With that said, everything is still incredibly convenient. Even when Selena goes through hardships, it's only for a few seconds, and then things always work out in her favour. I don't particularly mind this, because the series is fun to read regardless, but I keep noticing it.
There was minimal character development, and I really do mean minimal, because Selena is still flip-flopping between feeling guilty about using her powers on people, and being confident in her abilities and doing whatever it takes to escape.
In a way, I relate, because I am a conflicting person by nature, but I think it would be nice for her to lean more one way than the other. Hopefully that one scene with will help put her on the right track.
Because of the way it ended, I'm looking forward to book three, and I'm hoping we'll get something that FEELS more higher stakes.
I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think some of the stuff I noticed in book one would be fixed, but it was, and now a lot of things that happened there are making sense.
Like the fact that . And here I thought he was just a jerk.
There was a twist I didn't see coming, but it happened near the end of the book, as most of the other twists did, they should've been more spread out. But when I tell you I was shocked by some of those revelations...I feel so bad for doubting the story now.
I was wondering why
Which reminds me, Draven .
I guess the one thing that's really good about this series is how it actually leaves me with things to think about. Maybe it's not a difficult puzzle to solve, but Blackwood knows how to hook her readers.
With that said, everything is still incredibly convenient. Even when Selena goes through hardships, it's only for a few seconds, and then things always work out in her favour. I don't particularly mind this, because the series is fun to read regardless, but I keep noticing it.
There was minimal character development, and I really do mean minimal, because Selena is still flip-flopping between feeling guilty about using her powers on people, and being confident in her abilities and doing whatever it takes to escape.
In a way, I relate, because I am a conflicting person by nature, but I think it would be nice for her to lean more one way than the other. Hopefully that one scene with will help put her on the right track.
Because of the way it ended, I'm looking forward to book three, and I'm hoping we'll get something that FEELS more higher stakes.
March 4, 2026
4.5 🌟 I ate this up!! This is definitely a case of the second book being better than the first. This book picks up immediately after the end of book 1 and everything is in shambles. I think this book was significantly darker than the first.
Draven and Selena are in a constant dance of not trusting each other while dealing with their growing feelings. It made for a really interesting dynamic. We learned so much more about Draven in this installment, and I loved the character development. The spice was spicing as well
The last 20% of this had me white-knuckling my kindle I was so stressed out!! I’m so glad this is a completed series bc now I can just binge it. BRUTAL cliffhanger
Draven and Selena are in a constant dance of not trusting each other while dealing with their growing feelings. It made for a really interesting dynamic. We learned so much more about Draven in this installment, and I loved the character development. The spice was spicing as well
The last 20% of this had me white-knuckling my kindle I was so stressed out!! I’m so glad this is a completed series bc now I can just binge it. BRUTAL cliffhanger
February 4, 2025
draven ryat 🔥😮💨
“I DONT KNEEL FOR ANYONE BUT I KNEEL FOR YOU” stop i already love him so much.
he is the hottest simp to exist.
this series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. i never want to leave. please take this as your sign to read this series.
“I DONT KNEEL FOR ANYONE BUT I KNEEL FOR YOU” stop i already love him so much.
he is the hottest simp to exist.
this series has me in a CHOKEHOLD. i never want to leave. please take this as your sign to read this series.
January 2, 2026
4.5 🌟
Draven Ryat is quickly climbing my book boyfriend list ohhhh my this man knows exactly what he’s doing 😝
·˖✶𓆩 𓆪✶˖· “𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗹.”
~ for you Draven, I’d get on my knees so quick 😚🫦
Selena gets herself in the most unlucky situations, she was lowkey pissing me off lol but luckily for her, Draven is always there to save her 🤭
⁺‧₊˚ ཐི “𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.” ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺
I am actually loving this story so much I cannot wait to see where this goes, EEEEK the last 50 pages had me clutching my pearls!!!!
╔═*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═╗
“𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗌𝗄 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗍𝖾,”
“𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝗈𝖿𝖿”
╚═*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═╝
Draven Ryat is quickly climbing my book boyfriend list ohhhh my this man knows exactly what he’s doing 😝
·˖✶𓆩 𓆪✶˖· “𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗹.”
