✨ A searing fantasy full of secrets, slow burn romance, and shadowy magic! ✨

This book had me in a chokehold from page one! I didn’t expect to get so emotionally invested, but wow—J.F. Johns has created a rich, devastating, and truly unforgettable world full of cursed kingdoms, ancient grudges, fiery slow-burn romance, and characters that feel like real people.

Mal Blackburn is exactly the kind of heroine I love: strong, sharp, deeply scarred, and unwilling to bend. Sent to marry the Fire Prince as a political pawn, she has every intention of killing him instead. But what unfolds is so much deeper than a simple enemies-to-lovers plot. Secrets, magic, betrayal—it’s all tangled up in a gorgeously crafted world of wyverns, witches, and dark gods.

Ash was such a surprise. He’s cold and closed-off at first, but beneath all the fire and control is someone vulnerable, loyal, and quietly powerful. Their dynamic is full of tension, sarcasm, and longing—a slow burn that’s worth the wait.

And can we talk about Kai and Alina?! I genuinely didn’t expect to get so swept up in their romance, but their emotional pull and inner battles made them impossible to ignore. I need more of them in the next book!

The multiple POVs were so well done—I never felt lost or pulled out of the story. Instead, it added so much depth and made the world feel massive and alive. The pacing was near-perfect, though I wouldn’t have complained about 50 more pages because I did not want to leave this world. And the chapter openers from the cursed witch Tabitha Wysteria? Genius storytelling device!

This is one of the best high fantasy romances I’ve read in a long time, and I already know I’ll be recommending it constantly to readers at my bookshop—especially anyone who comes in asking for something dark, romantic, magical, and completely addicting. This is that book.

If you love:
Dangerous court politics
Found family
Strong heroines & morally complex love interests
Forbidden love & prophecy-fueled destiny
And DRAGONS 🐉

You need this on your shelf. I’m already dying for book two!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC—I’m so grateful I got to experience this early. Truly magical. 🖤

I really enjoyed this!

Magic, dragons, witches, wyverns, scheming, politics, curses, gods, romance, multiple pov, spice, rebellion, betrayal - it’s all packed in there.

Having multiple povs really made this book for me, it added more depth to the story and plot as we followed multiple characters and got glimpses and understanding of the politics and history of the world. I like a story that has more to it than just a romance and this really did.

The two main romances were good, I thought the characters suited each other, but i didn’t really connect with it that much, I would have liked more angst and lust between them and development of their relationships.

I enjoyed the pace - felt a little rushed towards the end but that was okay. The overall writing I thought was so good, but there were some parts that felt a little repetitive with the same words being used multiple times on a page to describe things - or the same feeling or thought being described and then described again a few sentences later - but that was just a little thing niggling at me.


Overall - really looking forward to reading the next book!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The author didn’t seem to fully understand their own main character, which made it hard to connect. For the first 100 pages, it really felt like the story was setting up an enemies-to-lovers arc between Alina (who had way more main character energy) and Mals, who didn’t.

It’s not a great sign when the side characters are more compelling than the main character. Mals was flat, especially compared to the rest of the cast, and the romantic tension with Ash felt incredibly forced.

Chapters didn’t flow naturally into one another, and the pacing was all over the place. One moment dragged, the next felt rushed.

The world-building had some interesting ideas and a promising magic system, but it never went deep enough. The author introduced many kingdoms and gave NOTHING; the many POVS didn’t feel distinct or necessary. It felt like the book was trying to do everything.

Overall, this read like a draft that needed more focus and restraint.

This was such a great read. Having each kingdom paired with a different magical creature was really interesting. I love a good prophecy and mythology so this book was right up my alley. The pacing was great from 0-40% and then from 80-100% but man did the middle drag. I think this is a great setup for the series, as there are still many unanswered questions. but the book still had a satisfying ending. I liked each of the characters, but I did want a little bit more from them. I felt really close to connecting with the characters, but I just needed a little bit more time with them.

Thank you to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for the free eARC!

