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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Full review on tammydeschamps.com
This world, these characters, they are FANTASTIC!! Grabbing me from the word go, we are immersed into the world of Penellephe (Poppy), who is The Maiden, who also likes to break the rules. Her first encounter with Hawke is dark and sexy and forbidden, and oh so…..intriguing. As The Maiden, Poppy has been sheltered since the death of her parents, locked away, forced to wear a veil and forbidden from interaction with others. But she is far too curious for that to stop her. With her ladies maid and friend, Tawny, she sneaks out and finds things to explore. With her personal guard Viktor, she is trained to protect herself, and can more than handle her own with a blade, bow, or her hands. When Hawke becomes her personal guard after the death of her current one, they begin a spiral that speeds them towards lies, love, and a fate neither of them could have ever imagined.
The character of Poppy is so fascinating and fabulous. She has been sheltered, but she is endlessly curious. She is strong, but she cows to the whims of the Duke and his cruelty. She is naive, but she is incredibly smart. Her interactions with pretty much every other character she comes into contact with immediately endear her to them and to you. Not one for pretense, she speaks her mind, asks a million questions, and exudes kindness and gentleness. Her quick and easy banter with Hawke and Kieran is an absolute joy. In every interaction, her emotions are raw and open. Her inner dialogue is often laugh out loud hilarious, as well as devastating. There is so much depth to her character.
Hawke, on the other hand is quite the enigma. He garners attention wherever he goes, his insane good looks and explosive charisma charming everyone he comes into contact with. When he becomes Poppy’s personal guard, he is fiercely protective, gentle but intense. Poppy is extremely intrigued by him, as he is by her, and they dance around each other as they are inexplicably drawn to one another.
As violence escalates and they are forced to travel to the capital, Poppy’s world is upended. Lies and deceptions from every angle are uncovered, and she’s at a loss at who to trust. And Hawke seems to be sending confusingly mixed signals. His attraction to her seemingly violent tendencies, which seem to only come out when he’s around, are quite humorous. And the number of times she thinks of stabbing or punching him only make that more so. The back and forth between them is utterly transfixing, and wholly entertaining. Their passion is all at once scorching and tender. The journey they find themselves on is exciting and terrifying, and keeps you transfixed all the way to the end.
On my second read of the book, I opted for the audiobook. Stina Nilson does an exceptional job narrating and giving Poppy her voice. Nailing every emotion, every smile, all the terror, all the confusion, all the passion, it’s all done so that you truly feel like you are listening to Poppy telling you her story herself. I didn’t think it would really be possible to enjoy the story more than I did, but the narration made it even better.
I went into this story learning quickly that Poppy is 18, which is usually YA, but for this review, I’m considering it more of a New Adult book – thinking as a librarian
One thing that I really appreciate about JLA’s content is that the details in violence/gore doesn’t comically outweigh the details in physically intimate scenes. She gives the reader a balance of both in the same manner. Thinking of this more as NA (vs YA), the “explicit” is pretty detailed, but there are some pieces that can definitely be triggering.
TW/CW – Poppy has been living in an emotionally and physically abusive setting. Within the story, some of this is on-page, and some of the abuse has a sexual abuse of power for sure. With her being the Maiden, there is a line that isn’t crossed, but what is allowed could be triggering.
As with so many of JLA’s fantasy/mythology series, there’s a whole lot of fighting and she has given us a protagonist who has been stripped of almost all choices, but who has found ways to fight back/resist and keep those she cares about safe. For Poppy, this includes being trained in combat…and she’s really good.
As usual, I’m not providing spoilers, so I won’t be able to go into details about how I feel about specific characters without explanations, so, for now, know that even those who I liked the most were so far from perfect. They may have been complacent. They may have been manipulative. They should just share the full truth. But, like real people (who aren’t in fantasy novels!), JLA writes imperfect characters that make terrible decisions at times, and others that slowly grow on you.
Some reviewers have noted her use, and overuse of ellipses. I agree that there were way too many. I get how they change the flow and slow you down as a reader to get the inflection she wants, but there needed to be half as many, because they got distracting at times.
Overall, if you’re a fan of JLA already, know that this one is more explicit than her usual YA if you’re looking just at the protagonist’s age – just recategorize it as NA for content and you’ll be happy with the read.