~ for you Draven, I’d get on my knees so quick 😚🫦
Selena gets herself in the most unlucky situations, she was lowkey pissing me off lol but luckily for her, Draven is always there to save her 🤭
⁺‧₊˚ ཐི “𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.” ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺
I am actually loving this story so much I cannot wait to see where this goes, EEEEK the last 50 pages had me clutching my pearls!!!!
╔═*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═╗
“𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝖺𝗌𝗄 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗍𝖾,”
“𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝗈𝖿𝖿”
╚═*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═╝
March 12, 2025
This was awful but I will be tuning in for the next one
May 9, 2025
4.5⭐️ but rounding up because HOLY FORKING SHIRTBALLS, this was so addictive and insanely fun.
We pick up right after book one and, boy do things escalate…
Everyone hates on Selena, but I actually ADORED her. She’s so determined and yet is filled with so much uncertainty. I think I just relate to the mess that’s always in her head. Listen, she’s certainly a flawed character, definitely makes questionable choices, but who wouldn’t be a little anxious being a slave and learning the truth about her life and her people? If she has a fan club, I’m in it, the lengths she went to for her people. Sacrificing so much. I loved it.
Draven. Did we all want a Mr. Darcy but with wings and a lot more of that quick wit and banter? Because our man Draven gave it to us tenfold in this one. The LONGING. This man was down bad for his girl, and does so much to protect her, he literally had me audibly swooning. “Who did this to you? Touch her and ☠️, you’re MINE…,” it’s all there. The way he brings out the fire in Selena and the way she antagonizes him just makes me down right giddy.
Tension, banter, longing, everything I love in a romantasy. The plot developed a lot more in this addition and we did get a bit more world building. Was the main plot twist predictable? Oh hell yeah—called it the moment it was mentioned. But I still ate it up. Some things happened in the last 10 percent that had me chewing off all my fingernails, it was so intense.
The ONLY reason this is not a five star read for me is because I NEED DRAVENS POV LIKE I NEED AIR. I’ve read the bonus scenes and I need wayyyyy more of that. That’s it. I just need to be in Draven’s head please.
And that ending was just rude. I’m gonna need book 3 STAT.
We pick up right after book one and, boy do things escalate…
Everyone hates on Selena, but I actually ADORED her. She’s so determined and yet is filled with so much uncertainty. I think I just relate to the mess that’s always in her head. Listen, she’s certainly a flawed character, definitely makes questionable choices, but who wouldn’t be a little anxious being a slave and learning the truth about her life and her people? If she has a fan club, I’m in it, the lengths she went to for her people. Sacrificing so much. I loved it.
Draven. Did we all want a Mr. Darcy but with wings and a lot more of that quick wit and banter? Because our man Draven gave it to us tenfold in this one. The LONGING. This man was down bad for his girl, and does so much to protect her, he literally had me audibly swooning. “Who did this to you? Touch her and ☠️, you’re MINE…,” it’s all there. The way he brings out the fire in Selena and the way she antagonizes him just makes me down right giddy.
Tension, banter, longing, everything I love in a romantasy. The plot developed a lot more in this addition and we did get a bit more world building. Was the main plot twist predictable? Oh hell yeah—called it the moment it was mentioned. But I still ate it up. Some things happened in the last 10 percent that had me chewing off all my fingernails, it was so intense.
The ONLY reason this is not a five star read for me is because I NEED DRAVENS POV LIKE I NEED AIR. I’ve read the bonus scenes and I need wayyyyy more of that. That’s it. I just need to be in Draven’s head please.
And that ending was just rude. I’m gonna need book 3 STAT.
March 13, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Scarlett Press, and Marion Blackwood for the gifted eARC.
Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 4/5
🌶2/5
🧠 4/10 (You will need to recall info from book 1, so I recommend a reread it first if you can)
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Republished traditionally. Expected re-release date is 5/26/2026.
Where to start?
The good: There were some tense moments in this book that had me holding my breath a bit. It was also a roller-coaster of love/hate with both main characters. Selena was supposed to be smart but missed so many clues staring her right in the face. Draven drove me batty at first with his hot, cold routine. I understood in the moment he had his reasons, but it still spiked my blood pressure. The last handful of chapters were actually really good. I knew it would end with me dangling over a cliff, but I still hate it! 😆
The bad: It got a little repetitive with the verbiage. Another book where everyone's knees were always buckling and the MMC clinched his jaw so much his teeth are probably smooth at this point.
