In the ruins of a once-grand noble estate, Lord Vethe Scarvian awakens with no recollection of how he survived mage fever. As he prepares to travel to Mayhaven to present an unwanted betrothal contract to a noblewoman he’s never met, Vethe wonders what price he must eventually pay for the dark magic that saved his life. And he wonders if a certain lady guard would wish to see him again. Back in … him again.
Back in her family’s guild, Lyria Guardia is haunted by her memories of the infuriatingly attractive wildmage she pulled through the Demon Forest.
Her new prestigious training position within the Guard’s Guild should be all she’s ever wanted. Instead, Lyria plans to do everything within her power to see Vethe one last time. Even if that means guarding the family of his betrothed.
Come summer, their paths will cross in the city of Mayhaven.
But the Citadel is waiting.
For both Vethe and Lyria have tread perilously close to secrets that the powerful magic-wielding society is desperate to keep buried. And the serpentine streets of Mayhaven are anything but safe.
In The Shadows of The Citadel is the second book in a new romantic fantasy adventure series. Fans of Miranda Honfleur and Sarah J. Maas will love this epic saga of forbidden magic, dangerous adventure, and sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance.
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This is the second book in Meredith Hart’s Flame and Blade series of romantic fantasy adventure with swords and sorcery and demons. Although this is not one of my preferred genres, I love this series. It’s told from the dual perspective of Lyria, a fighter from an adventurer’s guild, and Vethe, a wildmage. This book picks up shortly after the first book left off, and it ends on a cliffhanger, so it’s best to read the entire series in order.
I like both of our main characters, although I was a little frustrated with their insecurity and low self-esteem despite all of the evidence that they are both talented, resourceful, strong, and resilient. They have great chemistry and make a good team, and I hope that they will eventually find a happy ending together, but it doesn’t happen in this book.
This is a tense read with lots of suspense and a few laughs. It’s amazing how much trouble these two can get themselves into. Also, they get bizarrely turned on in some really disgusting places. That stretched credibility for me a bit. But I feel like these two must have been made for each other, so I am happy to cheer them on.
Be aware that there are explicit scenes of sex and violence, as well as a cliffhanger ending. This middle book in the series raises at least as many questions as it answers, and Lyria and Vethe are left in a precarious position at the end. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading romantic fantasy series and doesn’t mind cliffhangers.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
I love Vethe and his Lady Guard. This entire series captivated me from the first page to the last. If you like romance, unlikely heroes, magic, mystery, villains, and monsters…with a twist on who the monsters really might be…this is a fun series for you.
In The Shadows of The Citadel is the second book in the exciting Romantic Fantasy series Flame and Blade by Meredith Hart. This story lacked some of the depth and polish of The Flame and The Blade (Book 1), but it’s still a fun read. The second book is another page-turner and even hilarious at times. There are also a couple of deeper moments where Lyria does some reflecting on her past that really made my heart go out to her. Vethe is awesome. He’s such a tortured soul. We learn a few new things about him and his strange relatives too. I’m looking forward to reading more about his sister. I’m hoping she’ll have her time in the sun, especially since we’ll be seeing more of Lyria’s one brother according to the sneak peek of Book 3 at the end of this one.
This book does have a lot of swearing, which fits with the story, but doesn’t have to be so often. The sexual pull between Lyria and Vethe is constant. They don’t act on it most of the time, but reading about how they lust for each other every time they see each other dims the romance side of things. Also, I wish that they would talk things out before the end of the second book! And, yes, I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series, Dark Waters!
Exciting!! 5 stars – This is the continuation of Lyria and Vethe’s story. I think it’s safe to state that Vethe survived mage fever. Otherwise, it’ll just be a Blade series, not Flame and Blade. However, what’s in store for them? Do they have a future? We know Vethe’s aunt has plans for him. Lyria is with the Guard’s Guild and nobles, even poor and disgraced ones, don’t marry outside their kind. Book 2 is full of action, adventure and magic. Once the plot got going, it was pulse-pounding! What’s great about Hart’s storytelling is it pulls you in, takes you for the ride and makes it hard for you to put it down till you’re on the last page and then you scream, “Where is the next book?!!” [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]