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The Oncoming Storm #3

A Storm of Smoke and Flame

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What would you do to protect your home?
Lie? Manipulate? Kill?


War awaits across the sea. In order to ensure their survival, the Oncoming Storm and a band of misfits set sail for the land beyond the horizon. In a country where the power structure is as strange as the language, their desperate mission to secure a lasting peace will take them on a journey through halls of power and dark back alleys alike. Trusting the wrong person could get them all killed, but without help from the locals they have no chance of succeeding. They can only hope that they have placed their faith in the right people.

In addition to the constant outside threats, tensions also run high within the group. Working together turns out to be far harder than anticipated, and cracks form in the bonds between them as personalities clash and weapons are drawn. Relationships will be tested and strained to the breaking point when a surprise betrayal forces secrets long buried into the light.

The deck is stacked against them and hidden threats lurk around every corner. Can they accomplish their mission despite the overwhelming odds? Or will they end up killing each other instead?

300 pages, Hardcover

First published August 24, 2020

165 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read

About the author

Marion Blackwood

29 books2,129 followers
Marion 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

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5 stars
387 (51%)
4 stars
249 (33%)
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95 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Elaina.
482 reviews376 followers
May 2, 2021
Once again this was another addition to the series that was an absolute delight to read! Every time I jump into a new book in this series it's so easy to fall back into the story. I enjoy Blackwood's writing so much, it's smooth and easy to read while also still feeling like fantasy. And so very easy to get lost in.

My favourite part of this series by a long shot is the characters. The relationships and banter between Storm and the gang of misfits she is surrounded by are so interesting and layered. Their faults and personalities feel real and well constructed. The connections between characters are slowly building in each instalment, tensions and feelings being shown in mere breadcrumbs, but that's what makes it so good. I was also glad we got to see more of the elves once again, and it was interesting to learn a little more about their history in this world. And I can't not speak about the humour in this book, some things had me shaking my head and giggling at the same time.

This instalment was quieter and featured less action but the plot was intriguing and different from what we've read in books 1 and 2. There's a sense of adventure and the fact that we follow the characters in unknown territory had me on the edge of my seat. Several times throughout the book I had a feeling of unease, probably because I've become so attached to these characters I was so anxious to keep reading.

Overall this was a solid addition to the series. It may even be my favourite so far. The build up and pay off was excellent and has me guessing at what could come next. I would highly recommend checking out this series if you haven't already!

Thank you to the author for providing early copy in exchange for an honest review!
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Check out more reviews and book related posts on my blog: https://www.sophieinbookland.com
Profile Image for ShannaBanana✨.
548 reviews41 followers
February 11, 2021
O! M! G! Ok, I’m obsessed with these books! The lack of romance like every other fantasy tale is non existent in these and I actually LOVE it! I can feel it brewing between Storm and Shade now and I am here for it! I can’t get enough of Elaran. That little grumpy elf is great! All of these characters are brilliant in their own ways and I couldn’t love them more. I’d love to see more Edward and Shade brotherly bonding too. 5 stars!
Profile Image for charlene ✿.
581 reviews138 followers
March 20, 2026
4 stars  

★★★★



The Oncoming Storm ☾
⚔︎ A Storm of Silver and Ash ★★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Shadows and Pearls ★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Smoke and Flame★★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Glass and Stars ★★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Mist and Thunder ★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Blood and Swords ★★★★★
⚔︎ A Storm of Light and Darkness ★★★★★


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Profile Image for Max.
203 reviews10 followers
January 10, 2021
TITLE: A Storm of Smoke and Flame
AUTHOR: Marion Blackwood
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.75
GENRE: Fantasy
SERIES: The Oncoming Storm 3/7
CAWPILE: 8.89

I love this series. ALOT. Another installment in this series that was a fantastic read! I’m getting far too attached to these characters and I love following all their adventures in each book.

We follow a specific group of characters in this book, and I love every one of them for completely different reasons. Maybe Liam not so much but Storm, Shade, Elaran, Haela, Haemir and now Zaina are some of my fave characters ever! They all have amazing personalities and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes them.

The plot was good and the ending left this story on a very interesting note. You wouldn’t think a book about an election would be excited but LORDS wow it was a wild ride.

We get a lot of new things in this: characters, plot lines and culture. Pernula is such an interesting place to be and I can’t wait to learn more about it- especially the elves!!

