- a lot of things drew me into this book. first, the cover - the original cover. i’m not sure why it was changed to this one. it’s more, cartoony. in my opinion. second, the description of the book. you got witches, dragons, wyverns, a curse, etc.
- the book started off really slow. & i really wanted to DNF. i almost couldn’t get pass how the author tried to make eating fruit, sexual. but there was NOTHING sexual happening in the scene. i thought it was mainly filler. i probably would have wanted to learn more about why wyverians eat rotten food or what would happen if they didn’t eat rotten food.. than reading about the “feel of the juices” from the fruit… or just more history/culture.
- the book does have a slow pace to it. enemies to lovers & definitely a slow burn. there are also two love stories. i couldn’t decide who i “shipped” more. i think i just couldn’t relate to the characters. the whole book has so much potential. but it wasn’t holding my attention. i wanted to DNF twice.
- what i thought was really great that the author did, was that beginning of each chapter, there was a snippet of history that actually ties in with the story & what’s going on - kind of like a diary of one of the characters. & i like how wyverns are greatly incorporated - we don’t get a lot of those. points for being different.

The story follows the journey of its protagonist as she navigates a realm fraught with danger, political machinations, and personal challenges.
One of the best features of the book is its world-building. Johns creates a vivid setting that feels both expansive and detailed, allowing readers to fully engage with the environment and its lore. The magic system is intriguing, adding depth to the plot and influencing character development.
The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and have fantastic arcs. The protagonist's growth throughout the story is particularly compelling, as she grapples with her identity and the responsibilities that come with her powers.
The pacing is really engaging, full of romance and action constantly moving along.

Thank You NetGalley and J.F.Johns for the ARC!


While the story does feel a bit rough around the edges here such as certain scenes feeling a bit longer than they should have, and some of the characters feeling a bit lacking due to not fleshing them out just a bit more. With a bit more structure and polishing, this has such great potential to being such a great book! I loved the magic system, it was super easy to follow and understand, the world and setting are interesting and fascinating/ The slow burn between Mal and Ash was delightful to see unfold and the imagery was just chefs kiss!

Also I would just love to spread my love for Kai! He needs to be protected at all cost !

I think the concept and story for this book is incredible and usually something that is right up my street.

I enjoyed the characters a lot and thought it had of the foundations of a really good story moving forwards. I do think things felt a little disjointed at times and a little slow but it had really solid world building and I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series. Huge thank you to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for providing me with an ARC of this story!

Thank you netgalley for an E-ARC of this book.
This story follows many characters including Mal Blackburn who must end her new husband’s life. This story has a descriptive writing style that creates visuals in your mind. I loved the characters, plot and the world itself. I highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book—it usually takes me a while to get into a story, but I finished this one in less than two days. I’m a big fan of multi-POV books, so that was a huge plus for me. I loved the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the world-building, and the plot twists. Overall, I’d give it 4 stars!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash follows our main character Mal, as she enters a marriage with a prince who is known as being cruel and wicked. But she is not entering this marriage for love — she’s been tasked with killing him to end the decades long curse, cast by a witch as revenge for destroying her kingdom.

The premise of the book sounded really interesting, but unfortunately there were too many elements that I didn’t particularly like that took away from my enjoyment of the story. I had two main issues with this book:

1. it took way too long to get to the main part of the story and
2. there was not a lot of depth to the characters

The story itself didn’t really get interesting until the last 30%, which is a shame because it got so crazy and there were a bunch of twists I wasn’t expecting, but by then I was not invested in it anymore. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that could’ve been cut out, which would’ve helped immensely with the pacing of the story.

My other main issue was with the characters — I felt like there was no depth to any of them, which makes it very difficult to get invested in their stories and root for them! There were also a lot of different POVs, which again makes it difficult to form connections with characters if we’re only spending a few chapters with each one.

Overall, I think this story had the potential to be something really great, but needed some structural changes!

Thank you to the author, J.F. Johns, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 out of 5 stars

Plot was interesting
Magic system was very easy and original
Bad b fmc
There’s nothing more I could want in a fantasy book

It was an overall well rounded fantasy

Thank you to J.F Johns for this ARC of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash.

This book took me by surprise, I did not expect to like it as much as I did. The world and setting is fascinating, and I am really looking forward to exploring more about the other kingdoms in the future books. I really enjoyed the characters, their struggles and the slow burn romance. I don't feel like it was rushed and there was a lovely development of the relationship throughout the book. My only criticism would be that the end of the book felt a bit rushed with detail added that felt a bit out of nowhere (without spoiling). Overall I am really happy to have discovered this series and am looking forward to the next book!

