Half-daemon Envy Starr is destined to die on Midsummer’s Eve, still a virgin, on some crappy cult’s live-stream feed. With thirty days left to live, the chance to escape her fate and get some action compels her into her absentee father’s world of beautifully cultured cruelty.
Once there, she’s the object of a deadly game, slated to alter the Fae realm’s power structure. Worse, the rules keep changing, and everyone has an ulterior motive, including her dae-licious guide, Brennan. Under a geas he’s desperate to break, she can’t trust him, or herself.
Stupid Stockholm syndrome.
But unless she can come to terms with what lies in her heart, her unlikely survival will be a fate worse than death. For her, and the rest of Fae.
AK Nevermore is a bestselling, award-winning author of dystopian sci-fi, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. She enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year.
A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.
Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes full time around a nest full of ravens. Her books explore dark worlds, perversely irreverent and profound, and always entertaining.
AK belongs to a bunch of industry associations, volunteers for far too many committees, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.
Thoughts:💡 This book was spicy and angsty. The chapters have this feel of an ultimate countdown which provided an interesting element and made it a lot of fun to read. I really enjoyed the FMCs spunk and sarcasm. The author’s wit and cynicism is prevalent through the whole book and I am here for it.
Quote:📖 “Just who the hell do you think you are, Kitty?” I smiled at him. “I’m the Apocalypse.”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Character Development: 💙💙💙💙💙 Genre: Spicy Paranormal Romance
Flame and Shadow is an urban fantasy that follows Envy, a partially fae, specifically dae, girl who has been majorly screwed over by both her parents. She was dragged along behind her Vegas Showgirl mother until her sugar daddy kicked her out when he realized Envy wasn’t his and was in fact fae, and then her fame seeking mother joined a religious cult that now seeks to girl her in a livestream. Well, it’s a bit more complicated. All humans upon reaching their majority either fade into their element and cease to exist or they can give up their element and without fail, k-word themselves later due to the loss. There’s another option however, they can become. As in, become full fae. Except those in the human world aren’t aware of this and most aren’t offered the option. When Envy is kidnapped by a Dae less than a month from her fading out, her whole world is flipped upside down.
The book is written in a style where Envy is literally talking to the reader. It’s a bit of an adjustment but it was also sort of fun. Envy is very glib and used to awful things happening to her. She’s expecting to die soon, so she finds a lot of life threatening things hilarious. When Brennan, the Dae who kidnaps her, comes into the picture, she’s very quickly uncaring about being kidnapped. He’s very hot, and she’s a succubus apparently. She not only feeds on energy, but she’s very sexual. And she wants Brennan. She’s determined not to die a virgin. Which, understandable, right?
Brennan is a super interesting character. He comes off very formal at first, and it’s clear he’s been contracted for a job and can’t say much. He tries to resist Envy literally throwing herself at him, but as it’s mentioned several times, she’s insanely gorgeous. Like Snow White with pale skin and dark hair and a perfect body. So, he has a bit of a rough time of it. As they get to know each other though, I really enjoyed their interactions. Even more so later, when the circumstances change and they’re in the fae realm. We find out much more about his character there. He’s in a really awful situation and once things change for him, we see a big change IN him. I loved him in the beginning, but even more so after that.
Envy has to deal with so many people vying to use her for one thing or another throughout this. Some treating her better than others. But she has to deal with terrible thing after terrible thing. And she has to try to piece together what is actually happening through all the fae double speak and contracts. Her life and her freedom literally depend on it. Though, she has to decide if she even wants to become, or if she still wants to fade. And as the truth of her situation comes out, I think she realizes the best option for everyone.
The world itself is fun, with the four fae split by element. Fire is the dae, air is the sylphs, earth is the gnomes, and water the undine. There are different clans within each group of fae, all vying for power. But then there are the fights within the different groups as well. And they take trying to kill each other as sport. The ways in which they compete against each other makes for fun action and keeps things moving along though. A lot of the plot comes from this giant overall competition to find these little things called the anathema. It’s tied into Envy’s plot in a certain way that caused her to be moved around.
There’s also the mystery component to the story. We don’t know what’s really going on, and along with Envy, are trying to figure out what’s happening, why, and who’s involved in what. There are pretty blatant hints about some of it. But other parts I didn’t see coming at all. It was fun to try to figure it out though. The story itself definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. Even though there are some messed up, dark things happening, they happen with the kind of irreverence of the subject that you can tell Envy is a bit numb to most of it. Even when she breaks down, she’s back to laughing it off a moment later. All in all, I did enjoy it even if it took me a moment to get into the style. It’s left open for the next book with changed circumstances for Envy, and I’ll definitely be reading it!