This book ticks the boxes for dragons,witches and love.
Mal and Ash seem such a lovely couple. I did feel sorry for Mal as she believed she was a witch which made her feel like a outcast in the society! But later in the book you find out she isn't a witch but a .... I don't want to spoil it. Author truly makes you feel like your there so descriptive on your surroundings. I got Mortisha addam vibes when author describes Mal at the beginning.

**Firstly I would like to thank J.F. Johns & publisher for giving me a copy of this eARC; here are my honest thoughts.**

Johns has created an enticing, semi-closed door romantasy novel about Ash—a brooding, stuttering, misunderstood Fire prince, and Mal—a lethal wyverian princess. Their star-crossed / enemy relationship was beyond compelling, and had me aching for more and more of their interactions. It hooked me from the start and never let up.

I struggled, though, with caring as deeply for the other relationships in the novel, and the abrupt changes in POV to even those outside the central narrative was difficult for me. But Johns is clearly skilled with prose, writing, and dialogue, and to those who like multiple POVs may enjoy this more than I.

Each storyline was well thought out, and the ending came bitterly for me. I wanted more, and see myself reading the second book when it releases.

Lastly, I wanted to note the clear similarities between this novel & other popular fantasy novels—namely Mal/Alina & then the other K names—of course, coming from Shadow & Bone by Leigh Barduogo. If this was intended—it was a nice homage.

xoxo,
Maeve.

rating : 4/5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the book, the story and the intrigue hook me from the start to the end. I loved the idea of beginning each chapter with an excerpt from the journal, it added a nice touch and extra layers to the story.
At first, the changes in point of view were a bit confusing but i ended up to really like them, they help me understand everything more deeply.
It’s a light easy-to-read romantasy with a solid plot !
the ending leaves slightly open and I’m looking forward to see what happen next !

*Thank you NetGalley and J. F. Johns for the advance reader copy of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash. The publishing date is May 31, 2025

This hovered between a 3 and a 4 for me. The story was really intense with a lot of sense world building throughout the first half. The pace was a little slow for me, which is part of why I’m leaning toward 3, the first half of this book took me so long to finish. The second half was completely gripping, however with aspects of politics and betrayal. I went from not caring abt any character to being very possessive over every character all at once really. There was a ton of character development. I think the writing was beautiful, but it was hard to follow and redundant at times. I struggled to keep up with who’s pov we were in, sometimes not noticing the change and getting confused and having to go back, but once I got used to it and kind of figured out what was going on I enjoyed having so many pov. I enjoyed the plot for the most part but the ending felt rushed.

Overall I had an ok time getting into this book and then a really good time from like 50% and on. Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes, but only someone who is into plot heavy fantasy with political intrigue.

1.5 spice overall, there are a few spicy scenes hows ever the spice is written in a less explicit and artistic way.

3.5 stars, took time and patience to get into but payed off in the end for the most part. Really interesting plot with unpredictable twists. I’m a little disappointed in the ending feeling a little rushed and like it didn’t really flow with the rest of the story. But I am interested to see where this series goes, and will be picking up book 2 when it comes out

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley. I honestly need the next book asap. The story line captivated me from the beginning! The author did an amazing job giving us multiple POVs which enhanced the plot. The tension between Mal and Ash was done right. We could really feel
The conflict that Mal endured throughout the story. Overall, a great fantasy read. I’m excited to see where this story goes.

3/5 ⭐️
I really like the premise of this book and think it has serious potential. However, for a first book in a romantasy series there are way too many character pov's, to the point where I didnt feel a connection to any of the characters. On the topic of pov's, I wish there was a header with who the chapter will be focusing on at the beginning of each chapter. I also wish we knew more about the magic system as I was confused about it a few times. While I will be continuing this series to see what happens, I do think the series needs work.

-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-badass fmc
-cinnamon roll mmc
-dragons, wyverns, pheonixs etc.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of those book.

Fantastic start to an epic fantasy that will make you bed for more!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a story told through multi-POV perspective, and follows Mal Blackburn as she travels to the Kingdom of Fire to marry its Prince. A princess with witch’s eyes has always been hidden, a child to break the curse put on all the kingdoms by a witch of the past by stabbing the heart of a prince.

