My From Blood and Ash Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the blockbuster start to the Blood and Ash fantasy romance series. The story follows Poppy, a young Maiden chosen by the gods and strictly sheltered—her existence governed by prophecy, ritual, and relentless scrutiny. Her days are defined by rules: no touching, no pleasure, no choices, no truly living. Poppy is brave, restless, and at odds with her “honor.” When Hawke, a magnetic new guard, enters her service, the tension between duty and longing blazes. As her kingdom is threatened by ancient monsters, deadly politics, and insidious betrayal, Poppy finds herself questioning everything: the truth about her world, her destiny, and her own wild, growing desires. Hawke’s secrets—and her own forbidden power—may change her fate, but at a brutal, bloody cost. The novel is packed with adventure, legend, danger, and forbidden love, all weaving toward a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
Why I Love This Book
I love the immersive world-building and the blend of romance, danger, and magic. Poppy’s growth is powerful—her journey from caged Maiden to fighter is full of grit, heartbreak, and stubborn hope. The romantic tension is perfectly slow-burn and smoldering, and the banter between Poppy and Hawke made me swoon and laugh. I appreciated how the story dives into themes of trauma, loss, and what it means to choose your destiny. Mythical creatures and political secrets keep the suspense high, while the relationship at its heart feels both epic and deeply personal. By the time the book ended, I was desperate for the next page, the next twist, and the next kiss.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love fantasy romance with strong heroines, dangerous heroes, and layers of mysteries (think ACOTAR or The Selection series) you’ll be all in for this. The novel is perfect for those who want lush magic, fierce battles, slow-burn passion, and a narrative that balances action, intrigue, and longing. Content warnings: includes violence, war, strategic cruelty, emotional trauma, and passionate but mostly non-explicit romance. The story builds slowly at first but rewards you with a rich world and a wild, emotional ride. Be ready for a major cliffhanger—the sequel is a must.
Tagged As
fantasy romance, epic worldbuilding, chosen one, slow burn, forbidden love, strong heroine, powerful hero, political intrigue, mythology, coming of age, found family, emotional trauma, adventure, high-stakes, series, cliffhanger, indie romance
Steam Level
Expect intense yearning, stolen kisses, and passionate encounters, but Book 1 keeps explicit details mild—setting up much steamier scenes in later installments.
This novel is #4 of our 7 Favorite Vampire Romance Books. View the full list.
