Shadow & Flame

By: Mindee Arnett

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

From acclaimed author Mindee Arnett comes the thrilling conclusion of the stunningly epic, action-packed fantasy adventure that’s been called “a page-turning blend of monsters, magic, and romance” by Susan Dennard, the New York Times best-selling author of Truthwitch.

They call her the Wilder Queen. It’s a title given to Kate Brighton for her role in the war between the wilder rebellion and the Rimish empire. It’s a title that was hard earned: Kate may have saved her people, but many were lost in the conflict, immortalized in the tattoos of fire that grace her arms.

And it’s a title that Kate never wanted. The rebellion may have made a home for themselves in a country that wants to cast them out, but the peace will never be safe while Edwin, the illegitimate king of Rime, sits upon its throne. And for that, the Wilder Queen must keep hers.

Now war is brewing once again. Kate and her allies receive word of a threat to their ambassador in the Rimish capital; meanwhile, across the channel in Seva, an army is being assembled to conquer Rime - and a prisoner slave named Clash may hold the key to ending the conflict once and for all.

As enemies close in on Kate and Clash from all sides, they must choose where their loyalties lie - with their people, with their loved ones, or with themselves.

The epic story that began with Onyx & Ivory comes to a stunning conclusion as acclaimed author Mindee Arnett throws listeners into a beautiful, terrifying world poised on a razor’s edge in its struggle for survival.

©2019 Mindee Arnett (P)2019 Balzer + Bray

amazing

loved it! great performance to a great story! I wish book three would come out soon!

Middle was torture to get through

Overall it was a nice ending to the two books. The middle part of the book with the brainwashing, forced marriage, forced torture and killing was extremely hard to get through. I was going to stop listening all together but I’m glad the end wrapped everything up.

Tuned out the last half

First book was much more enjoyable. Towards the last half kept tuning it out and having to replay it. Never liked the main heroine, she just wasn’t likable. Wanted a different ending, maybe they go their separate ways. Other characters were more interesting than the main two. But high points for world building and magic system. Would have liked to learn more about the gods. Seems this was 3 books and the author just got tired of writing it.

Loved it

Loved this story! It was easy to fall in love with the characters and cheer them on. I was even telling “off with his head” At one point in the battle.

Not as good as the first

There were a lot of parts that made me irritated in this book. I keep thinking, “that was unnecessary.” The author kept killing people off. There was brainwashing, forced marriage, and more that made me cringe and want to skip ahead. I listened to the end because I kept hoping it would get better, but there were several times I thought about just deleting it. It’s definitely not one I’ll ever listen to again. I also don’t think I will be getting anything more by this author.

Meh

Idk, there's something about this story that made skipping ahead a habit. I did it through the first one too with the hope I wouldn't with this one. I can't put my finger on what exactly bugged me though. Maybe it was the fact everyone seemed to persecute Kate and never tried to see her side of things. Or the relationships didn't give me any of the feels. I wasn't connected to any of the characters, just aggravated by them. The story was okay, kinda predictable. I would've liked more focus on the gods/goddesses. All this talk about magic, but hardly any of it I either books or about the gods.
For me, both books left me wanting. IMO, Kate should've unalived at the end and make everyone feel like poo for treating her like bird droppings. It was obvious she was the only one that could stop the bad guy. Corwin was a milk toast.

Bleh

I wanted to like you, I truly did.

You raised so many questions without any answers. You packed a lot of punches with no point and you overly annoyed me to the point it became a chore to continue.

Sure you’re “darker than the first” but at some point I would’ve like a light to be turned on. Or to stare into the darkness for so long it stares back and becomes a friend.

But NOPE. This is no friend and such a let down. The first was GOOOOD. This was not.

Proceed cautiously.

Wished it Was Longer

I enjoyed this Duology. It was quick paced and full of dynamic characters and world building. My only regret is that we didn’t get to spend enough time with the religion that was so important in the final moments. I would’ve felt more connected to Kate and the Paragon if I’d known more about the goddess. Overall, it was a sweet ending to a powerful Duology.

Emotional roller coaster.

Was please! Very good book. I truly enjoyed the story.
Looking forward to the next book!

Amazing 2nd to a great series

The overall story and writing was amazing.
Beautiful twists and turns.
The performance was above and beyond for both books.

Wow what a difference the actor makes

Loved this story but what really hooked me was the voice actor. Kristine has such talent. Her characters each so distinct, some sexy, some rough, some funny. A real joy. Sad to say good bye to this audiobook. The story was so good! It was fantasy but full of intrigue and brutality and romance. Everything I adore in a story. I even teared up a bit at the end. Defo would reccomend this to anyone as it has a bit of something for everything and again K. V REALLY MAKES IT WORTH IT.

A slog

Really struggled to finish this one because I stopped caring about the characters, the 'twists' were obvious and there was some macguffining going on big time so the story stopped feeling grounded.

Great book

Loved this book, it’s better than the first.. more gripping, explores characters flaws.. more action.. it’s hard to not put down .. I hope there will be more books that explores/tells the stories of the other characters..