Kingdoms have been divided for a hundred years, a century past the war that engulfed the witches kingdom, and burned it to ashes. Witches want revenge on the ones that turned on them. And everyone keeps secrets.

Throughout the story we find out more of a curse and its maker, the witch Tabitha - each chapter prologued by an entry from the witch’s diary. A witch that fell in love and started the Great War that saw the whole world turned upside down. Until a child is born of a Kingdom of Shadows destined to break the chains.

The multi-POV is done incredibly well, and we are introduced to so many main and side characters, their histories and current time as they keep secrets and fight to break the curse, each in their own right. With a hundredth anniversary looming, Mal and her friends must make the choice, but who survives to see another day?

Relationships are well drawn out. The love stories that was never meant to be told so beautifully. Mal and Ash, Alina and Kai, Wren and Kage. And the final betrayal that will break them all.

This was a 5 star read for me - the world and character building deserves an applause, and the last 30-40% will keep you at the edge of the seat, so if you’re planning a good night sleep, you’re unlikely to get it. Brilliant storytelling from a new to me author, and one I will be watching very closely! Can’t wait to see what happens to the survivors of the final battle as they take on the true evil in the next instalment.

I was lucky enough to be sent this arc via netgalley and am giving my honest review after finishing it. There will be NO spoilers.

To start out I expected another fantasy book where there is a curse to break and forced marriage and of course secrets… but this book pleasantly surprised me with being great at making it its own type. Its details and plot is what made a huge difference. I really liked the characters as well. The FMC comes from a land where women and men are equal and they learn to protect themselves are involved in everything. She is so smart and strong and not just in a way of fighting. You see this when you see her after she is forced to marry the evil fire prince. You see more of who she is at heart even though she thinks so low of herself. The side characters are great as well. I really liked her brother Kai. I definitely need more of him please!

The book had good flow and didn’t have much time of lagging material to keep the reader interested. There is a little sprinkle of spice but truthfully it great as it is. I like the moments between characters where the banter is bantering and the rawness shows. My mouth was definitely on the floor at one point and I couldn’t believe the turn of events even though I saw it coming. The way it was written made me forget about it and want to be apart of the story.

The way it ended surprised me and I definitely want to see what comes next!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a dark, thrilling fantasy full of magic, political intrigue, forbidden love, and fire-breathing creatures—and I was hooked from page one.
From wyverns and dragons to ancient curses and dangerous court games, this book checks every box for fantasy lovers. The plot is fast-paced and full of tension, with just the right mix of romance, danger, and dark magic. It’s brutal, beautiful, and utterly addictive.
We follow Mal Blackburn, the fierce and cunning fourthborn daughter of the Kingdom of Darkness. Sent to marry the Fire Prince as part of a fragile alliance, Mal’s real mission is far more dangerous: assassinate him, break an old curse, and save her people. She’s a sharp, calculating lead, and I loved every moment with her. She’s the kind of powerful, unapologetic heroine I always root for.
The worldbuilding is rich and immersive—giant wolves, magical creatures, rebellions, and long-buried secrets keep the stakes high and the pages turning. There’s a perfect balance of bloodshed, betrayal, loyalty, and moments of unexpected softness. And the ending? Completely devastating in the best way. I’m already counting down the days until the sequel, A Kingdom of Sand and Ice.
One of the standout elements for me was the romance between Kai and Alina. Their dynamic had so much emotional weight, and Alina’s arc of reclaiming her strength and agency really resonated with me. I’m especially excited to see how her story unfolds next, especially after that ending twist.
If you're a fan of:
Fierce heroines
Enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance
Dragons, wyverns, and magical beasts
Complex sibling bonds
Court intrigue and dangerous secrets
...then this book belongs at the top of your TBR. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.

