From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: March 30th 2020 by Blue Box Press
Review:
Myth: 5/5
The world of Blood and Ash was everything I hoped it would be and more. From the second page, I was hooked. I think it was perfectly articulated in a line when Poppy was describing in the first chapter a list of things she wasn’t supposed to do (while having snuck out to a tavern) and she notes that she doesn’t always do what she’s supposed to do. Obviously. I was in love. And was further smitten when she met the devilishly handsome guard Hawke, who was all too willing to see her and instead of her title.
The political and religious world development was outstanding. Throughout the first book we are introduced to a governing system driven by religious ceremony. The religion maintains control by offering protection from monstrous creatures, created by the enemies of a past war. The Maiden’s ascension is meant to save them all. The only problem is that Poppy isn’t sure how and is increasingly sure that she doesn’t like the cage she is forced to live within.
Magic: 5/5
I loved that within this world, we essentially had creatures like vampires and werewolves, but with different names and slight variances in description. It made the world unique and left the focus more on the world than expected behaviors of the characters.
It seems like we just scratched the surface with Poppy’s gift. What started as feeling others’ pain, evolved quickly. Another rule from those in power, that she is not to use her gift. She should keep it secret. However, it gives off a vibe like the more you use the gift, the more it makes itself known.
Overall: 5/5
Poppy was strong, fierce and trying to figure out what kind of future she wanted. What her choices would be, not what others would choose for her. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what kind of choices she makes with the bomb dropped on the last page.
Other books in the series:
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