I received an eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Flame & Shadow" by AK Nevermore is a wild ride through a world where danger and desire collide, making it impossible to put down. As someone who adores stories that intertwine dark magic, complex characters, and the kind of stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat, this book delivers all that and more.
Envy Starr, our half-daemon protagonist, is a breath of fresh air in the realm of fantasy heroines. She’s sharp, cynical, and has thirty days left to live before a cult plans to sacrifice her on a live stream. The plot’s intensity grabbed me from the start, but it’s Envy’s voice that kept me hooked—her mix of sass and vulnerability makes her an incredibly relatable character, even in such a fantastical setting.
The story takes a sharp turn when Envy is thrust into the world of her absentee father, a realm where the Fae are as alluring as they are dangerous. This new world is where the narrative really shines. The beautifully cultured cruelty of the Fae realm is depicted in such vivid detail that it feels both enchanting and menacing, a perfect backdrop for Envy’s desperate fight for survival.
Brennan, her guide in this treacherous world, is as mysterious as he is captivating. Under a geas and clearly hiding more than a few secrets, his relationship with Envy is fraught with tension. There’s a delicious push and pull between them that had me questioning his motives at every turn. Is he an ally? A betrayer? Or something far more complicated? The way AK Nevermore plays with this dynamic kept me eagerly turning pages.
What truly sets "Flame & Shadow" apart is the way it tackles the theme of trust—both in others and in oneself. Envy’s journey is not just about escaping a gruesome fate; it’s about coming to terms with her identity, her desires, and the power she wields. The deadly game she’s caught up in has rules that shift like shadows, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story twists, pulling you deeper into its web.
The stakes in this book aren’t just about life and death; they’re about what kind of life Envy is fighting for. The blend of dark humor, intense action, and emotional depth makes this a standout read. And that ending—wow. It sets up the rest of the series perfectly, leaving you hungry for more.
"Flame & Shadow" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy who love their stories laced with intrigue, danger, and a heroine who refuses to go down without a fight. AK Nevermore has crafted a tale that’s as fiery as its title suggests, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the next installment in The Dae Diaries.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Envy Starr, a half-daemon, faces a grim fate: dying as a virgin on Midsummer’s Eve, broadcast by a cult. With only thirty days left to live, she dives into her estranged father’s world of intricate cruelty to evade her destiny and find romance. Caught in a deadly game that could reshape the Fae realm, Envy must navigate shifting rules and hidden agendas, even from her charming guide Brennan. Bound by a geas that complicates their trust, she battles her growing feelings. Survival hinges on understanding her heart, or facing a fate worse than death for herself and the Fae realm.
From the very first page, Flame and Shadow sweeps the readers into an epic tale of action, adventure and intrigue. The novel’s strength lies in its world-building, which seamlessly blends the elements of fantasy and myth. The plot is dense with twists and turns. The author maintains a steady pace that keeps the reader engaged. A captivating blend of fantasy and romance, embellished by a strong-willed protagonist and a vividly realized world. With its gripping narrative and complex characters, this novel will appeal to readers seeking a thrilling escape into a unique realm. The book's ending was amazing, making me anticipate the second installment in the series.
Flame & Shadow, Book one in The Dae Diaries series is the story of Envy Starr, a virgin demon halfling who is on a ticking time clock, she has thirty days left until she dies. When she gets kidnapped, and by the crazy cult her mother belongs to, they plan to live-stream her sacrifice on midsummer's eve, but Envy decides to escape to the realm of her absentee father. A realm where the Fae are as alluring as they are dangerous. Now Envy must find a way to adapt to the ever changing rules of the new game she’s being forced to play, where everyone has their own motives and agendas.. even her new guide, Brennan. Can Envy learn to trust her heart?
Envy is half demon and about to die. Everyone knows that half demons only have a few choices and they all lead to death. But as Envy only has 30 days left, she gets kidnapped, enters the demon realm and has to deal with the crazy that is their court. It was a hoot to read with crazy characters and a wild snarky entertaining lead names Envy. I laughed and enjoyed it and loved the twits and surprises.
Normally I am not a fan of books written in first person, or the character ‘talking’ to me, the reader. However, in this instance it works. The approach the author has taken fits perfectly with the female characters attitude and personality. I loved Brennan and the imos! There’s plenty of drama, desire, twists, turns and secrets to keep you turning pages.
This is a first read and a first of the series and it’s awesome. You have Envy who is a half human and dae who has no intention in becoming a sacrifice on her 20th bday. I love how she is feisty, sassy and is determined to go her own way. Be prepared for steam, betrayal, mystery, adventure, twist and turns . I.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Envy is a spirited character that will have to rely on her gut instincts. She is being held captive by hot guard. She will be fighting to make it out alive. This is a great read with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her days are numbered so she heads over to fathers world hoping she can find what she is missing. Only when she gets there things don’t work out like she hoped.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way this book is described, you would think that we're dealing with fae characters in a fae setting, but we really aren't, not in the traditional sense. In this book there are four races of fae: daemons (demons), sylphs, gnomes, and undines. Each has a corresponding element.