At first I wasn’t sure, like the beginning was a bit slow, but then wow, this book really surprised me. The world is so deep and magical, with all these 8 kingdoms and curses and hidden truths. It felt like the story just grew bigger and bigger with every chapter. I love Mal and Ash so much. Mal is strong but also broken in some ways, and Ash got this soft heart but also danger around him. Their romance was slow burn and so full of tension. Also, the magic system is really interesting. It was never boring, even when it was more quiet. And the side characters.This series has huge potential and I’m definitely staying for the journey. Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. I’m sharing my thoughts voluntarily and with genuine appreciation

I was able to get this ARC through NetGalley and would love to give a huge thank you to J.F.Johns for the approval.

Mal Blackburn always knew she was different than her brothers and sister. Fourthborn’s a rare occurrence in the kingdom. Arraigned to marry the fire born prince Mal knows she must kill him to end the curse that has plagued them for 100s of years. But is everything as it seems??

Once Mal and her siblings arrive to the Fire kingdom they get to meet the other princes/princesses from the other 7 kingdoms. In doing so they are able to gather knowledge of their customs and the stories of the curse that have been passed down to them. Who can they trust? Are any of them as they really seem to be?

Darkness has always been around them. The witches and warlocks are real and they are finally coming back for their revenge. Can Mal save the kingdoms or will they all fall into ruin by the witches??

I loved this book! The end of it had me completely flabbergasted. I am hooked and cannot wait to read the rest of the books that follow.

From the very first chapter, ~A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash~ pulls you into a beautiful world where ancient prophecies, fractured kingdoms, and forbidden magic collide. J.F. Johns delivers a compelling and emotionally layered fantasy filled with tension, romance, and mystery.

The story centers around a strong, morally complex protagonist ( Mal Blackburn)—haunted by her past and torn between duty and desire.

The setting of the book is richly imagined, with a history that feels ancient and lived-in. Shadow magic, mysterious bloodlines, cursed royalty, and hidden rebels all add depth and atmosphere. There's a constant feeling that something darker lurks beneath the surface, which keeps the tension high throughout.

The romance element—slow-burning, tense, and layered with secrets—will definitely appeal to fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. While the relationship has moments of genuine emotion, it’s also filled with the kind of sharp dialogue and chemistry that makes it hard to look away.

Overall, ~ A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash~ is a gripping start to what feels like a promising series.

If you love :

🖤 Dark fantasy
🖤Morally gray characters
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Found Family

This book is definitely worth picking up.


Ah I forgot to say ...the art of maps inside the book is amazing!!!

A big thank you to the author @jfjohnsbooks and @netgalley for this opportunity.


🖤A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is out 31st May 2025 🖤

This was really good. It had a kinda slow start and some things I thought were a little off in the beginning, honestly, I kind of skipped the diary entry in the beginning of each chapter. I just didn’t like how that portion was written, but once I got hooked, I could not put it down. I absolutely loved Mel and Ash, well Actually, there were a lot of characters that I really enjoyed. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Ash having a speech impediment, but once Mel helped him overcome his challenge is I accepted it as well..I really liked how descriptive everything was too. The author did a really good job. I love how all eight kingdoms were so unique from each other, but still held familiarity. overall I really enjoyed this. I will definitely be reading the next book and purchasing probably this whole series when it does come .Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

(DNF 20%)
I really couldn’t get myself into this book. I don’t know if it’s the writing style or what but something put me completely off everytime i tried to read this book. It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for receiving this ARC, all opinions are my own

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love this book. It’s going to be a long wait for book 2.

The story follows a fated curse and the people involved in breaking it. There are 8 kingdoms involved in the story that follows Mel and Ash and their arrange marriage.

I really liked the main characters Mal and Ash and how their relationship develops. They both have vulnerabilities and strengths and appeared more real to me for them.

There is quite a large cast in this book and the story is told from multiple POVs what doesn’t distract from the story. I look forward to learning more about these characters in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and J. F. Johns for the ARC

“You are the fucking sunshine, Alina Acheron”

“Sunlight. That’s what he was”.

My Blackburn siblings describing the Acheron’s as the sun!!! Giggling and kicking my feet!!!

I ate this book UP! This was class and I throughly enjoyed it. I wasn’t expecting all the twists and turns this book took and those last few chapters were a wild ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc, I’m 100% invested in all the characters so can’t wait for book two.