Honestly, I was intimidated at first with the list of houses and characters, but I found it so easy to get into. The flow of the writing and the imagery is absolutely gorgeous. I quickly fell in love with Mal who is an absolute icon, a FMC who can kickass. I instantly fell in love with her brother Kai (yes I will request that he is kept safe and well in the future)

The world building and characters are fantastic - well written and with so much depth. The tension and slow burn between Mal and Ash was exquisite. I'm excited to read more about them.

Thank you Netgalley and J.F.Johns for approving my request.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ⭐️⭐️
Wow! This first book was an absolute surprise! I got to read an ARC a week early thanks to NetGalley and the author and I’m grateful! Shocking twists and that ending was such a good cliffhanger! I really liked the slow burn buildup with Ash and Mal and enjoyed their passion and connection, so the ending of course made me sad and happy simultaneously and I can’t wait to see how they work together in the next book. I also liked the other connections made between other characters and looking forward to seeing what happens with them too. I hope the witches and warlocks get what’s coming to them in the next one!
I also felt that the beginning entry from Tabitha’s diary to start each chapter was well done! They helped to understand her past story, how it connected to the present, and set up what would be happening in each chapter. This book was so well-written, a great romantasy that kept me reading all day so that I finished it within 24 hours. Thanks so much for this opportunity; I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Mal was giving badass FMC energy I love the wildness of her and also how smart she is.
Ash the MMC that you are. I loved him.
Character development was pretty good I loved the multiple POV but it was very confusing on whose pov we were in, maybe because it was an ebook..
I will be recommending this book to my friends.
I can't wait for book 2. The ending left me with questions and I need to know what happened next!
I enjoyed the writing style.
She was very descriptive and detailed. The only thing I wish was getting more world building more magic descriptions. I would love to read just a little more of the lore.

I enjoyed every minute of this book! Super strong badass FMC with the world on her shoulders but the strength and grace to take it! A timid and stuttering MMC, that I wasn’t sure was going to work, but blew me out of the water! Siblings just as strong and fierce as the main characters! The end of this book left so much more to the story for every character involved! Room for growth, love connections, friendships, and answered questions! This romantasy has everything you could ever want! A mission to save the realm, oath forced marriage, enemies to lovers, found powers and family, epic quest with witches, shadow wielders, fae, wolves, desert snake princesses, dragons, wyverns, and more! From start to finish I kept having to read just one more chapter! I couldn’t get enough! I can’t wait for “A Kingdom of Sand and Ice” to get here and find out what happens next to the amazing Mal and her crew!

This truly is a book for anyone who are fans of Fourth Wing or The Bridge Kingdom!

Thank you NetGalley and J.F. John’s for giving me the opportunity to devour this amazing story you have created! You should be proud!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

One of the best romantasy I've ever read!
The writing style is astonishing: I had goosebumps while reading it. The author has an incredible way with words, crafting an amazing world that is so vividly described that I felt as though I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing their emotions and challenges firsthand.

What's the story about?
Once upon a time, there were eight kingdoms, living in peace and serenity. But then everything changed when someone dared to choose love over duty, igniting the flames of war. Betrayed and angry, a witch cast a curse upon the eight kingdoms: revenge was all she was seeking.
Nearly a hundred years later, Mal Blackburn finds out she's the one destined to break that curse. But the fate is a funny thing: it makes you love the one you're supposed to kill. Caught between lies and obligations, she must navigate the expectations placed upon her. His mission is intertwined with the lives of characters that are not secondary but equally important. Each of them plays a fundamental role, and while Mal carries on his shoulders the weight of fate, all, each in their own way, face difficulties, intrigues, and passions.
Will she succeed in breaking the curse, or will the eight kingdoms be doomed to oblivion?
The plot itself is nothing short of incredible: I’ve never encountered an intricately woven storyline! It’s evident that the author put a lot of effort into world-building, creating a setting that feels rich and alive. Each character is beautifully crafted, unique in their traits and backgrounds; I can't wait to read their stories.

What I particularly appreciate is the author’s choice to present multiple points of view throughout the story. This allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of various characters, providing a well-rounded understanding of the overarching events. The character development is exceptionally well-executed; every decision and action taken by the characters feels justified and thoughtfully explored.

One minor criticism I have is that there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow for my personal taste. However, upon reflection, I realize that this deliberate pacing was likely necessary to fully develop the complexities of the plot and the characters’ journeys.

Now, how am I supposed to live my life without knowing what happens next?

The book A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash achieves a 3.5 rating (bumped to a 4 because no half starts) because its traditional elements work well when combined with excellent character development and meticulous world-building. J.F. Johns demonstrates remarkable ability to merge romantic elements with fantasy adventure while crafting believable characters who transcend typical archetypes.

The most significant accomplishment of the book is its character development which portrays Mal and Ash as multifaceted personalities instead of basic romantic figures. The world-building creates a strong basis for future series development but remains easy for new readers to understand.

The story is clearly pulling inspiration from established Romantasy series yet creates enough original elements for it to feel like a refreshing work not just an imitation. The magic system operates organically while political intrigue keeps readers engaged and character relationships evolve naturally throughout the story.

