A Blaze in the Shadows is the second book in the Realm of Queridan series and picks up right at the cliffhanger that book one left off on. 


I adore the magic system in this series and loved how much more of the magic system readers get to experience in book two. Ember, after coming into her powers, spends a great deal of this story exploring and honing her new abilities. I love how unique and diverse her magical abilities are and the way she learns to use them in tandem. 


Ember is fierce, sassy, and outspoken. I loved how her character grew in this story as she was forced into more responsibilities and many difficult challenges. I was excited to see more of Ember's relationship with Alexei; I was definitely worried about them after the book one cliffhanger.  He is a little less grumpy and a little more protective and possessive this time. 


I loved exploring all the new places in Queridian that Ember travels to while learning about and training her newfound abilities. The world-building was immersive and filled with action-packed adventure that was so much fun to read. The story is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, a mysterious prophecy, lots of spice, and a cliffhanger ending that genuinely took me by surprise. 


Thank you, L.J. for the ARC copy of A Blaze in the Shadows. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.