Let me start off by saying: 5 stars through and through. I was HOOKED and I cannot wait for the next book already:

Spoiler free review:
Great world building. Lots of familiar fantasy themes and tropes but if you love all of that, you’ll love this too. And the storyline takes a unique approach to some of the more common fantasy elements so that keeps things super interesting.

The writing is beautiful. The characters are memorable and complex. The romance is lovely. I prefer a few more 🌶️ personally so I wouldn’t call this spicy per se - but the yearning is yearning and it’s a great part of the story.

The only “gripe” I have with the book is just that SO many of the names used in this book are also used in other big fantasy books. Mal, Nyx, Kai, Kage, Ash Acheron… when I first started reading that sort of took me out of it. But by the end I didn’t care. So if you’re feeling the same way stick with it because it’s worth it in the end.

I’ll also say 3rd person POV isn’t really for me. I think this would have been stronger as a first person narrative that changed with each chapter. But I still loved it and can’t wait to read more!

less is more. that is my main issue with the book. the storyline was trying way to many different things at once, that none of it was fleshed out and good because the author was doing way too much. why did it have 7 different pov? why introduce 8 different kingdoms but give no backstory to all but one?
the writing was also trying way too much hard to be lyrical and poetic but it just flopped. it was way to over complicated to the point were i had no idea what was going on because the author spent 2 whole pages describing what the main characters anger was like.
all of this to say, it was quite disappointing

This book was wonderful! The world was beautiful written and full of plot twists. And the romance was so swoony!

I really enjoyed this book and found myself totally pulled into the story! The kingdoms were fascinating to read about, and there were some great plot twists that kept me hooked. I especially loved the characters—Mal and Kai were my favorites. Their sibling bond was such a strong part of the story and really stood out to me.

The pacing was a little slow in some spots, and I did get a bit lost in the descriptions here and there. Also, the multiple POVs could be a bit confusing since there weren’t any clear headings to show who was speaking. But once the story picked up, especially toward the end, I was completely in. The ending was really captivating and now I’m super excited for the next book.

Tabitha’s diary entries at the start of each chapter were such a fun addition—I loved reading those. Overall, this was a great romantasy read and I’d definitely recommend it!

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

A Gripping Fantasy Romance You Won’t Want to End

Did you ever read a book that you wanted to devour in one go, but also wanted to savor because it was that good? This is that book. J.F. Johns delivers a fantasy romance packed with rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing with every turn.

From the very beginning, the story draws you in with a beautifully crafted world (bonus points for a map!) and a dual timeline that builds suspense masterfully. Mal is a fierce, complex lead who gives off major Manon Blackbeak vibes, while Kai brings humor and heart that balances out the tension perfectly. The slow burn romance and “my wife” moments had me hooked, and the enemies-to-lovers trope was done so well.

This book is a page-turner filled with twists, character depth, and moments that will absolutely gut you—in the best way. The epilogue left me speechless. I didn’t want it to end, and now I’m desperate for book two.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars, rounded to 4/5
Spice level: 2/5
Tropes: enemies to lovers, “my wife,” slow burn, fantasy romance

Huge thanks to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for the opportunity to read this ARC. I cannot wait to hold a physical copy—and to see where this story goes next.

Pre thoughts-
Fantasy Romance

Post thoughts
- a map!!
- Great world building in the beginning of the book
- Mal is a strong character
- Kai is a hilarious
- Dual timeline

Overall
It is a great fantasy romance read with a lot of twists and turns and substance to the plot line. Can’t wait for this series to continue.

Stars 3.75 rounded to 4/5
Spice 2/5

Tropes
- enemies to loves
- “My wife”
- Slow burn
- Fantasy romance

Thank you to NetGalley and J.F. John’s for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Did you ever read a book that you wanted to devour in one go but also wanted to savour it because it was that good? This is that book.

You think you know where the story is going? Wrong, no you don’t. Keep guessing.