Yesssss!!
This is exaclty what I needed right now. I needed a book that was hard to put down. I needed a book that had me wanting to stay up way past my bedtime. This book was so good! I loved it! Such an interesting world and magic system. I loved the characters. And this book was so sexy! So good!
So NOT disappointing. Would definitely recommend it!
Wow ok the world building is fantastic and the characters are very well made. You are immersed in a world that is truly unique. It has action, warring and a twisted sort of romance that shocks and awes at the same time. I am truly impressed with this author and thankful she took the time to make it long so details were there and yet we still have mystery of others mentioned and romance that is thrust in betrayal yet also love. I cannot wait to read the next book.
This is one of the best series I’ve ever read! The romance and the action kept me constantly engaged. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I was really excited about this book and I was not disappointed. Loved the characters, the way Armentrout plays with the idea of vampirism, the shadowy area between right and wrong, good and evil. I also loved the fact that the closest people to the Maiden were willing to break rules to protect her. And then there’s Hawke. He’s awesome. I can’t say I was totally surprised by the turn of events toward the end of the book. I had my suspicions, but the ending was a total shocker and I love being surprised like that.
I’m not giving a full five star rating because at times something felt off for me, and I’m not even sure what it was. Maybe the very cautious way the author described certain things like the Duke’s “lessons” (which I thought kind of blurred or watered down the power potential of those scenes). Or the very immature (almost childish) way the Maiden sometimes related events or feelings.
That said, I am looking forward to reading the next one and I fully recommend this series to anyone who loves a good romantic fantasy. Thank you Ms. Armentrout for writing such a wonderful story.
I’m really conflicted about this book. I went in KNOWING I was going to love it. I was expecting it to be like Court of Thornes and Roses, which I loved loved loved. Instead…it was something else entirely.
Which is fine. I didn’t need it to be exactly like those books, but what I got was something hard to really sink into. The world was rich and deeply planned out. The plotting was unimpeachable. The character…the characters were fine. My gripe was the prose itself. It felt like a rough draft. Like if the author had sat on it for three to six months, she’d have realized that the first scene opened with the character thinking endlessly….endlessly….endlessly. The backstory was neverending. The internals were aggressive. I wanted to love this book. I really wanted to. But sadly, it just didn’t match the hype or my expectations.
I checked the reviews and everyone else loves it. It makes me sad because I want to read the book they read and feel what they felt. I checked the reviews for 2 and 3 and the ones who didn’t love the first, said it was just more of the same. So, with a heavy heart, I’m passing on finishing this series.
And I’m dead broken up over it too.
WOW! Okay…, where should I start.
I’ve read so many different opinions about this book that I wasn’t sure if I would like it.
All unnecessary worries because this book was phenomenal.
I was enchanted from the first page and it kept me in a constant grip until the end. When I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about it.
, .
I was so engrossed in this story, that it took a lot of strength to take a break or to sleep.
So yes, this book is unbelievable good, fascinating, emotional and gripping.
Not only the amount of all the fascinating creatures, who take part of the story, but also the unique love story, completely captivated me from the very first page.
Vampires, werewolves, immortals and mortals live in a completely insane world of lies, secrets and power fights.
The endless amount of actions, drama and secrets makes this book to an absolute page-turner.
Despite the over 600 pages, I didn’t think the book was too long.
It’s a nonstop whirlwind of events and dark evil deeds, so don’t worry, it wasn’t dragged on at all.
I recommend this roller-coaster of raw and brutal emotions to all fantasy fans.
This was another book I read because it’s had a lot of hype on Bookstagram. I didn’t read the summary or anything, so I went into the book blind. That being said, I did enjoy this book, but I think there were more than a few things about the book I didn’t enjoy. So I’m giving it two stars. The official “it was just okay”. Also this review will contain spoilers so if you don’t want to know some of the finer details I would stop reading.
The premise of the book was interesting, and there was obviously enough time throughout the novel to be able to explore some of the finer details of the world. I enjoyed the structure of the world and the allegories to old religions with the Ascended. Right away you could tell things weren’t exactly what they seemed and the ‘truths’ Poppy and the other members of the core group weren’t really all that true.