Overall, a great read. I was never bored and always wanting to pick it up. This was a great escape, as I’ve been binging the folk of the air this week. I’m starting the 4th very soon!!
Profile Image for a.erika.e.
104 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2022
So far, this book is the best in the series. Incredible! My feelings are all over the place. It's funny, exciting and uplifting.

Without spoiling too much, I just have to say that I love the group working and scheming togheter in this new place. The world is getting bigger, truths are revealed (I love Shade) and I believe we'll have a found family trope in the next book.

Storm is constantly in danger and somehow manage to survive. She actually says "I'm a hard person to kill" and the reply is "Like a cockroach". It's so funny I'm still laughing 🤣

One of my favorite authors! 🥰
Profile Image for Manon.
2,284 reviews32 followers
January 17, 2021
This was such a great installment! And can we talk about how much I love Shade?
Profile Image for Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson.
715 reviews56 followers
February 16, 2021
Not that exciting!!!

Book #3 is a little lagging . Few surprises. But all in all its just repeat. It just doesn't jump up an grab you.
Profile Image for Kerry Morris.
310 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2025
Liam is really getting on my nerves, storm is who she is, a murderous thief! His constant berating her is really grating on my nerves.This book was fab though, so much scheming and killing. This has to be the slowest burn for the romance though. Can’t tell if it’s going to happen or not.
Profile Image for Amma.
294 reviews
August 26, 2023
Storm

I sure hope Shade is the love interest. Even though I don't know much about him, I like him and I think he likes her.
I like how Shade, intentionally or not, tells her to do something, like follow him, and he just goes. and she always gets flustered because she sees it as him telling her what to do. Though, she did comment before that because of his position, he must just be used to people doing as he says. Like, maybe he's not meaning to 'order her around', he's just used to not having to say or ask for something twice. He can just say what he intends and carry on.

I don't normally care for the heist or found family plots, but now it's being presented in book 3 (pretty clearly), and I'm excited about it because I already love these characters. Had it been this obvious in book 1, I might have been turned away. But I like it now.

I think what I've really enjoyed about this author's writing style is that she tells me very little about what's to come. I'm just kind of there as what's been planned before is playing out. Or, it fades to black as they start the conversation of planning, then bam, I'm there. I love that. I don't like when authors tell me detail for detail of what I'm going to see later in the book, just to live through it again later. Book 3, and I still have no idea what's coming, and I love it.

Book 3 is off to a great start. Already started better than book 2.

She calls herself cynical and pessimistic... uh, is that me?

'Trees and bushes dotted the greenery, but I had no idea what kind, so I was back to establishing that they were brown at the bottom and green at the top.'

“What he means is that you,” I waved a hand at Liam and the twins, “are actually nice people who make friends easily, while we are not.” - Storm

Liam has a crush on Norah: 'I wiggled my eyebrows at him. “Just you and her, alone in the kitchen. Who knows what’ll happen?”'

'Shade sure was an arrogant jerk if I’d ever met one. And I kind of liked it. I would’ve handled the situation in that room in almost exactly the same way.'

On Storm having friends: '“I don’t know!” I blew out an exasperated breath and waved a hand at Liam. “He just showed up one day and refused to leave. And you three,” I motioned at Elaran and the twins, “I infiltrated your city and tried to kill your queen. And you,” I turned to the Master Assassin, “you and I spend as much time at each other’s throats as we do... actually, I don’t even know what we’re doing when we’re not threatening, blackmailing, or trying to kill each other.”'

“Dragons are real?”

Shade is the prince who died? That's why he's fond of Edward. Does Shade know who he is? Lol. Well, Edward had the same question, so not a dumb question.

I just realized.. I don't think I've seen her steal 1 thing... the Master thief...

She almost died from a sword at her throat, "Nothing I can't handle though. I mean, not even close."

She's the only one who doesn't know how to ride a horse... and she complains loudly about why they would even need to know how to ride a horse. Love it.

Just, easy 5. Easy. So enjoyable. Love the characters. Never dull moments. Even the fighting keeps my attention, and that's saying something. No love yet, but it has no negative impact on the story whatsoever. Can't wait for the next book.

Ranking:
Book 1 for the introduction to her and her world

Book 3 for just an enjoyable story. The plot to become general.