This book is a page turner. Every chapter if filled with character building and world building, meanwhile you can feel the tension as you know we are building up to something, and that tension will eat away at you. It will make you sit on the edge of your seat.

For anyone that is wanting a book with Manon Blackbeak FMC vibes, this book is for you.

Also if I can get book 2 ASAP please, imma need to know what happens. Why you leave me on an ending like that?! Actual stars is 4.5

***Book Review: A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash by J.F. Johns***

Talk about starting with a knife to the heart—this book does not hold back, and I loved every second of it.

If you were obsessed with Manon from Throne of Glass, this one’s going to hit all the right notes for you. The ominous, suspenseful vibe kept me on edge the entire time, constantly bracing for the next bombshell—and trust me, they deliver.

J.F. Johns masterfully introduces the characters, painting them in a way that makes them feel real and unforgettable. There’s even humor, and it’s placed so perfectly that it balances the tension without ever disrupting the tone.

The epilogue? Absolutely gut-wrenching—in the best way possible. I was astounded by the ending. I didn’t want to finish it because I genuinely didn’t want it to end. I wish I could re-read it for the first time all over again.

This book belongs at the very top of everyone’s TBR. I’m so glad there’s more to come because I’m already planning a re-read.

Huge thanks to J.F. Johns and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I can’t wait to hold a physical copy in my hands!

When i first started this book it took me a little while to get immersed in it, but when i did I could not put the book down. I really enjoyed every character. I enjoyed the world building, i wanted to know more. The twist and plot/subplots were so good. I really love a slow burn romance. I didn’t want to book to end, the only downside is having to wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this e-ARC.

Personally quite slow for me (and I am a romantasy girly) but found this one quite hard to get into.

I sadly DNF'ed it but hopefully would like to pick it back up at another stage and give it another shot!

Thank you to NetGallery for sending me this as an eARC!

My book of the year and it’s only April!

I have not been this instantly hooked into a book in a while. From the world-building to the character development to the incorporation of magic, witches, fae, wyverns, and dragons, everything about this book was perfect.

Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, forced proximity, court diplomacy, magic and dragons, hit off every trope you could ask for. I initially feared it may run too close to the standard romantasy novels but I genuinely believe this stands as a breath of fresh air to its typical counterparts in its category. A good blend of ‘Serpent & Dove’, 'The Cursed & The Broken' and ‘House of Dragons’.

Despite having multiple points of view, I found myself falling for every character as I kept reading.

“He had never met a woman who looked as though she could single-handedly bring down his entire army”

Mal Blackburn the woman you are. As our main female MC in the books, I fell in love with Mal from page one. The child who should not have been born with purple eyes, Mal can easily hold the title of one of the strongest romantic MCs. Betrothed to the Prince of the enemy kingdom, Mal finds herself in unknown territory alongside her three siblings waiting for her wedding day. However, the only reason she’s agreed to the marriage is to end the curse. From her demeanour to her style and the way she holds herself, she is everything I love and admire. Mal takes up the role that would typically be the male MC in a dark, broody, villain character which I loved.

“And just like that, the world ceased to exist. There was only Mal. His Mal.”

Prince Ash, everything opposite to Mal. The light to her darkness, the heat to her cold. Agreeing to the marriage to unite all the kingdoms, Ash sits unaware of the curse and the threat of the witches. In a unique plot, we witness the marriage unfold in the court's politics. With all the kingdoms coming together, it's interesting to see the dynamic between so many characters, each with their personality shining through,

The slow burn and yearning between Mal and Ash were perfect. I will admit at first introduction to Ash’s character I was a bit sceptical and wasn’t sure if I would take a liking to him, but as I kept reading I found myself more and more drawn to him.

Out of the two of them, I do think there is a large power imbalance in Mal’s favour and I do wish that Ash was able to level it a bit better. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading his character development and seeing the relationship between them come to light. However, I do think that as our main male MC, we didn’t get enough time with Ash in the first half of the book.

