Review: FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L Armentrout

June 16, 2021     erinthebooknut     Book review

Review: FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L ArmentroutFrom Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood and Ash #1
Published by Blue Box Press Genres: Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible

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.

Reviews for From Blood and Ash:

"Dreamy, twisty, steamy escapism. Take me back!" -New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins

“Jennifer Armentrout has the power to control my emotions with every word she writes. From swooning to crying to racing through the pages to find out what happens next, I couldn't stop reading about Hawke and Poppy, and you won't be able to either.” - Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely

“Action, adventure, sexiness, and angst! From Blood and Ash has it all and double that. So many feels and so many moments it made me cheer for the character. Read. This. Book! You'll be obsessed!” - Tijan NYT bestselling author

“From Blood and Ash is a phenomenal fantasy novel that is filled to the brim with danger, mystery and heart melting romance. I loved every single second of it and I couldn’t get enough of this new fantastical world. A heart stopping start to what is clearly going to be a stunning series, perfect for both those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. A must read.” Kayleigh, K-Books

"If you think you are ready for From Blood and Ash, think again. Jennifer L. Armentrout has woven a new fantasy universe that will leave you reeling. Filled with action, heart wrenching twists and the most delicious romance, this unputdownable novel comes with a warning: keep a fan close by, because the temperatures are about to rise." Elena, The Bibliotheque Blo

“In this exciting new novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout, she introduces a fantastical world filled with immense detail, and characters who are poignant and fierce, Jennifer truly has out done herself!” – BookBesties

“From Blood and Ash is a fantastic fantasy that will hook you immediately from the very first page! I loved every single moment and all of the characters are ones you will fall in love with! Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again with her amazing writing skills and lots of detail! Get this book immediately!!!” - Amanda @Stuck In YA Books

“Jennifer has stepped into the fantasy genre with this absolutely amazing novel. With characters you will love and more than a few twists and turns, get ready for one amazing adventure.”-Perpetual Fangirl

When I tell you guys I haven’t read a book like this in a long time I’m dead serious. You have your good books, the ones you like and will read again if the mood strikes you. You also have your great books, the ones you reread fairly often because they make you happy and are a source of comfort. I have many of both on my shelves, keeping all my unread books company. but rarely do I find a book I would call superb.

The superb book grabs you and never lets go. The superb book is the one you reread religiously at least once a year just because, if not more than that. The superb book stands above the rest, towering over the rest of your collection in a place of honor. There are few superb books out there, and FROM BLOOD AND ASH is one of them.

I’m probably in the minority when it comes to JLA’s books. I’ve never read the Lux series, nor Wicked, or Stay With Me. I have dabbled a bit in her Dark Elements series but never completed it. So for me Jennifer’s books are fairly new despite all the hype. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the glorious story she wove around Poppy Balfour, Maiden of Solis.

Like many before me, I found this series while thirsting for another Sarah J Maas book. I NEEDED something to fill the empty spot in my life left by A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES and the never ending anticipation for HOUSE OF SKY AND BREATH. I craved the intensity of an adult-style fantasy with the accessible YA-like female characters and storylines that Maas is so good at melding together. So when someone suggested FROM BLOOD AND ASH as a thirst quencher for my Maas-dehydration I figured it couldn’t hurt. My expectations should have been much higher but I admit I was not expecting what this book, this series, was going to do to me. I was blown away completely.

I’ve always liked a red-headed protagonist. As ginger myself I’ve enjoyed finding relatable counterparts in books that I can visualize looking somewhat like myself. Besides, we’re fiery, smart-mouthed, and a pain in everyone’s ass. That always makes for a great character driven story. Poppy is the perfect protagonist for my tastes. Tell her not to do something? Too late, she’s already planning how she’s going to get away with it. Get in her face? Yeah, good luck with that. You’ll have her dagger at your throat before you can blink. No qualms, no bullshitting.

Then our new contender for boy boyfriend of the year appears. Hawke is part Rhysand, part Hunt Athalar, with the quiet stoicism of Azriel and a dark side to match. So basically the perfect love interest. For spoiler reasons I won’t get into what makes Hawke so damn compelling but suffice to say he has you from the first moment you meet him and won’t let go.

This book had me ravenous for more from pretty early on and I have a hard time understanding why some people call it boring. It’s quite the opposite. From the creatures to the Ascended to the backstory that had me on the edge of my seat drooling for more, I was hooked and had no choice but to marathon the whole series in a week. Unfortunately it’s only made my book hangover worse and I’m not sure how I will make it to October for Nyktos’ store or March for the continuation of this one.

So if you love sassy heroines, swoony dark love interests, steamy romance, and intense fantasy stories this series is for you. Just be wary of the hangover because very little will be able to match it. I am not a tried and true JLA fan.

 

From my bookshelf to yours, back in the saddle again.

Erin

The Book Nut

 

Which books have given you book hangovers? Share yours in the comments.

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