Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.A Maiden?Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her … Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.A Duty?The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.A Kingdom?Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.
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This series is EPIC!!
This is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read! I loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved the whole plot. The sexual tension is fantastic, and the action and world building are top notch. I want to go back and read this again right now.
Holy wow…. What a ride…… Vampire are back in the boo world and I have to say I wasn’t sure about it at first but man I ending up loving this book.
Fair warning though the book starts out a bit slow and with a lot of info dumping, but kit does get better… much better.
I loved Poppy, I liked that she did her own thing and even questioned what others saw as her destiny and role as a maiden , what a maiden is and what she is supposed to be like.
I absolutely loved her relationship with Vikter and her friendship with Tawney. I think Poppy grows a lot through this book, some things she learns the hard way but she always adepts fast to her situation.
Hawke…. I liked him but he also had to grow on me if that makes sense. But in the end I really loved him.
This book has everything I like, fantasy, humor, romance suspense and danger. There were a lot of twist and turns and some shocking discoveries, but also some things I suspected early on.
Overall, I loved this book it made me laugh, cry and swoon as well as bite my nails.
I can’t wait to read book two in the series.
I rate it 4 just because it was a bit slow on the beginning.l
My newest obsession! But seriously, I always have one series that I’m obsessively waiting on, and currently this one’s it! <3
I devoured this book. Poppy is one of my new favourite heroines and Hawke is just… hot. He’s also really intriguing as a hero and I can’t wait to explore more of him.
If you love action, great world-building, the kind of sexual tension that will have you fanning yourself—GET THIS BOOK!
Give me a dark hero with a whiff of danger clinging to his black tunic and I’m a happy girl.
/5 /5
TW: Violence, Gore, Blood, Torture, Mature Sexual Content, Adult Language.
So this is what it feels like to actually enjoy a vampire/wolf storyline?
First of all I had no idea this book fit in that “vampire/wolf” realm. I only realized that this is what they were when I was already halfway done with the book. They are not called the same in this story but it’s pretty much what it is.
Don’t let this discourage you. I don’t think I would have read this book if someone told me it was a “twilight” type of scenario. It isn’t tho, at least not plot wise. I have been really into faeries, sirens and other creatures lately and because of that I just haven’t been in the mood for wolves and vampires. It has been over played and overused in tv shows and books. Don’t get me wrong I loved twilight as a teen, and I loved the vampire diaries as a grown adult but I thought writers and producers had done it all and the theme became exhausting and not enjoyable anymore. BOY WAS I WRONG.
This book was completely enjoyable. Jennifer has a similar writing style and rhythm to Sarah J. Maas. The story was mysterious, shocking, exciting and sexy. If I had to make one complaint it would be the overuse of the word: “intrigued”. If you guys read it you know what I mean.
There is no whiny weak female lead (who is not interesting what so ever and then a very hot vampire falls in love with her out of nowhere). There is a very strong, capable, intelligent, sexy and INTRIGUING female lead. There isn’t an obsessed, nauseating teenager 200 year old vampire pretending to be in high school fighting a wolf boy for the female lead’s love. No, no. There is a sensual, funny, INTRIGUING, hot dude who’s a knight and then there are monsters all around.
The world was beautifully built, the characters are easy to love, easy to understand and addicting to read about. It is very mature, sexy and INTRIGUING. (Ok I’ll stop, I’m just doing this because Jennifer did it a lot )
This is a completely fresh take on the vampire/wolf lore among with other things. Action packed, intense, sensual and just a lovely time overall. I loved it, it was a wild ride. And I’m on my way to read the next one. I love how brutal and unpredictable it is.
I went into this novel thinking it was YA… which I don’t usually read. I also haven’t read fantasy in a damn long time… Now look at me, obsessed.
This book was brilliant.
I feel into the rabbit hole and couldn’t come out. Not only that, I didn’t WANT to come out.
This book was so much fun. Hawke was absolutely delicious and Poppy was a great mix of feisty and kind.
This book is truly one of those books that deserves all the stars in the sky! Five stars are simply not enough for this masterpiece.
If you begin reading this book and, like me, find yourself utterly confused by all of the world-building in the beginning of the book, I urge you…DO NOT STOP READING. Seriously, keep on pushing through because everything will make more sense by the time you reach the end of the book. I actually started this book on audio and was so baffled by the world that I stopped and started listening again from the beginning. If you are confused, and I don’t know how you couldn’t be, then you will be that much more thrilled when things start to unfold. The foreshadowing in this book is really excellent. There were so many things in this book that I questioned right from the start and Armentrout kept my mind racing with questions and theories throughout the entire story. I felt such an intense urgency to get through the pages and discover the book’s mysteries. Armentrout is a masterful storyteller. Not only does she keep the reader’s interest but she makes the reader feel fully invested in the story to the point of obsession. I’ve always loved Armentrout’s storytelling. Her writing voice is one that I have always found comforting. When I pick up one of her books I know that I am going to get quality writing that is unparalleled. Armentrout is truly a voice to be reckoned with in the fantasy and paranormal genres.