We have the typical 'fae come to town and bang humans to create half human/half fae children due to infertility' yada yada. Halflings only live so long before they die, for reasons I've already forgotten, and so we read about Envy, half daemon, consummate alcoholic, and fairly stereotypical snarky FMC, and her accounts up to and including her predicted day of death.
Envy lives in some kind of cult situation with her former Broadway star super gorgeous mom (don't worry, Envy is prettier, as we will read many times) and a bunch of nuns. Bla bla she goes to the club one day, gets attacked, and then gets spirited away by our brooding asshole love interest.
The rest is a bunch of politics, over the top bad guys (think like rape threats and evil for the sake of it), and sexual inuendo/references but no actual smut. I found the world quite confusing. It's trying for a modern traditional fae vibe (courts, queens, bargains, etc.) but it more fits in with a paranormal demon romance situation. I found it a bit of a shoehorn, and I think it could have been better written.
I didn't hate it. I finished it. Though I honestly didn't remember finishing it (yesterday). I opened up the book and found it said "read," so I guess I read it. Upon flipping to the last few pages, I do remember reading them and being underwhelmed. All told, I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't really like any of the characters aside from the imps, and I had absolutely no investment in the romance. So, I have no interest in reading the next one.
Envy jumps into the snake pit and with no one to trust, she’ll have to rely on her instincts and her heart’s desire. Whoa, this book packs a punch. Take a kick butt heroine, make her the captive of a sexy as sin mentor, give her thirty days to change the power grid of the Fae realm and watch heads roll. Oh, and don’t forget the heroine is like a fish out of water and oozes snarkiness. Flame & Shadow is my newest addiction, and I can’t get enough of this book.
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Envy right away. She’s such an intriguing heroine with beauty, a wicked mother, daddy issues, and colorful language spewing out of her mouth. She’s not superficial and it was fascinating to read from her viewpoint. Brennan is a complex hero/anti-hero. I also connected with him, even though he smoked too much for my taste. His mysterious vibe kept me fully invested in the story. In reality, he’s the perfect straight man for Envy’s dark humor. He keeps her grounded. The rest of the characters are equally well-written. It’s a huge cast of characters yet easy to follow along due to their originality.
The world-building is impressive. AK Nevermore takes what’s common knowledge about Fae realms and flips it on its ear. She creates a whole new world, and its intricacies and layers of detail is brilliantly executed. I got sucked in right away and stayed in this world until the last page.
I enjoyed reading Flame & Shadow so much. I can’t wait to read it again. AK Nevermore is a rising star and I look forward to reading all of her books.
Wow. This was not the kind of story I usually read, but once I got started, I could not put it down. The writing is witty, snarky, and comes across as if the character is sitting there in the room with you, just telling you about what happened. The world building is exceptional — though I will admit, I got a bit confused at times with the twists and turns of the plot. But the storytelling is amazing. And that makes any confusion worthwhile. This is not a sweet type of romance. There’s a lot of nasty stuff that goes down (Come on, there are demons. What do you think is going to happen?), and the main character has some serious parental issues. But the ending definitely left a smile (okay, a wry one), but a smile on my lips.
Recommendation: If you like your stories full of demons, fae, imps, a bit of the apocalypse, elementals, and more, definitely pick this one up. You won’t be sorry. And I can see where there will be more coming.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
I was intrigued by this blurb, so I requested this book. I started it, and I must admit that at first, I wasn’t going to like it because of the little bit unusual way the author wrote the first-person narrative. Don’t get me wrong, it was not terrible or really unusual, but a little bit different. It didn’t take me long, though, to get invested in the plot and the action. Envy is a very interesting character, and I found her at times a little immature, but that was understandable once I got to know who she was. There were times when I was a little lost about some events in the past or how things happened or were happening, but it was easy to overlook them to enjoy the plot. This is an enjoyable read, and it is sure to please those that are into paranormal romance. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This was an interesting read. Envy is our MC in this book and she is a half daemon and half human. She gets taken by Brennan, another daemon to another realm and is told she is going to be presented to the Fae realm on Midsummer's Eve. But she's already dated to die that night ...and she is still a untouched virgin. And Brennan her guide is super HOT🔥🔥🥵
The writing is engaging and I had to finish this book, the subject matter was exactly what I like to read about. Paranormal and romance thrown in. I love the chemistry of Brennan and Envy. That was really well written. And I love how Brennan calls Envy lovely 😍🌹Brennan is such a wonderfully written book boyfriend and y'all need to read this book and check him out!!