Through 75% of the book, I thought it would be 3 stars, but the last 25% bumped it to 4. I'm really excited about book 3 and have a feeling it will be the best in the series.
Genre: Romantacy
⭐️ 4/5
🌶2/5
🧠 4/10 (You will need to recall info from book 1, so I recommend a reread it first if you can)
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Republished traditionally. Expected re-release date is 5/26/2026.
Where to start?
The good: There were some tense moments in this book that had me holding my breath a bit. It was also a roller-coaster of love/hate with both main characters. Selena was supposed to be smart but missed so many clues staring her right in the face. Draven drove me batty at first with his hot, cold routine. I understood in the moment he had his reasons, but it still spiked my blood pressure. The last handful of chapters were actually really good. I knew it would end with me dangling over a cliff, but I still hate it! 😆
The bad: It got a little repetitive with the verbiage. Another book where everyone's knees were always buckling and the MMC clinched his jaw so much his teeth are probably smooth at this point.
Through 75% of the book, I thought it would be 3 stars, but the last 25% bumped it to 4. I'm really excited about book 3 and have a feeling it will be the best in the series.
January 29, 2026
Wait ok that was so good. Loved!
January 15, 2026
This book was easy to read and had good potential, but overall I wanted it to be more. I liked the ending, even if the plot twists were all pretty predictable. Honestly, these main characters are not the smartest, but I liked them better in here than in the previous book. I’ve also read the bonus chapter (you can find it for free on the author’s website) and it was surprisingly cute.
(SPOILER?)
Is she pregnant? I hope not, but they keep doing it unprotected so… idk if we’ll get a surprise pregnancy trope or if dragon shifters can’t procreate with faes (but the author never wrote anything against it, so I’m guessing they can) or if the main characters are just too uneducated to worry about pregnancies or if it’s a plot inconsistency or what
(SPOILER?)
Is she pregnant? I hope not, but they keep doing it unprotected so… idk if we’ll get a surprise pregnancy trope or if dragon shifters can’t procreate with faes (but the author never wrote anything against it, so I’m guessing they can) or if the main characters are just too uneducated to worry about pregnancies or if it’s a plot inconsistency or what
April 7, 2026
4.5 stars (rounded up)
This sequel takes everything from book one and turns up the intensity in the best way. The tone is darker, the stakes feel heavier, and there’s this constant undercurrent of tension that makes it impossible to put down.
Selena is navigating a completely different world here, and watching her adapt while still holding onto her purpose was so incredible. And Draven… he really comes into his own in this installment. He’s intense, protective, and layered in a way that makes every interaction feel charged. The dynamic between them is full of mistrust, pull, and undeniable chemistry, which made it impossible not to stay invested.
The plot kept me hooked the entire time. There’s a strong sense of urgency throughout, and everything builds toward an ending that had me stressed in the best way. No spoilers, but be prepared to want the next book immediately.
This one definitely leans darker than the first, so it’s worth checking content warnings beforehand.
I’m genuinely so excited this series is getting traditionally published because it deserves a much bigger audience.
Tropes:
-enemies-to-lovers tension
-morally gray MMC
-dragon shifter
-opposing sides / forbidden connection
-slow burn with high tension
-protective, possessive MMC
-rebellion storyline
-murder mystery elements
-forced proximity
-high stakes romance
This sequel takes everything from book one and turns up the intensity in the best way. The tone is darker, the stakes feel heavier, and there’s this constant undercurrent of tension that makes it impossible to put down.
Selena is navigating a completely different world here, and watching her adapt while still holding onto her purpose was so incredible. And Draven… he really comes into his own in this installment. He’s intense, protective, and layered in a way that makes every interaction feel charged. The dynamic between them is full of mistrust, pull, and undeniable chemistry, which made it impossible not to stay invested.
The plot kept me hooked the entire time. There’s a strong sense of urgency throughout, and everything builds toward an ending that had me stressed in the best way. No spoilers, but be prepared to want the next book immediately.
This one definitely leans darker than the first, so it’s worth checking content warnings beforehand.
I’m genuinely so excited this series is getting traditionally published because it deserves a much bigger audience.