The characters in this book really tip the scales of awesome. The things that I loved most about these characters were that they were complex and that they had such distinct and magnetic personalities. The characters in this book have so much depth and their character development is very nuanced as the characters grow throughout the story. Armentrout paints a vivid picture of these characters so that they are lifelike and very memorable. She makes it so easy for the reader to feel connected to the characters. They truly are my newest obsession. I can’t get these characters out of my head, which only confirms their greatness in my opinion. If I can’t stop thinking about the characters after I finish the book then I know that they are very well-written characters.
The romance in this book was everything I could have hoped for. Armentrout never disappoints me in this area, but I was especially surprised in the best way when it came to the romance in this book. I may have died and gone to heaven and then was resurrected just so I could keep on reading. That makes no sense, but I don’t even care. That’s how it feels. First of all, the chemistry between Poppy and Hawke seriously set me on fire. These two had such a significant and intense connection that it set my pulse racing. Their chemistry was electric and intoxicating. Their romance really had everything that I love in a romance. They had those special moments where they get to know each other, they had obvious and tantalizing sexual attraction to one another, and there were enough smut scenes to satisfy my amorous heart. And some of those steamy scenes were hot as sin. I very much approve!
Overall, this book series is going to be your next obsession. I can see why this series has blown up as big as it has. I have been a fan of Armentrout for a while and have read many of her books but this one stands out among the rest for all the best reasons. From Blood and Ash is an exemplary piece of fantasy literature that truly deserves the hype. If you love shocking plot twists, characters that will imprint on your soul, and storytelling that is exceptional and unmatched then this series should be at the top of your TBR. It’s not every day that I add a book or a series to my all-time favorites bookshelf, but this book has leveled my expectations and delighted me to no end. I am off to read the second book in the Blood and Ash series and I can only hope that my heart doesn’t give out.
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So, this one came out right as the whole pandemic was starting in March of 2020. And I HAD to order it right away. I figured being stuck home last year I’d get to it right away. As you can tell, I did not. Then I planned to read it in October. Once again, review books, I think especially the Smarty Pants Romance books that came out last fall kept me from picking it up due to the size. Finally, I decided after book 4 already is being promoted for pre-ordering, that I’d better get going! I also saw an author that I’m a fan of, who I didn’t know she read JLA, talk on Facebook about how she’d just finished this and loved it. So, I picked it up, and put it by my bedside, and decided to read 50 pages a night. And that’s what I did, other than a night or two that I had a review book to finish or was just too tired once I got to bed to read anything. And I loved it! As I should have expected since it happens with every JLA book I read. Even though it is a fantasy type of story, a huge, over 600 pages book, I loved it. And in a way, it is not just fantasy, almost a paranormal romance type of story as well. As I got close to the end of the story, I knew I’d better go ahead and order the second book so that I could pick it up as soon as I was ready. And I did. But again, I haven’t picked it up yet. We’ll see how long till I get to it! But don’t let that deter you or make you think it isn’t good, because it was sooooooooooo good!
Oh yeah, there might have been someone mention something about a three-way in the series on the JLanders page on Facebook, and that might have spurred me to pick it up quicker as well. lol
Always late to the party and wearing last year’s fashion, I feel as though I’ve missed the boat on this series. On reflection though, perhaps NOT being drawn into the hype and furore allowed me to enjoy this book in an honest and open minded way, free of unreasonable expectation.
Despite the first half of this being more like a 3 star read, because whilst it didn’t drag per se I was just wanting something a little more… exciting to happen, the last 40% was so out of this world brilliant that I’m happy to give this 4 stars. Although I was restless at times, I appreciated how that time was spent introducing the main protagonists and building a picture of Poppy’s world and life. It’s maybe not the “cleverest” of plots, one not full of complicated and interwoven sub-plots, but the imagery of the prose, the well crafted protagonists and the depth of emotion that is conveyed all added up to make a truly thrilling and captivating opening installment.
The main characters are richly drawn, the author allowing us to discover for ourselves who they are, showing not telling us the truth of their personality. I adored Poppy, she had the fearlessness of youth and an innate curiosity/nose for getting into trouble that had me immediately enamoured with her. I found her to be a fairly credible character, she should have been more naive and sheltered but the author cleverly gave credence through Poppy’s interactions with Viktor and the cursed.
Whilst it’s fairly easy to guess Hawke’s secret I’m going to take that as a deliberate move since the author all but has a flashing neon sign pointing the way. As a book friend pointed out only recently, sometimes the obvious plot twist was never really a twist because the author meant for you to guess, and I feel that may well be true for this book. The excitement was in wondering how the revelation would play out, the suspense of not knowing how Poppy would react, the mystery of what consequences follow the truth being revealed. Because the truth is that, like a pebble tossed into a pond, the after effects of the reveal touch all aspects of the story, just as the ripples spread across the surface of the water.