Wow, there was a lot going on in this book. It had everything in it, and the action didn't stop practically until the very end. I couldn't tear myself away from it. The main character was sassy but also deeply troubled. Her dilemmas and choices felt justified. The world created by the author was vivid in my mind, even though I couldn't always keep up with the quick changes of scenery and plot twists. It was a lot, but never too much.
It's worth reading if you're a fantasy fan and like a badass heroine in a story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our Review: This is not an easy story for the casual reader to get through. That said, devotees of the sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy genres will adore it. Because of her less than sterling upbringing, Envy has developed a kick-ass, nothing bothers me attitude—but early on it becomes clear this is a cover for a young person looking to belong, unconsciously begging for unconditional positive regard. Afterall, isn’t that what we all need? What we all deserve? Under it all, Flame & Shadow is a morality tale, teaching us to look under the surface which might be hiding someone in desperate need.
Oh em gee, what did I just read? What was that? That might be the most entertaining thing I have read in a long, long time, and I have read a lot of entertaining things! This definitely feels like an entertaining dessert of a read, with a cherry on top. No, forget that one cherry, that’s a whole cherry tree, full of juicy cherries! An urban fantasy, that’s both hilarious and cute, and filled with weird characters, living in a crazy world? Yes, please! Brrrrring it oooonnnnn! The world-building alone is something that makes this book a worthy read and makes me want to look into what other gems the author has crafted.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first in a series. I feel like there was some information missing-like the world building. The author tried to include it as the story progressed-but it was alot. This is a very complicated world, but an interesting story. I liked the main characters Envy and Brennan. Their parents not so much. No one was what they seemed-so it was confusing. I did enjoy the story and would read the 2nd book. I think a lot of fantasy readers would enjoy. 3.5 stars
MFC Envy Starr is about to turn twenty, and become a destined sacrifice for Our Lady of the Blessed Inferno. NOT if she can help it which is when the tilt a whril of Flame and Shadow brings the reader on the ride of a lifetime as a halfling fae/daemon with attitude takes on the world of the supernatural. Good writing in a fast-paced narrative supported by a plethora of diverse characters delivered a high octane totally engaging Urban fantasy read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved Envy and how she navigated the wicked power plays and the world of demons without selling out. Demons and their intrigues are new to me, yet I thoroughly enjoyed the clever writing, the humour and the strong characters. Almost everyone has their own agenda but that doesn't stop Envy from spoiling most of people's plans and getting some action on the way.
A fantastic story, a powerful start of the series. Strong language is a plus.
This series takes the reader on a unique journey through the characters world. I read One Night in Bliss, first. I am happy that I did. It made me want more, so I had to read this one. t was everything that I was looking for! Envy is a FMC that I am excited for more of!! This story is fantastic and I could not put it down. I purchased it, and I am Glad that I did!! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers! I highly recommend!!!
I loved reading Flame & Shadow. Envy is such an awesome character to read about. She's snarky, spirited, and seems to have no internal filter most of the time. The other characters in the book are just as well developed, and the storyline is fascinating. The author has created a world that I can't wait to spend more time in. I highly recommend this book for fans of paranormal fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Envy is supposedly fated to die, but she sure doesn't want to. Can she figure out how to survive, the death others want for her? Who can she trust? She is drawn to Brennan, although is he all that he seems? I loved Envy's story, her whole world just sucks you in, and I couldn't help but turn the pages to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Envy’s story. She was raised by her mother who was HORRIBLE to her, and living in a convent was not living Envy’s best life. She runs away and has some issues but is rescued by Brennan, who used to be a halfling (half fae) but is now a full fae. She doesn’t want to go thru with losing her humanity, so she doesn’t go thru the ritual.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series!
This was an amazing book. I loved the whole concept. The demons, and other creatures were amazing. I loved the spicy scenes. The fact that Envy Starr falls for her captor and then all the things that happens between them is so good. The twists and turns that this book takes keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for action packed, constant twists, great characters with some amazing spice this book is perfect for you.
I read this one in a single sitting! Due to the pacing of the story I didn’t realize how much I had read until I was basically finished. The author did a great job writing a story that flows well. I’ve read several books with a similar plot to this one and yet this one seemed very unique. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.
WE have mystery, action, suspense, and more. This is Envy's story. What happens when your parents are the worst? Run of course? Will she face the death of being halfling? What will Brennan do to help her? Will she learn his secrets?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start by saying this is the first fae novel I've ever read. There were a lot of things I didn't know. But the author does explain it as you read, in the guise of the main character. The writing style draws you in quickly and holds on as you experience the story from the female protagonist's POV. The language and heat are tame. Did i enjoy it? Yes!
Absolutely brilliant! Sharp, witty and quirky with tons of action, LOL moments and a plot that will make your head spin. I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this one in ages! Must must read!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.