The main character Poppy is THE Maiden. Now I know not every book can be completely unique, but Poppy is the signature “jedi/unicorn/special/magic/chosen one” heroine. Where she was born to be the center of attention. Not to say her life is good, it’s not, but with as terrible as her life was up until the book begins, it amazed me how …. insufferable she is? Even after experiencing unbelievable cruelties she still is surprised when the Duke and Duchess are cruel to her. She admits she’s read and knows things about people, and relationships, even has the ability to read emotions but then acts like she doesn’t. She’s pretty but ugly, smart but stupid. Also apparently she’s some gifted, crazy assassin, protégé but she trips over her own feet, and is like… so… like… totally awkward. That’s her characterization and although I know people aren’t just one thing, they are multi faceted and complex, people also can’t be EVERYTHING and that what I felt like they were trying to make her.
I just couldn’t get passed how clueless she was. As sheltered as a person is, which Poppy undoubtedly is, she’d also been around. She’d been participating with Victor in mercy killings, she’d been abused mentally and physically by the ascended, she heard and read countless things over her life and all of those factors should have made her more questioning of her society and her purpose. When we were at the end of the book and after everything she’d seen and been put through was still crying “Oh my god he (Hawk, Cas, Dark one) has to be lying even though everything he’s saying is completely true” I was pretty fed up with how, vapid Poppy was.
That being said, I loved Hawk. I loved how sassy he was and had called pretty much from the beginning he was the dark one. I didn’t expect the Wolven twist which was a nice part of the storyline. I definitely feel like character wise though, Hawk was the best part of the book. He was also hot, and remained hot throughout (final sex scene was fire emoji).
Victor was also a bright spot, and I was genuinely sad when he .. ummm .. you know… SPOILER AGAIN: died.
The narrative was sometimes repetitive. Characterization was meh. The more I write the more I think it should be two stars instead of three, but that being said. I did enjoy the book, but I enjoyed it the same way as I enjoyed Twilight. It was engaging, but also lacking substance. Like I’m not going to dwell on the content, I might not read the sequel, definitely won’t reread it, but I was entertained and don’t regret completely reading it.
A fantastical world where some ascend to become near immortal, some live a simple life, others are opposed to the way things are and one girl lives the loneliest life one could imagine. Veiled, with no rights and expected to give herself to the gods when the time comes she fights her imprisonment in small ways. Until a man enters her life and makes her long for what her parents had. He makes her feel more than she ever has, even if it’s forbidden. Great world building, interesting characters and I could not put it down! I’m heading straight into the next one and will desperately await the third.
This was a terrific book! I didn’t expect to like it this much. I’m totally hooked! Penelope (Poppy) is the Queen’s favorite. Her parents were killed by Craven when she was very young.They are monsterous creatures created by the Atlantans. (Or so she has been told)! She is the Maiden and no one can see her or speak to her. She always vailed. She has 2 guards and one hand maid. Only they have seen her face. Victor her guard has taught her to defend herself. Because she never wants to be defenseless again. Poppy also likes to learn about life and sneaks out of the castle grounds. She makes her way to bar one night and happens to meet one of the newest guards at the castle! Hawke! But manages to get back home!
She now lives with the Duke and Duchess. They are Ascended. And she will be Ascended in 1 year. The Duke and his friend the Lord are very cruel men. Poppy has a very special gift. Very few people know of it. She can feel people’s emotions, especially pain. One night when strolling in the garden one of her guards is killed in a kidnapping attempt on her life. When a new guard is chosen, it happens to be the new handsome one from the Capital. The one she met before. Will he remember her? Hawke likes to tease Poppy. Poppy is drawn to him and trusts him. This is all I will say. There are many twists and turns. Some great steamy scenes! So many surprises! Loved it. Can’t wait to start book 2.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I legitimately don’t know what to say about this book. I’m speechless.
From the start, I knew this was going to be great. There is just something so inviting (and tantalizing) about Armentrout’s writing, that I couldn’t stop thinking about this book, these characters, and where this series might be going.
I absolutely love Poppy. I know she spends a lot of the story being quiet and conflicted and “chained” by expectations, but I think her character arc is about to be HUGE.