Book 2 slightly lower because her adventures around her own city were slightly less interesting than the other locations.
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
931 reviews43 followers
April 19, 2023
🔥🌀A Storm of Smoke and Flame - Oncoming Storm book #3 - Review🌀🔥

Couple: Storm and Shade

Author: Marion Blackwood

Tropes: frenemy to lover, PNR, epic quests, fantasy romance, guild romance, spy-thieves-assassins

Review: Book 3 takes Storm and Shade to Pernula. In this book we encounter a lot of new characters and villains. The main idea of book 3 is for Shade and Storm to secure a peace treaty between the Lost Island and Pernula. To do this the two set sail for Pernula at the beginning with their group of misfits. We also get to meet the new captain they rescue from the prison before embarking on their journey.

This book in the series is the first time where Shade and Storm are on a more even playing field in the social aspect since Shade no longer has his Assassin's Guild members with him. We also see their dynamic change to more of a partnership since they have to work through a lot of schemes and plots to gain the peace treaty. I loved seeing how they became a team together and also trusted Liam, the twins and Elaran more in this book.

While on Pernula, the group's plans to secure peace between the continents seems to be working however, when they sail back with the brothers to meet with the King we soon see it was not. While back home both Shade and Storm learn secrets about themselves which helps us understand more of their backgrounds. Personally, learning about Shade was a huge SHOCK for me.

After secrets are revealed we also see a stronger connection form between the two and experience a scene where Storm attempts to be comforting to Shade. This does not last long though since their companions who came with them quickly attempt to usurp Edward and declare Shade a traitor. I was heartbroken to see Shade and Edward end where they do in this book but I also enjoyed reading how Shade started leaning on Storm more when they enacted revenge on the brothers and sailed back to Pernula. The ending of this book was bittersweet because Storm is at her cross-roads and trying to find herself like her friends have.

Rating: 10+,10, this book is IT!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Soucy.
Author 9 books45 followers
September 1, 2020
But I need more!

I've been a fan of this series since it began, and I think this may be my favorite installment (sidenote: I think I said this after the last book lol)!

We begin with our sassy thief, Storm, and the enigmatic Master Assassin, Shade, planning a trip to Pernula at King Edward's behest. Which is great cause book two already hinted we'd have a sea voyage and see a new land. And what an adventure it becomes!

Liam, Elaran, and the adorable twins Haela and Haemir join the sailing crew - plus, we get an awesome new character with Zainia, a feisty pirate who's such a great addition. Marcellus is back, just as evil, and Pernula is pretty cool, to say the least. And the worldbuilding expands even more with all sorts of interesting tidbits (not gonna spoil anything!).

I've read a few mentions that this book has less action but I disagree. Plenty of stuff happens, and the pacing is perfect - never a dull moment. I also really enjoy political intrigue, which is quite well done here. Storm and Shade together are brilliant, and I'm so glad to see something more than a guarded friendship blooming between the pair.

If I had any complaint, it would be that I was so entrenched the end came up before I was ready. Thankfully, looks like the next book is only a few months away. Excellent news cause I need to see what happens next after those revelations and teases. Thanks for another awesome adventure, Marion😃💖
Profile Image for thebookish_maze.
192 reviews17 followers
October 20, 2020
“A Storm of Smoke and Flame” is the third book in the Oncoming Storm series and so far it’s my favorite because the character development in this one is so damn good!! We get to know more about these characters AND we get to see some sparks and sexual tension between Storm and Shade. Yeah, I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE! And I actually appreciate the fact that the author is not rushing things and is making us wait! The slow burn romance in this one is to die for! And the more I read, the more I get to connect with these amazing characters and that makes me so excited for the next installments. Every time I’m reading this story, I get so sucked into the world, I actually forget that I am a real person and I am not part of this friend group.

In this story, there’s a little more adventure, the majority of it is set in a different place than the first two books and I loved that we got to see more of this world building. There are less action scenes in it but we get to see many new things, meet fierce and sweet new characters and feel how much closer and connected these characters are with each other.

