Empire of Flame and Thorns: Flame and Thorns, Book 1

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Image 90: A 1x1 image, likely be a tacker probe Amazon Customer](javascript:void(0)) 5.0 out of 5 stars Images in this review Reviews with images See all photos) Previous slide 1. !Image 92: Customer Image, click to open customer review 2. !Image 93: Customer Image, click to open customer review 3. !Image 94: Customer Image, click to open customer review 4. !Image 95: Customer Image, click to open customer review 5. !Image 96: Customer Image, click to open customer review 6. !Image 97: Customer Image, click to open customer review 7. !Image 98: Customer Image, click to open customer review 8. !Image 99: Customer Image, click to open customer review 9. !Image 100: Customer Image, click to open customer review 10. !Image 101: Customer Image, click to open customer review 11. !Image 102: Customer Image, click to open customer review 12. !Image 103: Customer Image, click to open customer review Next slide * !Image 104: A 24x24 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatarAll photos !Image 105: A 24x24 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar !Image 106: Customer image !

6 Star Read For Me!!!

Image 108: A 1x1 image, likely be a tacker probe Amazon Customer](javascript:void(0)) 5 out of 5 stars 6 Star Read For Me!!! There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that completely hijack your sleep schedule, your emotions, and your ability to think about anything else. Empire of Flame and Thorns was that book for me. I read the first chapter and was instantly mesmerized. It’s the first book in over a year that kept me up ridiculously late because I physically could not stop reading until I finished at 3am in the morning to be exact. Marion Blackwood opens Empire of Flame and Thorns with hunger, control, and a heroine who knows she was made for more than mere survival. Selena Hale begins at the very bottom of society, working as a fishmonger in a world built on deprivation and distraction. She is fae and possesses a dangerous magic capable of manipulating emotion, something powerful enough to make her a threat in a society designed to keep people exhausted, obedient, and hopeless. Desperate to escape her fate, Selena enters the Atonement Trials, a brutal competition promising freedom to the victor, though fantasy readers know freedom is rarely given without a cost. The early chapters carry echoes of The Hunger Games with their deadly trials, rigid class divide, and desperate fight for survival, but Selena’s characterization gives the story its own identity. She is not immediately fearless or all knowing. She hesitates, second guesses herself, and often struggles against her own instincts. That vulnerability makes her feel human, even in her frustrating moments, and watching her slowly grow into herself becomes one of the most satisfying parts of the story. Then there is Draven Ryat. Dangerous, possessive, emotionally controlled, and completely impossible to ignore. As the dragon commander overseeing the trials, he enters Selena’s life as both an obstacle and an obsession. Their chemistry is immediate, but what makes their dynamic so addictive is the contradiction woven into every interaction. Draven pushes Selena, provokes her, and constantly tests her limits, yet the second anyone else threatens her, his protective instincts become viciously clear. The tension between them is magnetic from beginning to end. The romance leans into dominance, control, and power dynamics in a way that feels intentional and emotionally charged rather than gratuitous. The intimacy scenes build heat exceptionally well, balancing tension and restraint without losing momentum. Every interaction between Selena and Draven feels layered with conflict, attraction, and underlying danger. The trials themselves keep the story moving, but the emotional stakes are what truly elevate the book. Selena wants to prove herself worthy of freedom while Draven desperately wants to stop her from continuing. That conflict fuels nearly every major decision and gives their relationship a constant sense of friction and urgency. And then comes the final stretch. The revelations surrounding the Atonement Trials completely reframe everything Selena and the reader believed about Draven. What initially appears to be a path toward liberation twists into something much darker, and suddenly every interaction, every moment of protection, and every choice Draven made carries a different meaning. The emotional fallout lands hard because the story spends so much time building trust between them before pulling the rug out from under both Selena and the reader. Empire of Flame and Thorns delivers addictive tension, brutal trials, layered emotional conflict, and a romance that burns with equal parts obsession and devastation. Marion Blackwood created a world that feels immersive from the very first page, but it’s the emotional unraveling between Selena and Draven that makes this story unforgettable. An absolute six star read for me!!! I am so excited that the other books are already out. More)Hide) * !Image 110: Customer Image Thank you for your feedback Close Sorry, there was an error Close Sorry we couldn't load the review Try again Filtering customer reviews Loading customer reviews There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

