Title: From Blood and Ashes
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Publication Date: July 6, 2021
ISBN: 9781952457579
Synopsis:
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. 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.
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I’ve been struggling with a serious book hangover since finishing Fourth Wing and Iron Flame in the past few weeks. It’s been a good while time since I’ve read anything in the fantasy genre, and I’ve never much dappled in Romantasy, but I’ve been hearing nothing but amazing things about Armentrout’s series in recent weeks, so I had to dive in.
There’s a lot already out here on the Internet as this one’s been out for a while, so I won’t dive into too much of a recap here. This novel was a bit slow to start, so I have to say, I was skeptical at first. Armentrout’s writing style is a little different than what I’ve been reading so it did take me a bit of time to adjust and become immersed in her world. There’s so much mystery in her world and she introduces a lot of new terminology as she builds the plot and introduces the characters. It’s a lot to take in, in the beginning. Once I adjusted though, I was totally hooked.
Poppy, revered as the Maiden, has been kept isolated for as long as she can remember. She is alienated and worshipped, but she is truly just an ordinary girl. Well, perhaps not so ordinary. She is discovering what truly sets her apart from those around her as she begins to question all that she’s ever been told. She’s an intriguing character who is so sheltered and isolated. She knows so very little of the world around her, and is at the mercy of all those in power. As she moves through the story, she begins to finally question what it is she’s been told and to dream of something more. She has never had freedom, but perhaps there’s more out there for her than she ever imagined.
I’ve now got the next two books in the series on hold at the library and it’s agonizing to have to now wait for them. I’m in book purgatory for two series now, and I’m totally diving into this genre a bit more. Any book recommendations to dive into while I wait?
I know I’m late to the game on this series. I’m glad for it since I don’t have to wait for the remaining books to actually be released. If you haven’t read Armentrout’s work and you’re in need of a new series, this one’s a delight.
Happy reading!
Worn Pages and Ink 