Tropes:
-enemies-to-lovers tension
-morally gray MMC
-dragon shifter
-opposing sides / forbidden connection
-slow burn with high tension
-protective, possessive MMC
-rebellion storyline
-murder mystery elements
-forced proximity
-high stakes romance
March 2, 2025
Idk why I like this series so much 🥲 If I’m being critical this felt pretty repetitive, Selena didn’t get much development, the story would be so much better if we got more than just her POV, and the lack of secondary characters was really a bummer. Despite all these things.. I liked it so much 🫢
Tbh it really only popped off for the last 15ish percent, and goddang I really didn’t see a lot of that coming!
Draven is still top tier for me, and he def got growth in this one. Lowkey wanted more bullying from him, but we did get to see possessive side so I’m not complaining about that! I WISH we got his POV too, it would really enrich the story imo.
Def gonna read the next one bc for real, I can’t anticipate how this is going to end
Tbh it really only popped off for the last 15ish percent, and goddang I really didn’t see a lot of that coming!
Draven is still top tier for me, and he def got growth in this one. Lowkey wanted more bullying from him, but we did get to see possessive side so I’m not complaining about that! I WISH we got his POV too, it would really enrich the story imo.
Def gonna read the next one bc for real, I can’t anticipate how this is going to end
March 29, 2026
I devoured this in a night. It is so addictive, after the first one I had to make time to jump back into the story. I found myself craving book 2. And it didn't disappoint with even more addictive storytelling. While some of the twists were predictable this time around, I really appreciated learning more of the lore. There were quite a few surprises and ohhhh moments. The plot was plotting in this fast paced and cleverly written story. The characters were so well developed and interesting to read about. I love love love the chemistry between Draven and Selena. The spice was spicing. The ending was brutal but SO SO good. I love how Marion Blackwood creates her epic cliffhangers. They're the type that just makes me want to keep on reading. Thank GOD I have the next book.
October 26, 2025
4.5/5
Мені дуже сподобалося🩵
Селена все ще дратувала своєю наївністю і браком критичного мислення, а Дрейвен підбішував недалекоглядністю, але пізніше я перестала звертати на це увагу.
Бо тут такі сюжетні повороти😱, я нічого не вгадала і тільки а*уєвала😂. Розкрилося багато таємниць, як нових, так і старих, поведінка Дрейвена стала зрозумілою. Кожен його вчинок з першої книги має своє підґрунтя. Я відчула себе наче в тому мемі: "Why? Why? Oh, that's why"
Сподобалися стосунки головних героїв. Дрейвен — надзвичайно захисний, турботливий, люблячий, ну і "трохи" владний. Оці от вайби: "вона моя всіх за неї повбиваю"🤌🤌🤌
Селена розривається між своїми почуттями до Дрейвена і своєю місією. Але також не може перестати хвилюватися і піклуватися про нього. Момент з крилами🥺 — це було дуже сумно і зворушливо водночас.
І в цілому, те, як Селена постійно провокувала і підбурювала Дрейвена, робила капості, а йому це подобалося, як вона могла бути собою: зухвалою, нешанобливою, саркастичною, в'їдливою, а він тільки заохочував її.
А ще це було дуже гаряче, якихось 2-3 сцени, зате які 🔥🔥🔥
Звісно, були моменти, коли я думала: як це раніше не з'ясувалося, дещо виглядало притягнутим за вуха, і трохи затягнуто, мені здається, цю серію можна було вмістити в 3 книги. Але, хочеться закрити очі на всі мінуси, бо історія викликала неймовірні емоції, так що вже хочеться сісти за продовження.
Мені дуже сподобалося🩵
Селена все ще дратувала своєю наївністю і браком критичного мислення, а Дрейвен підбішував недалекоглядністю, але пізніше я перестала звертати на це увагу.
Бо тут такі сюжетні повороти😱, я нічого не вгадала і тільки а*уєвала😂. Розкрилося багато таємниць, як нових, так і старих, поведінка Дрейвена стала зрозумілою. Кожен його вчинок з першої книги має своє підґрунтя. Я відчула себе наче в тому мемі: "Why? Why? Oh, that's why"
Сподобалися стосунки головних героїв. Дрейвен — надзвичайно захисний, турботливий, люблячий, ну і "трохи" владний. Оці от вайби: "вона моя всіх за неї повбиваю"🤌🤌🤌
Селена розривається між своїми почуттями до Дрейвена і своєю місією. Але також не може перестати хвилюватися і піклуватися про нього. Момент з крилами🥺 — це було дуже сумно і зворушливо водночас.
