“I do not mind starting another Great War for you, princess.” 🤭

*Received as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review/feedback*

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash completely stole my soul from the very first page!! Dark magic, wyverns, ancient curses, forbidden love, political scheming—this book had EVERYTHING I crave in fantasy and more!! Mal Blackburn is the definition of a powerful, unapologetically fierce heroine and I was OBSESSED with her from the start. The tension, the danger, the magic—I could not put this down!

The world-building was absolutely unreal—giant wolves, wyverns, cursed kingdoms, hidden magic, and court intrigue?! My fantasy heart was LIVING!! This story had me clutching my Kindle like my life depended on it. The ending left me SCREAMING and desperate for book two. If you love badass heroines, enemies-to-lovers tension, forbidden magic, and brutal fantasy worlds—you NEED this book in your life!!

Pick this up if you love:
✨Strong, badass heroines
✨Enemies-to-lovers romance
✨Forbidden love
✨Magical creatures, ancient curses, and dragons
✨Court politics & high-stakes betrayal

Technically I gave this book a 4.5 but I rounded up here!

This book made me feel every emotion from start to finish. I absolutely loved every second and I don’t know how I’m going to patiently wait for the next installment. Johns’ writing is detailed and beautiful, engaging every part of your imagination. There were times I truly felt transported into her world. As it is the first book, there is a lot of character introductions and world building, but it is not heavy handed or bogs down the story, it flows through the book.

The characters are complex, flawed, and utterly immaculate. Told in 3rd person and from multiple POVs, I was initially worried that I would favor certain POVs over others. This was not the case, and I found myself rooting for each character’s unique journey and development arc. I particularly loved Kai’s (Mal’s brother) POV and his sweet sibling relationship with Mal. Mal is the perfect badass female heroine. She’s sassy, wild, complex, kind, and will kick your ass. Initially, I thought I would hate the perfect, rule-following Fire Princess Alina (Ash’s sister). But she very quickly became one of my favorites as she struggles with her royal duty, desires, and changing identity.

The one character I wanted more from was Ash. While I loved his character’s inclusivity in the book, his POV was less represented. BUT he has so much potential; I hope the next book will delve more into him.

The romances (yes, plural!!) are the slow and sensual burns of my dreams. The latter half of the book has more explicitly sexual content, but it’s not overbearing and the story’s arc still shines. With that, there’s not much action in the first half, but the world building, the characters and their interactions are vivid and dynamic, making the book interesting from start to finish. And it all still flows really well into an earth-shattering climax that will leave your jaw on the floor. There were a couple revelations that I did not see coming and I am LIVING for it.

If you loved Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, or the Bridge Kingdom, this book is definitely for you!

What an amazing book! There were some parts when it slowed down a bit but overall it was a great read! The story had me hooked as soon as I realized that we have a world filled with different creatures and kingdoms. From dragons, to wyverns, from draconians to witches. The world building was mesmerizing. The author vividly describes the landscape and everything around them.
As for the characters, I loved being able to know why and how every character was acting through out the story.
The multiple pov's were also amazing. Absolutely loved reading the development of Mal and Ash's relationship!. Literally making us "beg" for them to start talking with each other, properly. Can't wait to see how will they be on the next book, but I still want to know about Kai and Alina, because I loved them too. I cannot wait for the next book.

I'm giving this all the stars! I'm yelling at you to read this book, my only issue is I wish I could go into the next book.

So many plot twists I didn't see coming and had me absolutely floored/screaming. I just want to ramble on and on about this book, but you need to trust me and read it for yourself.

✨Vibes✨
-Dragons and other fantasy creatures
-100 year curses
-Sibling bonds and complicated family dynamics
-3rd Person POV

The pace was a little off at first - or at least it felt so. We spent what seemed like a lot of time dealing with all the other kingdoms envoys, following them rather than developing the main characters and their relationship. The payoff however, is well worth it. This is more than just a romance, there is high stakes political manoeuvring with massive betrayals and things never being exactly what they seemed.