3 4.3 out of 5 stars](javascript:void(0))(31,065) Book 1 of 5: Flame and Thorns Best of BookTok Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. Try again. See all formats and editions A fae rebel. A ruthless dragon commander. And a deadly trial that will turn their lives upside down. Trapped in the Seelie Court by a forest of thorns, Selena Hale lives at the mercy of the dragon shifters. Her only chance to gain her freedom is by entering the Atonement Trials: a deadly competition that pits fae magic users against each other. Only three people can win, and Selena intends to be one of them. There is only one problem. Draven Ryat, the ruthless commander of the dragon shifter army, is determined to make her lose. He symbolizes everything that she hates, and if he finds out that she is also a member of the secret fae rebellion, he will not only mess with her chances to win, he will kill her. But the more time she spends with him, the more she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. And nothing is more dangerous in a lethal trial than a distracted heart. Especially one that beats for the enemy… ) ©2024 Marion Blackwood (P)2025 Marion Blackwood Previous slide of product details 1. Book 1 of 5 Flame and Thorns 2. Listening Length 10 hours and 48 minutes 3. Author Marion Blackwood 4. Narrator Laura Horowitz 5. Publication date June 20, 2025 6. Language English 7. Publisher Black Dagger Publishing 8. ASIN B0FDX44R9L 9. Version Unabridged 10. Program Type Audiobook Next slide of product details See all details Report an issue with this product or seller](https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flame-Thorns-Book/dp/B0FDX44R9L/ref=sr170?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZD3pMMD5i6kZsCKFQvobVV666-uvWzUroMvy8sAJCWlwVxs-9cAFFJq20j2XP7fVp21iBFv42fVq1WO4evtMkM19xvfM8A9WgEnRn08mO3laudcsv6K6tnV9VmiYyW5p-cMrzA2xJUK-w6GMPMcJi3ZykuJLr2xAUelq8TC51IMHK-wjRHSdHsHNePUaqspdXVoHblRaOXK-MVnaZRC3igm9K5FdUsu2m53d95U.aIGtwHmymTa9MVB7rUyVczRsgTNHFwNMZpRP4l0VAU&dibtag=se&qid=1780245582&s=books&xpid=BtZXy3REumMg) !Image 38: A 38x35 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Read & Listen Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to Audible audiobook. Add the audiobookfor a reduced price of $4.93 after you get the Kindle book as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription. ](https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp?actionCode=AMZOR3890414266326&ref=adblpdpbhve26eft) People who viewed this also viewed 1 of 31 Previous page 1. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC8WH1R8/ref=adblp13nvvxx0im?encoding=UTF8&plink=zwk5qiPXjAMoQnVl&pdrdw=Knnkn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdp=6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdr=KJ3GTS63ET55FPHJ7BYM&pdrdwg=6HADt&pdrdr=2103151e-846b-4b00-b898-168a326bcb57) A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly: Compelling Fates Saga, Book 1 A Tongue So Sweet and Deadly: Compelling Fates Saga, Book 1 Sophia St. Germain 19,928 Audible Audiobook $0.00 Free with Audible trial$22.79 2. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYPX7R1R/ref=adblp13nvvxx1im?encoding=UTF8&plink=zwk5qiPXjAMoQnVl&pdrdw=Knnkn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdp=6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdr=KJ3GTS63ET55FPHJ7BYM&pdrdwg=6HADt&pdrdr=2103151e-846b-4b00-b898-168a326bcb57) On Wings of Blood: Bloodwing Academy, Book 1 On Wings of Blood: Bloodwing Academy, Book 1 Briar Boleyn 39,849 Audible Audiobook $0.00 Free with Audible trial$28.58 3. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPR8MTZQ/ref=adblp13nvvxx2im?encoding=UTF8&plink=zwk5qiPXjAMoQnVl&pdrdw=Knnkn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdp=6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdr=KJ3GTS63ET55FPHJ7BYM&pdrdwg=6HADt&pdrdr=2103151e-846b-4b00-b898-168a326bcb57) Rain of Shadows and Endings: The Legacy Series, Book 1 Rain of Shadows and Endings: The Legacy Series, Book 1 Melissa Roehrich 29,870 Audible Audiobook $0.00 Free with Audible trial$31.64 4. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D326PRBZ/ref=adblp13nvvxx3im?encoding=UTF8&plink=zwk5qiPXjAMoQnVl&pdrdw=Knnkn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdp=6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdr=KJ3GTS63ET55FPHJ7BYM&pdrdwg=6HADt&pdrdr=2103151e-846b-4b00-b898-168a326bcb57) Of Blades and Wings: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel: Flame Cursed Fae, Book 1 Of Blades and Wings: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel: Flame Cursed F… Eliza Raine 14,761 Audible Audiobook $0.00 Free with Audible trial$17.57 5. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP3DBHYT/ref=adblp13nvvxx4im?encoding=UTF8&plink=zwk5qiPXjAMoQnVl&pdrdw=Knnkn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdp=6bfb9196-cd42-4b32-982b-b592e2848f41&pfrdr=KJ3GTS63ET55FPHJ7BYM&pdrdwg=6HADt&pdrdr=2103151e-846b-4b00-b898-168a326bcb57) Metal Slinger: Fire & Metal, Book 1 Metal Slinger: Fire & Metal, Book 1 Rachel Schneider 45,060 Audible Audiobook $0.00 Free with Audible trial$22.79 6. ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2763LCB/ref=adblp13nvvxx5i

