Read my review of the first book in the Flame & Shadow series, A Dream of Flame and Shadow.
This book launches right in the middle of the action, catching us up with what we missed with Cian and Hellion already off to war at the end of the previous book. Our three heroes aren’t in a great place, even if the previous book left off on a tantalizingly optimistic note. But before we get to any sort of sweet reunion, Eveland takes the time to remind readers that all is not well in this world; this includes highlighting the darker realities of how death and decay form an intrinsic part of war and combat. Along with the creative and unexpected fantasy elements this author continues to braid into this unique world, I especially appreciated that they do not gloss over the negative aspects of the external conflict Nevahn has found himself thrust into, even while we look forward to his reconnection with his lovers.
Nevahn still acts as a sort of reader stand-in for this world, as we learn things that are already second-nature to Cian and Hellion. Even when the romantic and external drama is fraught angst-ridden, I thoroughly enjoy the both sweet and highly entertaining moments of Nevahn making a home for himself in this world. I also love the way Eveland balances the newness of the relationship(s) developing between Nevahn with Cian and Hellion compared with the weight of so much history between Cian and Hellion. Of course, the trauma of this history also means all is not smooth sailing between these old lovers, which does well to put all three on more equal footing when it comes to emotional bonds.
However, Nevahn is quickly evolving into more than the simple blacksmith of the first book, even one who has already claimed hero status through an important discovery. Once we get a hint of where that evolution may take him, Nevahn’s power and ability escalates dramatically. I had a few quibbles with how quickly he achieves competency in some of this, but then again, war affords no room for trial and error. The epic spectacle and unexpected tragedy that results were more than enough to sweep away any minor issues on my part, and I was more than hooked through this entire book.
This particular story ends on a relatively high note, but Eveland leaves plenty of space for additional mystery and conflict. Especially now that I know from the note at the end that this is a five-book arc and not a trilogy, I’m looking forward to how the mystery of Nevahn continues to unfold, how this affects his relationship with Cian and Hellion…and how Cian and Hellion resolve plenty of their own individual conflicts wrapped up in the political landscape of this engrossing fantasy world.
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