The secondary couple, Kai and Alina, were more interesting to me, but my favourite character, by far, was Kage. My heart was pounding a couple of times when he was in peril and nothing better happen to my cold boy or I will riot.

As with these kind of books, the pace really picked up in the last 100 or so pages and it went on a brutal series of twists, some I saw coming, some I thought had no real foreshadowing and some that honestly took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting a certain event in the dining room to happen, that's for sure.

Roll on book 2, the last pages changed everything again and we need to know what happens next!

4 stars for sure 😍

First of all, thank you very much to J. F. Johns and NetGalley for giving me access to the ARC.

What a journey it was! An amazing one, I’m glad to say! The story got me “trapped in” as soon as I realized that we have a world filled with different creatures and kingdoms. From dragons, to wyverns, from drakonians to witches…it was awesome. The world building is mesmerizing, we can clearly imagine the world through the authors vivid and rich descriptions.

As for the characters, I just loved being able to think and feel how every single one of them was acting and seeing everything that was happening along the story. The multiple pov’s were a plus to me. Absolutely adored reading the development of Mal and Ash’s relationship! All the details mentioned by the author, such as small actions or physical reactions of them both, made the outcome of their relationship excellent. Literally making us “beg” for them to start talking with each other, properly. Can’t wait to see how will they be on the next book, but I still want to know about Kai and Alina, because I loved them as well, and think they have potential to keep growing in story terms. I cannot wait for the next book.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers! Here you can find an interesting story filled with magic, diverse creatures, multiple characters pov’s, rich and vivid world descriptions and a hint of political intrigue.

To say this book left me breathless would be an understatement! The Curse of Fire and Secrets is hands down one of my favorite reads of 2025. From the gripping enemies-to-lovers romance to the rich tapestry of political intrigue, this story is pure magic. The immersive world-building, complete with mythical creatures and diverse kingdoms, had me hooked from start to finish.

Mal Blackburn stands out as a fierce and unforgettable protagonist. Her loyalty and growth throughout the story, particularly in her relationship with Ash, tugged at my heartstrings. Ash, the kind of MMC you can’t help but want to protect, brings a quiet strength and emotional depth that had me sobbing. Their love story is beautifully built on tension and mutual trust, making every moment between them impactful.

The multiple points of view enrich the narrative, allowing glimpses into the lives of secondary characters. I was completely enchanted by the Wyvernian family—their deep, unconditional love and individual quirks made them a joy to read about. Kai, with his smug charm, and Kage, the brooding brother, both left me wanting more and eagerly anticipating the sequel.

This is the type of fantasy world I would happily live in, thanks to its depth of lore and history. The cliffhanger ending has left me yearning for the next installment, and I can't recommend this book enough, especially for fans of Fourth Wing and ACOTAR. Five stars, without hesitation!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy—I needed this sequel yesterday!

When I started the book I got a little scared, as it begins with a quick overview of all of the kingdoms, their houses and its members. And, it was a lot to take in.

The book is written in 3rd person pov, and we follow multiple people’s story, which was a bit confusing at times. I had to go back once or twice to see what was happening to whom.

I love my new shadow mommy, Mal. She is clever, fierce as fudge and can take care of herself just fine. She is not some scrawny thing that picked up a bow once and is now THE BEST at everything. No, she has trained all of her life and is a force to be reckoned with, and best of all, she knows it too.

On the other hand, though, it felt like her husband-to-be, Ash, was a little underdeveloped and underwhelming. His story seemed to focus most on just his personal issue (which I do love, btw, I am here for the inclusivity). I would have loved to get to know him better.

His sister Alina, however, is a damn treasure. Her backstory had a lot more depth and, in turn, I liked her a lot more than her brother, who is supposed to be one of the main characters.

The main couple’s romance wasn’t the one that hooked me the most… Plus, do I see an lgbtq+ couple in the future (fingers crossed!)?

