[Bre’s Review]: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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.

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“From Blood and Ash. We Will Rise.”

Vicious and swoon-worthy, From Blood and Ash will take you on an adventure in a world where nothing is black and white. This story is about a young girl caught between good and bad, truth and lies.   

“Maiden or not, good or bad, Chosen or forsaken, I deserved to live and to exist without being cloistered by rules I never agreed to.”

Poppy is the maiden, a position thrust upon her without choice. She cannot be looked upon or spoken to. Poppy has been sheltered, always believing what she’s been told about her past and her future. But what no one else knows is that Poppy has a vicious determination, willing to sacrifice all for the truth. But what happens when everything she’s been told is questioned and the world she lives in is no longer black and white?

“Some truths do nothing but destroy and decay what they do not obliterate. Truths do not always set one free. Only a fool who has spent their entire life being fed lies believes that.”

Hawke is the golden boy guard who always has female attention. But he’s not interested in following the rules and prompts Poppy to question her entire life. We purposely don’t get a ton of back story on Hawke, but that makes the story all the more intriguing.

“Promise me you won’t forget this, Poppy. That no matter what happens tomorrow, the next day, next week, you won’t forget this—forget that this was real.”

I absolutely loved the plot! I didn’t know what to expect. And just when you start feeling like you get what’s going on, she throws you for a loop. The creatures are imaginative, the world is slow to build, and it all comes together for an unputdownable book!

“You can’t have me. I’m…I’m un-have-able.”  “I’m confident that’s not even a word.”

With all the Fantasy books out there, it’s hard to find one that stands out among the crowd. Taking ordinary fantasy elements and transforming them into a unique and remarkable story, From Blood and Ash will reignite your flame for Fantasy.  

“Forgive me. I failed you.”

Bre

Hey, I’m Bre! I have been pulling all nighters to read since I was in middle school, and nothing has changed since. My love of reading turned into a love for writing and I now have my dream job — being a writer. I also get to wear pajamas to work, which is a pretty nice perk.

I love Starbuck’s tea, organizing, the ocean, and buying too many purses and books. Is there such a thing as too many purses or books? I have two energetic toddlers at home so I mostly read to stay sane.

While I genuinely enjoy a variety of genres, I enjoy getting lost in the paranormal and fantasy world and nothing can melt my heart faster than a small town romance.