What started as a distaste for Alina grew into an understanding and wanting better for her. With her whole life having revolved around serving her brother the Prince and seeing Mal and the Blackburns so free in how women are treated in their kingdom, it was hard to read about Alina and how limited she was.

“Because Kai Blackburn was the most fearsome thing she had ever encountered, and something told her no beast, no matter how untameable, would dare deny him.”

Kai, Kai, Kai. No other words are needed, perfect in every way. In ways, I found myself more drawn to Kai as opposed to Ash, something about the dark, villainous look riding a wyvern. Wow.

“I do not mind starting another Great Ward for you, Princess” - KAI!!!

I'd like to think the plot is unique in comparison to anything I've read before, paired with a cliffhanger ending, it's only left me wanting more and the next book. The author is blends the perfect, emotional narrative that left me screaming and giggling at times.

Spice level 2/5 - perfect amount for the balance of plot and romance.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the rest of the series.

Received as an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this read so much but it just wasn’t there for me despite trying to push on from the encouragement from all the positive reviews. It had all the elements of interest for me from the some of my favorite tropes, great synopsis, beautiful cover art, just the general idea really but it was a miss for me. DNF by 14%.

For a fantasy book I just expected more world building to occur in the starting chapters. To be completely immersed in the universe I’m diving into and starting off with the seer was great but then things just felt flat? Like let me just eat this rotten apple. I’m sure that’s the way things are probably served in the kingdom but maybe let me know more about the kingdom itself?

Also nothing towards the story/author itself but 3rd person POV isn’t my usual cup of tea. I may circle back to try again in the future but right now I can’t justify forcing myself to continue. The idea is absolutely there but from a fantasy POV I need more execution.

I will say that I loved that we were getting wyverns instead of dragons.

RATING: ⭐️💫 (rounded up)

Complex world with deep lore, characters that stand out from one another, twists and turns that leave you hanging after each chapter - I simply couldn’t get enough of this!

This was a fantasy read I was looking for, it had everything that I loved about deep fantasy: the descriptions and uniqueness of each kingdom was not a bore to read, I was invested from the start to learn what this world had to offer!

The main character Mal was different from a typical main character: she is fierce, knows her values and is eager to fulfill her destiny and chase after a purpose.

I don’t want to give too much away, but you’ll be following Mal and Ash, an arranged marriage gone wrong (…or right). It’ll have you hooked from the very first chapter! Complex world, kingdom politics lore, sprinkled with a bit of romance here and there.

Spice level: 2/5. There’s not a lot of it, but it is mentioned a few times and is more descriptive, but it doesn’t overshadow the plot! Just the right amount :)

I especially want to praise the writing. It feels so smooth, so descriptive and you weren’t sitting there and looking up words you didn’t know. I especially enjoyed the lore being slowly unravelled through both a character’s journal entries from a time passed AND the chapter itself!

A massive thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to experience the magic of the book before it’s released to the world! Thank you to the author J. F. Johns for writing a masterpiece, I truly enjoyed it. :)

4.25 ✨

Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story early.

I went into this ARC read with zero expectations, and honestly chose it because I liked the cover, but wow was I blown away with the story.

J.F. Johns presents a complex story line with budding tension, plot twists, and strong story and character development. Now I will say it started off a little slow for me, but the ending was well worth the wait.

There were some elements I felt were a bit unnecessary and took me out of the story, e.g. the rotting food, that initially made me think this would be a 3⭐️ read. However, I’m so caught up on the last third of the book that nothing else matters.

I will 100% be carrying on with this series and am just mad I have to wait for the next one

An adult romantasy with beautiful prose and intriguing characters.

I’d like to start this review by saying I adored Prince Ash. Hearing the rumors about his cruelty before meeting him on page and discovering he’s not your stereotypical alpha male that is currently over saturating the romantasy genre was a nice breath of fresh air.

