In Sarah M. Cradit's The Flame and the Forsaken, the second installment of the Southerlands Cycle, a forced marriage ignites a passionate conflict. Erran Rutland, heir to a wealthy region, is betrothed to Mariel Ashdown, a rebel leader whose people were wronged by his family. Their union is built on mutual disdain, fueled by betrayal and the desire for revenge. Mariel's clandestine rebellion, Obsidian Sky, seeks to reclaim stolen lands, and her marriage offers a dangerous opportunity for access. Erran, however, is not the fool she believes him to be, and a shocking discovery throws their lives into chaos. Stranded and fighting for survival, their simmering animosity must give way to something unexpected amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Kingdom of the White Sea. This enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the explosive power of forbidden love.
Review The Flame and the Forsaken
"The Flame and the Forsaken" completely captivated me! As a long-time fan of Sarah M. Cradit's "Book of All Things" series, I was eager to dive back into the rich world of the Kingdom of the White Sea, and this installment didn't disappoint. While each book stands alone beautifully, the interconnectedness of the stories—weaving a larger historical tapestry of the kingdom—is what truly sets this series apart. It’s like discovering a hidden gem with every new book, slowly revealing the intricate details of this amazing world.
This time, we're treated to a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance between Mariel and Erran, a couple forced into a marriage neither desires. Mariel, the fierce and resourceful leader of Obsidian Sky—a rebel group reminiscent of Robin Hood’s merry men—is driven by a burning desire for revenge against the Rutlands, who ravaged her people. Her steely determination and quick wit made her a truly compelling character; I found myself completely rooting for her from the very beginning. She's not just a damsel; she's a force to be reckoned with.
Erran, the reluctant heir, is still grappling with the loss of his first love, making his arranged marriage to Mariel even more unbearable. He's initially portrayed as a bit of a spoiled nobleman, but as the story progresses, we witness his growth and development as he sheds his preconceived notions about Mariel and confronts his own past traumas. Their journey together is a slow burn, fraught with tension, anger, and undeniable chemistry. It's not just a simple "fall in love at first sight" type of story; their relationship organically evolves from hate to respect and finally, love, making their connection all the more satisfying.
The plot itself is gripping. The heist that goes horribly wrong, the shipwrecked survival situation on a deserted island, the constant political intrigue—it all kept me on the edge of my seat. The author masterfully blends action, adventure, and romance, creating a thrilling narrative that expertly balances intense moments with lighter, humorous ones. The pacing was excellent, never allowing the story to feel sluggish. There were some intense moments, a few that made me gasp aloud, and moments of genuine humor that lightened the mood perfectly.
While the book is longer than some of its predecessors in the series, the length is fully justified by the sheer number of major plot points and character arcs that needed to be resolved. The world-building remains consistently superb, enriching the overall experience and further solidifying the series' place among my all-time favorites. The ending was both satisfying and left me wanting more—a testament to the author's skillful storytelling. I highly recommend "The Flame and the Forsaken" to anyone who enjoys a well-written fantasy romance with strong female characters, a thrilling plot, and a slow-burn romance that will leave you breathless.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.03 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 410
- Part of series: The Book of All Things
- Publication date: 2024
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