І в цілому, те, як Селена постійно провокувала і підбурювала Дрейвена, робила капості, а йому це подобалося, як вона могла бути собою: зухвалою, нешанобливою, саркастичною, в'їдливою, а він тільки заохочував її.
А ще це було дуже гаряче, якихось 2-3 сцени, зате які 🔥🔥🔥
Звісно, були моменти, коли я думала: як це раніше не з'ясувалося, дещо виглядало притягнутим за вуха, і трохи затягнуто, мені здається, цю серію можна було вмістити в 3 книги. Але, хочеться закрити очі на всі мінуси, бо історія викликала неймовірні емоції, так що вже хочеться сісти за продовження.
April 17, 2025
nope 🥲
Book 1 was so good, and I was really excited to continue. But this book was a whole lot of nothing. I really thought it would build up to something amazing but that was not the case for me.
Selena is the worst. She has no confidence, is still complaining about wanting people to like her, and doesn’t even use her magic. I expected her inner monologue to at least evolve in this book, but nope. She stayed whiny and insecure the entire time... meanwhile helping lead a rebellion? She has no self preservation. Save yourself first, then figure out how to save everyone else.
If I had to hear them say “Mabona’s tits” one more time…
Draden was the best part, but even their relationship just dragged on. She was a completely different, arrogant person with him. It felt weird in book one, but I had hoped they’d grow into it. There’s slow burn, and then there’s whatever their annoying little situation was.
Draden got more character development this time around, but it still wasn’t enough for me to care. I read the ending so fast it didn’t even register. I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series.
I honestly don’t get how this book has a better rating than the first lol.
Oh well, it is what it is.
Book 1 was so good, and I was really excited to continue. But this book was a whole lot of nothing. I really thought it would build up to something amazing but that was not the case for me.
Selena is the worst. She has no confidence, is still complaining about wanting people to like her, and doesn’t even use her magic. I expected her inner monologue to at least evolve in this book, but nope. She stayed whiny and insecure the entire time... meanwhile helping lead a rebellion? She has no self preservation. Save yourself first, then figure out how to save everyone else.
If I had to hear them say “Mabona’s tits” one more time…
Draden was the best part, but even their relationship just dragged on. She was a completely different, arrogant person with him. It felt weird in book one, but I had hoped they’d grow into it. There’s slow burn, and then there’s whatever their annoying little situation was.
Draden got more character development this time around, but it still wasn’t enough for me to care. I read the ending so fast it didn’t even register. I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series.
I honestly don’t get how this book has a better rating than the first lol.
Oh well, it is what it is.
June 25, 2025
"When dragon book 2 is better than book 1”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series: Flame & Thorns #2
Series Type: Series
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Fantasy Romance/Romantasy
I did not write a full review for this book (if I don’t write a review for the book the day I read it the full memory of it has gone apologies just how life is 🤪) so if you want more details go to review for book one.. but what I can tell you that this was even freaking better than the first book! It was so damn delicious entertaining fun and engaging!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series: Flame & Thorns #2
Series Type: Series
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Fantasy Romance/Romantasy
I did not write a full review for this book (if I don’t write a review for the book the day I read it the full memory of it has gone apologies just how life is 🤪) so if you want more details go to review for book one.. but what I can tell you that this was even freaking better than the first book! It was so damn delicious entertaining fun and engaging!
March 7, 2025
This was very good! I was a bit worried in the middle where the plot was going but that twist was so good! The final book can’t be released soon enough.
March 13, 2026
This series has me in a chokehold and I'm loving it! The answers to all my questions are still few and far between but when one of them finally gets answered, it's mindblowing! The last hour or so of this book was incredible! Sure, there were quite a few things that were a tad bit too convenient throughout the story, but I'm choosing to see the forest before the trees. The overall story is chef's kiss! I'm still on the I-can-fix-him train with Draven. Also, did I mention he has wings? And they're sensitive 😉 and
Beware this one ended in a MAJOR cliffhanger! So maybe have the next book at arm's length when finishing this one ♡
Beware this one ended in a MAJOR cliffhanger! So maybe have the next book at arm's length when finishing this one ♡
May 19, 2025
4.25⭐️ was this kinda frustrating to read sometimes bc of the actions of both MCs throughout the first 50-60%? yes, yes it was. but the payoff at the end was so worth it that i’m honestly not even mad, just impressed.
