"'Fear and bravery are often one and the same. It either makes you a warrior or a coward. The only difference is the person it resides inside.'"
My Rating: ★★★★★
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
Publication: March 29, 2020 (Blue Box Press)
I picked up this book because there was so much hype around it, but I wasn't totally convinced that it would deliver. I've definitely read a few books recently after seeing everyone rave about them on Instagram, and though I liked them well enough, they didn't knock my socks off.
From Blood and Ash, however, managed to exceed the hype. I'd never read anything written by Jennifer L. Armentrout before, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I can't remember the last time I finished a 600+ page book in under a week.
Poppy's story sucked me in from page one. The world of Solis is dark and gritty, and its people must do terrible things to survive. But in Poppy's role as the Maiden, a role that grants her no power, no voice, and not even a shred of autonomy, she is sheltered from the truth of her world -- and from experiencing it altogether. Her curiosity and determination to be strong despite her station immediately endeared her to me. From her first foray into the Red Pearl to the night of the Rite and the events beyond, I admired her bravery, and I enjoyed learning along with her. In fact, I found that at times, I felt like I was Poppy, more so than I ever have reading a story that's told in a first-person POV. Kudos to JLA for that, as it made the story that much more gripping.
And Hawke -- I don't know where to begin. Lovers of Rhysand from Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series will adore Hawke. He is perhaps my new favorite dark, sassy, and dangerous love interest (or maybe he's tied with Rhys -- I can't let go of my favorite bat boy so easily). Hawke is passionate and incredibly loyal, and he brings out Poppy's fiery (albeit sometimes violent) determination to truly live and no longer be caged by the veil of the Maiden. The banter between Hawke and Poppy throughout the book was one of my favorite aspects of the story, and it never grew boring. Since Poppy had hardly a handful of people whom she could trust and confide in at the start of the book, it was so satisfying to see Hawke become another one of those people.
Now, readers, be forewarned -- this book does get pretty ~spicy~ at times. It is very much adult fantasy, and it is probably not suitable for young readers. I have a feeling, though, that many of those who pick up this book do so for said spice. But, no matter what you've heard, I promise that it is so much more than the spicy bits!
The first installment of Poppy's story is full of twists and turns that are thrilling, devastating, and so utterly compelling. Poppy is one of those uncertain-yet-badass heroines that is difficult not to love, and I know that she'll stay with me long after this series is over. From Blood and Ash is a wonderful, character-driven tale with an intriguing world and plot. It absolutely checks off all the boxes for me, and it is easily a new favorite. JLA may have become a new auto-buy author for me.
Content Warnings: death, graphic violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse/assault, sexual assault, sex/nudity
Synopsis:
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.
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