There were quite a few twists and turns. Some I saw coming, while others smacked me right in the face. Ouch. Well done, J. F. Johns.

Great worldbuilding, can’t wait to learn more about the other kingdoms and what the witches and warlocks have secretly been up to.

After THAT CLIFFHANGER (readers beware), I am very interested to see where the story is going to go, so I will definitely be reading A Kingdom of Sand and Ice as soon as it comes out!

Thanks to NetGalley and J. F. Johns for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for my honest review!

This was such a great enemies to lovers. There's a fine line between love and hate, and our characters are dancing on it!

This was intense! Fan of Fourth Wing? ACOTAR? Nyaxia Series? This is for you. A slow-burn romance, enemies to lovers with dark magic dripping through. Lots of world building but it was needed. Definitely a second book on its way as it ends on a cliff hanger! Excited to see what happens next to Mal Blackburn and Ash Archeron! Lovely placement of houses and courts. Description of characters were stunning. 4.5 stars from me! Publication date May 31st 2025. Get on this book! #netgalley #jfjohns #akingdomofashandshadow #kellybreadingfanatic #readersoftiktok #readersoftikbooktok #BookTok #ilovebooks #bookfriends #bookish #bookishthoughts #netgalleyarc #fantasy #romantasy #enemiestolovers #darkmagic #courtintrigue

This book was amazing. I would first like to thank NetGalley and independent (indie) for allowing me to read this book. I will say if you loved house of dragons then you will love this book. This book literally ripped my heart out in the beginning and then it slowly put it back together just to do it again.. I really loved Mal she was really a very strong woman who had no fear. The romance in this book was definitely a slow burn. And I loved every minute of it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5⭐️
Loved this book from start to finish. Loved the multiple POV, the magic system, the world-building, some (brief) glimpses of the past which helps piece everything together, slow burn romance(s), close knit families (loved the sibling dynamics in this).

I loved the FMC in this book (giving Manon Blackbeak vibes but Mal is her own unique character). Also the loved sweet slow burn romance between Ash and Mal.

The last several chapters of this book were insane, I could not stop reading even if I wanted to. So much was going on in the best way. Cant wait for the next book, literally dying to know what happens next.

Would recommend for anyone who enjoys high fantasy with romance.

<b> 3.5 stars </b>

An exciting fantasy world packed with dragons, wyverns, and non-stop action!

I really enjoyed this book! The synopsis immediately intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to dive in.

The story follows Mal Blackburn, a princess of the Kingdom of Darkness who is set to marry a prince from a rival kingdom in order to secure peace. But, as is often the case in romantasy, she has a secret mission: to kill her future husband.

This book is bursting with magical elements—shadows, dragons, wyverns, witches, fae... you name it, it’s probably in here. At times it felt like the author pulled in every magical creature from existing fantasy lore and blended them into one story—but honestly, I didn’t mind. For me, it worked.

Mal is a total badass FMC, and I really liked her character. She’s strong, self-assured, and unapologetically herself.

There’s also a wide cast of supporting characters, many of whom I found just as compelling—Alina, Ash, Kage, Kai... I could go on.

The book is written in third-person POV, which isn’t usually my favorite, as I often find it harder to connect with the characters. That feeling was amplified here by the sheer number of POVs—there must have been at least nine or ten. Just as I felt I was getting attached to one character, the perspective would switch again. I really wish the author had focused on just one or two POVs (preferably Mal and Ash) to allow for deeper emotional development. Characters like Kai and Alina, who I actually liked even more as a couple, could’ve easily had their own book later on.

Also, I have to mention—Wren’s accent really grated on me after a while. It just felt unnecessary and distracting.

Still, this was a really fun and fast-paced read, and I’m definitely curious to see what the second book in the series has in store.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! </i>

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is an immersive new romantasy, the kind that leaves a reader annoyed with the obligations of daily life for interrupting a good time. Mal Blackburn is the black sheep of the royal family of the Kingdom of Shadows, an unheard-of fourth child with the same eyes as the witches from the Kingdom of Magic who were destroyed 100 years ago in a war that left the eight kingdoms ruptured. When she finds herself engaged to a royal from the Kingdom of Fire as a peace gesture, Mal's belief in a curse that requires she kill her betrothed to save everyone she loves becomes the inflection point of a new battle.

