Blaze of Misery by Brynn Ford
SERIES: Ember Glen (#2)
PUBLISHED: October 20, 2022
PAGES: 356
GENRE: Dark Romance, Dystopian
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The Blurb
Mercy endures brutal punishment for her so-called sins, and Arlo’s warped worldview begins to fracture. While his affection for her grows, she comes to accept her fate. Knowing her death is inevitable, their passion ignites, setting a blaze across the boundary line between purity and pleasure.
Arlo
She’s destined to die, yet she consumes my every waking thought.
I’m struggling against everything I’ve been taught to believe.
I’m falling for a sinner, and my passion for her is destroying my world.
As Mercy endures untold torment at the hands of my brothers, my soul splinters, breaking in ways I didn’t know was possible. I want her so much it consumes me. I need her so much that I’d burn for eternity in exchange for a single moment with her…if only I could sell my soul to spare her life.
The fear of her looming death begs my mind to open, and all I want is a world where she lives.
Mercy
Absolution. They could etch the word into my skin, and still, it would never find me.
The trials for my soul begin, but they aren’t truly meant to save me.
Nothing can save me from the way I’ve been broken by the men of Ember Glen.
The man who hurt me the most is also the man whose touch sets me on fire. Arlo Rainn hasn’t earned my thoughts, my attention, or my desire, yet he possesses me entirely. My feelings for him strengthen as we explore our forbidden passion, and as he comes to know me better, he begins to see the world through my eyes.
My warden’s perspective is shifting, and I fall deeper into the madness of my need for him.
AUTHOR NOTE: This is a dark romance series that involves many triggering elements which may be upsetting for some readers. A complete list of tropes and triggers can be found on the author’s website.
SERIES NOTE:Blaze of Misery is book 2 of 3 in the Ember Glen series and it ends on a cliffhanger. The trilogy follows Mercy and Arlo and must be read in order.
READING ORDER
Book 1:Spark of Madness
Book 2:Blaze of Misery
Book 3:Embers of Mercy
The Review
“I sacrifice myself in the name of all things deemed unholy. I sacrifice myself as a willing catalyst for war.”
A revolution only needs one single spark, and Mercy Madness is that glowing ember in a sea of darkness. Well…what to say about this book? While Spark of Madness was a shattering tale of rebellion, Blaze of Misery is a masterpiece of awakening. A pariah with the greatest conviction, a child with untold strength, a warden with a foretold future, but one he no longer seeks, and men blinded by the fanatical edicts set by those that came before, this book is dark romance at its finest, a downward spiral into doubt and an divine ascent to revelation.
Blaze of Misery immediately picks up where its predecessor left off, and readers witness the harrowing Service of the Flesh. Hours and hours of abuse meant to break only temper the steel that is Mercy’s resolve. What follows is a testament to the fortitude both she and Delle possess, defiant at every turn, remaining steadfast in their battle for the right to choose, for the right to live. Events are set into motion, building up to a crescendo of metamorphosis, one that will surely be staggering and exquisite.
“Perhaps it’s even beyond God himself. What we share is cosmic, toxic, fated, and forbidden. I can’t fight it, and I truly don’t want to anymore.”
One of the most enticing aspects of this series is the forbidden romance that has been brewing since Mercy stepped foot inside the Homestead. While Arlo is responsible for preparing Mercy for the trials that lie ahead, he’s been slowly giving into temptation along the way. Finally submitting to each other, what occurs between the two is explosive, carnal, the most opulent worship. The constant threat of being caught be damned. Their love is palpable; he’s willing to sacrifice anything for her, and she’s willing to sacrifice herself for his safety and future. There exists a dichotomy in their union – sinner and saint, heaven and hell – but lines begin to blur as everything comes into question.
We see the cracks slowly spread throughout Ember Glen, a community the Elders and Control think so perfect. While lots in life determined by indoctrinated men are meant to establish order, readers witness how it does nothing but snuff the souls of all. Men are forced to give into a supposed Impulse for violent wickedness they’re taught they all possess. Children follow the paths paved for them without question. Women, viewed as weak and objects to be utilized, silently suffer. But one single act of solidarity, one voice triggers the avalanche. I can’t wait to see the shift I feel is coming.
This is not a tale for the faint of heart. It’s one of torment, anguish, pain and sacrifice. It’s one of courage, tenacity, fellowship and compassion. It’s dark and beautiful, disturbing and hopeful, depraved and enlightening. Blaze of Misery is a stunning novel that I never wanted to end. As expected, we’re left with another devastating cliffhanger, but I know monumental things are ahead. War is coming.
Note: A huge thank you to the author for providing me with a complementary advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Check your triggers, this is a dark one!
The Author
Brynn Ford writes dark romance for daring readers. She is a lover of the dark, twisted, and playful, and strives to bring these elements into her stories.
When she isn’t obsessively writing, you may find her binge-watching favorite shows while eating far too much junk food or fanatically reading, always seeking to lose herself in the emotional roller coaster of a damn good story.
She’s a firm believer that her characters continue to live outside the pages in the minds of her readers. Stories don’t end just because there aren’t any more pages to turn.
WEBSITE: www.brynnford.com/
