The Flame Never Dies by Rachel Vincent
Series: The Stars Never Rise #2
Published by Delacorte Press
Published on: August 16, 2016
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Source: SocialBookCo
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One spark will rise.
Nina Kane was born to be an exorcist. And since uncovering the horrifying truth—that the war against demons is far from over—seventeen-year-old Nina and her pregnant younger sister, Mellie, have been on the run, incinerating the remains of the demon horde as they go.
In the badlands, Nina, Mellie, and Finn, the fugitive and rogue exorcist who saved her life, find allies in a group of freedom fighters. They also face a new threat: Pandemonia, a city full of demons. But this fresh new hell is the least of Nina’s worries. The well of souls ran dry more than a century ago, drained by the demons secretly living among humans, and without a donor soul, Mellie’s child will die within hours of its birth.
Nina isn’t about to let that happen…even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice.
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I didn’t realize that Rachel Vincent intended to wrap-up THE STARS NEVER RISE universe after two installments, so I am a little saddened that Nina Kane’s story has already come to a close. On the other hand, I’m happy that it was concise—e.g. no lulls in-between plot points or incessant love triangles—which transformed THE FLAME NEVER DIES into a chilling, dystopian tale full of trials, loss, and in the end, hope.
The first half of this novel set the stage for Anathema; a group of rogue exorcists burning their way through the demon plague, sharpening their abilities, and teaming up with Eli & co. In addition, there was Melanie, and the very real threat to her baby what with the well of souls being dry. These elements weren’t quite as interesting as the world set-up was in book 1, but then the second half kicked in…
Pandemonia, demon central, and home to Kastor. There were some shocking character deaths however, they kinda come with the territory given the nature of this title. Still, that fact did little to lessen the blows. Finn & Maddock’s secret is out, and the Church’s Trojan horse is in play. All of these threads contributed to a myriad of extraordinary discoveries, not to be outdone by one heck of an ending!
The duology started strong, and finished just as fiercely. Finn & Nina’s romance would have benefited from a bit more one-on-one time, and most of the secondaries’ fates were left somewhat up in the air which wasn’t ideal. I also had a bit of a love / hate relationship with the final pages; I really liked that the author left readers to draw their own conclusions, but it would have been nice to have a more definite outcome.
THE FLAME NEVER DIES because Rachel Vincent sure knows how to stoke a Young Adult fire!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I have both books waiting in my Kindle now, and knowing there’s no more wait and that the series ends with a bang makes me want to start reading it sooner than later!
Great review Carmel!
Pili recently posted…Vicarious by Paula Stokes Nerd Blast: Review & Giveaway!!!
I so missed this one to review so now it has gone on my wishlist. I really need to get them in hardcover as they look so pretty but doubt I can afford that. 🙁 My book monies is very limited, darn it. Oh well…still pretty in paperback I am sure…or maybe I will get lucky with book outlet! 🙂 Great review!
Stormi Johnson recently posted…Audiobook review of The Boat Man
I didn’t realize it was just two books either! That excites me, because I haven’t read the first one yet and I’m so hesitant to start series these days – simply because I’m so behind in so many I’ve already started! – but I could easily pick it up and read both books. And I love Vincent – have wanted to read these since the first book came out last year. Glad they turned out so great, not that I’m surprised!
Berls recently posted…Do you agonize over emoticons?
I enjoyed the first one, but wasn’t too crazy about it, so the release of this second book slipped right by me. But now that I know it’s actually the end, and a strong one, I’ll be sure to read it asap. Great review.
I’ve been seeing good reviews for this one.
I has been some time since I read Vincent
I didn’t know it was a duology! Oh I’m sad that the goodness is so short, but I’m happy both are out! I’m going to have to make sure the library has both books. Sweet!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Audiobook Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
I didn’t know this was a duology either. I’ve never read any of her YA books. I love her all of adult series. I might have to move this one to the top of my TBR pile.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Big, Bad Red by Avery Flynn (@mlsimmons, @AveryFlynn)
I have read the first book, but not the second one yet. I did realize it would be a duology, but only recently, at first I thought it would be a series. It sounds like there is a lot of interesting stuff going on in the second half. Although I am not so sure what I will think about the ending as I usually a not a big fan of open endings. Great review!
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