J.F. Johns does an amazing job with character and world building, introducing readers to the distinct kingdoms without creating a sense of overwhelm, while juggling multiple romantic subplots and fantasy lore. Mal's family and the royals of the Kingdom of Fire are given the most in-depth treatment, but there is an array of well developed side characters to root for or against. The book may not be perfect, and I have concerns the plot for the sequel will go fully off the rails, but I had a great time!

Wow just wow this might be my 2025 Roman Empire book. I CANNOT stop thinking about what happened to this and that and them and how. THAT ENDING IS CRIMINAL💥💥💥

Slow burn books aren’t my go-to but this simmered so well that the yearning had me kicking my feet. And the side characters are so darn lovable with so much personality!

Things to take note: The magic system and world building takes a little getting used to since there are eight kingdoms. Because of that, expect multiple sub plots and 3rd person POVs.

Ngl the last couple of chapters were the reason why it’s a 4.5⭐️ book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and JF Johns for the arc!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the eArc in exchange for an honest review!

As soon as I picked up this book, I could not put it down. It was so good, and so well written!! If you are a fan of Throne of Glass, you will love this book! There were so many twists and turns, betrayals, romance, and more!

The book follows Mal Blackburn, who is the 4th born in her family. In her kingdom, the Kingdom of Darkness. There are never 4th borns in her kingdom. One day, Mal’s father tells her that the Fire Prince has asked for her hand in marriage to try and unite the kingdoms once again. Mal thinks that this is what she was born to, since typically all children who are born are scholars, fighters, or become kings/queens. Since she’s the 4th born, there was nothing she was born for like her sister and brothers. Destined to marry the prince and set the kingdom free from the curse on their kingdoms, she will do the unspeakable.

I loved Mal, she was such a strong badass character. She’s powerful and always true to herself. She doesn’t care if you don’t like her. I love how when she cared about people, she would do anything for them. She was such a selfless character throughout the book, always putting others first.

I loved the romance between Mal and Ash. It definitely starts as a slow born, but it is worth it! They grow to learn more about each other and form a bond. There is also a second romance between Kai and Alina. While the relationship is forbidden, they can’t stay away from each other. I love reading about

I loved the world that was built in the story. There were such captivating descriptions that it felt like I was in the world. Also, you can’t forget the stars of the show… the wyverns!! I can’t wait to read the next one because that ending was brutal!! I need to know what comes next!!

Read as an arc!! It was enjoyable that's for sure wasn't a big fan of the multiple POVs. I loved the tension between each couples and the forbidden love. Overall it's was a great book and was happy that I got the chance to read it!!

Politics made them allies, prophecy made them enemies, and fate has bound them in blood.

Rating 5 ★!!!

Peace comes at a price- and Mal Blackburn has every intention of paying it in blood. Eight kingdoms have lived in a hundred years of silence, cutting themselves off from each other, after the Great War that ended in the witch's annihilation. To end a hundred years of silence and the curse that followed, she agrees to marry the ruthless fire prince. But this is no love story. Her mission is deadly: kill the prince and end the curse haunting their lands. But nothing in the fire kingdom is as it seems, and the deeper Mal goes, the more tangled the web of secrets becomes. When the truth about her power and past begins to surface, one question remains—will she be the kingdom's salvation, or its undoing?

To say my jaw dropped would be an understatement!!! This is hands down one of my favorite reads of 2025! From the gripping enemies to lovers romance to the rich tapestry of political intrigue woven through each kingdom, this story is pure magic. The mythical creatures, diverse cast, and multi POV narrative had me completely immersed from start to finish.

