Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target's true identity.
Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn't save tortures him daily. He isn't sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can't stay away.
Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies - all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms.
I was a bit bummed that Whispers of Shadow & Flame wouldn't be continuing Jasminda and Jack's story, but I ended up falling in love with two new characters: Kyara and Darvyn. Kyara has a very rare type of magic. Instead of being an Earthsinger who can heal and do good, she's a Nethersinger and only brings death. Because of her unusual gift, the True Father uses her as an assassin. She's also bloodbound, so she must obey. Her next mission is to bring in the mysterious Shadowfox, but not kill him. He's the most powerful Earthsinger and the True Father must have his magic. Kyara doesn't want to, but she must, or die trying.
Whispers of Shadow & Flame does take place at the same time as Song of Blood & Stone, which I thought I was cool. We got to see what was happening elsewhere which paints a broader picture of what was going on this world. In fact, there's a ton more excellent world-building. We get to see new places and meet all kinds of characters. I was particularly interested in the Avinids and the Physicks. I'm hoping there will be more of them in the next book(s). Of course, there's also a lot more about magic as Kyara and Darvyn are both extremely powerful and have essentially opposite powers.
The romance in Whispers of Shadow & Flame was also great! Obviously, Darvyn is Kyara's assignment, but she doesn't know this at first. She's undercover and traveling with him as he rescues children who have been kidnapped and sold. They get to know each other and there's an attraction there, which makes it all the more difficult for her to carry out her mission. Everything is working against them! She can't help but betray him, and he can't help her with his Earthsong because of her Nethersong. But once they do finally get together, it's hot! Woah!
That ending though! Whispers of Shadow & Flame ends on a cliffhanger! It takes us to the battle from the first book, but all is not well for Darvyn and Kyara! I need the next book!