It would be totally remiss of me to complete the review but not mention the chemistry between Hawke and Poppy. Intense doesn’t even begin to describe it. Hot enough to melt diamonds, I felt as though I could reach out and touch the sexual tension it was so potent. Given how the book ended, I’m fairly certain we will see lots of sparks and fireworks between these two. If it wasn’t for the fact that this is part of a buddy read, and I have other commitments, I would be jumping straight into book #2. Irritatingly I have to wait until next month for that one – I’m not sure if my resolve will hold out that long!
Just the tip of the iceberg to an incredible series and world!
Amazing!
The first book/series I read by Jennifer L. Armentrout was Wicked and I quickly became a fangirl. I devoured all 3 books in 3 days, and it is one of my all-time favorite series now. I was hesitant to read From Blood and Ash because it is a High Fantasy novel and I am more into the Romance genre than Fantasy, but, with all the hype I decided to give a try and HOLY HELL! I am OBSESSED now! This also being the first High Fantasy book Jennifer L. Armentrout has written is extremely impressive!
We start off meeting the heroine, Penellaphe (also known as Poppy) at the Red Pearl, a bar/brothel. Poppy is there because she feels suffocated, longs for any kind of connection and is curious about what normal people get to do. She is known as the Maiden or Chosen. It is forbidden for her to be looked upon (she has to wear a veil that covers all of her face except for her lips and chin), spoken to, touched or have any kind of interaction with people or engage in any kind or normal everyday activities. She is pretty much kept in her room in solitude most of the day. Her destiny is to Ascend to her place with the Gods on her nineteenth birthday, which is less than a year away. The only people Poppy is not forbidden to interact with is her Ladies Maid Tawney, her Royal Guard, her guardians, the Duke and Duchess and a select few others. The Maiden is supposed to be a demure and timid female and Poppy is the complete opposite. Poppy is strong, smart, independent, inquisitive and at times defiant, even if she knows she will be punished for it. Vicktor, the head of her Royal Guard is also like a father figure to her (both her parents were killed when she was young, and her older brother has already Ascended and she hasn’t seen him since). Vicktor has been secretly training her since her 16th birthday to fight with weapons and hand to hand combat. While she is at the Red Pearl, Vicktor walks inl and she goes into a room upstairs to hide until he leaves. While hiding in this room she encounters Hawke Flynn, a Rise Guard that everyone knows of and talks about. She knows who is, but he thinks she is someone else because she “borrowed” one of the maid’s cloaks and is wearing it. He ends up kissing Poppy and she experiences her first kiss and feeling of pleasure.
Hawke, the hero, is extremely hard NOT to fall in love with. He is smart, charming, charismatic, funny, sexy and says all the right things. He ends up becoming one of Poppy’s Royal Guards, when one of them is killed in an attack. He gains Poppy’s trust because he is the only person that treats her like a person and not a thing. He teaches her how to live for herself, for Poppy and not the Maiden. Whenever they are together the chemistry between them was sizzling off the pages.
From Blood and Ash is a suspenseful fantasy, that at times, in the beginning, can be a little slow, as there is a lot world-building with Gods, Cravens, Vamprye, Descenders, The Price (also known as The Dark One), Atlantians and Wolven but it picks up quickly. Then you have the whole mystery of what happens during the actual Ascension when she is given to the Gods? There is SO much to this story. It has action, adventure, violence, gore, romance, betrayal, mystery and LOTS Of secrets. I just could not get enough! I read this book and the second book within 3 days. All the side characters were just as interesting and likeable. The end of the book was fast paced, and had some crazy events that broke my heart into a million pieces. I cannot give this book a high enough review! I absolutely love it!!
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Armentrout and have read all but one of her books. This is hands down the BEST book she has written. This book has everything. Fantasy, romance, snark (oh the snark), swoon worthy male character and a kick ass female heroine. I was enthralled every step of the way and went through every emotion out there. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, and had my mouth was hanging open through half of the book. And can we talk about those steamy scenes? Because all I can say is “oh my!” I seriously loved every second of this book and the second installment of the series cannot come soon enough!
This was such a brilliant book, it was a totally new story of werewolves and vampires that I didn’t even expect. Some of the bigger reveals didn’t surprise me at first, but the smaller moments around them kept it very fresh.
I cant believe it took me so long to hear about this series but i LOVED it. So easy to read and pretty fast paced. I didn’t find there to be any slow or boring parts to the book, it was a good page turner and somehow book 2 was even better, which I didn’t think was possible!
At just over 600 pages, I was a bit intimidated as this was the first book I’ve read in years, but the moment I read the first page, I was hooked. I finished the first installment in less than two days and immediately purchased the second. I strongly recommend this to everyone I talk to.
Just finished this fantasy romance and I really enjoyed it! It’s not often I read YA/NA anything, but the characters were mature and I liked Poppy’s spunk and personality. Hawke was also blazing hot! The world building was fascinating and the storyline definitely kept me reading (especially the second half of the book). My first read by this author and it won’t be my last!
Looking forward to the next!