Reviewed by: Rabid Reads. 
 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!