Hawke—oh my goodness, do I love Hawke?!? He is so quick-witted and arrogant and sarcastic and observant. And that little smirk!?? *swoon* I love that little smirk. [I am seriously hoping that he has a redemption story coming up, because I do not want to hate him forever, but WOW! What an asshole! He didn’t have to fall for her; he certainly didn’t have to act on those instincts; and he most DEFINITELY shouldn’t STILL be planning on trading her back to the Ascended like cattle… Please tell me he can be the sexy hero love interest that I want him to be. Then again, I knew from the start that it was unlikely, considering this is going to be a long series, and the MC rarely finds true love in the first book of a long series… *sigh* (hide spoiler)]
My one complaint going into this book was that it’s a werewolf/vampire book, but those terms aren’t used. My original issue with that was why call a rose something that it’s not? But I get it now. Calling this book a werewolf/vampire series would give readers a very specific impression. When I think werewolf, I think: fated mates, maybe even reverse harem. When I think vampire…well, I definitely don’t think a book like FBAA.
From Blood And Ash is among my top five favorite books now. I have NO idea how this series is going to end, but I canNOT wait to be there for it!
How could I not have rated this first? A fun read with a new twist. This was a favorite of the author, and I can see why. <3 Fun and fresh.
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book. It was everything I love in NA Fantasy. Magic, mystery, chemistry, and witty banter. Oh, the banter!! Hawke Flynn is everything and I kept turning the page hoping he’d be on it. Poppy is…well, she’s a sheltered Maiden. And you can tell that Hawke is her awakening and her life will never be the same. But there’s a lot of inner monologue as she works through her insecurities, her fears, and her questions. But Poppy is so much more than she seems, as is Hawke. And together, they are one of those couples that launches ships across fandoms.
Jennifer Armentrout managed once again to completely wreck me. I knew I would love this new fantasy world, but I definitely didn’t expect to find such wonderful characters, witty banter and an incredible love story that gets under your skin.
Poppy is the maiden, she is not to socialize, to feel or get close to anyone or anything. Her cage might seem golden from the outside, but it is a cage nonetheless. She is bound to rules and gets punished for practically anything. Her adventures side was understandable, which 18 year old girl wouldn’t want to experience some real life and steam? I liked Poppy from the beginning. She is brave and courageous, generous and empathetic. She has to endure so much pain and yet gets nothing in return. She even has to doubt the people closest to her, because it is their duty to protect and help her. How could she not seek the closeness to someone like Hawke?
But it wouldn’t be an Armentrout book if everything was like it seemed. She came up with interesting plot twists and a great worldbuilding. I have to admit that I knew pretty fast the twist around Hawke, but I definitely didn’t expect to get so many action scenes and a lovestory that leaves me breathless. The characters are wonderful and I still have tears in my eyes thinking about those Poppy has lost. She is a strong, fierce heroin with a wonderful handsome personal guard, who stole my heart as well. Poppy and Hawke formed a wonderful friendship and an intriguing relationship.
This book features friendship, bravery, suspense, loyalty, curiosity, and vengeance. The worldbuilding is very intriguing and presents a new and unique view of well known fantasy creatures.
A lot of twists very predictable but not disappointing or boring. Even though it was obvious that Poppy’s life wasn’t right, the story kept progressing in a very interesting way. I definitely couldn’t put this book down anymore and finished it within two days.
The book ends with an interesting cliffhanger and I am so glad that the next book is already waiting for me. I will start it right away because I need to know more about all of these characters. I love this book and highly recommend it.
Holy shit what did I just read…
Normally, I do not read paranormal romance unless it’s written by Nalini Singh, but I’ve seen so much love for this series on #Bookstagram that I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did.
From Blood and Ash was dark and violent and surprisingly steamy – which I did NOT expect from what I mistakenly thought was a YA novel.
I decided to go in blind when I started reading this book and I really think that made it even better. I loved Poppy and the fact that she was capable of kicking some serious ass. I also loved Hawke, even though I guessed the secret he was keeping pretty early on in the story.
I found From Blood and Ash fascinating and watching Poppy and Hawke literally fight and Poppy trying to deal with her growing attraction to Hawke, was beyond entertaining.
I cannot wait to dive into Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. I love the world JLA has created and I need more, more, more.
I called it. I so called it!
A fantastic read 🙂