Although small pacing problems and some standard storylines keep the book from earning top scores, they don’t disrupt the general enjoyment of reading through the book. The author demonstrates mature storytelling through their balanced romantic development and commitment to character growth which bodes well for future volumes.

Full in-depth review can be found on https://bromantasy.com/reviews/a-kingdom-of-shadow-and-ash/

I devoured this book, I absolutely adored it, and I can’t wait to get a physical copy!

Eight estranged kingdoms, an arranged marriage, dragons and wyverns, enemies to lovers…this book has it all.
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash follows multiple POV’s, which I loved. Getting to see the story from all sides was wonderful, and makes you consider possibilities and see things from different perspectives. The fact that none of the MC’s are perfect, and they all have hidden issues and secrets made me love them more. The interplay between characters was spot on – I was desperate to see where each relationship would go.

The world building is fascinating, and I very much hope we get to visit more of the kingdoms in the next book, I am so curious about them all! I loved the radical differences between the Shadow Kingdom and the Kingdom of Fire in this book, and how one kingdom can vary so much to another, very much like the real world.

I honestly don’t know how to put into words how much I loved this book. Mal especially is an incredible FMC, but I adored them all. The twists at the end of the book had me reeling, and I will absolutely have to re-read soon to try and wrap my head around it!

I honestly think if you love romantasy, rich fantasy worlds interlaced with strong characters and a twisting plot line, you will love this book!

It has been a long time since I stayed up until 2am to keep reading to know what happens!!!
Totally 4.5★ for me and I cannot stop thinking about it!
Wyverns, Dragons, Pegasus? (winged horses), Sand Snakes, Wolfs... you name and you got it!🖤❤️🩷💚💙
It was quite interesting seeing all the world building and the characters, even more when they reunite in the Kingdom of Fire.
I just loved Mal so much, her character and personality were one of the things that kept me reading. She is such a strong FMC and independent woman.
Ash was different than expected in a good way.
Their tension at first was soooo good.
J.F. Johns created amazing and strong female side characters, something really freshing to read.
But my fav one was KAI hahaha if something bad ends up happening to him... no, no, no
Some things were expected (some deaths) but what happened at the end? Wow! There were so many things happening and so many surprises here and there.
So many open stories that I will keep thinking about it until the second book. And I know there will be more of world building, which I am interested to read.
Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange with my honest and real opinion.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the chance to arc read this amazing book! I couldn't put it down, I loved the characters and how they was portrayed. I actually felt connected to them. The fantasy aspect of it was *chefs kiss* I can't wait to read the second book! Will 100% reread this at some point post release.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash, first book in the Kingdom of Gods series, was an enticing read due to its cover and plot summary. I was nervous to start something that pushed this being the perfect book for a reader who may love several well known fantasy books but overall, I really liked it!
This book is set in a fractured realm of 8 separate kingdoms with the story following, Mal Blackburn. She’s the fourthborn child in her family, which is unheard of since most kingdoms only have three children, but girl is an overall baddie. We find out she’s set to marry Ash, the Fire Prince, through an arranged marriage and overall to pretty much assassinate him. This of course, thankfully, doesn’t happen…or does it…and we get to see an enemies-to-lovers and slow burn romance take place.
World building is very hard and in most books it can be a let down, in this book I really liked that each kingdom had their own culture and magic. The magic system was different but an enjoyable component of this book. We got dragons, wyverns, witches and curses…oh my, haha. It was a lot but these are my favorite types of books!
I really liked that we got to meet and in a sense be taken along with their siblings, Kai (Mal’s brother) and Alina (Ash’s sister). The shift in the POVs makes me nervous since I’m not always the biggest fan but it needs to be done in a series but also a world this big so we can see different perspectives to help build the story. So I guess we can say it was a love hate relationship haha but I didn’t hate it all that much, hahaha.
A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a fantasy novel that combines dark magic, political issues, and complex but great characters. While it did have some pacing issues, its characters and their relationships along with the rich world building we got to read made it a really great start to a series that I do look forward to continue.
Thank you so much for the read NetGalley!
4.5 stars!

If you need an example of a book that is trying too hard, this is it. We’re told about this world with several different kingdoms that are so vastly different from each other that it’s difficult to imagine what it’s actually like despite the overwhelming descriptions. I still don’t fully understand what the homeland of the Wyverians is supposed to be like. And speaking of descriptions, we are practically drowning in so many details that it makes the story drag on. I often found myself checking my reading progress because of how much details I was taking in only to see I barely made a dent. There are so many adjectives that it was practically eye-roll worthy—some of them were so ridiculous and well, trying too hard, that it made the entire thing feel out of place.

Overall the story had potential but it was so flooded with unnecessary information that it prevented me from connect with any of the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.