the last 15% of this was absolutely insane- i called one plot twist, but not all of them. which tbh made me feel so smart bc it wasn’t completely out of left field so it made sense that i pieced it together, but then there was also plenty more that surprised me so it didn’t feel like a let down that i had guessed correctly about something huge.
everything really worked together beautifully in the end. all of the plot points i thought had possibly been abandoned or put on the back burner were brought up at the appropriate and most relevant points with very obvious explanations that felt v satisfying.
looking back now, the first book was a great setup in terms of the insane character development for both MCs. yes, selena was annoying at times but it just made her overall arc all the more enjoyable!
and that cliffhanger ending was actually diabolical… but makes me so excited for the book in june!!
the last 15% of this was absolutely insane- i called one plot twist, but not all of them. which tbh made me feel so smart bc it wasn’t completely out of left field so it made sense that i pieced it together, but then there was also plenty more that surprised me so it didn’t feel like a let down that i had guessed correctly about something huge.
everything really worked together beautifully in the end. all of the plot points i thought had possibly been abandoned or put on the back burner were brought up at the appropriate and most relevant points with very obvious explanations that felt v satisfying.
looking back now, the first book was a great setup in terms of the insane character development for both MCs. yes, selena was annoying at times but it just made her overall arc all the more enjoyable!
and that cliffhanger ending was actually diabolical… but makes me so excited for the book in june!!
January 24, 2026
me caí de ojete, con eso digo todo.
August 29, 2025
3.5/5.0
In this second installment of the series, the FMC makes even more ridiculously stupid choices (see highlights for examples) and the sex is even more eye-rolling than in the first book, mainly because there are numerous loooong sex scenes but the “couple” aren’t even together yet and we have absolutely no reason given or understanding to help us believe it… Basically no depth underneath the surface.The storyline is awfully good, though, but it still wouldn’t have risen above a three star read if not for the huge twist near the end that even I had absolutely NO hint at beforehand. Then, the high stakes action that happens after the twist was absolutely edge of the seat! The very best thing about this story, however, is that it DIDN’T go the clichéd way it very easily could have. And that in and of itself lifted the stars to four.
In this second installment of the series, the FMC makes even more ridiculously stupid choices (see highlights for examples) and the sex is even more eye-rolling than in the first book, mainly because there are numerous loooong sex scenes but the “couple” aren’t even together yet and we have absolutely no reason given or understanding to help us believe it… Basically no depth underneath the surface.The storyline is awfully good, though, but it still wouldn’t have risen above a three star read if not for the huge twist near the end that even I had absolutely NO hint at beforehand. Then, the high stakes action that happens after the twist was absolutely edge of the seat! The very best thing about this story, however, is that it DIDN’T go the clichéd way it very easily could have. And that in and of itself lifted the stars to four.
April 17, 2026
Sometimes book 2's of a series feel a but like filler. This is not one of those times. The plot moves along even faster than book 1. You get enough answers as well as the build up for more adventures.
Selena can be frustrating at times, but she's also been kept on the outskirts for her entire life. I don't see how she can be expected to act balanced when her education has been controlled and her own people treat her poorly. Girl never had a chance.
I like the growth shown here. The development of hers and Dravens complicated relationship really starts to take root here.
Were some points predictable? Yes. Were all points predictable? No and it made for an extremely entertaining read that convinced me to continue with the series.
Selena can be frustrating at times, but she's also been kept on the outskirts for her entire life. I don't see how she can be expected to act balanced when her education has been controlled and her own people treat her poorly. Girl never had a chance.
I like the growth shown here. The development of hers and Dravens complicated relationship really starts to take root here.
Were some points predictable? Yes. Were all points predictable? No and it made for an extremely entertaining read that convinced me to continue with the series.
December 9, 2025
This one definitely had me more intrigued and that ending was another cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat. wow! What is coming next?!
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
March 6, 2026
Ok I am eating this series up. It yanked me right out of my slump. Several times did I literally GASP in this book. Definitely better than book one which is not surprising. Book 3 I’m omw 😏
October 16, 2025
Pirma dalis patiko gal kiek labiau, bet ši dalis tikrai nenuvylė 👌🏼❤️ Ir pagaliau su šia knyga pasiektas šių metų tikslas - 60 knygų per metus! 📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,543 reviews