When I received my ARC of Commanding Flame and Shield by S.J Barnett I was so excited and yet nervous. This was my first ARC ever and the what if’s playing through my mind were real…. What if I don’t like it? What if I am not able to write a good review? Could I criticize the work of someone’s passion?
Well thank heavens I don’t have to worry about those what if’s!!! This was a five star read for me! I LOVED this story. I loved the world building, the characters, the found family, the slow burn, the fated mates, the I would burn the world down for you love between all of them.
The FMC, Alvara Goldman, has spent over 300 years saving souls and protecting the mortal world. Her fellow half angel, half human found family are a group of characters that are unique and quirky and utterly devoted to each other and their cause. The first part of the story introduces all the characters and their magic world, powers and purpose. It starts with the challenge of finding Alvara’s first charge, August Porter.
When August is brought into the Greyshell home, in the middle realm, the strings of the past, present and future slowly take shape into an amazing journey that is Commanding Flame and Shield.
This book had me hooked from page one. I had a little trouble keeping characters straight in the beginning (Aren, Alec, Ansel, Alphea, Lana) - the names all blended together initially as I was trying to imagine the world. As I got to know them all more I fell in love with all of them. Now they are more than similar names to me. I have an attachment to each of them through their interwoven histories and stories. I would compare their relationships to that of the inner circle in the ACOTAR series. I love them that much!
The action and heart pounding moments in this book are non stop. Every time there is a chapter or two of peace and discovery, all hell breaks loose and you are holding your breath and praying everyone makes it to the other side.
The MMC, August Porter - he is such a kind hearted old soul. His love for Ally…
“Somehow in my core, I knew it to be true. My strength laid in Alvara. And something told me that hers laid in me. We were … kismet. That was the word for it. Not even an angel could argue with fate.”
He knew he was connected to Ally early, the how is just part of the story.
I normally love a good spicy romance but this slow burn is… chef’s kiss! Their love was so true, so pure that it didn’t even matter how long I had to wait.
Read this book! I promise you that you will love it! S. J. Barnett has become a new must read author for me! I can’t wait for the next installment of this series and will be buying myself a copy of this book for my shelf ASAP!
Because…August and Ally….
“Until the very end?……
…. Baby, even then, I’ll see you in our encore.”
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Reviews with images
AMAZING! CAPTIVATING! Fast Paced!
I received an ARC and I will continue recommending this book to everyone! I couldn’t wait to share!Sydne captured my attention from the first page, I am not even exaggerating. Her writing style is effortless to read. The imagery so detailed and vivid that I can picture everything in my head. I love the “family” unit, and their banter. I also love that there are high stakes and action in the first few chapters. It starts off strong and just keeps on going.The action and plot start developing strongly at the beginning, and they just do not stop! The slow burn is immaculate. There’s tension, and I loved it. I understood the characters reasoning behind the decision to take it slow, and enjoyed the ride.I absolutely love when I can pick up on the subtle hints and clues authors leave along the way before a grand reveal. I was very excited to have gotten this one right. The cherry on top was that while I got one right, I was also surprised by something else I didn’t see coming at all.Alvara is a character I resonate with, and look up to. She’s relatable but also way more badass than I could ever be.The book moved along, and didn’t spend an unnecessary amount of time on frivolous details. I’ll repeat that it was still very detailed. Especially the imagery. But it wasn’t drawn out. This one book had a compete plot, beginning, middle, and an end. There are hints at the next story and some unknowns are teased, but it didn’t end on a cliffhanger.I am So Very excited for book two and I can’t begin to explain how amazing Sydne is as a human being. I’m grateful to have received an arc, and will wait patiently for book two because I know the wait will be worth it!Also, the audiobook at x1.2 speed was so well done! I loved it. I read the physical book, ebook, and audio book, depending on what I was doing. The recording quality of the voice actors was clear and the Connor (the male narrator) had so many great unique character voices.⭐️ found/fated family⭐️ fated mates⭐️ angels and demons⭐️ action action and more action⭐️ magic and spells⭐️ high stakes⭐️ fast paced⭐️ reincarnation⭐️ strong badass fmc
Top reviews from other countries
Justine
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK!
Reviewed in Australia on January 27, 2023