I wish we could have gotten to see Ash and Mals relationship developed on page a bit more. Their feelings for each other felt very sudden and kinda threw me off a bit. I would have preferred more characterization and building of their romance and could have done without a lot of Alina’s story. I hold out hope that she’s integral to book two and her build up was intentional to set up her characterization in the future.

I loved Wren, and I low key ship Kale and Bryn but that’s neither here nor there.

The writing was truly gorgeous, so many moments throughout had me highlighting because the quotes resonated with me.

The pacing slowed down in the middle of the book, between Mals arrival and her marriage, before it picked back up around the 70% mark. The end was quite tense at times and did set up a sequel nicely and made me very intrigued to see where the story can go from here.

I did love Tabitha’s diary entries at the beginning of each chapter and would love to know more about her story. I am looking forward to book 2!

DNF for me. It was okay, but I didnt love tne writing style and the multiple perspectives were a bit much

As someone who loves a good Romantasy, I really enjoyed this book.

I loved that “A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash” had many strong female characters and felt as though the build in characters were pretty decent. I absolutely fell in love with Wren and her personality and hope to see more of everyone.

While I liked having multiple perspectives, it did get a bit confusing at times. But seeing the different perspectives help with showing where everyone was at, especially when it came to major happenings in the world.

Overall, I’d give this book a 3.5/5 since the end left off in a spoiler and had me wanting more!

A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash is a fast-paced fantasy packed with dark magic, political intrigue, and a heroine caught between duty and desire. J.F. Johns weaves a world where nothing is black and white—especially not the characters, who are full of secrets and sharp edges.

The romance simmers under the surface, the twists hit hard, and the stakes keep climbing. It’s perfect for fans of morally grey characters and kingdoms on the brink of chaos.

Rating: 3.5/5
Dark, dramatic, and addictively readable—this is fantasy with bite.

ARC Review

Overall rating: 3.5⭐️

Looking at the overall book, I did like most of it and the over arching plot. It wasn't anything I haven’t seen before, but I was still invested in the way it was being told and how it connected within the context of the book. I really enjoyed the ending and how everything started to tie together, but there were still enough loose ends to keep you invested for the next book. I personally did not predict the main reveal at the ending and was quite shocked, but I feel like it does also make the story more interesting. There were some beautiful quotes throughout which were made more meaningful depending on what characters they were coming from, which I really loved.

I thought that most of the characters were well developed and were written in a way where we as the reader saw that they were a product of their environment. This developed into a set of well established likable and unlikable characters. Two of my favorites were our female main character, Mal, and her brother, Kage. Both of them were ruthless and powerful in their own ways and I absolutely adore those types of characters. Another character that stood out was our male main character’s sister, Alina. I feel like her story was very focused on the entire time, which allowed me to really get to know her and her motivations. With most of the other characters I saw how they were important and connected to the story, but I didn't hold any strong feelings towards them.

Looking at the way the story was written, I actually didn't mind that it was in third person, and actually think that it worked in the books favor since we were constantly swapping point of view’s. I did also like that we got other character pov's, but I feel like some of the scenes that were focused on were unnecessary to the actual plot and took me out of the book. It made the book as a whole feel more dragged out and longer than it actually was. Some of the side character pov's we got towards the end of the book were very interesting because they felt like they were propelling the plot further to the end goal. I also feel like despite this book overall being Mal and Ash's story, we didn't get much from their perspectives, making their relationship feel a bit forced and unrealistic at times. Regardless of that though, I still did enjoy them together and am curious to see how they progress considering how the book ended.

Thank you so much to netgalley, the author, and publisher for an early copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book and found myself completely immersed in the story!!

Love the characters, great plots twists.

Really tempted to give five stars, just there were a few moments where I got a bit lost in the descriptions, overall, the pacing picked up nicely, especially toward the end. The conclusion of the first book was strong and I can’t wait for the next one.