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.
Introduction
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with this book much like Hawk and Poppy. This isn’t my initial encounter with the story, nor will it be the final one. There’s an inexplicable allure in From Blood and Ash that continues to draw me in. I’d wager it’s largely due to the conclusion…
“Nothing is ever simple. And when it is, it’s rarely every worth it.”
Overview
From Blood and Ash is a romantic fantasy penned by American author Jennifer L. Armentrout. Released in March 2020, it serves as the inaugural installment of a six-book series titled The Blood and Ash Series. Armentrout’s novel garnered positive reception, even clinching the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. The narrative revolves around Penellaphe Balfour, known as the Maiden, whose destiny entails an “Ascension” to divinity on her 19th birthday, making her a part of the privileged royalty that governs the kingdom.
The heart of From Blood and Ash delves into self-discovery and underscores the significance of autonomy and individuality. Armentrout adeptly exposes the potential perils of a society dominated by a sole ruling class, utilizing fear as a tool to wield control over the masses.
“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”
Trigger Warnings
Content warnings in the realm of fantasy literature often tread a curious path, yet I find it necessary to illuminate aspects that could serve as potential triggers for fellow readers. As this book has an extensive list I will be linking a full list to check here. https://booktriggerwarnings.com/From_Blood_and_Ash_by_Jennifer_L._Armentrout
Be advised that these warnings should be taken with care as I am not a licensed therapist, and in no way could I identify everything. The following is what stuck out to me and others and may contain spoilers.
Dubious Consent
I’ve read review after review stating this but Hawke does ask and Poppy does consent in the text. Now for the twist after I’ll leave that up to your own discretion.
Sexual Assault
This is implied.
Death of a Minor/ Death of loved ones
Death of parents & family members (past, off page).
Violence
Torture (including whipping), graphic wound descriptions, domestic abuse, plus many graphic fighting scenes.
Grief
Multiple characters throughout this novel experience loss.
Suicide
Attempted suicide (past, side character).
Tropes in the Story:
- Strong Heroine
- Secrets and Lies
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
“I have a feeling that if there’s something you want badly enough, nothing will stop you.”
Thoughts
When I initially read “From Blood and Ash,” I absolutely despised it. I mean, the struggle to make it through was real, until the ending injected some action, making me less irritated with our MC. Poppy came off as the most baffling character I’d ever encountered, and I just couldn’t fathom how anyone would make the choices she did. Yes, she was sheltered, but come on, you should have common sense at least. I digress – I then came across the “From Blood and Ash” audiobook series, and things took a turn. Stina Nielsen truly excels in breathing life into all the characters, and honestly, she’s the selling point for me. Gone were the daunting monologues that were Poppy’s signature, and I no longer felt stuck in the mud of non-progress, thanks to Stina Nielsen’s entrancing narration.
I get it, I get it. The stans might be ready to pounce, but hear me out. As a proud fan of the “From Blood and Ash” series, I can boldly declare that the first book was a letdown. I get it’s about world-building and laying the groundwork for what’s to be an amazing series, but can we all just admit that the first book is not great? Sure, there were those standout moments that keep me coming back – truth be told, I might have a masochistic streak.
Conclusion
You might be wondering, “If you disliked it so intensely, why would you recommend it to me?” And no, it’s not some kind of twisted desire for you to go through the same ordeal, my dear (chuckles). No, reader, it’s because patience often brings forth rewarding experiences. If you’re in the mood for a slow burn, the kind that takes its sweet time, then give this a shot. But here’s a tip – do yourself a favor and opt for the audiobook version. Trust me, it’s well worth it, I assure you!
“My blood pounded through me in a dizzying push. “I don’t like anything about you.”
He laughed as his lips skimmed the side of my throat. “I love how you lie.”