s 4.3 out of 5 stars 4.3 out of 5 31,065 global ratings 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 49%36%13%2%0%49% 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 49%36%13%2%0%36% 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 49%36%13%2%0%13% 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 49%36%13%2%0%2% 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 49%36%13%2%0%0% How customer reviews and ratings work) Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon * Click to learn more about this sponsored product!Image 68: Click to learn more about this sponsored product !Image 69!Image 70!Image 71 Sponsored Customers say Customers find this book engaging from the first page, with a plot full of secrets and surprises that keeps them turning the pages. The story features powerful heroines and smart female characters, while maintaining a slow burn pacing. Customers enjoy the romance, with one review highlighting the angsty romance between a dragon shifter, and they appreciate its readability as a quick, super easy read. AI Generated from the text of customer reviews!Image 72: A 60x62 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Generated from the text of customer reviews Select to learn more !Image 73: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Content(106) !Image 74: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Story(96) !Image 75: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Engaging(52) !Image 76: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Character(43) !Image 77: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Pacing(27) !Image 78: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Romance(26) !Image 79: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Entertaining(23) !Image 80: A 18x20 small image, likely a logo, icon or avatar Readability(18) 106 customers mention content, 93 positive, 13 negative 106 customers mention "Content"93 positive 13 negative !Image 81: A bold, black letter X fills the entire frame Customers enjoy the content of the book, with several finding it amazing, and one customer noting that each book in the series gets better. "Very good book, loved the characters, and the world building. I'm moving on to the next book after I leave this review." "...feeling rushed, and packed with everything I love: fae magic, dragon shifters, forest people, and a deadly trial where only three can survive...." "Great read! Good spicy scenes. Ending was predictable but still great build up to the end of the story. Gearing up for the next book." "That was such a good read! Can’t wait to read the next book! It kept you on your toes wondering what would happen and it had a great story!" 96 customers mention story, 81 positive, 15 negative 96 customers mention "Story"81 positive 15 negative !Image 82: A bold, black letter X fills the entire frame Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, praising its great cliffhanger and plot full of secrets and surprises, with one customer noting how the trials keep the narrative moving. "Great story and characters. I enjoyed this very much, and the plot moved along nicely...." "A great storyline and eager to read next book! Builds the characters well. Unique and clever with where the tale will go!" "I loved this story! A gripping story with strong characters, with writing that grabs your attention and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Very good!" "...It kept my interest and I felt like the plot was good although maybe a little predictable except for the hidden forest...." 52 customers mention engaging, 44 positive, 8 negative 52 customers mention "Engaging"44 positive 8 negative !Image 83: A bold, black letter X fills the entire frame Customers find the book engaging, with many noting they were hooked from the first page and kept turning the pages. "...It had action, romance, and a cliffhanger." "...This book is the perfect blend of action, romance, and intrigue, with a beautifully developed world that feels both magical and treacherous...." "...Overall, this book frustrated me, thrilled me, and kept me turning the pages all the same...." "...the characters, the banter, and the simmering tension that kept me turning pages. I will happily continue with this series...." 43 customers mention character, 32 positive, 11 negative 43 customers mention "Character"32 positive 11 negative !Image 84: A bold, black letter X fills the entire frame Customers love the characters in the book, particularly appreciating the smart female and powerful heroines, with one customer noting the brood