THE BRIGHTEST EMBERS is the third book in Jeaniene Frost's Broken Destiny series. Since this is the final installment in this trilogy, THE BRIGHTEST EMBERS should only be read after reading the previous books in this series. Although there is a lot of Christian iconography in this story, the non-stop action and epic love story will appeal to readers who have no interest in the religious themes. As star-crossed lovers, Adrian and Ivy trek across multiple countries, bodies of water, and dimensions, the score from the classic film NORTH BY NORTHWEST kept playing in a loop in my mind.

There is a delicate balance between hope and despair in THE BRIGHTEST EMBERS, as Ivy embarks on the last leg of her hero's quest. Jeaniene Frost skillfully conveys how physically and emotionally draining it is for Ivy as she fights bad guys, and struggles with doing what's best for her and her loved ones or being selfless and doing things for the greater good. Because Jeaniene Frost does such a phenomenal job of breathing life into these characters, you easily feel empathy for their trials and their victories. Three things make this story extraordinary for me -- the romance itself (largely due to the complex and totally dreamy yet tortured hero), the adorable pet gargoyle Brutus, and the spectacularly evil villain Demetrius.

The previous book was very much about the strength of a group fighting against evil, but this final installment focuses on Ivy and Adrian. In THE BRIGHTEST EMBERS, even though there are brief interludes when Ivy and Adrian separate, I feel like this book highlights the strengths along with the problematic nature of their relationship. Over the course of the book, this couple battles the forces of evil side by side, as well as battling their own doubts to find their happily ever after. In the end, it's trust -- both in themselves and each other -- that proves to be the biggest hurdle. Brutus proves to be both a goofy and devoted pet, as well as a fierce protector. Demetrius is the perfect villain you love to hate. The best moments are when the heroes frustrate and annoy Demetrius in the same kind of way that Peter Pan tormented Captain Hook or the perpetually cheery Whos irked the Grinch. Of course, Demetrius is a million times deadlier and darker than those villains but those slightly comic moments are extremely entertaining.

THE BRIGHTEST EMBERS is a thrilling tale of prophecy, demons, and the power of love. This is a perfect story for readers who are looking for an engrossing story with plenty of action, fantasy, and romance. I look forward to reading Jeaniene Frost's next book.

Book Summary

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide?.. .

Ivy thought that she and Adrian had conquered their fates. Yet with thousands of innocents still trapped in the demon realms, she's determined to locate the final hallowed weapon and harness its unparalleled power to free them. But the last relic nearly put Ivy in the grave?there's probably no coming back from this one.

Adrian's dark lineage has made him the most powerful of his kind, yet even his incredible abilities might not be enough now. Instead, the treacherous fate he has fought so hard to escape might be the only way he can save Ivy. Their scintillating bond has been tested before, but never with so much on the line. Now fate will come head-to-head against true love, and nothing they've endured can prepare Ivy and Adrian for the unthinkable choices they'll face?...

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