From Blood and Ash

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash: A Detailed Review & Summary

Book Overview

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a high-fantasy romance novel that plunges readers into a world brimming with gods, monsters, and forbidden love. It is the first book in the Blood and Ash series.

Detailed Review

Plot & Pacing

• Intriguing Premise: The novel sets up an enthralling world with a unique power structure and religious system centered around the Ascended.
• Slow Burn: The romance between Poppy and Hawke is a deliberate slow burn, building tension and anticipation effectively.
• Well-Paced: Despite its length, the story maintains a good pace, interweaving action, political intrigue, and romantic development.
• Twists and Turns: Numerous plot twists keep the reader engaged and guessing, making for a compelling reading experience.

Characters

Poppy (Penellaphe Balfour)

• Unique Protagonist: Poppy is not your typical damsel in distress. She's a strong, resilient, and complex character.
• Character Development: Her journey from a sheltered Maiden to an empowered individual is a significant highlight.
• Relatability: Despite her unique circumstances, her struggles with identity and self-discovery resonate with readers.

Hawke (Casteel Da’Neer)

• Compelling Love Interest: Hawke is a charismatic and mysterious character with a hidden agenda.
• Layered Personality: His charm masks a deeper, more complex individual with a dark past.
• Great Chemistry: His dynamic with Poppy is electric, creating palpable tension and desire.

Other Characters

• Supporting Cast: Characters like Kieran, Rylan, and Vikter add depth and complexity to the world.
• Villainous Presence: The Ascended and other antagonists provide a clear sense of conflict and danger.

World-Building

• Immersive World: The author crafts a richly detailed world with its own history, mythology, and political landscape.
• Magic System: The magic system, while not extensively detailed in this first book, holds promise and adds intrigue.
• Atmosphere: The descriptions evoke a palpable sense of danger and wonder, creating an engaging reading experience.

Writing Style

• Engaging Prose: Armentrout's writing is immersive, drawing readers into the story's emotional core.
• Descriptive Passages: The author excels at setting the scene, providing vivid descriptions of both the characters and the world around them.
• Dialogue: The dialogue is engaging, often witty, and helps to define the characters' personalities.

Themes

• Forbidden Love: A core theme that drives the narrative and creates tension.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: Poppy's journey explores the challenges of forging one's own path.
• Power and Control: The story delves into the dynamics of power, both political and personal.
• Betrayal and Trust: These themes are prevalent, influencing the characters' relationships and actions.

Summary

From Blood and Ash introduces us to Penellaphe “Poppy” Balfour, the Maiden, chosen from birth to ascend and be a symbol of purity to the kingdom of Solis. She’s kept in isolation, with no control over her own life, until she meets Hawke, a guard assigned to her. Their connection sparks an intense attraction, challenging the rules she’s always followed.

As Poppy begins to question the lies she's been told about her destiny, she uncovers dark secrets about the Ascended and the true nature of her own power. The world is threatened by the Desecrated, monstrous creatures once thought to be myth, and it is not long before Poppy’s fate is intertwined with the secrets of her heritage. The novel concludes with several major revelations, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

• Key Plot Points:
  • Poppy's sheltered life as the Maiden and her growing curiosity about the world.
  • Her forbidden attraction and growing relationship with Hawke.
  • The uncovering of secrets about the Ascended and the true nature of the Desecrated.
  • Poppy's discovery of her own power and her true purpose.
  • The shocking twist regarding Hawke’s true identity.
• Main Conflict: Poppy's struggle against the rigid rules of her life and the dangerous secrets of the kingdom.
• Resolution (Partial): While some mysteries are solved, many questions remain, setting the stage for the next book.

Final Thoughts

From Blood and Ash is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance that will appeal to fans of both genres. Jennifer L. Armentrout has created a compelling world with complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Its blend of action, intrigue, and steamy romance makes it a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

Buy the book here.