Overall, this is a fun, adventure-filled, quick paced and easy read. Highly recommend it to fantasy lovers!
Thank you to the author for providing me a physical copy in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Laura Maybrooke.
Author 6 books75 followers
August 25, 2020
The story keeps getting better and better- this installment is so far my favorite of Storm's adventures (followed by Books 1,2; in that order). While this has less direct action than its prequels (for which I especially applaud #2), it gives way to something even more delicious - intrigue and a whole lot of fun plotting.
The world gets bigger for Storm and her companions, and they get involved in a lot of shenanigans. I really enjoyed their stay in a foreign land and the actions they took there to get ahead of their competition. I admit some of the scenes had me in stitches; it was so much fun!
The characters continue to grow, and we have some heavy surprises coming - and in hindsight, it sheds light on a few thoughts I had in Book #2.
If you've read the previous Storm books, hurry on to read this one. And if you haven't, what are you waiting for? Great series!
362 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2022
TLDR - I just can’t get enough of Storm! -

I love Storm. She’s amazing to me. I love her banter, her inner monologue, her relationships. I just love her. I loved getting a little more side character action although I am seeing a pattern of some pulling ahead in importance to the plot so that’s exciting to me.

I have been a good girl and waited 2 books on scraps of tension and now feel like maybe I’m getting a scrap and a half which is keeping me going (it’s all I need). I am on the edge of my seat everytime a guy even looks in her direction

I’m super keen for the next story as I feel like I may be gifted with some romance and get to know more of Storm who I am absolutely obsessed with
24 reviews
November 13, 2020
Read it now!!

I absolutely adore the authors skill with words! She always keeps the pace moving well, keeps you intrigued, and writes great characters! Her world is not perfect, but that’s what makes it relatable and interesting. The Oncoming Storm is one of my favorite characters to date, she’s a woman who is still finding herself but kicks ass the whole way through...THANK YOU for writing a strong female lead who keeps up with and can even beat the male characters!! No wilting roses here, thank goodness!! I’m on to the next one and very much looking forward to it!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Profile Image for Beth.
119 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
This series has been so much fun to read. I think this might be my favorite book yet. The character development is fantastic and I love getting extra time with my favorite grumpy elf and his blossoming "bromance." Storm is a complicated protagonist and I don't always agree with her, but she's true to herself and fiercely loyal, so I respect it. For as much content that is serious in nature, I was pleased to find myself laughing out loud during some of the tampering scenes, and dare I think it, finally some smoldering moments in this sweet, sweet slow burn. Looking forward to book 4!
146 reviews
July 13, 2021
Hehe I love all the characters from the other books coming into one team in this one. Also I love Shade but the author always uses adjectives to describe him like “the eloquent assassin” or “the lanky assassin” over and over and it feels like when you have to add more words to your essay. Other than that I really enjoy these books. Especially when everything goes wrong and you’re like “well fuck” but then they were actually planning for that all along.
35 reviews
February 11, 2024
My favorite so far...

Book 3 in The Oncoming Storm series has been my favorite so far. Storm and her friends travel to the continent to make them sign a peace treaty. Ok, so Storm is going for revenge. The antics the friends pull to force the treaty had me chuckling. And there was a huge surprise that I never saw coming (and I usually see these things coming)
506 reviews
February 16, 2025
first half 4- second half 3
so a solid 3.5 all up
KU
This one jumped around a bit, but stil fun and fast paced.
the first past was very heist-y and mischief coded and i loved it
the character dynamics shifted in the second half, and it was good, but a bit of a different angle it just didn't mesh as well, though still enjoayble to read
86 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2021
I'm going to sum this book up in one word: spectacular. This has been my favourite book of the series so far. It's full of devious schemes and plots, and was just so much fun to read. Thank you Marion for creating such a masterpiece and sharing it with us!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2022
Best one get

This was my favorite so far. Its full of smiles, hijinks, near death experiences, and bonding. Some revelations come to light about Storm and Shade. They seem to get closer in this book. Looking forward to next in series.
Profile Image for Bigred6126.
1,386 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2021
Smoke

Wow I did not see that coming. Another excellent book. There were some really intriguing revelations and I'm definitely reading the next one.
Profile Image for Rachel.
66 reviews
February 14, 2021
Storm

I just love this story! The characters and their dialogue with each other is so entertaining. I couldn't put this book down.
865 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2021
Loved it

This series just keeps getting better and better. These characters keep getting more intriguing and I can't wait to find out if something happens between Storm and Shade.
3 reviews
January 7, 2022
fun read, great series

It’s hard to predict what will happen next with this cast of characters. Very fun read, I highly recommend. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Tatiana.
Author 27 books37 followers
September 2, 2024
Another solid adventure, now in a new city. This book had less fighting and more shady shenanigans which I enjoyed.
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