Chaos & Flame

4.5/5 stars! I loved reading this book. The first couple of chapters made me fall for Caspian. I actually wished Caspian had even more of a focus as a main character. I could read an entire book just about him. It gave me Rand Al' Thor from Wheel of Time 'might be losing his mind' energy. I also really enjoyed Darling. I think my problem was I struggled to connect with Talon enough because my heart already belonged to his big brother. That's a personal preference though. The only other complaint I had with this story, is that the world is big enough to have more time spent on it. This could have been even better longer and I think that would have given the main characters the space to focus less on immediately falling for each other. I feel it would have felt more genuine this way. Overall, an amazing first entry in this series, and I am very much looking forward to the sequel.

This is such a brilliantly built World, with clever magic and a gripping enemies to (maybe) lovers romance. I devoured every page and will be desperately awaiting more!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Chaos and Flame creates characters and a world far beyond this first book - so much so I wish they were written and available so I could just keep going. Readers of Sarah J Mass are likely to enjoy as are those looking for a world built on treachery, changing alliances and hope. ,

I was super excited to read chaos and flame and it sure did not disappoint! What a story full of magic and love

Starting this book was a bit on and off for me, as I am with most fantasies. The magic system took a bit of getting used to, but once I understood the nature of it and got past the prologue and first few chapters, this story flourished and grew into something I became so invested in.

This book made sure you trusted nobody, you become suspicious of everyone, never entirely sure what they would do next and I loved it. Predictability can make a book dry and flat, so Chaos & Flame felt so fun and fresh, not knowing what was going to happen. The ending sets up perfectly for a sequel where I hope the characters are even further developed and their motives and actions are explored further. Really excited for the future of this series!

I loved this book and the world building! It was brilliantly done and the enemies to lovers was so gorgeous! I'm in love with the characters.

contains spoilers! I’ve read and enjoyed Justina’s work before so came in with high expectations, and they were surpassed by this thrilling fantasy read! It’s a world of warring houses, battles and spies, and courtly intrigue - and whilst this is not exactly new ground for fantasy it was an absolute joy to read and I absolutely raced through it. The romantic element was expertly handled, just the right amount of angst and dithering before they finally get together, and nothing beats an enemies-to-lovers arc!

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Talon Goldhoard, War Prince of House Dragon, has known nothing except war since he was a young boy. Participating in a war his father started and his brother, now High Prince Regent, continues. For Talon, what’s important is protecting his family, especially his brother from those who wish to dethrone him, seeing Caspian as unstable and unpredictable.

Darling Seabreak is the last of House Sphinx. After being adopted by House Kraken, she’s devoted her life to fighting back against House Dragon. When her adoptive father is kidnapped, she vows to do what she must to retrieve him, especially when she herself is kidnapped by Talon and taken to Caspian.

The second Talon sees Darling, it’s impossible not to recognise her as the girl from his brother’s obsessive paintings over the years. But what is their connection, and how much does Caspian actually know about what has happened, and what is to come? And when opportunity strikes to take revenge and free her adoptive father, can Darling do what needs to be done?

Wow, just wow. I went into this unsure really of what to expect as I haven’t read anything by either author before, but this had everything I love. From magic (called boons), enemies-to-lovers romance, to political intrigue between the houses. The prologue really draws you in, giving a brief look into the workings of Caspian’s mind and his magic, before completely changing that view using the perspectives of Talon and Darling’s dual POV’s and alternating chapters. Even when you think you know what Caspian is going to do, you really don’t, he’s such an unpredictable character but in a really good way, and this is what makes the ending so surprising.

The pacing is fast and doesn’t really let up, and due to this it had me finishing the book in no time, already eager for the next book, especially after the ending. There were a few moments that felt a little too rushed, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. I do wish there had been a little more in terms of the book’s length as there was so much going on I felt like certain areas needed more pages devoted to them, but as it’s YA it’s understandable that it wasn’t longer.

I honestly can’t wait for the next book, and Chaos and Flame is easily in what is becoming a long list of favourite reads this year. I even bought the physical book for my shelves, and I can’t wait for more people to read it.

Did I like the book? Yes

Did I love it? Yes! The characters, the magic, the lore. All of it.

Would I recommend it? Definitely. If you liked Red Queen, or are a fan of true enemies-to-lovers, magic, and warring houses, you’ll love this too.