A Shadow in the Ember

Sera, princess of Lasania, was promised to the Primal of Death by an old deal meant to end the blight destroying the kingdom's crops. Her family trained her to seduce and kill him. He turns her down, and years later Sera meets Ash, a mysterious god who is Nyktos himself. She secretly heals people with a forbidden power. When her stepbrother Tavius, now king, tortures her, Nyktos rescues her, Sera kills Tavius and is taken to his realm as his consort. There she learns that Kolis, the Primal of Life, is cruel. In the end, Sir Holland reveals he is an Arae and that Sera carries an ember of life that makes her the true heir to that power.

1. Behind the scenesBack in time

   Flesh and Fire started in 2021 and takes place thousands of years before Poppy is born. The author calls it a companion prequel.

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2. ReferenceWhen to read it

   The author recommends publication order: this book goes after The Crown of Gilded Bones and before The War of Two Queens. She warns that reading out of order can spoil surprises.

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3. ReferenceAsh is Nyktos

   The mysterious Ash is Nyktos, the Primal of Death. He's the same god Solis calls king of the gods in Poppy's series.

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4. SetupSera's guard

   Sir Holland has trained Sera since she was a child and knows more than a knight should. When he talks, pay attention.

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