Mal is an unforgettable FMC!! She is so fierce, loyal, and full of heart. Her devotion to her family and the way she grows to defend (and love) Ash absolutely wrecked me. And Ash? He’s the kind of MMC you want to wrap in armor and protect at all costs. His unwavering trust in Mal, his quiet strength, and his silent battles within himself and how Mal becomes his lifeline? SOBBING. Their love story is filled with emotional tension and I absolutely ate it up.

And don’t even get me started on the Wyvernian family. I devoured every moment with them. Their deep, unconditional love for one another was such a bright spot, and I found myself rooting for each of them. Kai stole my heart ugh he is SOOO smug, protective, and utterly devoted. His love story shattered me, and I’m clinging to hope for book two. Kage, the brooding brother with a heart he hides so well, completely snuck up on me. I didn’t expect to love him so much, but now I’m obsessed. I loved how diverse the characters were, we were able to glimpse into other kingdoms and learn their traditions, what mythical beats their houses accompany, and that was so much fun!

This is the type of fantasy book that i wished I lived in lol. The depth of the lore, the history of the kingdoms, and the layers of each character pulled me in and never let go. Five stars, without hesitation. I needed the sequel like yesterday! Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy arc!


My favorite quotes below:
It would be a sin to touch her. A sacrilege to let her go. But he would worry about the consequences later.

She squeezed his trembling fingers, grounding him. A silent vow. A quiet shield. A lifeline.

And Ash knew then, with a certainty deeper than marrow, that for her, he would fall to his knees and beg the Eight kingdoms. For her, he would walk away from everything.

He thought to have known hunger. But this-this was something else entirely. She was like a drug, a fever in his blood, and if he was not careful, he would drown in her.

That the gods were cruel-so unbearably cruel- to place him in her hands, to let her traste what it meant to be loved, only to wrench it away in the end.

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash’s descriptive prose immediately immersed me in the unique world that Johns created. She was able to so perfectly weave so many characters and so many storylines into the plot but I was kept intrigued the entire time. She was able to pack so much into this plot: an ancient curse, betrayal, romance, political intrigue, familial bonds, magic, and magical creatures.

Mal was a fierce, wild, and unwavering FMC and the tension between her and Ash (as well as the other romance) kept me kicking my feet in the air! The supporting characters also added to the story, but lacked a certain depth.

Some elements, like the kingdom and house names (‘Kingdom of Darkness, House of Shadows’; ‘Kingdom of Fire, House of Flames’; etc.), felt lacking in creativity. The writing style also takes getting used to as I found it florid initially, but I grew used to it.

Overall it was a fun time!! Thank you NetGalley and J.F. Johns for this arc!

Thank you J.F. Johns and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book - this is my honest opinion.

Wow. This was such a fun read! You’ve got a nice mix of supernatural lore - phoenixes, dragons, wyverns, giant wolves… throw in an ancient curse and you're definitely in for a ride!

The eight kingdoms have been divided for a hundred years, ever since they destroyed the witches and cursed the land. Now, Mal Blackburn is sent to marry the feared fire prince to forge peace... but she has no intention of loving him. She plans to kill him and break the curse no one believes exists. But in the kingdom of fire and dragons, things are far from simple. The witches want revenge, no one’s being fully honest, and Mal quickly learns that everyone is hiding something - including herself.

I absolutely LOVED Mal. She was such a fierce FMC - calculating, courageous, and incredibly strong. She didn’t take ANYTHING from anyone. Ash, our MMC, starts off portrayed as a cruel prince, but really he’s just dealing with his own insecurities. Watching both of them grow was really satisfying.

When it came to romance, while Mal and Ash were the main focus, I was way more invested in Kai and Alina. I felt so much more tension and yearning between them, while with Mal and Ash, it all felt a bit too sudden.

One thing I would have loved, though, was to learn more about each kingdom’s customs. Some bits are mentioned, but never fully explained. Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.

And the plot twists?? I did not see them coming. I was gasping out loud! And that ending… I cannot wait to read the second book!